Travel gear

7 Favorite Travel Items for 2013

Metallic Pewter Tieks

I generally write about travel gear for kids, but I put a ton of mileage on my own gear in 2012 as well, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite items in hops that they make your travels in 2013 a little smoother too!

Tieks foldable ballet ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Best Bet Carseats for Every Age

Graco Snugride Car Seat

Yesterday I posted an exhaustive post about how to choose a booster seat. Admittedly, it's a lot of work to scour all the resources I listed and pick the best carseat for your family. With three kids age 2, 5, and 6, I've bought my fair share of ...

Read the rest of this entry »

How to Choose a Booster Seat - Includes Links to Helpful Resources

Three-across setup with all three kids in 5-point harness seats

With more states requiring that kids continue to ride in a booster seat until they're at least 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall, you're more likely to need one either at home or when you travel. Sadly, buying a new booster seat is more tricky ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Product Review: Bubblebum Inflatable Booster Car Seat

Bubblebum Inflatable Booster Seat

Sometimes I just get so curious about a travel product that even if I don't strictly "need" it, I have to try it for myself. That's what happened with the BubbleBum, an inflatable booster seat that rolls up and stores in a bag when not in use. I ...

Read the rest of this entry »

24 Reasons to Pack Ziplock Bags When You Travel

Using a Ziplock Bag as a waterproof case for an iPad

I don't have any relationship with Ziplock. Whenever I receive a free product or service, I will always let you know.

I've been working harder this year on packing waste-free lunches. Plastic bags just don't get much use on a typical week in our house anymore. Still ...

Read the rest of this entry »

What's In My Daypack? A Gertie Ball

Kicking a Gertie Ball in Istanbul

One thing I try to always carry in my daypack is an inflatable Gertie Ball. It packs down small once the air is released, is easy to blow up, and durable enough to withstand a lot of abuse.

Carrying a Gertie Ball makes any town square or piazza into a ...

Read the rest of this entry »

What is Your Favorite Airplane Toy?

I have whole lists of travel toys and tons of ideas about how to keep kids busy even without toys, yet as the kids grow older, I'm always on the lookout for new "plane toys."

Lately, we've been playing a lot with small Playmobil sets, Little Dover Activity ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Product Review: PeaPod Plus Portable Children's Travel Bed

PeaPod Plus Portable Children's Travel Bed Model P201

This is an unpaid review of the PeaPod Plus Portable Children's Travel Bed. My review policy dictates that I never keep freebies valued at over $40, and I gave this unit away to a reader in a random giveaway.

We don't usually bring a travel crib with us ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Product Review: Medela Freestyle™ Breastpump

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

This is an unpaid review of the Medela Freestyle breastpump. The product was given to me for review by Medela. My review policy dictates that I never keep samples valued at over $40, and because the Freestyle cannot be reused by another person, I returned this unit to the manufacturer ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Product Review: Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Closed

This is an unpaid and unsolicited review of the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light. The product was given to me for review by BabyBjorn. Because I never keep freebies valued at over $40, I will give it away to one lucky reader in a giveaway that begins tomorrow.

We don't ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Product Review: Sunshine Kids Radian 80 Convertible Carseat

Sunshine Kids Radian 80 Car Seat

This product has been reworked and renamed as the Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat, now available on Amazon.

This is an unpaid review of two Radian 80 Convertable Carseats that I purchased for my personal use. When I review a product or service that was given to me for ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Reader Question: Do I need a stroller bag when I fly?

I recently received this question from a reader. It's a good one, and I thought it would be useful to share the answer

I am flying back East and will be gate checking my stroller. I am traveling with two kids and have one layover. I need my stroller ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Reader Questions: Stroller vs Backpack for European Travel With Kids

I recently got this great question from Christy who is wondering whether she should bother bringing a stroller with her to Europe or should instead opt for a frame backpack carrier.

We are going to be in Italy (Venice and Siena) for the majority of our trip but will also ...

Read the rest of this entry »

Reader Questions: FAA and Airline Policies on CARES Harness

I recently received this question from Shannon who will be using her new: CARES Harness onboard a flight to Mexico next month.

Hi Debbie,

We just purchased the CARES system for at trip we're taking to Mexico next month with our two-year-old. Last year, we took him to Hawaii ...

Read the rest of this entry »