| Whatever your mode of travel, there will be special | | | | garbage bin. |
| challenges if you take the kids along. The key to | | | | If you are outdoors and there are no outhouse or |
| sanity is some careful planning - and a calm, unruffled | | | | bathroom facilities nearby, you should carry the entire |
| approach. | | | | diaper contents with you, disposing of appropriately |
| * Where Should we Stay? * | | | | when you find a garbage bin or bathroom. DO NOT |
| If you are planning at stay at a bed and breakfast, | | | | leave diapers or diaper contents behind. Besides |
| do some research. Many bed and breakfasts are not | | | | polluting the environment, some animals are attracted |
| suitable for children. However, you may be able to | | | | to human waste. Protect the environment even |
| find a 'farmstay' - a bed and breakfast on a farm | | | | more by making sure that you purchase |
| that allows your kids to interact with the animals. This | | | | biodegradable diapers (or switch to cloth). |
| can be an unequalled family experience - especially | | | | If you must carry soiled diapers along with you for |
| for city dwellers. | | | | any length of time, you might want to consider |
| Staying in a hotel? Do they provide extra cots and/or | | | | packing a few deodorant disks or a baking-soda |
| cribs for children? Do they have a restaurant with a | | | | based scented deodorizer. |
| kids' menu? Is there a playroom or playground on the | | | | * Snacks * |
| premises? Are there children's activities nearby? | | | | If your children are finicky eaters, chances are you |
| * What Should I Pack? * | | | | will encounter problems with airline and restaurant |
| Use common sense. Every family is different. Check | | | | meals. Pack a few nutritious snacks. Snacks may |
| the following list and pack what is appropriate for | | | | include fresh fruit, granola bars, individual-size cereal |
| your household: | | | | boxes, cheese and crackers, raisins, unsalted peanuts |
| - Small first aid kit | | | | - or snack-size containers of applesauce, puddings, |
| - Liquid anti-nausea medication | | | | and fruit cocktail. |
| - Liquid Tylenol | | | | * Boredom * |
| - Individual-sized tissues | | | | Boredom is always going to be a problem. Even a |
| - Moistened hand-wipes in individual packs | | | | half-hour trip seems like a long time to a young child. |
| - Paper towels | | | | The easiest and most accessible boredom solution is |
| - Photos of the kids and important details regarding | | | | YOU. Use the time to interact with your kids. Ask |
| medications | | | | them questions. Get them to tell you stories if they |
| - Telephone numbers of doctors (at home and at | | | | are old enough. You can keep young children |
| your destination) | | | | entertained by telling them stories - complete with |
| - Copies of passports, birth certificates, custody | | | | sound effects of animal noises, whistles, and |
| documentation | | | | whatever else you can invent. |
| - Decks of cards, favorite toys, children's books | | | | Play guessing games like 'I Spy' with older kids, or get |
| - Coloring books, crayons, mechanical pencils, paper | | | | them involved in some children's cards games. |
| - Crossword puzzle books, erasable pens, highlighters | | | | Although games like 'Go Fish' can be played with a |
| - Windbreakers, slickers, umbrellas | | | | regular deck of cards, there are many games with |
| - Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen | | | | special, brightly-colored decks made just for children. |
| - Plastic bags from grocery store checkout (for | | | | Do an internet search for 'card games for kids' and |
| storage and cleanup) | | | | you'll find plenty of resources. |
| * Diaper Disposal * | | | | * Inactivity * |
| There are scented disposal bags available - or you | | | | Sitting still for long periods of time is not a natural |
| might want to pack some small zip-lock bags. Plastic | | | | activity for children. If you're on a plane, train, or bus, |
| grocery bags or newspaper bags can also be used. | | | | get up and take a walk down the aisle once every |
| The solid matter should be disposed of down the | | | | hour. When travelling by car, find an appropriate |
| toilet. Next, roll the diaper up with the soiled area | | | | pullout and play frisbee or go for a short walk. |
| facing inwards so that you have a compact bundle | | | | * Relax - Lighten Up - Unwind * |
| with the plastic on the outside. Place the diaper in the | | | | Treat every family trip as an opportunity to connect |
| zip-lock bag, seal most of the way, then press out as | | | | with your children. Relax, enjoy their unique |
| much air as possible while you complete the seal. | | | | personalities, and enjoy yourself! |
| Discard in a bathroom garbage container or outside | | | | |