re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best travel tip in general is to make a list of everything you need to pack. When you have a baby there are lots of things you need to bring. It is good to have a checklist especially when you are trying to get everything organized and take care of the baby at the same time.

Posted by Heather&Bill    Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:34 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I totally agree with the list idea - this is crucial for me especially since I'm quite forgetful! I also suggest always bringing snacks! Hunger has a funny way of sneaking up on you, and now that I'm pregnant when I need food it's ASAP or watch out, so I'd definitely pack extra food!

Posted by alicia_angell    Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:46 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Making a list and packing snacks are both good ideas and things that I do, but I also make sure that everyone will be comfortable.  Whether it's making sure we all have comfortable clothing or making sure my son  has his blanket and stuffed animal of the moment, I make sure that we are comfortable.  Also since we travel with our 2 year old, I make sure that we have plenty of things to keep him entertained - songs, movies, books, car appropriate toys, or other activities are key.  A happy boys makes for happy parents and a happy trip all around!

Posted by fields9404    Thursday, June 19, 2008 2:38 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best summer travel trip tip is to put on the sunscreen when you do the baby's diaper change first thing in the morning.  Then if it's nice enough to play outside right away, no need to go back and slather it on after breakfast when the little one wants to run around.  Another thing I do is always keep a mesh bag of beach toys in my trunk, that way where ever we stop we have something to keep our little muchkin happy.

Posted by mbagirl    Thursday, June 19, 2008 5:38 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best summer time travel tip is: REMEMBER YOU HAVE A BABY! You can't plan a vacation like you used to - cut the activities in half! the baby needs breaks, naps, food, etc a lot more often than we do - everyone will enjoy the vacation more if its not crammed full :)

Posted by bethilyssa    Thursday, June 19, 2008 5:45 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

best summer travel tips ...

(1) bring baby powder to get sand off your child's bum for trips to the potty ...

(2) if traveling by car ... try to be on the road around your child's nap time so they sleep for a good portion of the trip in the car ...

(3) if the option is available to rent out a hotel room/condo that has a suite/two rooms connected go with that ... that way the kids/babies can sleep in one room, lights off and at an earlier bedtime and you and DH can spend alone time together w/o having to go to bed at 8 pm ... =)

(4) don't forget the camera and take lots of pictures!!

(5) enjoy!  

Posted by LovEE    Thursday, June 19, 2008 5:46 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Take your time!  Children and adults have a much better time if you don't schedule to much for each day and also take lots of notes and pictures.  You think you'll remember but quickly the memories fade and you can always go back and say, "We did that???" or "Or yea I remember that!"  So have fun, don't rush and make it memoriable!

Posted by lotsofpets    Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:00 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

travel very early and very late

Posted by mverno    Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:01 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Don't forget snacks & sunblock!!!

Oh yeah...& have fun!!!

Posted by ashlo    Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:28 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Plan extra travel time.   It always seems hat babies mess thier diapers or young children need to use the bathroom just as you're walking out the door.  There are also potty stops and food breaks (have to stop the car if you're nursing baby!) along the way

Posted by Smiles10    Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:23 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

allow extra time for everything. summertime is slooooow!

Posted by pielum    Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:40 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Take a water bottle full of water and toilet paper, (might have to make a quick stop)LOL

Posted by kygirlx2    Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:09 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

When you are flying bring a baby medicine dropper and ask for water.  Then when you are descending you can just squirt water in your baby's mouth if they don't take a pacifier.  My girls wouldn't drink when they were in pain, so squirting water in their mouths made them swallow and relieve the pressure on their ears.  The cup of water is also very entertaining for them to play with, and if(when) they get wet, it's just water.

Posted by erikalmt    Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:22 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

When traveling by car I always pack a bag/backpack for each child, with their favorite toys, books, etc.  They love it. Then I always pack on extra bag that has crayons, coloring books, etc. and a case with music cd's in it!!! It is always good to be prepared!!  With an infant we somewhat do the same, with favorite toys and other fun things!!!!!

Posted by mtspca6874    Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:22 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Use the spray on sunblock for kids.  It's a lot faster and easier to apply on a squirmy baby or toddler.

Posted by Emmasmom30    Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:34 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

If your little one is like mine, he will not want to sit down and eat/drink his bottle because he has to be clued in on everything that's going on around him.  So when we're out and about in the summer heat, I also make sure I have some water (juice is good too) for him to sip on in order to make sure he keeps hydrated.  Snacks are also a good idea if you are going to be out for a while.  Oh, and make sure you have plenty of water for you and the rest of your family too!

Posted by lizzybeff    Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:10 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

A little portable fan to cool off you and the baby.

Posted by egreca    Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:11 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Since my children are a little older, my tip is to bring along little gifts to surprise them with along the way.  Nothing fancy, just something new to play with because little attention spans are short.

My other tip is to stop often (if traveling by car) to allow little legs time to stretch and get fresh air.

Posted by mclanek    Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:25 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Keep a bottle of water in the freezer so you can grab it and go on your way out. That way in the hot car it will still stay cool as it slowly melts. Then grab an extra sock (maybe one whose match has been lost to the laundry monster) and put the water bottle in it - it will absorb the condensation so your other stuff doesn't get wet!

Posted by MrsPCallahan    Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:06 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

We're a family of five and I couldn't accomplish anything if it weren't for the all important "list."  I make lists for everything I need and take care of most of the packing well in advance.  For me it's all about the prep work.

Posted by gkstratos    Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:42 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Whatever you do...don't forget the sunscreen!

Posted by 1gigglybebe    Friday, June 20, 2008 12:04 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I make two lists a week before leaving.  One lists says what needs to be done before vacation.  The other list is for items to pack.  I cross off each entry when complete.

Posted by berwyn    Friday, June 20, 2008 1:07 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Bring a bag so if your child gets sick!!!

Posted by 123connie    Friday, June 20, 2008 1:23 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Travel at night and travel with snacks and toys!

Posted by meredlp    Friday, June 20, 2008 2:37 AM

isa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

When we travel by car, we make sure to pack some snacks so we can limit stops.

Posted by agordon10    Friday, June 20, 2008 6:16 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I keep an emergency kit in the van (in a bucket that can be used in case someone gets carsick) that includes diapers, wipes, a small towel, and sunscreen. Then I don't worry about packing those things in my bag.

We also either travel at night or allow extra time, so if the kids need a break, we can stop and let them run for a while--and then I do deep breathing and remind myself to relax and enjoy the journey instead of getting impatient and frustrated.

Finally, I always pack water bottles for each kid--we got each of them Sigg bottles so we don't waste plastic, and they're excited about the designs, so that encourages them to drink a lot.

Posted by greenly    Friday, June 20, 2008 6:23 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

When we are going on a trip and staying in a hotel, I always call ahead and ask what they have available for children.  That way I may not have to lug around as much stuff.  I also find out if there are stores nearby that would have baby stuff in case anything is forgotten or we run out of something.  

Posted by redhead9475    Friday, June 20, 2008 7:57 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My summer time traveling tip is to always be flexible with your schedule!  Try to keep your kids on their normal schedule as much as possible.

Posted by sarahbethe    Friday, June 20, 2008 8:14 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

have plenty of drinks,snacks and a gps.

Posted by vboackle    Friday, June 20, 2008 8:41 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Keep hydrated

Posted by louiseb130    Friday, June 20, 2008 11:37 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

If you're on a babymoon in the summer, make sure to wear sunscreen even if it's cloudy, carry a water bottle at all times, and wear comfortable shoes with a slight heel (but not too high or your lower back is going to hurt!).  Even though you might feel like you have a lot of energy, remember that you're carrying precious cargo, so take it slow and easy. You WILL get tired and achy sooner than your non-prego counterparts!

Posted by melzart    Friday, June 20, 2008 12:06 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

The best travel tip I have is to make a list of everything you will need to bring then go off that list while packing. For me I go a step further and break it down for each person in our family me, my husband, and our about to be two year old that way each person gets exactly what they need. This year this tip came really handy as we are expecting our second daughter, our very own Summer, and needed to pack  hospital bags and my daughters bag for her aunts house and a separate one with toys and activities and snacks for visiting her new sister and mommy in the hospital.

Posted by paytsmom817    Friday, June 20, 2008 12:32 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Allow extra time to go travel. It seems like new mommy hood adds an extra 30 minutes to everything. Always have water, snacks, and kleenex.

Posted by fidofido    Friday, June 20, 2008 12:45 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Make sure you bring an extra set of clothing for the entire family in your carry on. If someone gets messy you have something to change into. If the airline looses your luggage you have clothing for the next day. And always bring some activites to keep the little ones occupied.

Posted by Cinderella28    Friday, June 20, 2008 12:57 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Always carry plenty of drinking water where ever you go.

Posted by sillelin    Friday, June 20, 2008 1:08 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Music for the car!!!!  And when you have a baby, don't forget to pack the signals that it's bedtime - specific books or a sound machine or the pajamas.

Posted by brookedny    Friday, June 20, 2008 2:14 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best travel tip is first pack your clothes, then pack a cooler with hydrating drinks(for the longer distances), make sure there are plently of rest stops along the way, bring your dvd's..toys...and make sure your diaper bag is filled with all the necessities, then fill up the tank and go

Posted by amb97    Friday, June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best summertime tip is to take water with you wherever you go. Keep yourself hydrated in the hot weather!

Posted by mcapel4444    Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:30 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My summer travel tip is...plan out what you'll do on your trip, but if plans get changed, go with the flow and relax.  If you freak out, your children will freak out too.  Flexibility is key :)

Posted by kjmeadow    Saturday, June 21, 2008 10:48 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

(1)Travel light - Buy whatever you can when you get there! There's no reason to take 10,000 diapers, 300 oz of formula or 6 boxes of crackers when they have diapers, formula and crackers at stores there.

(2) Plan it out but then be willing to go with the flow. You never know when one of your kids may have a blow-out, throw up or just get antsy. Take stops frequently.

(3) Take your camera! Don't worry be happy. The clearest memories that children have of special vacations are the little things, or the things that went different than planned. Document everything!

Posted by aubsrey    Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:37 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

the best tip i can say is if travelling a long distance try leaving during the time in which your baby is supposed to be sleeping...it leads to less crankiness in the car and trying to fight against the car seat.

Posted by jbeans17    Saturday, June 21, 2008 3:53 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

If you're going on a long car trip, leave as close to bed time as possible.  Hopefully, they will sleep most of the ride.

Posted by blissfully    Saturday, June 21, 2008 6:11 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

With a little one, I find is best to depart right around nap time.  Then they typically fall asleep right when you get on the road.  This allows you to get a good amount of your drive out of the way with them being a sleep.  Plus by the time the little one wakes up, you are also ready to get out of the car for a while.

Posted by crb7296    Saturday, June 21, 2008 7:02 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Make sure you know where the hospitals are!  You never know when you might need one.  I had to visit a hospital while on vacation because of preterm contractions and now I bring along records from this pregnancy just in case.  Also, packing a vomit-kit for little ones can also come in handy!  I have a big plastic bowl, two towels, baby wipes and two large ziploc bags (one for soiled clothes and one for smelly trash).  My son has thrown up in our car MANY times, so this is one tip I learned the hard way.

Posted by snickelfritz    Saturday, June 21, 2008 7:04 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Remember that it's supposed to be fun. Sometimes the journey for kids is more interesting than the destination so try not to get caught up in a schedule.

Posted by Dinosmile    Saturday, June 21, 2008 10:26 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Prepare...prepare...prepare!!!!  The more prepared you are/the more you plan in advance--- the more FUN you can have while on the trip.  (Don't forget to RELAX as well --- that is what vacations are all about!!!)

Thank you for the chance to win!!  

Posted by Soon2BMrs.P    Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:33 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My advice for summertime travel is the same advice I give new parents...lower your expectations.  Parenting and travel can be joyful and stressful, and much depends on attitude.  If you allow yourself to enjoy each moment, without expecting things to follow a schedule, you will have a good journey.  Prepare yourself to let things happen naturally rather than force them.  And, remember when you are with the ones you love the most, every day can be a holiday.

Posted by cdc1    Sunday, June 22, 2008 10:13 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

If you're taking a long trip, but are short on space - only pack enough clothes for a few days, then take a break at a laundry mat.  You might even get a chance to chat with some locals and scope out where the best sights and parks are.

Posted by moongarnet    Sunday, June 22, 2008 11:46 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I have to say, i'm just remembering how much work it is to travel with a small child. I'm enjoying all the reads, love this necklace would love to win.

Posted by glammasgotda411    Sunday, June 22, 2008 3:32 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

My best travel tip is to make a list and stick to it.  It never fails for me - although I have been known to add things in at the last minute - which leads to overpacking!   Oh - and don't pack too early!  I tend to "forget" what I already packed and throw in a few extras!

Posted by SweetieP    Sunday, June 22, 2008 8:19 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

To have plenty of snacks, entertainment for kids. Plan ahead, know where you are going and how to get there. Take a cooler of food and drinks to save money, and your own toilet paper. Never know when you need to go!!

Posted by mana51    Monday, June 23, 2008 1:38 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I like to make traveling as fun and comfortable for the kids as possible.  They all get to pick a stuffed animal who is their travel buddy.  This really seems to help them when they are tired or not wanting to sit anymore during a long car ride.  Luckily the van is big so the buddies all get their own seats and blankets too.  The little ones love this.  It also gives the little ones someone to share the fun with.  Letting them go shopping and pack snacks and travel games like car bingo really seems to help as well.  Overall just making them part of the process as much as possible make the best family trips.

Posted by jenndove    Monday, June 23, 2008 9:39 AM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Have a guideline agenda for each day making sure that you're covering the highlights of the place you're visiting over the course of the vacation. You can spread it out throughout the week and then adjust the pace according to the age of your little traveling companions.

Posted by bluevioletof2    Monday, June 23, 2008 2:28 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

I always make a list ahead of time AND pack the list after everything has been checked off it.  That way, when I'm re-packing everything to go home, I have my original list to make sure nothing gets left behind under beds or in drawers.  I see that I packed 4 pairs of socks for my toddler, but now I only count 3 pairs - so I know one is hiding somewhere!  It sounds simple as can be, but I find that most people make a list when packing the first time and don't think to pack the list as well :)

Posted by LuvMyLittleOnes    Monday, June 23, 2008 5:17 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

We don't travel much, but drinks & snacks is really important to have on hand!

Posted by momof2dancers    Monday, June 23, 2008 5:42 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Best summertime travel tip is to leave your work and interpersonal problems behind you!  The kids no matter what their age is can sense when there is stress and conflict, so when you are on vacation take that hiatus from work and from all your problems and just enjoy yourselves and spend quality time as a family together.  We don't bring our laptops with us on vacation, and we don't keep our cell phones on even though we have them with us for emergencies and to check messages a couple times a day.  But for the most part my husband and I give our 3 children our total undivided attention during the entire trip.  The work and everyday life will be home when you get there, but don't invite them along on your trip this summer!

Posted by joannaonthelake    Monday, June 23, 2008 6:21 PM

re: Lisa Leonard Riveted Flower Necklace Giveaway!

Hmm, summertime travel tip - take more tops than bottoms as they get gross quicker

Posted by phxbne</