Amazon Moms: Take the Pain Out of Holiday Travel with Kids

I recently announced my collaboration with Amazon, where I’m now a Guest Contributor!  My tips for traveling with kids are below, but you can get the full read here. 

Travel can be stressful and, when you have kids in tow, even the calmest of us can become the dictionary definition of a stress ball.  Picture me turning into a mad woman when airport security said I had to wake my sleeping baby to go through the security machines.  Let’s just say it wasn’t my proudest moment!  To make travel exciting for kids and less stressful for you, wrap up little surprises for each hour of the trip so that they have something to look forward to.  When they inevitably ask “How much farther?” tell them in terms they’ll understand, like the length of their favorite TV show.  Keep these tips in mind and you might actually have fun.  Almost!

Here are some fabulous products that will make your travel a bit easier this season:

	Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack Letting little kids collect treasures from their travel adventures (plane tickets, hotel soaps, room keys etc.) is a great way for them to enjoy things even more. Kick off the trip with the gift of a great backpack like this one and let the adventure begin.
	BuckleyBoo BuckleyMonkey 12″ Brown On long trips, the key to a cry-free adventure is to wrap a new toy for them to open each hour, which keeps the kids going and going! Buckles have a way of entertaining them as long as they are 15-24 months and before that labels do the magic!
	Munchkin 2 Pack Fresh Food Feeders Teething doesn’t stop because you’re on the road, and being away from home sometimes makes it worse for my kids. These are great for soothing gums using cold fruits and vegetables wherever you are.
	Edushape Edu-Tiles 36 Piece 6x6ft Play Mat, Letters & Numbers Set Don’t be afraid to send ahead and if Grandma likes stone floors try these foam tiles for safety and fun. All ages love piecing together the numbers, letters, and colors. Believe me when I say I abandoned carpeting for a while and used these in every room in my house–my husband had to have an intervention!
	aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blanket 4 Pack I get the most use out of swaddlers that do double-duty as burp clothes or blankets. My wee ones also love to choose their favorite animal and they double as a comforting blankie when we’re away from home.
	HALO SleepSack Plush Dot Velboa Swaddle, Cream, Newborn This company was started from a personal passion for safe sleep. If you don’t feel like you are a swaddling pro, stick to these so you can make sure your baby sleeps safe and sound and then so can you.
	The First Years Take and Toss 28-Piece Feeding Variety Pack Simple and effective, the sippy cups are always a breeze for the kids to use and my little secret. While they may be “take and toss,” I don’t toss–I wash!
	Crayola Color Wonder Travel Tote For your pre-K and kindergarten travelers I like to wrap up this artistic surprise for the midway trip mark when the excitement of travel wears off! And the added bonus is there’s no mess!