Ten on Tuesday- Travel Edition

On Saturday we flew to Colorado to visit family and enjoy a week in our hometown. Traveling with 2 kiddos is always an adventure, but I think we have it down to a science. Here are 10 tricks we have learned along the way. (Evan took his first flight when he was 5 weeks old!)

1. Check your carseat with the luggage. This frees up your hands for coralling kiddos, and makes going through security a little easier. If your child is over two, get on of these CARES harnesses for them to use on the plane.

2. Pack lots of snacks. Food is a great way to keep your little one occupied. If there is a special treat they don't normally get- the novalty will by you some extra silence.

3. Don't hate on DVD players. Before I had kids- I thought it was crazy to let your kids watch movies on the plane- I mean, I didn't do that and my parents survived. But let me tell you- if our parents had the option- they TOTALLY would have used it. A good movie usually equals a hassle-free flight.

4. Sit near the front of the plane. Your hands are full of diaper bags and squirming kids, and the closer you are to the door- the better.

5. If your child is too big too carry- use an umbrella stroller (I like Maclaren Volo) to get around the airport. If you can carry them- use a soft carrier, like a Babyhawk.

6. Nurse your baby or give them a bottle during take-off and landing to help their ears adjust to the pressure change. A pacifier also works. For older kids, a sippy cup, gum or even just eating a snack can do the trick.

7. If you won't have access to a washing machine, pack at least 2 outfits per day for each kid.

8. If you will have a car at your destination, pack enough diapers for 1 day, and then buy more diapers when you get there. This especially helps now that you pay per checked bag.

9. If at all possible- don't schedule a flight during naptime. I know this seems counter-intuitive, but especially with older toddlers, they are too excited to sleep on the plane, and just and end up over-tired and cranky. But, if you have no options, just remember...

10. Repeat after me: "I will never see any of these people ever again." Let's face it- you can prepare all you want, have perfect timing, and do everything in your power to make it a smooth trip, and you still might end up with a crying baby and a toddler having a meltdown. Just take a deep breath, do your best to calm everyone down, but remember in the end, you will get to your destination, crying or not. And anyone who is giving you the evil eye is not worth a second thought anyway.