Traveling with babies and toddlers can be a challenge. Vacation season is quickly approaching so I have been researching ways to entertain my son on the go. Whether you are traveling by airplane or car hopefully you will find some ideas to make your trips easier. Search the dollar section at Target and visit dollar stores to find inexpensive toys. You can find cheaper versions of many of the toys featured below.
Some of the toys below are too advanced for a younger toddler or baby. The size of some toys may also prohibit bringing them in a compact carry on bag.
Bring a bag that has lots of pockets if traveling on an airplane. You can bring out a surprise toy or snack from a hidden pocket when boredom or fussiness occurs. If toys and snacks are revealed all at once they aren't as exciting. Mary Poppins had the right idea with her magic carpet bag. If your child enjoys unwrapping presents you can also wrap each toy or treat.
Plan to bring enough toys and snacks for the entire trip including wait times. When in doubt bring extra and have back up plans.
If your are flying find sympathetic flight attendants and passengers to engage your children during the flight.
If you are driving you can sing songs, play eye spy and point out places and things as you pass by. Use the car time to talk to your child and have fun. You don't have to worry about upsetting other passengers with noise so be as loud as you want.
Save a bottle of milk for your child to drink during take off and landings. The sucking motion may help with popping ears.
Some of the toys below are too advanced for a younger toddler or baby. The size of some toys may also prohibit bringing them in a compact carry on bag.
Bring a bag that has lots of pockets if traveling on an airplane. You can bring out a surprise toy or snack from a hidden pocket when boredom or fussiness occurs. If toys and snacks are revealed all at once they aren't as exciting. Mary Poppins had the right idea with her magic carpet bag. If your child enjoys unwrapping presents you can also wrap each toy or treat.
Plan to bring enough toys and snacks for the entire trip including wait times. When in doubt bring extra and have back up plans.
If your are flying find sympathetic flight attendants and passengers to engage your children during the flight.
If you are driving you can sing songs, play eye spy and point out places and things as you pass by. Use the car time to talk to your child and have fun. You don't have to worry about upsetting other passengers with noise so be as loud as you want.
Save a bottle of milk for your child to drink during take off and landings. The sucking motion may help with popping ears.
Tickle Bee
is a magnetic game that has been around since the 1950's. Use the attached wand to guide bees through the path in the game.
NEUTRON LIGHT UP BALL
. There won't be room to bounce but the lights and bright colors will captivate your smallest travelers.
Slinky Jr.
I bought a pack of small rainbow Slinky's to take to church and they have been very popular with the babies and toddlers there.
Hot Wheels Ferrari 5-Pack - Styles May Vary
A few small cars will not take up much room and are loved by my son.
Find It Games Kids Version - Red Ends
is a compact eye spy game. Even smaller children will enjoy twisting the tube to see what is hidden inside.
is a magnetic game that has been around since the 1950's. Use the attached wand to guide bees through the path in the game.NEUTRON LIGHT UP BALL
. There won't be room to bounce but the lights and bright colors will captivate your smallest travelers.Slinky Jr.
I bought a pack of small rainbow Slinky's to take to church and they have been very popular with the babies and toddlers there.Hot Wheels Ferrari 5-Pack - Styles May Vary
A few small cars will not take up much room and are loved by my son.
Find It Games Kids Version - Red Ends
is a compact eye spy game. Even smaller children will enjoy twisting the tube to see what is hidden inside.
Silly Putty
seems cleaner than play dough. It is compact and allows for open ended play.
seems cleaner than play dough. It is compact and allows for open ended play. 
Trucks Coloring Book (Cars & Trucks)
A brand new coloring book is always great for toddlers who love to color.
A brand new coloring book is always great for toddlers who love to color.
Crayola Color Wonder Travel Tote is a better choice than markers. The colors only show up on the special paper. The flight attendant and your upholstery will thank you. 
Fun Pockets, Fancy That: Colorforms
are reusable vinyl "stickers".
are reusable vinyl "stickers". 
Storytime Old McDonald Finger Puppet Boxed Set
finger puppets can be fun for a variety of ages. I bought a set for around $5.00 at Ikea.
finger puppets can be fun for a variety of ages. I bought a set for around $5.00 at Ikea. 
My First Bunny Puzzle Ministeps 18-24 Months
the pieces in this puzzle are attached with ribbon so there is no danger of losing anything in a car or plane. 
Pipe cleaners are great because they are lightweight and do not take up much space. Kids can get creative twisting and bending them into shapes. 
Blue Painters Tape
is easier to remove from surfaces than scotch tape. If you aren't sure how to play with the tape let your toddler take charge. The roll is a somewhat large for travel, so wind some tape around a pencil or pen so you do not have to take the entire roll.
is easier to remove from surfaces than scotch tape. If you aren't sure how to play with the tape let your toddler take charge. The roll is a somewhat large for travel, so wind some tape around a pencil or pen so you do not have to take the entire roll. 
I am not suggested you purchase an Apple iPod shuffle
for your toddler. However, if you already own one you can load it with kid friendly music.
for your toddler. However, if you already own one you can load it with kid friendly music. 
Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser always carry plastic bags to contain soiled clothes or diapers. In a pinch they can double as a disposable bag for sick kids. 
What are your favorite ways to entertain your babies and toddlers on the go? We would love to hear any travel tips you have.
Here are a few more great articles about traveling with kids.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15210565/ns/travel-travel_tips/t/baby-board-traveling-youngsters/
Here are a few more great articles about traveling with kids.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15210565/ns/travel-travel_tips/t/baby-board-traveling-youngsters/
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