Recently in Travel Gear Category

If you're a masochist like me, you watch John and Kate Plus 8. My husband refuses to watch with me because the stress of his own 2 kids is quite enough for him. There was this one episode where they put cereal in a draw string bag and clipped it to the top buckle of all the kids car seats. They call that breakfast, I call it GENIUS! So when I saw these I immediately thought of that use but there are endless uses for these nifty pouches, like for toys in your bag - anything with tons of pieces and small parts like dinosaurs and Princess accessories. These aren't as small as they look, they are 7 1/2" x 7" so if you are feeding your kids cereal, it will be a lot of cereal! They are great for non kids stuff too of course like my laptop power cord, cables and chargers. For trips, just take these along, you will inevitably find handy uses for them. I love the colorful and fun African print on 100% cotton. They are fully cotton lined. A set of 3 is $40 at ittikid.

My daughter recently started ballet and I have been toting her ballet gear in one of my fabulous designer bags until she slyly and sadly told me last week, "Mommy I want my own bag". "OMG", I thought, "why didn't I think of getting a super cute ballet bag just for ballet?" I went on a mad hunt to find the absolute most cutest bag the world has to offer and the mission was accomplished! This all plush totally soft duffle has a ballet bear tucked in a tutu harness for safe traveling and can be undone to come out and play (she is now my daughter's new BFF). The shipping time was surprisingly quick and it made it for the next ballet class with a beaming and very happy little ballerina carrying it. It is around 15" across the bottom so big enough for all the gear but dainty enough for a 3 year old. The best part? It is only $35, I thought I would have to pay more for ultimate cuteness. The entire line is just as cuddly and ridiculously adorable. The roller suitcases come in a variety of colors and friends, the hippo though is my favorite. Holiday shopping for all the kids on my list this year? Done and Done. Ballet Bear Pink Duffel Bag $35 and Hippo Red Roller also $35, entire collection sold at Amazon.

I have already gone on 3 big trips this summer with my kids and I am telling you, this is all you need. Well, not ALL you need, but if you've got this with you on the plane and in the car, you will make it. If you do not already have a Mess-Free Magic Board ($5.99 but comes in many variety packs ranging in price), get to the store immediately!! These "magic" paper boards will turn into a colorfully painted page with just plain water. There is a fun brush with water dispenser so your tot will feel like Van Gogh as he creates a perfectly painted scene every time. The best part is, once it dries, he can start all over. Perfect for summer travel because the only mess is water, so it also cools them off when they spill.

My favorite sunscreen (and I have them all) is the Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($15). I have not had any problems with sunburns and this does not have harsh ingredients found in drugstore sunscreen for kids. It stays on all day, I know because I am not good about re-applying every 2 hours. We have gone to the beach in Hawaii for a full 4 hours without lobster skin of any kind.

This by far is the best invention in children's products! The
TravelJohn Jr.-Disposable Potty ( 6 pack) ($9.99) will save you from accidents and from having to use nasty gas station bathrooms (it is also perfect for amusement parks, if you have waited in line for 2 hours you will know that Murphy's law dictates that once you get to the front of the line, your tot will need to use the bathroom "RIGHT NOW"). This little doo-dad cups right up to your tot's privates to catch the pee-pee without a single drop coming out. There is a powder that becomes a gel so there is no sloshing mess if you cannot find a trashcan right away. I have a girl so, yes, it does work for the ladies as well. She actually loves it. To answer your fears of embarrassment (as I was before I used it), it is actually a very concealed operation so there is no need to worry about the crowds seeing this go down.

If you are flying, you must have the CARES airline approved seat belt ($74.95). It turns the regular plane seat into a 5-point harness in a quick minute. I just flew the new Virgin America and they told me that this was the ONLY seatbelt they approve of. Avoiding bringing your 30 lbs giant car seat on the plane? Totally priceless.

Happy Travels!

I am going on a week long journey through the south which involves planes and long car rides. This is more torture than fun but we have to visit family so I will keep my whining to a minimum (at least in front of my in-laws). Now that my daughter had graduated from her fuzzy plush Hello Kitty suitcase (don't get me wrong, that thing is super cute - just not that useful), I have been looking for something more functional but equally adorable. We all know Stella McCartney is super chic, I love her diaper bag even though I don't believe in diaper bags so you know the rest of the line would be snob worthy. I am all for dinosaurs and baby animals but when it comes to luggage (and decor and clothes and everything else other than toys for that matter), I want something a bit more sophisticated. This print is colorful and fun and a bit vintage inspired, which is tres chic in tot fashion these days. For air travel, it is essential that I pack a suitcase full of snacks and toys, which this rollie is perfect for. It is also lightweight and can easily attach to the adult suitcase when your little one decides she is done pulling it (which is roughly around 15 minutes). At LeSportsac Online for $120.

Travel season is upon us and nothing is ever easy so every bit of convenience is indeed welcome. The most worrisome of all travel inconveniences is the sleeping arrangement for the little one (let's be honest, the toddlers are in the hotel bed with you). You can drag the Pack 'n Play with you but that does not cover all the bases. First of all, it is heavy at 23 lbs. The new Phil and Ted Traveller is feather light at 6 lbs (without mattress), the fabric is waterproof and washable and there is a zip off UV shade cover (sold separately) for outdoor use and mosquito protection (going to Martha's Vineyard and this was a major problem last time we were there). For me the most important feature is the opening at the bottom, I have a bad back so bending down to pick up my very heavy baby is not within my range of motions. It is also a great feature for outdoors use so your baby has freedom to go in and out. There are special legs to stabilize the unit for outdoor use. It is incredibly easy to assemble so no need to be fully awake when you do it, the mattress is self inflating! It is 51" x 31" so when they say it will fit up to 3 years, it is a good sized 3 year old at that. One less thing to worry about and that makes all my upcoming trips all the more enjoyable. Phil and Teds Traveller Full-Size Travel Bed at Amazon for $159.95.

Traveling with little ones just got a whole lot easier. If you have ever flown with kids, you know the hassles. Getting through the winding airport security line with the stroller, overstuffed carry-ons, and car seat feels like an obstacle course. No matter how many hands you have you always need one more. Next time check your car seat or leave it at home. CARES Kids Fly Safe is the first FAA approved car seat alternative (They also have certifications from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.) Their safety harness ($74.95) is easy to install. Just watch the video. CARES can be used for children ages 1 to 4 years who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. Happy travels.

Available at Kids Fly Safe.

Dwell Studio Travel Case Small - Transportation ($28) and Bottle Holder - Charlotte ($20)

I heart everything from Dwell Studio. Their fresh, clean designs are always in fabulous bright colors. For spring Dwell not only added four new designs: Charlotte, Dots, Gio, and Transportation, but added accessory styles too. Now, you can take your favorite patterns in the form of bottle holders, changing pads, travel cases, totes, and weekenders. While I may not carry the tote (a little to thematic for a mommy bag), I would love to add a travel case to any bag. Travel cases contain the mess of liquids or crackers and are great kid’s beauty bags for trips. Someone gave a monogrammed one to my daughter when she was born and I never take a vacation without it. Our small one holds bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, hair bows, and lotion. So, I just solved your latest gift dilemma. Dwell Studio Travel Case Large ($36) or Small ($28). best baby products from giggle

Well, after our not so raving review of the Lillebaby EuroTote, we were contacted by the company. They offered to send us a sample so we could test it out for ourselves. Using my new niece (3mos.) as the guinea pig (thank goodness my sister law is so willing), we took a trip to the grocery store. The product was easy to put in and out of the car seat. A few buckles and we were ready to go. My precious niece slept undisturbed. It was nice not to lug the entire baby carrier and she fit more securely in the seat part of the basket. The carriers never quite fit safely unless you put it in the basket. Then, where do the groceries go? I end up burying my kids in a pile of yogurt, milk, and veggies. The Lillebaby Euro Tote is well cushioned with snuggly casing to protect your child. With a high of 80 degrees, we used the mesh covering for warmer temperatures which definitely helped although the bottom is still very warm. My niece slept in her cozy digs and we were able to get all our shopping done without one peep.

I definitely see how you would love the Lillebaby Euro Tote especially in colder climates. It is very versatile and will grow with your babe. When the child outgrows the carrier use it as a bunting for you stroller. Overall, we liked the Euro tote, but it is just not for us. We are schleppers and for some reason attached to our carriers. Maybe it's the adorable fabric covers we purchased for them...Anyhow, this product is perfectly safe and wonderful for those that want to purchase it. Find out more at Lillebaby EuroTote.

We all love to pamper our little snuggly babies and what better way to do that than an ultra comfy ride in the most snuggly fleece lined papoose? And if your tot isn't snobby enough yet, having one of these will most definitely boost his/her status, this is a limited edition of 10 golden papooses for $1100. This is not only comfy for your baby, the shoulder straps have shearling pads to make sure dad (I am incapable of carrying my baby in any contraption of this kind) can keep baby on board all day. You will be the envy of every parent with this on especially with the happy sleepy face on your baby! I do warn those in warm climates because even a nylon baby carrier will get you sweating before you leave the parking lot but for those with cold weather to contend with, you get the added benefit of keeping yourself warm without an extra sweater. If you love this papoose but hate the price, Bill Amberg has a non-gold Shearling Papoose for $430. Available at Vivre.

If you have tried the Baby Bjorn and numerous slings, but loved none of them; than this might be the option for you, the Lillebaby EuroTote. You can now turn your newborn into a handbag. The EuroTote is a generous name for this product. It is really more like a duffle bag with a breathing hole for your kid. This appears to be the most awkward and cumbersome of baby carriers.

Scenario 1: You run into the grocery to get a few things. You turn to look at something causing the baby to hit its feet on the latest chip display. Crash! Then, as you look back to survey the damage, the baby's head hits the shelf. So now, the baby is wailing, people are looking to see what all the commotion is, and you hear an annoucement on the loud speaker “Clean Up on Aisle 13.” Clumsy maybe, but definitely possible with the design of this carrier.

Scenario 2: You just purchased this new tote. You are so excited to use it for the first time as you head to the mall for a shopping excursion. So the baby is on one shoulder in its duffle bag. Do you put the diaper bag on the other shoulder? If so, it is possible you are wider than the entrance door. You turn your body sidewise, but now the baby is too long for the door. All this preparation and you can’t even enter the mall! I suppose you could make the EuroTote a duffle/diaper bag, but then good luck finding the baby under the diapers, wipes, and wallet.

Finally, this baby carrier is ugly!! I will say that I haven’t actually used this product. I could be completely wrong. Maybe there is something I am not seeing in the looks and functionality. So if any of you snobbers own it, I would love to hear your thoughts. But I really want to what all our readers think. Is the Lillebaby EuroTote Snob or Slob?

Tot Snob note: The Liliebaby EuroTote meets American safety requirements and has passed ASTM Standards. The comments in this article reflect the opinion of the author.