Michael Grant, president of phil&teds, shares his infinite wisdom on traveling with kids, which is basically what this guy does for a living. And since phil&teds are one of our illustrious sponsors at The Brooklyn Baby and Family Expo, you can come check out all their gear and see these tips in action this Sunday!
As parents we know that planning a trip with kids in tow can send even the most well organized parents into panic. With the seemingly endless list of baby ‘essentials’ that you just can’t live without, and the fears of how you’ll survive the travel to your destination; there’s a lot to think about! I’ve put together my top 10 best practices for traveling this spring break with kids.
1. Travel lightly– Traveling lightly with kids may seem like an impossible task and having lots to carry while trying to keep hold of kids can get messy. Leave the cute kid sized suitcase at home, you’ll most likely end up dragging it around on top of your own luggage and it’s just another item to juggle!
2. Wear a carrier – If you have a newborn up to 15 months old, having your hands free in the airport is always “handy” when kids are involved! Wearing a carrier will make carrying suitcases and sorting out travel documents much easier because you’ve got free hands. It will also come in handy when checking out the shops, going for a walk or checking out the markets on vacation.
3. Take a travel stroller – Your child will appreciate cruising in their stroller when walking gets too much for their little legs or when they want to have a snooze while you’re out & about. Taking a lightweight, compact stroller is a convenient solution that makes getting around a breeze. It will also take up less space if you’re traveling by car. If you are planning to travel by plane, consider whether you can use your stroller right up to the gate so that you can use it around the airport.
4. Direct only– Fly nonstop if possible. Getting off the plane, collecting your luggage, and rushing to make a connection with kids in tow can be stressful and tiring. You’ll be much more relaxed if you simplify your travel plans.
5. Breathe– Yes, for years you’ve hated those parents who couldn’t get their kids to be quiet on the plane and now you’re one of them. Don’t let it get to you. Relax and your baby will too. Take deep breaths and remember that most of the people on the plane are sympathizing with you.
6. Snacks– Essential in any circumstance but when travelling it’s handy to pack snacks that last a LONG time. A packet of crackers, a sugar free lollipop, even a box of raisins – anything that keeps them quiet and occupied for a while. We also recommend pre-packaged fruits and veggies for a healthier option.
7. “Are we there yet?”– Children are lovely, inquisitive little things but when you’re confined to a small space your patience may be tested with the same question over and over again. Let them answer their own question. Print off a Google map and encourage them to mark off the places you go through and fill in the route with colored pencils.
8. Tickle them– Most toddlers make it known when they want out of their seats but whilst travelling this isn’t always possible. Giving them a tickle releases some stress for them and the sound of giggling is far more pleasant than whining.
9. Bring your own travel crib – Kids like to travel when they have a comfy place that they’re familiar with to sleep in. Plus you never know what condition the crib at your accommodation is in.
10. Feeding on the go – take the stress out of finding a clean and hygienic place for your child to eat by taking a clip on high chair. A portable high chair will mean that you always have a safe, comfy and clean space for feeding on the go.
At phil&teds we’re all about enabling parents to adapt&survive everyday parenting challenges. After years of developing innovative travel solutions, speaking with parents and learning from the personal experiences of our team, we have the best products to keep you safe & sane this spring break. Check out this innovative and intelligent gear:
Mountain Buggy nano
nano is the ultimate travel companion that promises convenience, longevity, an authentic Mountain Buggy experience of ease and manoevrability with first class safety innovation. Weighing at just 5.9kg / 13lbs and with the ability to compact fold into its own custom made satchel into overhead luggage compartments, nano can come on board with families who value ease and pure functionality. The sophistication of nano is that it also provides dual functionality to take your car seat capsule with its built in car seat adaptors (no need to purchase extra accessories!), and then perform as a super compact, urban buggy for years to come – a desired product for today’s busy, travelling modern families.
phil&teds traveller
Whether parent’s are out and about or at home, baby’s sleep and play time is covered with traveller™ – the only portable travel crib that is lighter than the baby. It’s super light and compact for travel near or far at 3.2kg. The traveller™ keeps your child happy and comfy either asleep in the crib or at play in the playpen with the side unzipped. The carry bag packs traveller™so small you can fit it in a backpack to go hiking or stow in the overhead locker of an airline. The fully ventilated mesh sides provide excellent air circulation.
phil&teds lobster
The lobster is the perfect travel high chair. It’s unbelievably lightweight, flat-packing and portable, with quick-smart, clip-on clamping that fits on most tables. The lobster offers a safe and comfy solution for feeding on the go. The padded set makes it a cushy place to sit and the 5-point harness makes it super safe. It even comes with a tray so your child has their own feeding space.
phil&teds universal travel bag
Specifically designed for buggy and beyond, the universal travel bag makes travelling easy no matter what you are taking with you; from a small bike, car seat, clothes, shoes, you name it – the universal travel bag has always got you covered. It has loads of space with an adjustable size to fit all of baby’s gear. Simply place your buggy or other cargo inside the open bag, wrap it up and off you go. It’s hard wearing and padded for maximum protection, and the sturdy wheels make it easy to roll when packed. And when you’ve finished using the universal travel bag, it rolls up into an easy to store compact bundle. It’s lightweight at less than 2kgs! The universal travel bag says it like it is – a bag that fits the phil&teds and Mountain Buggy range, as well as other leading buggy brands.
Michael Grant is the president of phil&teds and Mountain Buggy USA. Michael’s family owned a baby goods store growing up which inspired him to develop a career in the field. He has work professionally in the juvenile industry for over 20 years. Through his personal and professional experiences he has developed a vast comprehension on infant and toddler products and safety.