My formula for taking trips with the kids...

After much practice and trial and error, for my household the best and easiest way to travel with infants and little children is to have fun. Here, you will have to submerse yourself into what your little darlings LIKE to do. My youngest, who is 2 now, loves here Little Einstein and Disney videos. She was always spellbound by the music and learned many words and concepts.

A portable DVD player is perfect for this. Even if there is not one permanently affixed to your car, a little one will ease their trip and allow you to gain almost 2 hours of non-stop driving before they will start complaining.

Another item that I consider are baby formulas and/or drink boxes that can easily be thrown away. Using this allows you the freedom to reduce the necessaries in the car while clearing any clutter from the back of the car. Thinking ahead during baby showers and for puchases or gifts will help too. There are many portable items that can fold up and be easily stored without causing a hazard or blocking the rear window in a SUV, van, or other vehicle without a permanent trunk.

An additional item is to let the little darling out of the car during stops. This way, you and the little one can stretch your legs, get fresh air, and learn a little about the area that you are just 'passing through'. To aid in this, however, once your little one is old enough, I have seen foldable potty-aids which are no larger than a small board book when it is folded up, but easily fits on the standard toilet and the elongated toilets at a rest stop. This can be easily cleaned with the disposable clorox wipes... but make sure that you keep these totally separate from baby wipes!

Snacks and more snacks are the fare for the day as far as nutrition goes. Crayons, toys, and your child's favorite blanket, pillow, or other comfortable toy will make the trip a joy. Taking little 'practice' trips to the store, aquarium, zoo, library, etc. will train your little one that there are times when mom or dad cannot cuddle them. They, however, will know that there are people around and they have not been abandoned or left behind. They will maintain they comfort and safety level and realize that it is 'ok' to learn new and different things.

Regardless of what 'works' for your child, enjoy them. They grow up so quickly.

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