I’m typing this post into my phone with one thumb in a hotel room in Israel with intermittent WiFi…
Traveling with kids can be tough, routines get thrown off, familiar stuff is left at home (the favorite stuffed animal or blanket of the moment almost always turns out to be the one you left behind) and, often, changes in time zone wreak havoc on sleeping patterns.
I’m a big believer in traveling with a whole bunch of medication, toys, gear and especially snacks to make the change more palatable. I promise to share my other lists at some other point, but here are some easy to throw in a suitcase foods that can be ready to appease little mouths for your actual traveling time as well as for when you get to your destination and thoughout your stay:
For plane/car/bus/train:
*Refillable water bottle per child (if you’re flying internationally, empty it before you go through security so the TSA doesn’t bug you and have stewardesses refill on the plane)
*Empty milk cup/bottle per child (good to keep your cups for milk and other beverages separate, especially when you may not be able to wash them so well)
*Applesauce or other puréed fruit pouches–some good ones are Happy Baby, Plum Organics, Earth’s Best, Revolution Foods and GoGo Squeeze. These are great for older kids as well! Freeze a couple and pop them in your bag for slushy treats en route! They also make great ice packs for…
*cut up apples, pears, grapes, carrots, clementines, cheese sticks/cubes
*frozen single serving shelled edamame
*raisins, dried apricots or other dried fruit
*fruit leather
*cereal (either in small bags or snack cups)
*crackers, pretzels, rice cakes, cookies, cereal bars, yogurt drops
*For a plane–lollipops, sucking candies gum are essential for kidlets too big to suck on a bottle or to nurse during takeoff and landing. Toddlers under 3 should probably stick to the lollipops to prevent choking scares.
*small sandwiches, mini yogurts or yogurt squeeze sticks if it’ll be meal time
Note: if you are traveling between countries, you may need to leave any leftover produce on the plane so as not to have problems with agricultural authorities (particularly when entering the US)
For the trip itself:
*more of all of the non-perishable items from above
*if your children are avid milk drinkers, you may want to pack a few boxes of shelf stable milk–particularly if you prefer organic, which isn’t always easy to find. Milk tastes different in different places, and, you may not want to jeopardize this source of protein and calcium for a picky child.
Tag Archives: baby
Pocoyo Squeeze ‘n Play (review and giveaway)
My 2 1/2 year old daughter isn’t really all that familiar with the characters from Pocoyo or the show itself (currently on Nick JR., PBS and Univision) However, when she opened the box with this soft 9-inch tall guy inside and heard 3 different sounds he makes when you squeeze his tummy, she immediately declared him her new baby.
This little guy has found his way into a doll stroller, a doll bed and into my daughter’s high chair (it was time for his lunch.)
I love that my kidlet didn’t need to be familiar with the show to immediately make friends with Pocoyo himself. Imagine the reaction that a die-hard fan of the cartoon would have?
My one issue is that I really don’t love toys that make noise…particularly toys that don’t have volume control. Thankfully, my daughter is more into toting Pocoyo around than actually squeezing him…though she does enjoy his little giggle.
The lovely folks at Bandai are providing one Squeeze ‘n Play Plush to a lucky winner!
He is perfect for all kids 18 months and up and retails for $19.99
A peek Into My Kitchen: White Bean Kale Soup (crockpot!)
The slowcooker/crockpot is truly a magical appliance! I love knowing that I can throw a whole bunch of vegetables into it in the morning and have dinner waiting for the family at the end of the day. I am truly in awe of it’s fabulousness.
That said, if you’re not careful, a lot of recipes in the crockpot can turn out, for lack of a better word, gloopy. Sometimes, it’s nice to have the convenience without ending up with another nondescript stew-y or chili-like dish.
This a great soup that actually remains soup-like even after sitting all day (or even overnight!) in the crockpot. The beans (even though they’re canned!) actually maintain their shape and texture, and the kale adds a nice richness to the broth. Win-Win!
Wordless Wednesday: Alas, Poor Sophie
A peek Into My Kitchen: Tomato-Rice Soup
I just love soup and am always trying to come up with new not-too-complicated recipes to keep me in my soup and keep the DH and kids happy.
This soup, with some toasted grilled cheese and some cut up veggies is a really filling, easy shmeasy and totally multi-age pleasing meal!
Note: You could totally replace the rice with any little pasta shapes–stars, alphabet noodles etc. Just cook them first, or they will soak up all of your soup!
Tomato-Rice Soup
Serves a family of 4, with leftovers for lunch
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2-3 carrots, sliced (about 1 cup)
1-2 stalks celery, sliced
Building Immunity? Bah…
Flu shots:Check.
Copious hand washing: Check.
Well balanced diet and appropriately warm clothing: Check Check.
Ah, the winter cycle has started…
My daughter was sick last week, she had 103+F fever with all of the fun symptoms of a full-body virus: coughing, sneezing, puking…you name it. Just as her virus is winding down to sniffles, her big brother's fever is winding up–101.8F, as of this morning.
Besides being exahusted from lack of sleep, you know what really bugs me? I totally knew this was coming. If one gets sick, the other gets sick…and I'm probably next.