Travel-Tot

Great Tools: Discover Pinterest!

2012-03-02T04:50:00.234-08:00

No doubt, by now, you have heard of Pinterest; but if you haven't checked it out yet, you may not realize what a fantastic resource it can be! Skeptical? Concerned that it's just another vacuous time-sink? I understand, but give it a chance - after all, 10.4 million registered users can't be wrong! Check out our newbie guidelines below for the basic "whats," "whys," and "hows" of using Pinterest to help get you started.

The "What" and "Why" of joining Pinterest:

I know, I know, you're already on Facebook and Twitter, why join Pinterest? What is it, anyway? Well, in a nutshell, Pinterest is a fantastic way to organize a variety of different parts of your life and share your inspirations with others in your social circle! As described on its own site, Pinterest is "a virtual pinboard," but it is really so much more; you can backlink each photo you "pin" to its website of origin where more extensive information on the featured item may be found. What's more, you can include a brief comment on each picture you pin, as well as price where applicable! The sky is the limit; you can create boards for everything from home decor to your favorite books - whatever your passion, Pinterest provides a way to connect with others who have the same interests!

The "Hows" of navigating Pinterest:

Some users report that they found navigating Pinterest can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming at first, but if you take it slowly and spend some time looking around, I think you'll find it fascinating and fairly intuitive. As with other social media sites, you begin by creating a profile. Once you have done that, I would recommend that prior to establishing your own boards, you go to the "everything" feed.

The link to the "everything" feed (among others), can be found at the top center of the page beneath the logo (note: this cannot be done from your home page, you must click the Pinterest logo at the top center of the screen to access the link lists below). Once in the "everything" feed you will be able to see what others have done; there are literally thousands upon thousands of boards that can inspire you and get your creative juices flowing!

Once you get a feel for what you want to create - get pinning! Access your Pinterest home page by simply clicking on your icon in the upper right-hand corner. Your page will feature your boards as well as a feed on the left which contains all of the recent pins of the people you follow. It is important to note that everyone who follows you will see everything that you pin in their feed. To pin an item or create a new board, simply click on "Add +" (which may be found to the left of your icon in the upper right) and a pop-up menu will appear to walk you through the process.

A few other neat features to consider when you're ready to get started:

you can "like," "repin," or "comment on" other people's pinned items by hovering over the image with your pointer and a menu will appear at the top of the image offering these three options.
there is a "gift" feed (access it at the same location as the "everything" feed link) where items that have been pinned along with a price in the comment section will appear; a great way to feature lesser-known, regional, or local vendors that you love!

As with all social media, practice makes perfect, so give it time, be patient, and have fun inventing your Pinterest persona! I hope these tips have helped and that once you are on and running you will stop by and check out some of the pinned items on Travel-Tot's Pinterest Boards, and don't miss us on Facebook and Twitter too!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-02-28T05:51:00.004-08:00

Before you venture out on your next road trip, check your route for places to stop for quick breaks. Everyone, children included, benefits from the chance to use a restroom, stretch their legs, grab a quick snack, and freshen up! For the tech savvy, there's a great, free app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (iOS 4.0 or later) called "Rest Stop" that can save you the eyestrain of trying to find rest stops on a map!

Destination: Out on a Limb!

2012-02-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

Treehouses are one of the most magical icons of childhood; the quintessential secret hideaway. I remember playing in the woods behind my childhood home, constructing forts with my little brother out of my mom's best sheets; dreaming of building a real treehouse. Needless to say, all these years later my dream of a treehouse hideaway is alive and well! That's why I am so thrilled to share this fantastic family-friendly getaway spot: Out 'n' About Treesort!

Situated on 36 private acres adjacent to Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon, Out 'n' About Treesort, LLC offers accommodations and activities for children (and former children!) of all ages! Out 'n' About boasts a wide array of treehouses for rent; featuring many different sizes, themes, and elevations. But the fun doesn't end there; this Treesort features several child-size forts, platforms, swinging bridges, five swings (plus the Giant Tarzan!), 20 flights of stairs, four ladders, a swimming pool, two performance stages, and an unbeatable collection of zipline courses! In addition, there is a bath house and a

cooking pavilion, a big campfire site, and multiple barbecues, among other "amenitrees." Their experienced and enthusiastic staff also offers a wide selection of "activitrees" and classes, such as: Arts & Crafts, Forest Ecology, Horseback Riding, and Zip Lining.

Out 'n' About is open year round, though their high season typically runs from mid-June to the beginning of November; a price list for all seasons is available here. Prices provided include full breakfast every morning, with bedding and towels for all their perches (those without full plumbing in-house can use the "Central Amenitrees"). For a sneak peek at the different treehouses available, check out their "Perch Prices" page. While it may feel remote to nest in the trees at the edge of a National Forest, you can rest easy knowing there is a good selection of stores, food, and eating establishments a mere 10 miles away in Cave Junction where you can grab things you may have forgotten to bring along, or discover you need after you arrive!

Out 'n' About eagerly welcomes guests of all ages, but they make no secret about their dedication to keeping their guests as safe as possible. While they do everything in their power to insure safety, there is an inherent risk associated with visiting a treehouses and other elevated structures. To be certain you understand this risk, and to remind you to use common sense, Out ’n’ About (and their insurance company) require you to sign a release and assumption of risk agreement to stay there or participate in any "activitrees."

So if you are looking for the vacation of a lifetime, look no further! Out 'n' About Treesort has something for everyone; perfect for family getaways, romantic retreats, and group vacations, you'll enjoy an adventure that will "leaf" everyone smiling and feeling like a kid again!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Travel trays are a great tool for keeping your little adventurer occupied while in transit; keeping toys, writing utensils, and food easily accessible and safe from dropping on the ground or out of reach! There are trays for all price points and ages, so do some research and snap one up before your next family trip!

Safety Gear We Love for On-The-Go!

2012-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

The bad news - according to the World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease data:

in 2002, over 700,000 children under age 15 were killed by an injury.
injuries are the leading cause of death for children after their first birthday; with the leading injury-related causes of death among children under age 14 of age being traffic injuries and drowning.
for every injured child who dies, several thousand live on with varying degrees of disability; falls are a leading cause of burden of disease for children under age 14 in high-income countries.
a large proportion of injuries occur in either the home or in leisure environments.

The good news - a study recently conducted by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center demonstrated that injuries were significantly reduced for children living in homes with properly installed safety devices; indeed, it showed that childproofing a home can reduce injuries by 70% for young children.

While they may seem frightening at first glance, what these statistics effectively demonstrate is that childproofing of both home and leisure environments is the key to deterring fatal and serious injury. Travel-Tot is dedicated to providing parents with the tools and information they need to help keep their kids safe on the go! Check out some of our favorite portable safety gear below:

Safety First Wide Pressure Mount Fabric Gate: The ultimate in travel-friendly gates is here! This translucent, fabric, pressure-mounted gate offers parents a protective barrier (up to 60 inches) that affords them a clear view of their children; in addition, it is machine washable and fits into the included drawstring bag which fits easily into any suitcase! IMPORTANT: No pressure-mounted gate is safe for stairways or other elevated areas, but they can be great for doorways and supervised play areas!

Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit: This innovative, compact kit contains an assortment of childproofing devices perfect for creating an extra layer of protection anywhere your travels may take you; from hotel rooms to Grandma's house! All components that install are attached with strong, temporary adhesive that comes off clean and without damaging surfaces or finishes when removed according to the enclosed instructions. IMPORTANT: No childproofing device is a substitute for vigilant parental supervision.

American Red Cross First Aid Kit: No car or home should be without one of these; from bandages and antibacterial solutions to ice packs, these kits have got most of life's little bumps and bruises covered!

First Aid Only Records Kit: A must have for any family on the go! This compact kit contains critical information cards for you, babysitters, doctors, grandparents, and any other caregivers for your children. Extremely helpful in case of emergency or in the event that you and your child become separated while travelling. Fingerprint, personal information, physical attributes and emergency contact cards are included.

BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat : Awarded Best Bet Booster by the IIHS, this innovative booster seat for children ages 4-11 seat is portable, lightweight, and inflatable. It deflates easily and rolls up into it's carrying bag for easy storage in backpacks, handbags or carry-on luggage. It is constructed of durable material and contains an air chamber cushion of memory foam for stability and structurally soundness in the unlikely event of a puncture.

Pea Pod Portable Sleeper: With a slick, easy-to-fold design that makes it ideal for storage and use anytime, this is the perfect alternative to pack-and-plays, rental cribs, or potentially dangerous co-sleeping! The Pea Pod comes in multiple convenient sizes to accommodate everyone from infants to big kids, and many models include an inflatable air mattress to help protect kids from cold, damp floors while providing a comfortable place to sleep. Zippered panels allow parents quick and easy access to children from virtually any angle. In addition, its UV protection and wind screens make it ideal for use outdoors!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Blogs We Love: Pint Size Pilot!

2012-02-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

Pint Size Pilot

This week, we are thrilled to share one of our favorite family travel websites; Pint Size Pilot! Pint Size Pilot features a ton of tips, resources, and even an on-line shop of parent-endorsed products! It is a fantastic resource for travel-loving parents who believe that wanderlust shouldn't be squelched simply because you have children!

Pint Size Pilot is the brainchild of Tara Cannon, an energetic stay-at-home mom of two who had previously enjoyed a career in fashion apparel; a career that had taken her to many exciting and exotic places to which she was eager to return with her family! She knew there were other parents out there who were also avid travellers, but were apprehensive about wandering the world with children in tow. In her own words, Pint Size Pilot was born of her desire to "...call out to this nomadic tribe [of parents] who do not subscribe to the idea that the next ten years of travel should involve only theme parks and diners." Having travelled extensively with her children, she knew there were many simple things parents could do that would make the family travel experience easier and she made it her mission to share that knowledge through her blog!

Pint Size Pilot boasts helpful advice on packing, flight suggestions, and family-friendly accommodation deals and attractions, as well as links to invaluable resources, such as directories of local babysitting services and equipment rental services for locations in North America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It also features a regularly updated blog page, where new and unique products are reviewed, and general travel advice and links are shared. The site is easy to navigate, and written in a warm, down-to-earth, concise style. Pint Size Pilot is a great resource for families in any stage of trip planning; from those in the process of selecting (adorable!) children's luggage, to those seeking advice on which airlines are most child-friendly!

Travel-Tot is pleased to recognize Pint Size Pilot as a blog we love and we look forward to sharing more from this fantastic site in future blogs! So check out Pint Size Pilot (also on Facebook and Twitter!) before your next family vacation - you'll be glad you did !

Safe and happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-02-07T01:24:00.000-08:00

When travelling with your child(ren), be sure you bring along a copy of each child's health history and other identification information, as well as a recent photograph; these items can prove invaluable in helping to identify your child(ren) if any trouble occurs.

Family Fun Superbowl Style!

2012-02-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

Whether your family's Superbowl festivities are a daytime affair or an evening event, the Big Game is a great occasion for getting the family together and having some fun! From outdoor activities to games and parties, the possibilities for family fun are endless!

If you have some daylight to play with, consider heading outdoors for a little family football fun: even if it's just a game of catch, its a great chance to sneak in some exercise and fresh air - you may even be able to teach your kids the rules of the game if they are old enough! If you have a larger family, older kids, or can arrange to be a part of a larger group, you may even want to try to get a little touch football game going! Running themselves silly will not only be great fun for the kids, but it will also allow them to work off some of that pent-up energy before sitting down to enjoy the Big Game!

Once you're all settled inside, consider having some activities to keep younger kids occupied during the game: have a spot designated where kids can color sports-themed coloring books, make their own cap using their team's colors, or string together team-themed jewelry using beads, candies, or even cereal! Older kids may also enjoy some pre-game or half-time games; your could play "Ref Charades" where you have to use a signal used by the officials as part of your clue, or come up with sports-themed trivia questions!

Last but certainly not least, get the whole family involved in making and enjoying game-time fare! Have kids help make dips, veggie plates, cookies, or other snacks. You can get creative with home-made snacks, or just keep things easy and festive with pre-prepared munchies (i.e. chips, frozen appetizers, pizza, cold-cut subs) decorated with your team's colors (i.e. frosting, toothpicks, colored chips, themed paper goods, etc.).

However you choose to celebrate, have fun, but remember to indulge responsibly and if you are going to drink, be sure you have a sober designated driver - the life you save could be your own or your child's. Safe and happy game day!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-01-31T06:02:00.000-08:00

Vacation is no time to get sick. Help keep those germs at bay by bringing along anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for your trip. Make sure everyone uses it immediately after coming in contact with doorknobs, public counter surfaces, children's play areas, restrooms, public transportation, etc. It may sound germ-phobic and like a bit of overkill, but it can help ensure that your family spends a happy, healthy vacation together!

Consignment Shops: Bargains & Travel Tactics!

2012-01-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

Recently I was catching up with a friend I grew up with in New Jersey, who now makes her home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was teasing her about having to pack cold-weather gear for when they come up to visit her parents for the holidays when she shared a secret with me: consignment shops! Instead of paying for clothes that her family would get such limited use out of (not to mention the baggage fees associated with packing those bulky fall and winter items), she simply waits until she arrives here in New Jersey, hits her favorite local consignment shop to buy them each cold-weather gear to supplement their wardrobes for the duration of the visit, and then re-consigns the items before she travels back home! Sheer genius!

For those who have never shopped in one, a consignment store can seem intimidating at first glance. But what it generally boils down to is this: for a fee, consignment shops accept items from consigners (people who sign an agreement authorizing the shop to sell their items and split the profit once items have sold) and then sell them at a fraction of their retail cost to customers. How profit sharing is conducted varies from shop to shop; often, the profit due to the consigner upon the sale of an item is paid in cash or in-store credit. What can be a little tricky is determining what different shops accept for consignment; some stores specialize in high-end, designer label children's clothing, some only take certain sizes, etc. - but any consignment shop will be happy to explain their store policies if you inquire!

Take Two, Denville, NJ

On a related note, I, and everyone at Travel-Tot, wish to congratulate two friends of ours who recently opened a children's consignment boutique called Take Two in downtown Denville, NJ. Take Two has a bright and inviting storefront and boasts a wide range of gently used, like new, and new children's clothing, shoes, outerwear, gear, and toys (as well as maternity clothes and prom dresses!)! They feature everything from French designers to discount-store labels in sizes ranging from preemie to 14.

Take Two Denville, NJ

Take Two is owned and operated by Jen Mahoney and Missy Prunty, dedicated mothers to four and three children, respectively; they understand the importance of making every dollar count in these tough economic times and are dedicated to providing their clients with an enjoyable shopping experience and beautiful, affordable merchandise.

We at Travel-Tot wish them all the best with their new venture and are thrilled to have our Travel Childproofing Kit be one of the many fantastic products on their shelves! So if you find yourself in northern New Jersey, stop in and check out Take Two - it'll have you doing a double-take!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-01-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Wherever you go when you travel as a family, remember to get at least one photo of the whole family together; it doesn't whether you take it with a camera, cell phone, or video still shot - many years later those are the photos your children will laugh at and cherish most as memories of your trip together!

Destination: Dude Ranch!

2012-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Looking for something different and fun that combines family time, the great outdoors, animals, history, and adventure? Then consider a great American Dude Ranch family getaway; with ranches located across the US, there's something for everyone, no matter where you call home!

There's something magical about a dude ranch vacation. To start with, the adventure of horseback riding is a rich experience, whether you're seasoned equestrian or a never-even-seen-a-horse newbie! From trotting along woodsy pine-scented paths, to enjoying a relaxing, gentle ride through an open meadow, or exploring wildlife on a mountain trail, sharing the adventure of a horseback ride with your children is the perfect recipe for family fun. Add abundant fresh air, exposure to nature and animals, exercise disguised as fun, and that rustic country feel and you have an adventure that will create life-long memories for everyone!

Varying by location, Dude Ranches offer a variety of lodging types, from "sleep-away camp" style cabins to resort-style accommodations. Below are a few of our picks for some of the country's most fantastic family-friendly dude ranches, east or west of the Mississippi:

Pinegrove (Kerhonkson, New York)

Located in picturesque Kerhonkson, New York (just two hours northwest of New York City!), Pinegrove is a beautifully appointed ranch property boasting 126 comfortable guest rooms, each with a private bath. Enjoy fishing, boating, hayrides, campfires and nature walks, spend some time at the pool, play a round of mini golf, challenge your kids to some Lazer Tag, or visit the petting zoo! In addition, they offer three full meals a day, including special kids' menus, an all-day snack bar, cocktail parties and more. Check their website for some amazing special packages!

Vee Bar Guest Ranch (Laramie, Wyoming)

This 100 year-old landmark has been lovingly restored; its western heritage preserved. The cabins and lodge offer antique furnishings from the Vee Bar's rich and colorful past. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing, hayrides, trap shooting, camping, herding cattle, and river tubing! Activities center around western horseback riding and the Vee Bar boasts one of the best horseback riding programs to be found at any guest ranch, with everything from meadow trails to mountain passes. In addition, scenic hiking is just minutes away with several well marked trail systems in the nearby Snowy Range mountains. Click here for package details!

Rancho De Los Caballeros (Wickenburg, Arizona)

Situated in the flowering Sonoran Desert, Rancho de los Caballeros is a historic ranch resort with the soul of a bed and breakfast. Explore and relax while the kids enjoy the Caballeros Kids Program (for kids 5-12); counselors meet the children at breakfast, accompany them to the corral for some riding, then take them swimming, hiking, on scavenger hunts, or to do crafts until it is time for lunch. After lunch the children return to enjoy more activities family-style (riding, jeep tours, skeet shooting, or even just fun poolside!). Evenings can be spent fire-side roasting marshmallows or even line dancing! Great packages await here!

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (Jasper, Arkansas)

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch offers a true western experience with southern hospitality! Boasting rustic log cabins with wide porches, this gem of the Ozarks offers trail rides, zip-lines, boating, swimming, rock climbing, and more! And the fun doesn't end when the sun sets; whether you prefer campfires, moonlight rides, or barn games, visitors will be tempted to stay up just a little longer. Don't miss these great deals!

So saddle up and hit the dusty trail for a family adventure that will create memories that will last a lifetime! Safe and happy travels, cowpokes!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-01-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

Triangular crayons (such as Crayola's 8 or 16 count sets) can provide a great distraction for little travelers, while saving you infinite bending and hunting while in transit! Throw a box in your handbag along with a small doodle pad for plane, car, or train trips!

Childproofing Tips for Visiting Childless Homes

2012-01-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Whether you are the first among your friends and family to have a child or the last, you will find that once your little bundle of joy is mobile, the world outside your home is not always the easiest or safest place for your young child to navigate. Visiting grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc. can pose a bit of a challenge; childless homes often contain hazards that keep you hopping up during visits to prevent your little love from breaking low lying treasures or from injuring him- or herself.

While vigilant supervision during any visit is irreplaceable as an injury deterrent, there are a few things you can do to make life a bit easier on yourself (and your child)! Assuming you or those you are visiting are receptive to investing just 15 minutes, you could facilitate a more relaxed and enjoyable visit by creating a "safe zone" for your child to play in. Start by removing tiny, breakable, top-heavy, or sharp objects from reach (table tops, shelves, hearths, etc.), then try to arrange the furniture in the room such that you can see your child no matter where he or she may be. Be sure cords (electrical, blinds, decorative, etc.) are coiled up out of reach. Also, keep doors to laundry rooms, stairways, kitchens, supply closets, and bathrooms closed or gated-off from access during the visit.

To help create an additional layer of protection, invest in a Travel-Tot Childproofing Kit; the kit components (foam corner guards, outlet covers, pinch guards, etc.) can help prevent injury from some of the most common hazards present in living spaces! Best of all, the Kit's components go on with a strong, temporary, non-damaging adhesive that will not damage furniture or finishes; and Kit components can be reused! It is a quick, easy solution you can store in your car for wherever you go; or consider picking one up as a gift for your parents, in-laws, or other friends or family you visit with regularly!

Creating a safe play zone in a childless home may take a few minutes, but it will result in greater peace of mind for you and a more enjoyable visit for everyone! Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-01-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

Place a label with critical information (your name, child's name, an emergency contact name and phone number for each) on your child's carseat (check out the free downloadable Emergency Contact Sticker for Infant Seats available on Travel-Tot's free downloads page!). Having such information readily on-hand in the event of an emergency could save lives.

Destination: Spring Break!

2012-01-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Spring may seem far off as temperatures drop and flurries fly - but it's closer than you think! Planning ahead is key and this is the best time to try and score some deals by booking early! One of the best ways to score even greater savings is by booking through a reputable discount travel site (i.e. Priceline, Travelocity, Hotwire, Orbitz, or Kayak). By booking through a discount provider ahead of the travel rush you will not only save a few dollars, but you have a better chance of securing your first choice location than if you waited.

There are an infinite number of outstanding family-friendly Spring Break vacation spots; our list below highlights three of our favorites based on available activities, budget-friendliness, and weather!

Moody Gardens: Galveston, TX

Moody Gardens offers all-in-one family fun! The resort includes a hotel, pristine beaches, and a three amazing pyramids enclosing an aquarium, discovery museum, and even a rain forest! March and April the resort offers one-day kids' camps with a variety of themes. Moody Gardens also features a kids' club, colossal pool, a spa, and the Schlitterbahn Water Park right next door. The downtown area offers the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum (a real oil rig!) and don't miss The Great Storm multimedia presentation about the infamous storm of 1900. Toward the end of April, Moody Gardens holds an Earth Day & Oleander Festival with crafts, gardening, floral design, a puppet show, and more. Fantastic fun for families with children of all ages awaits at Moody Gardens! More on Galveston.

Steamboat Springs, CO

Those who are looking for a cooler family get-away may want to consider a ski getaway in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado. March is one of the state's snowiest months, so think powder! And with great Snowsaver Packages in late March and early April, think savings! Steamboat Springs features a wide variety of lodging options so there is something for every budget! They also have five kids-only lifts, a terrain park, and childcare for kids ages six months to six years. Spring break is a great time to hit the slopes, as temperatures are warmer and the daylight lasts longer. Steamboat Springs also features: tubing, Gondola Adventure Zone trampoline, Gyro Chair, free concerts, and sleigh rides! Whatever your pleasure, family fun awaits at Steamboat Springs!!! More on Steamboat Springs.

San Diego, CA

Surf's up at this fantastic family spring-fling locale and you can get started by hitting the sun and sand! The San Diego Surfing Academy offers year-round lessons for children (and adults!) of all ages. And don't miss Balboa Park, home to over 15 museums, as well as the San Diego Zoo! Glide through waterways on a real gondola or enjoy a sight-seeing tour with Old Town Trolley Tours (perfect for families with young children!); those with older kids won't want to miss GoCar Tours' mini "talking" cars that combine vehicle and tour guide. This hot spot is our pick for a warmer twist on a family Spring Break getaway! More on San Diego.

Spring break is the perfect time to take a family vacation; the season offers a great diversity of travel destinations from sand and sun to snow packed fun! And while spring is definitely peak season for some spots, there are still some great deals to be had as the peak seasons wind down (i.e. ski resorts) or begin to pick up (i.e. the beach scene). So do your research, find your deals, and pack those bags - you're on the road to family fun! And to add an extra layer of protection to your lodging accomodations, don't forget to order a Travel-Tot Travel Child-Proofing Kit; use promotional code SAFETRAVEL for 20% off! Safe and happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2012-01-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to improvise. If you're staying at a hotel that doesn't provide a bed rail, consider turning the sitting chair around and backing it against the bed. It's not ideal, but it works in a pinch!

Childproofing Your Hotel Room!

2011-12-30T05:08:00.000-08:00

Family get-aways are supposed to be fun, memory-making adventures, yet each year countless toddlers and young children sustain serious injuries while on vacation; sadly, these accidents often could have been prevented with just a few minutes attention and a few easy-to-install childproofing devices. The Travel-Tot team is dedicated to providing parents with the tools and information they need to make vacation stays safer and more relaxing; so we are pleased to offer this quick, easy checklist of tips for childproofing your home-away-from-home (down-loadable checklist available here!):

It is CRITICAL to visually inspect each part of your room thoroughly from the vantage point of your child. Get down low: look beneath and behind furniture, drapes, sinks, toilets, and heaters for loose pills, pins, or other overlooked items that could pose a choking or poisoning hazard - you may be surprised what you find.
Call the front desk to see if you could have decorative items (floral arrangements, statuary, bowls of potpourri, etc.) removed from the room (or simply gather them yourself and put them somewhere where little hands cannot reach them).
Bring and install childproofing devices (such as those found in the Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit).

Secure blind cords.
Keep low cabinet doors shut with straps.
Secure corner guards onto furniture.
Place pinch guards on interior swinging doors.
Install guards on interior sliding doors.
Insert outlet covers into unused outlets.
If your little traveler is curious about the toilet, be sure to place a doorknob protector on the handle or install a locking strap if the door has a lever handle.

Ensure that all locks and latches on exterior doors are in working order and secure them to prevent unsupervised access to stairs, balconies, and terraces.
Keep all furniture away from doors and windows to prevent access to locks and accidental falls.
Arrange furniture to allow for some safe, open play space.
Keep cribs away from curtains and tables. Drapes, curtains, lamps, and other electrical devices can be deadly if pulled into crib by a baby or young child.
For all cribs: remove pillows, toys, or blankets that may cause suffocation or strangulation.
If you use a hotel-provided crib be sure it is up to standards with the Consumer Product Safety Commission: slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and all sides should be fixed (no drop sides).
Unplug electrical appliances and store in a locked drawer or cabinet.
Store personal care items out of the reach of children. Use a hanging toiletry bag and lock it inside the closet hanging up high out of the reach of little hands…it’s not just medications that have to be stored out of reach of children, many cosmetics can be toxic.

The fifteen minutes takes to inspect and childproof your guest room could be the difference between a fun-filled day of frolicking and spending your precious vacation time in the Emergency Room. While no childproofing devices or efforts are a substitute for vigilant parental supervision, installing just a few childproofing mechanisms (such as those found in the Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit) can considerably decrease the odds of your children injuring themselves on unsecured doors, outlets, drawers, sharp corners, or loose cords. These simple steps can not only help make your home-away-from-home safer, but can create a more relaxing space for everyone!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-12-27T04:11:00.000-08:00

Pack your cosmetics and other toiletries in a hanging bag and hang the bag out of reach in a locked closet to help prevent curious little hands from getting into trouble; many cosmetics and toiletries can be toxic if ingested.

Closing the Generation Gap!

2011-12-23T04:28:00.000-08:00

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

- Desmond Tutu

Family is our past, present and future - and, particularly at the holidays, it is so important to bring the generations together to share the laughter and love that such closeness often evokes. Whether your children's grandparents live close-by or half-way across the world, the relationships they have with your children can be very special! Grandparents possess a breadth of experience and knowledge (not to mention some great childhood anecdotes about you or your spouse!) that can captivate the minds of children of all ages.

No matter how often your children visit with their grandparents, try and make their time together as memorable and enjoyable as possible. It may require a bit of work on your part, and maybe even a little flexibility, but watching your parents or in-laws truly connect with your children is priceless. Below are a few tips for making fond memories for both your children and their grandparents:

Play to your parent's (or in-law's) strengths - try to "casually arrange" opportunities for activities both they and your children will enjoy (i.e. games, picnics, fishing with grandpa, crafting with grandma, etc.).
Be flexible - while your children's safety must always come first, allow for a few small concessions or departures from your usual routine (extra treats, missed naps, over-the-top silliness, etc.).
Wax nostalgic - ask your parents or in-laws to share stories from their youth; share old photos, paper clippings, or letters.
Share your heritage - have your children learn about their family's customs and traditions! Arrange to have your children and their grandparents: make a favorite ethnic dish together, learn a favorite traditional song or dance, share a folk-tale or story.
Alone time - if you, your children, and your parents (or in-laws) are comfortable with the idea, consider allowing your children to "sleep-over" at their grandparents. If a sleep-over is out, try to plan some time when your kids and their grandparents can visit alone (without you hovering over them!) - sometimes it is easier for people to be themselves when they don't feel they have an audience.

Family is precious; and sharing time, experiences, and heritage across the generations is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime - especially during the holidays! If possible, try to capture some of those laughs and interactions on film and video, so you can all enjoy them for years to come!

Wishing you all blessed, happy, and healthy holidays!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-12-20T02:56:00.000-08:00

Keep a small notebook in your diaper bag or purse - you never know when your child might say something priceless and this way you can capture the memory forever! Try to remember to record the date and anyone who was involved in the exchange! These snippets make a particularly fun read when your children bring home potential suitors later in life!

Preparation; Reducing Anxiety for Little Travelers!

2011-12-16T03:17:00.000-08:00

Travel can be exciting, and sharing the adventure with your child(ren) can make it that much more fun! But while adults generally have some idea of what will happen on a journey, to many young children travel may be a bit intimidating. Preparing young travelers for an upcoming adventure can go a long way toward helping them get excited for the journey and enjoying the experience!

Air, water, or rail travel can be unnerving to a child who has never experienced the sounds, vibrations, and motions that adults can take for granted. Take some time to show your child a model (or the real thing if it is locally available for viewing!) of whatever mode of transportation you will be using. Discuss what they can expect, keeping things simple and offering them reassurance that you will be with them at all times and that there is nothing they need to fear.

A few weeks before you hit the road, try to get your little adventurers excited about the place you're about to visit. Check out maps, books, newspapers, music; whatever is appropriate. Try not to make it seem like a chore, but rather a journey of it's own that will give them a chance to determine what they'd like to see or do when they arrive!

Picture books or videos can offer a world of information about your vacation destination, as can magazine or Internet photos of local sights they may see! If your children are old enough you can even make a game of looking at the images - asking questions such as "what do you think you can hear (or see or smell) from this spot?" If you can acquire images of actual places you are visiting, it can be great fun to bring them and try to navigate to the exact spot to experience it as a family!

Finally, the journey doesn't have to end when the trip comes to its inevitable conclusion - memories and impressions from the adventure can last a lifetime! Encourage older children to keep or create a travel journal chronicling their impressions of the places they visited - it doesn't have to be more than a sentence here or there, just something that will remind them of what they saw and experienced. Young children can do likewise by capturing a favorite spot or activity in a drawing!

A little planning can truly make a big difference when it comes to travelling with children. The few extra minutes you devote to introducing them to what they will be experiencing can help prevent meltdowns, panic, and worry, and the time spent exploring your vacation destination beforehand can enrich the exploration upon arrival!

Happy Travels!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-12-13T03:57:00.000-08:00

Always throw a small pack of baby wipes in your handbag - even if diaper changes are a thing of the past for you! They are great for sanitizing little hands, surfaces, cleaning up spills, and even just "freshening up" after a long journey!

Winter Preparedness Tips!

2011-12-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

Winter is here, and that means more time hunkering down indoors and trying to stay warm. But snuggling up with a warm mug of hot chocolate isn’t always going to be enough! According to the CDC, young children and the elderly are disproportionately affected by hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months. Often this results from failure to prepare for weather-related emergencies or improper maintenance of heating systems. The checklist below contains a few crucial steps that you can take now to help prepare your family for whatever this winter may bring.

Check your home’s heating systems:

Make sure that all heating systems are clean, working properly, and vented to the outside.
Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
Install smoke detectors and test batteries monthly.
Have a safe back-up heating source and fuel.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies by:

installing a carbon monoxide detector,
being aware of and alert for the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and
keeping generators and grills out of the house.

Prepare for weather-related emergencies and power outages:

Stow a broom and a shovel in a handy spot (to clear leaves and snow from walkways, driveways, and low lying vents).
Consider investing in a generator; the upfront cost may seem high, but it can save you money in the long run by making your home habitable in case of long-term power loss, and preventing the loss of perishables.
Stock a supply of food that does not require cooking or refrigeration and water.
Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:

battery-operated flashlights, radios, and lamps;
spare batteries;
a stocked first-aid kit and extra medicine;
baby items (i.e. jar foods, powdered formula, etc.); and
rock salt, cat litter, or sand for icy walkways.

You'll all enjoy snuggling up together indoors a little more if you know you've done everything you can to plan ahead for the safety and comfort of your family, should an emergency arise!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-12-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

There are some great deals to book cheap airline tickets for families looking to save money on travel; try booking your next trip with a trusted online travel agency like CheapOair.com!

Surviving a Long Flight With Children!

2011-12-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

Young children are not generally able to sit still for long; so being restricted or confined in an aircraft for a few hours can be a recipe for disaster culminating in tantrums or crankiness, much to the embarrassment and frustration of their parents. Add to that the discomfort from the change in cabin pressure and the potential for air sickness and you have a nightmare waiting to happen. Sadly, there is no magic potion to prevent meltdowns in flight; there are, however, several things parents can do to help alleviate the severity of these issues while flying with children!

Pack & Play!

Packing a few favorite toys to keep children entertained can provide distraction and activity for several hours! Before leaving home, have each child pack a favorite toy or two. For toddlers, you may want to bring a few toys (consider wrapping each item to add to the fun and suspense). By taking the packed items out one at a time you can not only maximize the novelty of each one; you will fill more time with play, and that's the goal!

For older kids, coloring books and crayons or colored pencils can go a long way! Many airlines even offer coloring sets, puzzles, and mini games for children. If the family is visiting friends or relatives, bring along a small photo album filled with pictures of the people they will see; you can even tell stories about their houses, pets, places you will be visiting, etc.

Plug & Play!

Long distance flights generally feature childrens' programs, movies, and games on the TV screen in the back of the seat. Packing headphones will save you a few bucks, and provide hours of entertainment! Also, portable personal gaming systems (Didj, Nintendo DS, Gameboy, Sega Genesis, Playstation, etc. ) will keep many kids occupied for long stretches of time.

Managing Discomfort or Illness

Once you've provided as much distraction and activity as you can fit into one carry-on, its important to prepare for the other major hurdle you could face; sickness. Air sickness affects some children, so plan to eat far in advance of the flight's departure time. If your child should become ill, simply use the air sickness bags provided, or pack a few of your own.

Some children complain of ear pain during take-off and landing. Providing pacifiers for babies to suck on and liquids for older kids to sip and swallow can help relieve the ear pressure. For older children, chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can also help relieve the pressure. If you don't happen to remember to bring these items, the stewards or stewardesses can often get them for you. You can also purchase soft ear plugs from most pharmacies that can help both with equalizing the air pressure on each side of the ear drum and with reducing some of the noise of flying.

Your mileage with these suggestions may vary, but with a little advance planning, even the longest trip can generally be weathered with reasonably good results; think of it as a whole different way to childproof when travelling!

Happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-11-29T01:12:00.000-08:00

For longer trips, call ahead to see if your lodging provider offers laundering facilities or services - you may be able to pack less and save yourself some luggage fees if you can wash and reuse what you bring!

Boutique of the Week: My Precious Kid!

2011-11-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

This week, Travel-Tot is proud to recognize a truly special boutique; My Precious Kid! With a bright and inviting storefront located in picturesque Hillsboro, OR, My Precious Kid is dedicated to child safety!

This spacious store houses hundreds of innovative products and boasts friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive staff.

My Precious Kid, a sole proprietor company, was founded by Kay Green, who originally developed ID card products to fill a need for home school and adopted kids. Beginning with one product in 2001, her company now carries over 1600 products protecting kids, adults, and pets.

My Precious Kid's mission is to "Make Child Safety Easy." To that end, the company manufactures its own ID kits and provides a wide variety of merchandise from outside manufacturers as well. Other products include ID cards, DNA and Fingerprint Kits, First Aid Kits, ID Bracelets, Shoe ID Stickers and ID Shoe Tags, Medical Records Book, Child Proofing Products, Cloth Diapers, and Travel products.

Kay Green is also a dedicated mother of four and grandmother of four, but her dedication to keeping children safe doesn't begin and end with her family or her business; Mrs. Green also shares her expertise coaching, mentoring, and working with other business women nationwide to achieve success. In addition, she hosts a blog and an online community through Facebook where parents can discuss a wide variety of topics and share their experience and concerns!

Kay Green and My Precious Kid have garnered several prestigious accolades, including: the Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award and being voted as Most Awesome Baby Boutique in the Portland area. In addition, the company's products have been mentioned on the Today Show, The View, and in numerous magazines, including: Parent Magazine, Woman's Day, Home Business Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, and Moms Business Magazine.

So if you find yourself in the greater Portland area, check out My Precious Kid! You'll instantly understand why they have garnered so much praise and a reputation for excellence!

Safe and happy travels.

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-11-22T05:22:00.001-08:00

When staying in a hotel make sure to bring scented diaper disposal bags - they'll keep your room from smelling like a diaper pail. Sassy makes a powedered scented "Diaper Sak" in a compact, easily portable dispenser! For refills check out Buy Buy Baby ($3.49 for 50 bags)!

Take-Along Travels With Baby... by Shelly Rivoli: Five Star Advice!

2011-11-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

Author Shelly Rivoli has created the quintessential go-to guide for every parent who has every had to endure the anxiety associated with trying to sooth a screaming child on a plane, or change an explosive diaper in transit, or weather the never ending chanting of "are we there yet?" from the backseat. Riddled with personal experiences and loaded with informative expertise, Take-Along Travels With Baby: Hundreds of Tips to Help During Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler is written in a humorous, accessible, and easy-to-digest format.

Covering everything from planning, to in-transit, to check-in, Take-Along Travels With Baby features seasoned-family-traveller tips. Rivoli provides numerous helpful bullet points, checklists, and how-to photos that can help keep young travellers safe, happy, entertained, fed, and sleeping as well as possible on family get-aways! All this valuable information is broken down into small, easy-to read sections that make it the perfect choice for perusing while waiting in a doctor's office, or before pick-up from pre-school! In addition, the author provides sections for parents to record important personal, medical, and emergency information, make notes, and stay organized.

Truly deserving of the numerous accolades it has garnered, this fantastic, fun read will appeal to every parent; whether you are embarking on your first family trip together or trying to avoid the pitfalls you have experienced on previous family get-aways! Grab your copy today (or grab two - it makes a great gift for new parents!); Take-Along Travels With Baby is truly an investment that will yield dividends in parental sanity and enjoyment of the journey for all!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-11-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

From Travel-Tot: Don’t forget to check under hotel beds when you FIRST get to a room with a child. You never know what evil lurks down there... and if you don't find it, your child will!

Baby's First Vacation: Taking Fear Out of the Equation!

2011-11-11T03:45:00.000-08:00

Your first vacation with your child can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking; whether your child is weeks old or starting to crawl, your first vacation is definitely a big wake up call! But there's no need to panic; with a little organization and planning (and these helpful tips!), you can be ready for whatever comes along!

To start, making a list will save you a lot of frustration and time. You'll want to pack to address everything from your child's health, to his or her day-to-day needs in terms of feedings, elimination, entertainment, safety, and comfort. Much of what you will need to pack will be determined by your destination, but the goal is to pack as efficiently as possible, minimizing the amount of unnecessary gear you bring along. In addition, you will need to address some basic health and safety precautions before you set out on your adventure.

Before You Go:

Schedule:

Scheduling your journey during your child's nap or bedtime is a great idea - after all, the more time your child spends sleeping during the journey, the less time you will need to occupy with play or other distractions! Just remember to bring along comfortable pajamas, books, or anything else that is a part of your usual routine.

Health:

If you are travelling with an infant, it is important to check with your pediatrician to be sure your child has had all necessary inoculations. Babies do not have fully formed immune systems and are far more susceptible to contracting illnesses than adults. In addition, it is always a good idea to pack any medications your child may require in a bag that will be easily accessible during the journey. A carry-on or diaper bag is a good choice; beware though, if you are flying you will need to familiarize yourself with the TSA limits regarding how much liquid you may carry on with you. Consider packing larger quantities of children's medications in your checked luggage for emergencies.

Packing:

Clothing:

Packing clothes is relatively simple: a good rule of thumb is to pack a few more outfits than your baby would go through at home, and remember it never hurts to pack a few extra pajamas, socks and onesies! For extended trips, you may want to check with your lodging provider to see if they have laundry facilities. What you spend doing laundry you will easily save in excess luggage fees.

Diapers and Wipes:

For the majority of destinations, it is safe to assume that you will be able to acquire diapers, wipes, ointment, etc. once you arrive. But plan to pack enough for the flight or drive, plus a few extras for any unforeseen accidents or travel delays. If you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to acquire those items once you arrive, consider using a company like Jet Set Babies - they deliver all the supplies you will need directly to your hotel!

Toys:

Travelling without toys to occupy your child will inevitably result in disaster. Pack a wide variety to keep baby distracted along the way, including old stand-bys and a few new surprises! Avoid bringing noisy toys or items that could prove annoying to fellow travelers. To add to the fun, consider wrapping some toys (old or new!) in tissue or scrap paper and introduce items one at a time to extend their novelty and appeal!

Gear:

The less gear you need to haul, the happier you will be, so look for items that can serve multiple purposes (i.e. a car-seat that converts to a stroller, a pack and play that can be used as both a play pen and for sleeping etc.). Another alternative is to explore the availability of rental gear; many popular vacation destinations have local companies that offer strollers or other baby gear that you can borrow for the duration of your stay for less than it may cost to lug all that gear on a plane. Also, many lodging providers now offer cribs, play yards, etc. upon request, which can help cut down on what you need to haul, so call ahead!

In-Transit:

Snacks:

Bring along whatever baby-snack items (rice puffs, dry cereal, etc.) your child enjoys most - if you are flying, remember a sippy cup or pacifier to help equalize pressure on take-off and landing! And don't just pack for baby - bring along some finger-friendly snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, etc.) for Mom and Dad - you never know when you might run into a delay.

Air Travel Tips:

Though it offers you the best chance at stowing larger items overhead on a crowded flight, you are not required to board early; if your child is not asleep, that's just 30 or so more minutes that he or she will be trapped in a confined space feeling antsy.

Once You Arrive:

Safety:

Upon arrival, do a quick evaluation of your room; you may need to rearrange furniture to make play space and remove decorative items that could pose a hazard to your little explorer. You will also want to call ahead to see if your hotel offers any childproofing measures; if not bring along some basic child-proofing devices to child-proof your hotel room. The Travel-Tot Childproofing Kit is an ideal option with it's broad range of deterrent devices (outlet covers, corner guards, foam door pinch guard, multipurpose straps, cord guard etc.) and temporary, non-damaging adhesive. The Kit provides a layer of protection between your child and common hazards, while simultaneously affording you the peace of mind of knowing you won't be incurring extra expenses due to inadvertent damage to hotel property!

The extra few minutes you spend making a list ahead of time and childproofing your "home away from home" will result in a much more relaxed and enjoyable first vacation experience for everyone; and you will reap the reward of special memories that will last a lifetime! Check out Travel-Tot's free, printable e-book featuring all these pointers and more - the perfect resource for planning your Baby's First Vacation!

Safe and happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-11-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

From Travel-Tot: When checking into a hotel, check to see what kind of childproofing the front desk can offer you (if you didn’t bring your own!). It never hurts to ask!

Fire Safety: Prevention and Planning

2011-11-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Fires are the fifth most common cause of accidental death in the U.S. (CDC 2005), killing more than 4,000 Americans each year. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided if only a few simple preventative measures had been taken. Detection devices and a well-rehearsed escape plan could be the difference between life and death, so be sure to share these guidelines with your family:

Detection:

Smoke detectors can save lives; but only if they are operational and can be heard.

Be sure to place smoke detectors on every level of your home, and especially in sleeping areas.
Smoke rises, so alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings according to package instructions.
Change batteries twice a year; many people do it the weekend of the switch from standard time to daylight-savings time, and vice-versa so they don't forget!
Test each smoke alarm in your home on a monthly basis to make sure the device is functioning properly.
Smoke detectors are not meant to last forever: detectors should be replaced at least every ten years.
When you purchase an alarm, look for the ETL, UL, or CSA mark on the box; this certifies that the alarm has been lab-tested for safety.

Escape:

If a fire occurs in your home, detection alone is not enough. Your family should have a Fire Escape Plan to ensure the safety of all family members.

Practice your family's escape plan both during daylight hours and after dark.
If your residence is more than one story in height, keep a fire escape ladder in or near each bedroom above the ground floor.
If you live in a multiple-story dwelling and have an infant or young child who may not be able to negotiate a ladder, you should consider investing in a Baby Rescue; this flame-retardant, ventilated bag with a 50-foot-long tether is designed to allow you to get your kids out of the window and lower them down outside the building to safety. It is patented by Safety International, LLC and approved for children weighing up to 75lbs.
Be sure to stress to all family members that in the event of a fire, no one should try to save valuables; doing so could cost them their life.

Be sure to visit the U.S. Fire Administration homepage for additional information regarding fire safety. They have a vast collection of information, including Kids Pages, Fire Statistics, Prevention Campaigns, and a searchable listing of Fire-Safe Hotels/Motels!

Safe and happy autumn from all of us at Travel-Tot!

- Destination Mom

Travel-Tot Tip!

2011-11-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

From Travel-Tot: When travelling on a plane with small children, bring along some salty snacks to munch on while you’re waiting for the plane to take-off but hold off on the drink! That way when the plane takes off you are almost guaranteed some sippy cup action that will help equalize ears on the ascent!

Halloween Safety: Trick-or-Treating Tips!

2011-10-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

We at Travel-Tot know that Halloween is traditionally a time for costumes, parties, parades, and treats; however, safety is never far from our minds! Sadly, CDC data shows that almost four times as many children (age 5-14) are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year. In addition, numerous children are injured every Halloween; particularly by slips and falls. The good news is that most Halloween-related injuries are preventable if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treating and remember a few basic tips.

The following reminders are offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council:

Children should be instructed to:

Go only to well-lit houses.
Never enter houses.
Travel in small groups, with an adult.
Carry a cell phone and know how to reach a parent and call 911.
Have their name & phone number printed on their costume (or use a SafetyTat).
Bring treats home prior to eating so they can be inspected for tainting/spoilage.
Wear reflective, flame-retardant clothing.
Use face paint instead of masks.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
Avoid long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes.
Avoid carrying sharp or rigid costume knives or swords.
Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (when available), and avoid crossing between parked cars.
Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

Parents should:

Supervise outings for kids under 12.
Prepare for trick-or-treaters: clear lawns and sidewalks, place jack-o-lanterns away from doorways.
Avoid giving choking hazards (i.e. nuts, gum, or small toys) as treats to young children.
Inspect all candy for safety before it is eaten.
Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
Make sure children under 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians and sidewalks.
Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
Have children exit cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

-Destination Mom

Fall Family Fun!

2011-10-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

Fall is one of the best seasons to have fun as a family: not only because of the beautiful scenery in areas where the leaves are changing, but because of the myriad of fun, inexpensive, old-fashioned, family activities that abound! Add to that how beneficial it can be to take a little escape from the stresses of a new school year and you have the perfect recipe for fall family fun!

1. The Fall "Staycation"

This kind of get-away doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. With fall colors at their peak, a scenic drive, hike, camping trip or visit to a farm can be a real treat! Consider checking your local area for seasonal carnivals or festivals which generally have something fun for everyone!

2. Festive Decorations

No time for a get-away? A day of crafty activities to decorate your home for the season can be tons of fun (some great craft ideas can be found at the All Kids Network)! Visit local farms (or other retailers) and grab some hay bails, pumpkins, apples, gourds, and flowers. Collect leaves for various crafts, make a scarecrow as a family, paint or carve some pumpkins, create stamps, bake something delicious! Serve seasonal snacks; drink cider, snack on pumpkin seeds, and enjoy the crisp fall air. Let the kids get messy and run around; it's a great chance to let them flex their creative muscles and burn off some energy!

3. Dining Al Fresco

Another great day activity can be a local fall food tour! Check out local farm stands, wineries, and festivals to savor some great fall favorites: festive cupcakes, apple pie, pumpkin pie, cider donuts, pumpkin ravioli, apple cider, pumpkin seeds, jams, etc.. Consider bringing home some fresh produce to try a new recipe!

A little planning can help ensure everyone enjoys themselves no matter how you choose to spend time together! Have older children make a list of places they'd like to visit and activities they'd like to try. Stay flexible, but try to have a plan in place to keep the fun going! Most of all relax and enjoy your time together making memories.

Safe and happy fall fun!

-Destination Mom

Boo! Travel Horror Stories...

2011-10-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

We all have at least one: a travel memory we wish we had never made...

For most of my friends, the memory is punctuated with a torrent of vomit or explosive diarrhea. While I was lucky to dodge those bullets, there is one trip that stands out in my mind as particularly horrible. One cold October when my daughter was two years old, we took a quick overnight trip from northern New Jersey down to Virgina (just outside Washington, D.C.) so that I could attend a good friend's baby shower and my husband and daughter could visit his sister in the next town. It was the first long car trip we had done as a family and we were thrilled when our daughter didn't seem to suffer from motion sickness and slept for much of the journey - we figured with a full day of active play under her belt, we'd have no trouble with a small modification to her sleep schedule.

Then we checked in to our hotel.

To start with, the place was laden with loose cords and open outlets, sharp edges, and accordion closet doors; all immediate draws to my curious toddler. But worst of all the hotel room's door had about an inch of open space between the bottom of the door and the threshold, so not only could we hear EVERY sound that was made outside (and since we were right near a highway, there was plenty to hear!), but there was a steady stream of cold air pouring in from beneath the door; and conveniently, as it poured in, it created a high pitched screaming whistle.

With all the noise, cold air, and "no-nos" in the main room, my daughter literally passed the entire night dancing in the bathtub singing and going between tantrums from being sleepy and hysterics from being overstimulated by the distractions in our hotel room. It was like being trapped in a tea kettle at the north pole with the Tasmanian devil.

Somewhere around 4:00 am my husband and I decided that no one was going to get any sleep that night; so we packed up our stuff and left to drive home. I would estimate that I drank enough tea to keep a small nation awake for about 6 months, and between my husband and I taking turns at the wheel, 5 hours later we managed to arrive home... where my daughter promptly fell asleep. That was the first and last "quick overnighter" our family ever attempted; but on the bright side, four years later, it is a funny story and a valuable lesson about the importance of thoroughly researching the hotel before you book!

Safe, happy, and horror-free travels!

-Destination Mom

Grandparents and Childproofing: "The Talk"

2011-10-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Sadly, many new parents say they don't

want to bring their children to stay at grandparents' homes because there are so many hazards and the space generally lacks basic childproofing. So how do you tell your parents (or in-laws) that you don't want to visit because you fear for your child(ren)'s safety? Delicately, but firmly.

As kids, we all cringed when our parents delivered the "there comes a time..." talk to us. No matter the topic (money, driving, sex, friends, etc.) it all came down to one simple lesson: accept personal responsibility for keeping yourself and those around you safe. As parents, they had the benefit of the most up-to-date information on how to prevent the tragedies that could happen, so it truly was in our best interest to heed their advice (even if only grudgingly).

The same principle will apply when you have "The Talk" with your own parents (and in-laws) as a parent yourself. In years past, young parents relied upon their own parents' experience almost exclusively to determine their parenting practices; however, the dawn of the information age has expanded the available knowledge base for new parents and has helped raise awareness of methods for keeping infants and young children safe (not to mention the medical and technological advances that have been made over the last 30 years!).

Heartbreaking statistics show that accidents remain the leading cause of serious and fatal injury to young children; changing everything from the way we select car seats to how we childproof our homes. Sharing this information, along with your concerns for maximizing the enjoyment of visits by minimizing the stressors, can help ease the discussion's tension. Below are two common scenarios you may encounter and suggestions for diplomatic responses.

Scenario:

The "we raised you without all that stuff and you lived" mentality. It's true, anyone reading this survived childhood, perhaps with just a few bumps and bruises, or perhaps with more serious injury; but why gamble with any child's safety?

Tactics:

Assure your parents that you are not attacking their parenting style or ability; share with them that by taking a few simple steps to childproof their home they would have more fun with their grandchildren because they would spend less time saying "no" and more time enjoying the visit. Also (but only if its true!) let them know that childproofing would increase your comfort level during visits and may result in more frequent visits!
For resistant parents, offer to bring your own childproofing supplies and take them with you when you go; it may be cumbersome, but it's worth it if it helps smooth familial tension.
If they are truly resistant, suggest visiting at a park or in your own home instead; not ideal, but you have to stand up for your child(ren)'s safety - you would never be able to forgive yourself if your child(ren) suffered injury or death because you acquiesced to save someone hurt feelings.

Scenario:

Your parents or in-laws don't understand, don't have space for, or cannot afford "all those fancy gizmos."

Tactics:

As mentioned above, you can transport and install your own safety items each time; or, consider offering to buy a childproofing kit, like the compact one developed by Travel-Tot, featuring an assortment of outlet covers, corner guards, pinch guards, and cabinet/door securing devices to be stored at grandma and grandpa's house for visits (minimizing what you need to carry along)! One of the nicest features of Travel-Tot's Travel Childproofing Kit is that the adhesive is temporary, so it goes on strong, but comes off clean without damage to finishes or furniture!

When you confront your parents or in-laws, firmly, but politely make it clear that while you do want to be able to share the joy of their grandchildren with them, your child(ren)'s safety is your priority. Precious few bonds are as important as those between children and grandparents; and those bonds will only be strengthened by having open and honest lines of communication about important issues like safety.

Safe and happy travels.

-Destination Mom

Ten Practical Baby Shower Gifts Under $50!

2011-09-30T05:04:00.001-07:00

Baby-showers are supposed to be fun, happy affairs, but struggling to select that perfect gift can certainly take the wind out of your sails! We've all seen the endless parade of cute, slogan-laden bibs and onesies (i.e. "Party at my crib - 3a.m.!," "Do I look like I was born yesterday?," etc.), and while they make for entertaining baby-shower gifts they are not always the most practical items for expectant parents. So if you are looking for ideas for fun, practical, and useful baby-shower gifts under $50 (to go with that witty onesie!), check some of our faves!

Our Ten Favorite Practical Baby Shower Gifts Under $50

HALO® SleepSack™ Cotton (Diapers.com $19.00) Ideal for everything from naps to night-long slumbers! Carries the gold seal from First Candle/SIDS Alliance!
My Blue Bumbershoot Stroller Umbrella (Walmart $47.99) A perfect fit for any stroller, this oversized clip-on umbrella keeps you dry while it frees up hands to allow easy stroller manipulation!
Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit (Travel-Tot.com $34.95) The perfect way to take the peace of mind of home wherever you roam; features a myriad of childproofing devices and sturdy, temporary adhesive so installed pieces go on strong, yet come off cleanly when it's time to pack back up!
Diaper Genie II (Walmart $34.32) Keep your nursery clean and fresh smalling with this ingenious diaper disposal system!
Monkey Foot Designs Wetbags (Etsy.com $8.50 - $50.00) The best way to store soiled bibs, burp cloths, wet swimsuits, cloth diapers and other wet items; its unique lining contains smells and prevents leakage - comes in tons of great fabrics and sizes (single or double pocket!).
Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Cozy Cart Cover (Amazon.com $25.00) Keep germs at bay when you place your child in a public shopping cart with this adorable padded cart cover - offers 360-degree coverage!
Sophie Giraffe (MagicCabin.com $22.98) A durable, fun, natural, non-toxic, super-cushy teether and grasping toy. Very lightweight for easy manipulation by a baby.
Cloud B Twilight Constellation Nightlight - Twilight Turtle (Amazon.com $21.19) A brilliant turtle-shaped night-light that projects a sky full of stars (in blue, green, or amber) onto walls and ceiling - self-timed shut-off makes this a great "fall asleep" buddy! Terrific for travel too!
Diaper Cake (Sara 'N Dippity Creations $32.00) A cute and clever way to give the uber-practical gift of diapers along with loveable plush toys!
Pacifier Pal (BabyBabyBoutique.eCrater.com $12.00) The best way to keep pacifiers within reach of little hands and safe from tumbles to the floor!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Child Safety Month: In Case of Emergency!

2011-09-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

September is Child Safety Month! Until you have a toddler, it is hard to understand how many facets there are to keeping your littlest family members safe; car seats, childproofing (at home and on the go!), infant/child CPR classes, baby monitors, identification tags, cribs, toys, strollers - and the list goes on and on!

However, one of the most basic things you can do to keep your children safe is to create a comprehensive listing of all medical and emergency contact information. Print multiple copies so that you can post one on your refrigerator at home, pack one in your wallet for whenever you go out, and provide a copy to each of your children's caregivers (i.e. pre-school, after care, relatives, etc.). Be sure to include:

Emergency Numbers:

Parent's cell phone numbers;
Parent's work phone numbers;
911;
Non-emergency Police Department phone number;
Poison control phone number;
Fire department phone number;
Child's doctor's practice, name, and phone number;
Off-hours doctor's phone number;
Child's chart number;
Child's dentist's practice, name, and phone number;
Address, phone number, and directions to preferred hospital;
Emergency contact information for two people other than parents, including:

Name;
Phone number(s);
Relation.

Emergency Information:

Home address;
Mom's full name;
Dad's full name;
Child's full name;
Child's date of birth;
Any allergies, medications, or special conditions;
Insurance provider;
Insurance provider phone;
Insured name and ID;
Group ID;
Policy ID.

Travel-Tot is pleased to provide an easy-to-use Emergency Information Form here for our readers! Having such information available all in one place in an easy-to-distribute format could be the difference between life and death, particularly when your child is under the care of someone who may not have all that information committed to memory!

Safe and happy September!

-Destination Mom

Destination: Camping!

2011-09-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

The beauty of camping as a family is that it is affordable, engaging, and perfectly adaptable for families with children of any age! A family camp-out can be as simple as pitching a tent in the backyard, building a fire pit for marshmallow roasting, and spending the night sleeping under the stars or as adventurous as exploring one of America's National Parks for a week!

One of our family's favorite traditions is to camp-out in the backyard the first weekend after school starts. We throw the tent up, bring out the sleeping bags, grill up some supper, and make a little fire pit for smores! We do all sneak inside for bathroom breaks during the night and I usually end up sleeping inside (so the dog doesn't spend all night barking!) - but it just adds to the fun; my daughter breaks out the walkie talkies and once I'm inside she periodically "radios in for supplies" (i.e. snacks, glow sticks, books, toys, etc.) as the night wears on!

Below are some of the things we have done on our annual backyard camp-out that were a huge hit:

cookout (we find that campfires are ok
for hot dogs, but our gas grill is really better for most other items; but we make sure to eat outdoors and everyone helps with the cooking!)
smores (the cornerstone of any successful camp-out according to my daughter!)
glow-sticks/bracelets/necklaces
flashlight hide and seek (instead of us hiding, we hide a prize!)
star gazing with a telescope (we have seen everything from comets to planets to the space station!)
scavenger hunt
storytelling/book reading
nature hunt (find bugs, make leaf rubbings, search the skies with binoculars for birds or bats - your imagination is your only limitation!)

Safe and happy camping!

-Destination Mom

Childproofing Tips: Home and Beyond!

2011-09-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 years old and under, with more than a third of these injuries happening at home. Every year, more than 3,000,000 unintentional injuries occur in the home to children (ages 14 and under) and result in emergency room visits; even more tragically, each day approximately six children die from injuries resulting from fires, burns, drownings, poisonings, choking, falls, suffocation, and strangulation in the home. Many of these injuries can be prevented by simply taking the time to properly childproof your living space - whether you are at home or away.

Tips for Childproofing your Home:

Your home should be a safe, loving environment that your child can explore with minimal chance of incurring injury; and while vigilant supervision is the most important safety precaution you can take, it’s sometimes not enough or possible. Below are some simple steps for making your home more "little-explorer" friendly and safe:

Install standard childproofing devices and guards (according to guidelines and instructions), including:

outlet plugs,
cabinet and drawer locks,
knob covers (stoves with controls on the front of the unit),
door guards and doorknob covers,
window stops,
window guards,
cord guards,
furniture straps and brackets,
corner guards, and
stair gates (while pressure mounted gates can deter children, wall-mounted gates are more effective at preventing injuries from accidental falls).

Install and check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and be sure to change the batteries in each unit regularly.
Set hot water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees, if you do not have control over the heating element (apartment dwellers, etc.) install an anti-scald device, which is relatively inexpensive and can be installed you or by a plumber.
Keep pools enclosed by a locked fence that cannot be climbed to prevent accidental access (hot-tubs should be covered and locked when not in use). Be sure there is a perimeter alarm to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised.

Tips for Childproofing Away from Home:

Investing just fifteen minutes to inspect and childproof your guest room can considerably decrease the odds of your child injuring themselves on unsecured doors, outlets, drawers, sharp corners, or cords. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your home-away-from-home safe and relaxing:

Get down on your hands and knees and explore the room from your toddler’s perspective; be sure to thoroughly check under beds and furniture for stray pills, buttons, pins, or other items that could pose a poisoning or choking hazard.
Make sure that if you are using a hotel-provided crib that it is up to standards with the Consumer Product Safety Commission: slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart and all sides should be fixed (no drop sides).
Whether using a hotel-provided crib or a port-a-crib from home, remove pillows, toys, or blankets that may cause suffocation or strangulation.
Never leave your child alone in the bathroom.
Unplug electrical appliances (i.e. hairdryer, razor, etc.) and store them in a locked drawer or cabinet.
Ensure that the bathtub floor has a non-slip surface or that there are non-slip mats or decals available.
Keep hazardous products out of the reach of children (i.e. mouthwash, shampoo, cosmetics, medications, etc.).
Bring and install some basic childproofing gear (such as the items found in the Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit).

Secure blind cords.
Keep low cabinet doors shut with straps.
Secure corner guards onto furniture.
Place pinch guards on interior swinging doors.
Install guards on interior sliding doors.
Insert outlet covers into unused outlets.
If your little traveler is curious about the toilet, be sure to place a doorknob protector on the handle or install a locking strap if the door has a lever handle.

Ensure that all locks and latches on exterior doors are in working order and secure them to prevent unsupervised access to stairs, balconies, and terraces.
Keep furniture away from doors and windows to prevent access to locks and accidental falls.
Finally, be sure to arrange the furniture in a way that allows for some play space; a room full of “no-nos” will result in bored and irritated toddlers, which will lead to stressed and anxious parents!

Safe and happy exploring!

-Destination Mom

Family Car-Trip Travel Products We Love!

2011-09-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

Travel-Tot is dedicated to helping keep children safe away from home; and while we are proud to have introduced to the market the first temporary Travel Childproofing Kit, we are also thrilled to have discovered the following products that we feel could also help make travelling with young children easier and less stressful! Check out these great products:

Bubble Bum Travel Booster Seat:

We love this innovative, safe, compact, and easy to pack seat that can be used for children between 40 and 80 pounds. A huge hit in Europe, the Bubble Bum inflatable booster seat meets the crash testing USA FMVSS213 standards in its inflated and deflated state; a great product for both travel and to keep on hand for emergency situations where a booster seat may be needed, but too bulky to keep a spare on hand. We especially love that it deflates to virtually the size of a hand towel for storage and packing!

Munchkin Travel-Tray:

We love this travel tray; it's a play station for the road! This adorable tray provides your little road-warrior with a great surface for drawing, reading, playing and more; helping to keep your child entertained in the car! Featuring a mesh pocket for crayons, markers and more, built-in side walls to help keep items from sliding off tray, and a built-in spill-proof snack holder, it's the perfect way to keep everything contained yet easily accessible!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Safety Alert: Identity Theft and Your Family

2011-08-26T02:31:00.000-07:00

I had always thought of myself as a fairly organized and careful person... until this past Monday. In my haste to remove some beach gear from my car, get my daughter settled in her seat, grab my mail, and head out to a dental appointment, I inadvertently left my purse in my driveway and drove over it leaving it in my wake as I rushed off to the dentist's office. Of course, five minutes later I realized what must have happened when my bag was nowhere to be found in my car. I raced home to retrieve it from my driveway only to find it was gone. To say I was devastated is a gross understatement; I pretty much lost it. I panicked as I realized I was uncertain exactly what was in my bag. Which credit cards were in there? Was my ATM card in there? How would I replace my license, registration, and insurance cards when I wasn't supposed to drive without them? And what about things that could potentially create serious problems for other people (i.e., family photos with names, a friend's house-key, my daughter's picture with her name and age on the back, etc.)? I was a wreck. Of course I immediately called and cancelled every credit card I could remember having in my wallet, my husband cancelled my ATM card for me and contacted our health insurance carrier to report the cards as stolen. But as upset as I was, nothing frightened me as much as not knowing what I might have missed.

Now, I am thrilled to report that my story has a happy ending; as it happens, a wonderfully kind man had seen the bag in my driveway near the road and picked it up. He had been trying to reach me by calling my office number (not realizing I was out of the office that day). In the end, I went down to my local police department and they were able to contact the gentleman who had found the bag and arrange its immediate return (with everything intact!).

But not all stories end so happily; identity theft is increasingly common, and stolen credit cards, Social Security cards, and insurance cards can result in disastrous consequences for cardholders who were unaware of their loss. The officer who helped me shared some valuable tips on protecting your family member's identities that every adult, and especially parents, should be aware of; I have summarized his advice below:

Carry only what you need in your wallet or purse; store all non-essential information in a safe place at home
Never carry spare house or car keys in your wallet or purse (also, never label keys)
Make a detailed list of the items you do carry with you and store it in a safe place
Keep photocopies of your wallet's important contents (license, registration, credit cards, ATM card, etc.) stored in a safe place
Never carry your or your child(ren)'s Social Security numbers or cards in your wallet or purse
Never carry birth certificates, passports, or employee ID cards with valuable personal information (Social Security number, date of birth, etc.) in your purse or wallet
Never carry account numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet
Keep the contact numbers and information for all your financial and personal information in a secure place so they are readily available
For PDAs and smartphones: use password protection so that if the device is turned on by an unauthorized user only a log-in screen will appear along with instructions on how to contact you to return the device. You should also keep a backup of your data to use as a starting inventory should it be lost.

If your wallet or purse is stolen or lost, this site features a comprehensive list of the steps you can take to help keep your family safe and deter identity theft, credit fraud, insurance fraud, home invasion or auto theft.

Safe and happy travels.

-Destination Mom

Back to School: Safety and the Student

2011-08-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

With kids heading back to school within the next few weeks, it seemed like a great time to share a few important safety tips! Many of the helpful hints below are well known by most children, but with the excitement and confusion of returing to school it can be easy for kids to forget, or to be more inclined to inadvertantly put themselves into situations that could be dangerous. Offering these simple reminders may help keep safety fresh in their minds as they head off!

Getting To and From School:

For younger students, parents should always provide supervision to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school. It is not safe for young children to walk to and from school, even in groups. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for other trusted adults to provide supervision at the bus stop.

For older students, if they take the bus, be certain they know which bus is theirs and remind them to stay with a group while standing at the bus stop. If they walk or ride a bike to school, remind them to always take a friend with them when walking or biking. Walk the route to and from school with your children before the start of the year and point out safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Teach them never to take short-cuts; to avoid parks, vacant lots, and fields; and to always stay in well-lit areas.

All children taking the bus should be taught and reminded to: stay seated at all times, keep their heads and arms inside the bus, and keep their seatbelts fastened during the trip. When exiting the bus, they should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls, and cross the street far enough in front of the bus that they can make eye contact with the driver.

Students who ride a bicycle or scooter to school should wear an approved safety helmet and should be taught to obey all traffic signals, signs, and traffic officers. Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.

Stranger Danger:

Let your children know that if anyone harasses them or makes them feel scared or uncomfortable that they should trust their feelings and immediately get away from that person and tell a trusted adult. Impress upon them that it is ok to be rude to people who make them uncomfortable and that it is ok to say "no."

Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should resist by hitting, kicking, and screaming. Advise them to try to run away and call as much attention to themselves as possible by kicking and screaming “Fire!" or “You are not my father/mother!”

Remind your children never to accept a ride, money, candy, or gift from a stanger. Let them know that if anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, put as much distance between themselves and that vehicle as possible, and run to a trusted adult (or the home of a trusted adult) and ask for help.

Be sure your children know that grownups should never approach a child to ask for directions, they should ask other adults. Reassure them that it is ok to ignore a stranger trying to get them to approach a vehicle by attempting to solicit their help.

Lines of Communication:

Be sure the school has current and accurate emergency contact information on file for your children and confirm names of those authorized.

Always know where your children will be. Teach your children to always check with you before changing their plans before or after school. Teach your children to never leave school, with anyone unless they ok it with you or another trusted adult, even if someone tells them it is an emergency.

Be sure your children know their home phone number and address, your cell number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to call 911 for emergencies.

Safe and happy Back-to-School!

-Destination Mom

Sites We Love: Red Tricycle!

2011-08-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

This week we are proud to introduce one of our favorite resources for our West Coast readers: Red Tricycle! Red Tricycle is a free website and e-mail newsletter that strives to serve its readership by providing tons of ideas for cool things to see, eat, make, and do with their children locally; Red Tricycle is truly an invaluable tool for those who live in or visit the greater Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego areas!

Established in late 2005, Red Tricycle has been described as "a filter" to refine, review, and highlight the very best in local information of concern to parents. Offering everything from local newsbites to the best in dining, and kid-friendly attractions and activities, Red Tricycle's goal is obvious; to help parents have more fun with their kids. The free weekly e-mailed newsletter offers a glimpse of great local opportunities for families, while the website offers longer articles, contests, and links to fabulous products and parenting information! There are also links on each location's site for readers to submit their own photos, stories, and events.

Currently, Red Tricycle is holding their "Most Awesome Awards" (sponsored by Giggle.com), a chance for readers to nominate their favorite products, services, mom's club, deal site, etc.! In addition to helping to select the most awesome mom, baby and kid-related businesses around, participants are eligible to win some fabulous prizes including the Grand Prize: a $500 Gift Certificate to Giggle, 1st Prize: A Flip Video Camera (value $300) and 2nd Prize: A Large Organic Plush Winnie-the-Pooh (value $110).

We are thrilled to have been recognized by many of our loyal fans as their choice for "Most Awesome Kids Travel Accessory," and greatly appreciate everyone's nominations! (WARNING: shameless pitch ahead!) If you haven't already, we'd love to encourage you to visit Red Tricycle's site and cast your nomination for the Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit! But even if you don't get a chance to nominate us, we highly recommend you check out Red Tricycle; whether you live on the West Coast, or are just visiting, there is a myriad of information that will help you enjoy your time there with your family!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Where's Wendy! (the final chapter)

2011-08-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Mountain Creek website.

So our trip concluded with our final stopoff in Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ (closer to home!). We decided to "live la vida loca" and sprung for a Treetop Cabana. You can reserve them online for about $75 per day; it comes with a private picnic table, sheltered canopy, lounge chairs, and table service… yes, we were the fancy-pants family of the day, but I have to say it was WONDERFUL! It gave us a place to relax and escape out of the fray and made me feel as though we were truly on vacation.

The kiddie area features a giant pirate ship which, thanks to Jake and the Neverland Pirates, is one of my children’s favorite themes. There was a small lazy river, a manageable water slide called The Hook, and a separate area with all different kinds of fountains. I have to say, I was apprehensive because I wasn’t sure there would be enough variety to keep our 3-year-old engaged for the entire day, but because she had a life vest, she was allowed to ride some of the adult rides that we could ride together. It was fantastic day of safe watery adventure for everyone.

I did see one thing that really caught my attention. You super travelers may already know about these, but I saw a young girl (about 5-years-old) wearing an inflatable swimming vest. I am not ready to endorse them yet; we are still doing our research here at Travel-Tot, but what a fantastic travel safety item! I always pack my life vests for my little ones, but they take up a lot of room in the suitcase; if these work as well as they seemed to I will be ordering mine for the next trip!

This was a day where I really was able to leave behind the to-do list and really have fun with my family. Obviously, I could not keep my blackberry attached to my hip so I let it go for the day and rode water slides, ate junk food, and laughed like crazy. In fact, I relaxed. I remembered a few things that the daily grind had erased from my memory such as: my kids are awesome, my husband not bad to look at in a bathing suit and I still know how to have fun. We are definitely doing this day trip again!

Thanks for being a part of our family adventure - if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear about it! Just drop a note to Destination Mom! Safe and happy travels!

Where's Wendy! (cont.)

2011-08-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

So here's how the first few days went:

First, as someone who frequently travels cross-country by plane, I was thrilled to discover that traveling by car is far more forgiving! That said, Boston traffic redefines the word horrible. The DVD player was not missed too much, but I would have liked it for the end of the trip... it got a little gritty around hour 3.5. The big winners for entertainment were the mess free marker color sheets and the Strawberry Shortcake figures they got in the happy meal on the ride up... go figure!?

Our hotel was great - we went through Hotwire and scored a 4 star for $180.00 - a beautiful full service Westin with complimentary Starbucks in room! It also featured a gorgeous pool; it kept us from the Children's Museum but the kids were having a blast swimming with the piped in music! The buffet was free for kids under 7 (score!!!) and they had a seperate healthy buffet too... yummy; we sat on the outdoor patio and had a wonderful breakfast.

The few obstacles we encountered in the hotel made me thankful I'd decided to bring the Travel-Tot Childproofing Kit (used a hanging costmetic bag which I stored in the closet, so the sliding door lock was invaluable for keeping the kids out of my stuff!). My one big complaint would be the weight sensor snack buffet in the room... horrendous with kids... if you move it you're charged... and of course it's all chips and M&Ms.

Showered up and headed off to RI - the point of going to RI was to show the girls where we were married. It was just a day trip. Once we arrived in Newport we needed a low key place for the kids to eat. We found a hotdog and cheeseburger hole-in-the wall off of Thames St. (I only wish I'd had my camera).

Few stumbles:

Forgot the camera - thank God for cell phones.
Forgot towels -ugh. Stopped at a Walmart.
For our daytrip to RI - I thought it would be later when we got there, wish now that I had put a mini sunblock in my diaperbag.

All in all - pretty successful! Stay tuned, there's more to come - we did a waterpark the next day...

Where's Wendy!

2011-08-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new feature: Where’s Wendy? I am Wendy, Co-Founder of Travel-Tot and my family travels frequently; our trips cover a wide range of destinations and budgets.

Today I am at home packing the car.

This week I am taking you on my "Last Minute Road-Trip Adventure!" This evening my family will leave for northern Massachusetts; the trip is three days long. We will leave tonight and be back home on Thursday. So far, all I have are my lists; I am sharing them in the hopes that they may help you walk that difficult line between overpacking and accidentally leaving essentials behind. I have also included some expert tips, to save you from some of the common pitfalls I have encountered!

Clothes

Tips:

When packing I start with clothes in case I need to do laundry because it is so irritating to find that out at the last minute.
Always pack for one more day than your trip. This is enough margin for error to get you to a laundromat in case of delay or emergency
Think outfits: pack according to the day. Especially if you are using packing cubes.
Always bring two bathing suits per person so your swimwear has a chance to dry completely.
Organize your packing list by category and not by person. You will save time doing all the clothes, meds, etc. at one time.

For my toddler:

3 PJs
6 underpants (because we’re potty training… of course!)
socks & sneakers (she'll likely wear the sandals she wears in the car, but if the weather changes or we end up doing something more active, I want her to have proper footwear)
6 outfits (short sleeve shirts and shorts/skirts)

For my big girl:

4 outfits
4 underpants
2 swimsuits
1 PJ
2 pairs of socks
sandals (just in case she gets too hot, normally she wears her Converse black and white star sneakers everywhere)

For myself:

3 outfits
2 extra t-shirts (since I often become the human handiwipe!)
3 underpants
Work out stuff: sports bra, sneakers, shorts, socks and blackberry headphones (who knows, maybe I’ll get out for 40 minutes and use the hotel gym and rock out on my Pandora!)
1 PJ (I always think, what would I want to be seen in by other hotel guests if I’m running for my life and we all end up in the parking lot so I always pick something modest).

For my husband:

I make it a rule not to pack for him. If he leaves out his things I will put them in the suitcase or I will set out the things on his list and he can review and pack them up himself. This has saved us lots of traveling tension during our 10 years of marriage.

On to the next category:

Toiletries

Tip: Target has an extensive section of travel size products and empty bottles. I tend to buy the empty bottles and fill them myself. It’s just a little more cost effective, but sometimes for the sake of time I’ll just grab what they have off the shelves.

Hair Stuff:

brush & comb
detangler (with two little girls, there is lots of tangly hair)
rubber bands & clips (to coordinate with packed outfits)
shampoo & conditioner for my kids (I can use the hotel stuff no problem, but it will sting eyes, and my kids have really sensitive skin so they’ll end up with rashes on top of the stingy eyes… not fun)

Eyes:

contact lenses & solution

Teeth:

toothbrushes & pastes (I look forward to one toothpaste travel!)
mommy and daddy paste
big girl paste
baby paste
my white strips

Face:

I (of course) have my entire travel anti-aging regimen, which I will not leave home without any more.
make-up
travel baby soap for the kids to wash their faces, this way they can do it themselves and not worry about getting it in their eyes.

Body:

soap (again I’m good with the stuff at the hotel for me, but my kids will get dry skin and other irritations from it so I bring a travel bottle full of their soap from home).
deodorant
Boys, look away! You’re not going to want to know this. Ok ladies, I’m going to get a little personal. There is a great product called Always Clean. It’s an individually wrapped sanitary wipe. I’m not into these when I’m doing my day to day on the home front, but I love them for travel. It’s just one little way to feel a little fresher when you’ve been sitting in a car, plane or train for hours and hours.
razor (let’s face it, two days of summer fun is about as much as I can get away with and not bring my razor).

Meds & Sundries:

sun block
aloe (in case something goes wrong on the sun block front)
mini Neosporin packs
anti-itch cream
children’s antihistamine
children’s fever reducer
vitamins for all of us
diapers
wipes
mini Desitin (it comes in little packs, which I bring just in case. If I’m going into a trip with a diaper rash I bring the biggest tube I can travel with!)
Mommy meds (Advil, Tylenol, Tums, ect.)

Safety:

without sounding like a total commercial, I will be packing my Travel-Tot childproofing kit. If you look at my list there are lots of things that my kids should not be handling. In a hotel room, I feel most comfortable when I can hang my toiletries kit in the closet and use one of the items from my kit to lock the closet. This gives me 3 layers of protection between my children and the things I don’t want them to touch.

A few final items:

My girls have special rolling bags just for travel. My toddler has the zebra bag and my big girl has her princess bag. They are required to pick 1 snuggle buddy and I am allowed to pack two activities for each of them. And, they are allowed to pack the rest themselves. I am always tickled to see what goes into the bags after I make my selections. (I secretly have a bag of tricks that I keep with me to help keep them occupied!)

My bag of tricks:

dinosaur sticker book
2nd Grade (the grade my oldest will be in this fall) workbook
Thomas doodle and drawing book
1000 reusable (because they barely stick and will come off anything) animal stickers
Disney Fairies Color Wonder Coloring Pad and markers (which I bought unopened at a garage sale for 50 cents…SCORE!)
2 Imaginetics magnet play sets (which I picked up for free after the garage sale because they didn’t sell during the day…SCORE…AGAIN!!)
2 Highlights Puzzlemania magazines for my older one
Leapster (which I will hold for extreme circumstances)
finger puppets
V-tech ABC Text & Go
4 little snacks
potty pack (I have an old Lancôme make-up bag that I keep a package of Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, Dora toilet seat covers, and small package of travel wipes).

Tip: I have two girls, so we have different potty needs than we would if we had boys. And after several trips of pee-pee soaked shoes and socks I found “Potty on the Go;” my kids call it “the emergency potty.” It’s a small little fold out seat that comes with special absorbent lined bags. It folds down small so it’s easy to keep in the car and the bags make waste easy to contain and dispose of while you’re on the road. I keep a few gallon size zip lock bag with the potty to toss at the next rest stop.

Two big things are happening on this trip. 1. This is the first trip I am not packing the portable DVD player; I really want to start teaching my kids to find ways to entertain themselves. (I will also be packing extra Advil for myself... I’ll let you know how it goes!) 2. We are not packing the pack-n-play; instead we are using a portable bed rail... it should be interesting.

Stay tuned!

Great Autumn Getaways!

2011-07-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

With school starting back up and temperatures slowly receding from their summer highs, fall is a great time to sneak in a theme park vacation! As a general rule, trips in the fall offer shorter lines, greater availability of accommodations, and more comfortable weather; in addition, many spots have great seasonal features that enhance the park experience! Below are a few of our favorites:

Disney World:

It's no secret that Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a favorite family destination! From the rides and attractions to the magic of watching your child immersed in a wonderland of their favorite characters - it is a spot where magical memories are made! Not only is the weather still warm and pleasant in Florida in autumn, but with the start of school, the parks become far less crowded and far more friendly for those wishing to minimize long lines and wait times! In addition, every year from early October to mid-November, Walt Disney World plays host to a number of special events; including the Magic Kingdom's "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party," Epcot's "International Food and Wine Festival," Hollywood Studios' "Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights," and Downtown Disney's "Festival of the Masters." With the exception of the "Halloween Party," all these events are either complimentary or included in the price of the park pass!

Sesame Place:

Located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Sesame Place offers families rides, shows, and beloved characters that will charm children of all ages! As summer draws to a close, attendance generally declines markedly, resulting in shorter lines and greater availability of characters; in addition, autumn in Pennsylvania offers some beautiful scenery as a backdrop to your park experience! Each autumn, Sesame Place offers great seasonal promotions such as the Back to School Bash, the Labor Day BBQ, and Labor Day Fireworks, as well as the Count’s Spooktacular Halloween on weekends from the end of September until the end of October, and A Very Furry Christmas from late November through December.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg:

With over twenty rides, loads of shows and attractions, a variety of dining options and impeccably kept grounds, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a veritable paradise for travelling families! Divided into multiple European-themed sections, Busch Gardens features a variety of attractions from cultural experiences and animal encounters, to seasonal shows and rides for children of all ages! Also, each year from late November through New Year's Eve, Busch Gardens transforms the park for its annual Christmas Town Celebration; featuring special holiday shows, attractions, and rides! Opening hours and offerings vary seasonally, so be sure to check the website for details!

Wishing you safe, happy, and healthy travels!

- Destination Mom

Summer Safety Alert: Heat, Cars, and Kids

2011-07-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Every summer the news is riddled with tragic reports about infants or toddlers, found or forgotten in cars, dying from heat exposure. It is a tragedy that can strike anyone; and while these stories are terrifying and heartbreaking, it is important to note that there are ways to help prevent this tragedy.

NEVER leave children alone in a car - not even for a moment; their bodies respond to increased temperature far more quickly (3 to 5 times more rapidly) than adults' and can suffer devastating damage or even death in a very short time.
Be particularly careful if you change your routine for dropping off children at child care; these suggestions can help remind you that your children are with you, even if they fall asleep:

Place a sticky note or cling on your dashboard to remind you that your child is in your vehicle.
Always put an object that you can't leave your car without (i.e. purse, lunch, laptop, etc.) in the backseat where the child is seated.
Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat when it is not in use; when you place your child in the car seat, move the stuffed toy to the front seat.
Place your youngest or quietest child behind the passenger seat - you will be better able to notice if the child is there than if they are in a seat behind the driver's side.
Have your spouse or the child's day care provider contact you immediately if the child does not arrive at the day care facility at the normally appointed time.

Teach children NEVER to play in any vehicle.
Always keep vehicle doors and trunk locked, particularly at home, and keep keys out of the reach of children.
Install a trunk release mechanism to help prevent entrapment.
Watch children closely around vehicles to be sure they do not enter unnoticed, particularly during loading/unloading.
Double-check to ensure all children have left the vehicle when you reach your final destination.
If a child goes missing, in addition to checking pools and other bodies of water, check all nearby vehicles.
If you see a child alone in a car, dial 911 immediately.

For more helpful information and great products that can help keep your child(ren) safe in the car, check out KidsandCars.org. Safe, happy, and healthy travels.

-Destination Mom

Treating Bites and Stings!

2011-07-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

With summer in full swing, families and, especially, children are spending more time outside, but we're not the only ones enjoying the warmer weather; spiders, bees, and a variety of other bugs are out in swarms! Most bug bites simply result in general discomfort and anxiety, but it is important to remember that some bites and stings can lead to infections or trigger serious allergic reactions. Below is information on how to treat simple bites and stings, as well as the signs that a serious reaction may be occurring.

Spider Bites

Know your spiders: The majority of spiders found in the U.S. are harmless, except brown recluse and black widow spiders.

The brown recluse spider (a small brown spider with a small violin-shaped mark on its back - see above) is found primarily in the midwest and south. Their bites can cause swelling and changes in skin color and blistering. Rarely, brown recluse bites can result in sunken ulcerated sores at the bite site, which can become infected if not treated properly.

The black widow spider (a shiny black spider with an orange hourglass shaped mark on its underside - see above) is found all over North America. Black widow bites can result in painful cramps within a few short hours of the bite; the cramps generally radiate from the bite location outward. In addition, black widow bites can also cause nausea, tremors, paralysis, vomiting, chills, fever, and muscle pain. If your child experiences any of these symptoms (or if you suspect the bite may have been caused by a black widow) go to the emergency room IMMEDIATELY.

For other spider bites:

Clean the area carefully with soap and water.
Apply cool compresses.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
To help prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment.

Stinging Insects

Know your stings: When a bee stings, it leaves behind its stinger and venom sac. If the stinger is still in the skin, try to extract it as quickly as possible with sterilized tweezers. Wasps do not lose their stingers when they attack (that is why they can sting repeatedly). Should your child experience a sting:

Clean the area carefully with soap and water.
Apply cool compresses.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
For itching, give an over-the-counter oral antihistamine (with your doctor's approval); follow dosing instructions for your child's age and weight. You could also apply calamine lotion to the sting area.
Seek medical attention if:

the sting is in the mouth, throat, or lips - such stings can quickly result in severe swelling that can block airways.
a rash or swelling develops around the sting site.

Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if you notice any of the following signs, which may indicate a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction:

wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing,
tightness in throat/chest,
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face,
dizziness or loss of consciousness, or
nausea or vomiting.

Tick Bites

Know your ticks: The most common types of disease carrying ticks are dog ticks, deer ticks, and lone star ticks; deer ticks are the most common carriers of Lyme disease, and dog ticks and lone star ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain Fever. Particularly during summer months, it is imperative that parents routinely check kids and pets for ticks, especially if they've been in or around wooded areas.

If you find a tick on your child:

Contact your pediatrician immediately.
Use sterilized tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, as close to the skin as possible.
Pull firmly and steadily on the tick until it releases (avoid twisting or yanking the tick). If possible save the tick for identification purposes.
Clean the bite site with alcohol.
NEVER use petroleum jelly or a lit match to try to kill or remove a tick. Using either may cause the insect to burrow deeper which makes extraction more difficult and increases the possibility of disease transmission.

Other Biting Insects

There are countless other insects that can impart bites that may result in discomfort, itching, and even possible infection. Mosquitoes, black flies, midges, fleas, and biting flies have all been associated with transmitting diseases that can be devastating to humans and animals. If your child is bitten by any insect (whether you witness the bite or not) and develops any of the following symptoms, seek medical help IMMEDIATELY:

rash,
fever,
swelling or discoloration at the bite location or surrounding areas,
any oozing discharge from the bite location, or
severe cramping or vomiting.

If your child experiences an insect bite with no apparent allergic or toxic reaction, simply:

Clean the area carefully with soap and water.
Apply cool compresses.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
For itching, apply calamine lotion to the bite area.

Safe, happy, and healthy travels!

-Destination Mom

Water Safety: Tips for Preventing Tragedy

2011-07-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

This week's article was supposed to be on autumn getaway spots, but after hearing about a few recent drowning scares from family and friends, I felt it was more important to take this opportunity to address water safety.

Summer and water play go hand in hand; but where there is water there are always hazards, especially for young children. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years*. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water, and it takes only a few seconds to happen. And drowning isn't the hysterical, screaming, splashing, loud, drawn-out event we've all been trained to expect by TV; as this must read article clearly demonstrates, drowning is actually very quiet, quick, and difficult to identify to the untrained observer.

In addition to the helpful article referred to above, the following water safety tips may help prevent drowning:

Vigilant supervision - a MUST whenever your child is near any water (as unlikely as it may seem, even a large bucket of water can pose a drowning hazard to a toddler).

Swim lessons - without a doubt one of the greatest returns on investment there is. Children gain familiarity with the water and learn basics such as treading water and floating.

Floatation devices - no matter how strong a swimmer your child may be, if your attention is divided or your child will be swimming more than an arm's length away from you, a floatation device is a good idea. For children who are not strong swimmers or any young person going out in a boat, a Coast Guard approved floatation device should be mandatory.

Open water - rivers, lakes, oceans and other open bodies of water can have dangerous currents or sudden drop-offs; swim only in areas with lifeguards where conditions have been determined to be reasonably safe. Discourage diving in any body of water unless the area is designated as safe for diving. Swim only in posted areas and obey posted signage.

Pool safety - never allow children to swim unsupervised. Discourage diving. Keep all pools enclosed by a locked fence that cannot be climbed to prevent accidental access (hot-tubs should be covered and locked when not in use). Be sure there is a perimeter alarm to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised.

Be prepared - learn infant and child CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Have a safe, happy, and healthy summer.

-Destination Mom

On the Road to Reading!

2011-07-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

While summer is a great time for kids to get some exercise running, swimming, and playing, it is important to keep their minds engaged as well! Check out some of these great programs to help keep your childrens' minds as active as their bodies this summer:

Jet Blue and PBS have partnered to offer "Soar With Reading!"; a terrific program targeted at ages 3 to 8, providing children flying with JetBlue this summer a free activity kit filled with reading games to entertain them during flight.

With Barnes & Noble's Summer Reading Program, Imagination Destination, kids can earn a free book (from selected titles) for completing eight books and writing a brief journal entry on each!

Likewise, Borders' Double-Dog Dare Challenge offers young readers a chance to win a free book (from selected titles) for completing ten books and recording their titles on the entry form.

Chuck E. Cheese has a fantastic promotion as well; kids can earn free 10 Chuck E. Cheese tokens for reading each day for 2 weeks (and check out their other rewards forms)!

TD Bank also has a great promotion; have your child complete 10 books and record their titles on the Summer Reading Form, bring the form into any TD Bank branch and they will be given $10 which will be deposited into a new or existing Young Saver Account.

Finally, some of the best summer reading programs are available through your local public library! While each public library will have its own unique summer reading program, most of them have rewards, prizes, and fun events for children!

Not surprisingly, a recent Oxford Study has demonstrated that reading books is linked to greater success later life; and as any parent will tell you, it's never to early to foster a love of reading! So jump on-board with one of these great programs this summer and keep the reading ball rolling! Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Tips for Travelling Alone with Young Children!

2011-06-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

As any parent who travels solo with their children can attest, you need a plan! This week, our resident travel-mommy extraordinaire, Amy, was kind enough to share some of her secrets for a successful and minimally stressful trip; as a parent who routinely travels solo cross-country by plane with her two children (ages 4-years and 21-months), she knows the tricks of the trade! Check out her pointers below!

My Survival Bag for Travelling Alone with Young Children:

We try to be local and organic most of the time so a plane ride for my kids is a HUGE treat. Once or twice a year makes a little junk food, TV, and toys okay in my mind, and it makes the travelling part of the trip something they really look forward to! Below is a list of the items I won't leave home without:

2 empty sippy cups.
Snacks, snacks, snacks snacks. Salty snacks to load up the kids before takeoff so the younger one wants to drink – helping his ears equalize. Each snack comes out once, until they’re bored with it then goes away. When you’re desperate, pull out the big guns – tootsie pops.

Veggie snacks for some nutrition.
Treat snacks for the last couple of hours.

Change of clothes for both kids.
2 backpacks (so each has something to dig in and pull items from).
Paper back books – hit a scholastic book fair – gold mine! Most are too old for my son, but I just make up the words and he loves it.
Hole puncher and card stock and shoelaces for the 4 year old - she makes her own threading cards. Best part is is that she loves to make them and he loves to undo them!
Triangle crayons – God’s gift to plane flights. THEY DON’T ROLL!!
ITouch – there are so many great books, movies, and apps for the ITouch. Just make sure to get child friendly earphones. Adult ones aren't regulated and kids can hurt their sensitive ears.
For my 21-month old son I’ve wrapped items in a bag (like little presents); little cars wrapped in way too much paper that take a while to open are great for keeping little hands and minds occupied!
Sticker books – look for movie promotions – the Cars2 movie is coming out and our local supermarket had them on sale for 1.99.
Baby Magna doodle.
Small ringed notebooks.

And for more great ideas for how to keep your sanity when you get there, click here…

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Special Guest: Candyce H. Stapen of FamilyiTrips!

2011-06-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

This week, I am pleased to welcome Candyce H. Stapen, Ph.D., author and publisher of FamilyiTrips, creator of the travel app DC with Kids, and award winning travel journalist with 30 books and over 2000 family travel articles to her credit! As the authority on all things family and Washington DC, she was kind enough to offer Travel-Tot a slice of her wisdom to share with our readers!

We are thrilled to present these terrific recommendations for Three Great Places in DC for Young Kids, from the DC With Kids, familyitrips.com, travel app by Candyce H. Stapen:

National Museum of American History

The Spark! Lab, Lemelson Center, offers a nice hands-on play space for toddlers. Its "Under 5 Zone" is ideal for exploring activities that foster creativity, such as: building with different kinds of blocks, using simple scientific tools, solving puzzles, and exploring and using inventions of the past!

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

The not-too-big planetarium offers night sky shows geared to young kids. With the distinction of being the only planetarium in the National Park Pystem, Rock Creek Park Planetarium holds regular shows on weekends at 1:00 p.m. for children age five and up. Shows focus on identifying major constellations and the movement of heavenly bodies through the night sky!

Puppet Company

Located just outside DC in Glen Echo, MD, in a kid-friendly art park with a carousel, the Puppet Company offers engaging puppet theater. This charming theater has kept the crowds coming back for more for over 25 years! Offering everything from Tiny Tots programming (children under age 4) to Adult Puppetry Slams, the Puppet Company truly offers a show like no other!

So if DC is your family's vacation destination, check out DC with Kids - the most comprehensive app for parents travelling in the DC area! And for even more great info, check out one of Candace H. Stapen's phenomenal travel guides and join her loyal followings on Facebook and Twitter (@FamilyiTrips).

Thanks so much to Candyce for her generous contribution this week, and safe and happy travels to you all!

-Destination Mom

Fantastic Finds for Family Travel!

2011-06-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

With summer almost upon us, many families are beginning to think about vacation! And where better than the sprawling majesty of the world-wide-web to find the latest and greatest in high- and low-tech innovations to make the trip easier? With several long car trips looming in our future, I have been eagerly seeking some solutions to some of our most common dilemmas: motion sickness, boredom, and (the always elusive) emergency bathroom facilities! Below are the products that made my "don't leave home without 'em" list this year:

Chuckie's Travel Sickness Bags:

The name says it all folks; these tough, lockable bags are invaluable for providing a hygienic solution to the effects of stomach upset. Designed with a "can't miss" hard-plastic opening and anti-spill lock, these bags can virtually eliminate the days of time-consuming cost and clean-up resulting from travel sick children! Sold in convenient 3-packs, a variety of quantities is available for order (from 6 3-packs to 18 3-packs). Chuckie's compact packages fit easily in handbags, glove compartments, and carry-on bags. Interestingly, the site also advocates their use for travelers great and small whose bladders may require draining!

Tales2Go:

"Are we there yet?" "I'm bored." Sound familiar? And often this is before we've even cleared the driveway! But with Tales2Go, all you'll hear is the giggling and chitter-chatter of children engrossed in one of the over 1400 stories available from leading publishers and storytellers! This amazing new app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, plays an unlimited number of children’s stories and songs; with content broken up by length (anywhere from 2 minutes to 6 hours), age, rating, and popularity, Tales2Go makes it a cinch to find the perfect distraction for your crew! Available now as a free 30-day trial, you can opt to subscribe for anywhere from 3-months to a year. Great for car trips long or short, Tales2Go will spark your child's interest and keep them learning as they laugh!

Kalencom 2 In 1 Portable Kids Potty and Trainer Seat:

Without fail there is never a bathroom when you need one on the road! So why not just bring one with you? For the very best in portability, compact size, adaptability, and price, you just can't beat the Kalencom 2 In 1. When folded up, this potty seat fits easily in a diaper bag, yet opens up to create a low potty, or with the legs fully-extended, forms a perfect trainer seat for use on public toilets (legs serve as handles to allow children in training to balance themselves without touching a public toilet)! Sold with three lightly scented liners and a hygienic carry bag, the Kalencom 2 in 1 Portable Kids Potty Seat is a must-have for any long car trip, particularly if your little traveller is in the throes of potty training!

So relax and enjoy the trip with these fantastic finds - because getting there is half the fun! Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Destination: Cedar Point, OH

2011-06-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hailed by many fans as the best and largest seasonal amusement park in the United States, Cedar Point offers families rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages!

Situated squarely on the beautiful peninsula between Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie; Cedar Point serves a six-state region in the Midwest, including Ohio and Michigan, western Pennsylvania and New York, northern West Virginia, and Indiana!

For those travelling with toddlers or young children, there are four children's areas filled with everything from pint-sized bumper cars, coasters, and circling helicopters to a Tilt-a-Whirl and a Roto Whip: Camp Snoopy, Jr. Gemini, Kiddie Kingdom, and Planet Snoopy!

In addition to the four children's areas, Cedar Point has a collection of rides the family can enjoy together! Marvel at the 360-degree views of the park on Space Spiral, cruise around the scenic lagoon on Paddlewheel Excursions, drive an Antique Car and much more! All family rides have height restrictions that may be waived if a responsible adult accompanies the child.

Cedar Park also plays host to the Peanuts Gang; so don't miss the characters for some fun photo ops and memorable shows! The park has three live shows featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, including an ice show called "Everyone Loves Snoopy". Young families will also enjoy the park's nighttime shows; parents and kids alike will be amazed by "American Portrait" and the "Starlight Experience!"

Cedar Point also has a great feature for Mom and Dad; with their amazing Parent Swap program, one parent waits in line to ride on of the park's famous scream machines then they give their Parent Swap pass to the operator and the other parent/guardian can walk up the exit to get right on the ride!

Also worth checking out, adjacent to Cedar Park, but separately gated and at an additional charge, are Soak City, a water park, and Challenge Park, featuring rides like the terrifying "Rip Cord," "Skyscraper," go-kart tracks and more! Cedar Point is a recreation wonderland nestled in a beautiful setting with something for everyone - don't miss it! Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Renting Baby and Toddler Gear

2011-05-31T05:02:00.000-07:00

Packing for a family getaway can be overwhelming, particularly if you have toddlers and young children in tow. Even if you successfully manage to remember everything you will need, fitting it all into a vehicle or lugging it all through an airport and checking it for a flight can be difficult, expensive, and time consuming.

Instead of bringing along everything you will need, consider renting large items (strollers, car seats, high chairs, etc.) when you arrive at your destination. The largest baby and child equipment rental service in the US today is Baby’s Away. You can also find an extensive list of independent local vendors here (covers all 50 states and Washington DC as well as Canada). An additional benefit of renting equipment is that it gives you an opportunity to try out items you may not yet own, but are thinking of purchasing (such as premium jogging strollers, exersaucers, or jumpers). Some hotels actually provide cribs, bedding, and collapsible play yards upon request as well. Check with your hotel to see what custom accommodations are available!

For the ultimate in convenience, consider using a company like Jet Set Babies to have your baby essentials (diapers, wipes, bath essentials, food, booster seats, portable beds, etc.) shipped directly to your hotel. This will reduce your luggage load which could save you on excessive airline baggage fees!

Gear Recommendations by Age:

This checklist is courtesy of Baby Travel Pros and is meant only to be a guide, use your judgment when determining what items you will require and always check that the child using the equipment meets all height an weight requirements of the manufacturer:

Birth to 4 months

infant car seat and compatible stroller,
pack-n-play or crib,
glider or rocking chair,
bouncer or swing,
infant tub

4 months to 1 year

infant car seat, or rear facing car seat (check weight & height recommendations),
stroller,
pack-n-play or crib,
mobile,
exersaucer, jumper, or walker,
infant or toddler tub,
room monitor,
high chair or bumbo with tray

1 year to 2 years

forward or rear facing toddler car seat (the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends leaving children in rear-facing car seats until 2 years of age),
stroller,
crib,
safety gates,
room monitor,
high chair

2+ years

forward facing car seat or booster seat (3+ years),
stroller,
crib, toddler bed or bed rails,
safety gates,
room monitor,
step stool or potty chair,
high chair or booster seat

- Destination Mom

Memorial Day Salute to Military Families!

2011-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

As I sent my best wishes to a dear friend who was recently deployed to Afghanistan, it struck me how very much we owe all those brave men and women, and their families, who serve in the armed forces. Our military families make tremendous sacrifices in the name of our national defense; in my friend's case, her deployment meant leaving behind her husband and year-old twin daughters. It can be easy to forget that many brave service-people are spouses, children, parents, and siblings to loved ones they leave behind when stationed far from home.

As Memorial Day approaches, we encourage you (and your children!) to reach out and show your gratitude by finding a way to support our troops and their families. There are many phenomenal organizations that provide support and services to soldiers and their families during deployments; below are three that offer numerous simple ways you and your family can help touch the lives of our country's military families:

Homefront Hugs

Homefront Hugs is a national volunteer organization in its 10th year, and a proud recipient of the Four Chaplains Award! With a clearly stated mission "to offer unconditional support to our troops.veterans and families and make sure no hero is or feels forgotten," Homefront Hugs strives to make sure all Americans know they can make a difference (even from home!) in numerous ways thanking those who serve. Homefront Hugs promotes stewardship in communities across the USA reaching out to all regardless of ability, religion, age, or ethnicity.

Homefront Hugs needs volunteers urgently to thank our heroes by adopting a deployed soldier, adopting a brave military family, writing our wounded troops, or donating funds or supplies! You can help from home and become one of our awesome volunteers.

For more information, check out their page on Facebook!

Operation Military Kids

Operation Military Kids the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support children and youth impacted by deployment. Regardless of whether families are experiencing deployment for the first time, the second time or another in a series of multiple deployments, OMK’s goal is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being.

Through a network of National, State and Local Partners, Operation: Military Kids provides access to youth programs and support services where military children live. OMK Partners organize special events, provide transportation to military kids to sporting events or other extracurricular activities, and participate in the Hero Pack initiative.

For more information on how you can help, check their website!

Soldiers' Angels

"May No Soldier Go Unloved," encapsulates the motivation behind Soldiers' Angels. The volunteers of Soldiers' Angels work tirelessly to demonstrate active care and concern for veterans, the wounded, deployed service members and their families.

To date, their volunteers have sent hundreds of thousands of care packages and letters to "adopted" deployed service members; with the assistance of their generous supporters , the many volunteers of Soldiers' Angels have accomplished this and much, much more on behalf of the grateful citizens of the United States of America.

For more information on donations and how you can help, check out their website!

In honor of Memorial Day, Travel-Tot will be offering a discount of 20% on their Travel Childproofing Kit (off the retail price of $24.95) from today through July 4th, 2011 to all customers who use the code TT4USA. Travel-Tot wishes to thank all the brave soldiers and their families for all they do to keep our country safe; we hope that all those deployed return home safely as soon as possible. Warmest wishes for a very safe and happy Memorial Day.

- Destination Mom

Destination: Hilton Head, SC!

2011-05-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Most famous for its miles of uninterrupted beaches, Hilton Head, South Carolina is a "must-see" family vacation destination. This 55 square-mile island has a world of adventure to offer the travelling family, from its beaches, to its museums and attractions! Below are a few of our favorite family activities and fun-spots:

The Coastal Discovery Museum

A perfect spot for children ages 5 and up, this museum offers visitors a chance to get a close-up look at the wildlife of Hilton Head. The museum offers natural outdoor exhibits as well as coastal tours and cruises to explore the flora and fauna of the area! The museum is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, and is open year-round Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm and Sundays 11am to 3pm - hours of operation vary on holidays, so be sure to call before you go!

pictured above: "Holiday"

Adventure Cruises

Also terrific for families with children 5 and up, Dolphin Cruises on the boat "Holiday" afford visitors the opportunity to see dolphins close-up, while enjoying many of the other water-loving wildlife (waterfowl, mink, otters, turtles). There is also a fantastic crabbing excursion on the "Crabber J II" for more adventurous souls who wish to bring their family crabbing! The berths are centrally located and easy to access, for more information check their website.

Sandbox Children's Museum

For those travelling with babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, the Children's Museum is a "don't-miss!" Located at 18 A Pope Avenue, it has everything from magic sand to bank-teller play stations and even has an indoor ship-themed play station and a T-Rex rock-wall climbing adventure! For more information on times and pricing (and directions!) check their website.

Adventure Cove Family Fun Center

Kids of all ages will enjoy some playtime at the arcade or a round of mini-golf on one of Adventure Cove's two Caribbean-themed courses. Each course is 18 holes and features a variety of fun obstacles and entertaining characters! Fun for the whole family, you can find the Family Fun Center at 18 Folly Field Road. For more information and a valuable coupon, check their website!

In addition to these great family-friendly spots, the island is largely accessible by bike, so if you are travelling with older children, renting bikes to explore the island can be exciting and fun. And don't miss the family-friendly musical and comedic stylings of island local, Gregg Russell; he puts on nightly concerts/shows/sing-a-longs in the summer under the old oak tree in Harbour Town! Hilton Head truly is a virtual family paradise with something for visitors of all ages! Happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Sanity and the Single Parent!

2011-05-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled this week to be cross-blogging with Single Parent Travel - a terrific resource for single parents featuring everything from amazing tours to terrific destination ideas and travel tips for the single parent! The sight also offers insight and information on a broad variety of parenting issues (from bullying to piercings)! Single Parent Travel's trips and tours are unique and specially suited to the needs of single parents travelling with their children; with trips ranging from the Berkshires of New York to the Galapagos Islands - there is truly something for everyone!

Single Parent Travel was founded in 1983 by Brenda Elwell, a single mom of two and a world traveler whose dream was to make the travel industry aware of the unique needs of single parents travelling with children and to create trips and tours that would best accommodate those needs. In 1999, it grew to include the blogging masterwork of John Frenaye (a.k.a. Chief Single Dad). A recognized expert on family and single parent travel, John has been a travel columnist for 15 years with MSNBC.com and has been published in many major newspapers across the country. John also worked with Brenda to make her "dream itineraries" a reality by handling all of the trip fulfillment for Single Parent Travel! They officially partnered in 2006, when Brenda made the decision to gradually retire, and Single Parent Travel has been growing and expanding ever since!

With more single parents than ever sharing the joys of travel with their children; it is critical for the travel and tourism industry to recognize the unique challenges facing these travelling families. It can be exhausting to make one set of eyes, ears, and hands available to share the adventure with your little explorers while managing to enjoy the trip yourself. Equally challenging, however, is keeping your attention constantly trained on your rapidly moving little travelers as they flit from place to place unearthing new and exciting things. And the adventures aren’t limited to whatever amazing attractions you might be visiting together; to a young child any new space constitutes an opportunity to explore! For some sanity-saving tips on childproofing hotel or other guest rooms, check out the blog entry below!

With a shared focus of creating amazing family travel memories and keeping young travellers out of danger's way, Single Parent Travel and Travel-Tot wish you safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Childproofing Away from Home!

2011-05-10T03:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most unnerving things about travelling with young children is not being able to predict how they will behave in unfamiliar surroundings. Young children are naturally inquisitive, and often quite fearless – a dangerous combination for exploring new spaces without adequate supervision. Take for example the recent near-tragedy of 16-month old Jah-Nea Myles; while vacationing with her mother in Orlando, FL, she was left in an adjoining hotel room under the care of a close friend. In the few moments it took that friend to quickly use the restroom, Jah-Nea managed to escape outside through the unlocked balcony door and wriggle through the balcony rail where she eventually lost her grip and fell four stories. The story has a happy ending; another hotel guest noticed the toddler dangling precariously and ran to the spot beneath the balcony, managing to catch the child and soften what would surely have been a fatal landing. But what if that guest hadn’t been there? Those few, brief, unsupervised moments could have cost Jah-Nea her life.

Stories like Jah-Nea’s were what inspired the founders of Travel-Tot, LLC to create their innovative, temporary, Travel Child-Proofing Kit. The kit contains an assortment of childproofing devices all of which go on strong but can be removed cleanly once it is time to check-out. The kit components that require installation are all secured with strong, temporary, 3M adhesive strips so that they can be removed (without damage to surfaces) and re-used. The extra layer of protection the Travel Child-Proofing Kit offers can be the difference between life and serious injury or death; and can also afford parents some sorely-needed peace-of-mind. While no childproofing measure is a substitute for adequate parental supervision, having your hotel room child-proofed can help relieve the constant stress associated with keeping your child(ren) away from every potential hazard. Below is a quick checklist of steps you can take to help add a layer of protection between your child(ren) and the hazards that await them in hotel rooms, motel rooms, or even grandma’s house.

Tips for Child-Proofing Away from Home:

Get down on your hands and knees and explore the room from your toddler’s perspective; be sure to thoroughly check under beds and furniture for stray pills, buttons, pins, or other items that could pose a poisoning or choking hazard.
Make sure that if you are using a hotel-provided crib that it is up to standards with the Consumer Product Safety Commission: slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart and all sides should be fixed (no drop sides).
Whether using a hotel-provided crib or a port-a-crib from home, remove pillows, toys, or blankets that may cause suffocation or strangulation.
Never leave your child alone in the bathroom.
Unplug electrical appliances (i.e. hairdryer, razor, etc.) and store them in a locked drawer or cabinet.
Ensure that the bathtub floor has a non-slip surface or that there are non-slip mats or decals available.
Keep hazardous products out of the reach of children (i.e. mouthwash, shampoo, cosmetics, medications, etc.).
Bring and install some basic childproofing gear (such as the items found in the Travel-Tot Travel Childproofing Kit).

Secure blind cords.
Keep low cabinet doors shut with straps.
Secure corner guards onto furniture.
Place pinch guards on interior swinging doors.
Install guards on interior sliding doors.
Insert outlet covers into unused outlets.
If your little traveler is curious about the toilet, be sure to place a doorknob protector on the handle or install a locking strap if the door has a lever handle.

Ensure that all locks and latches on exterior doors are in working order and secure them to prevent unsupervised access to stairs, balconies, and terraces.
Keep furniture away from doors and windows to prevent access to locks and accidental falls.
Finally, be sure to arrange the furniture in a way that allows for some play space; a room full of “no-nos” will result in bored and irritated toddlers, which will lead to stressed and anxious parents!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Mother's Day "Peace of Mind" Giveaway!

2011-05-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day, in the words of my daughter, is the day "when Mom shouldn't have to worry about doing anything." At first, I will admit, I thought that sounded a bit critical; I wanted to point out that it was actually a day to celebrate Mommy and all she does! But after I gave it some thought, I realized she had actually stumbled upon my definition of the perfect gift! Peace of mind with the knowledge that all things that were necessary to ensure my sanity were still being taken care of!

Now in my little universe today, its the mundane tasks that occupy my energies; things like making sure there's food in the fridge, feeding the dog, picking up the house, replacing the toilet paper when it runs out.. but only a few short years ago, my primary focus was completely different. As few as three years ago, the bulk of my time and energy was spent keeping a close and watchful eye on my young daughter.

Toddlers are like lightning strikes; fast, unpredictable, and capable of leaving considerable damage in their wakes. So I tried to stay one step ahead by limiting her access to dangerous spaces, and providing her with a safe and comfortable spot in which she could play! Sounds easy, right? Sure, its no problem once you have child-proofed the space you spend the majority of your time in everyday and your child learns what is off limits! But what about when you leave the perfect little bubble of safety you have created in your home? Going to visit family? How about vacation? Stymied? I was!

That's why, this Mother's Day, in honor of those Moms whose sanity has been tested by the curiosity of a toddler away from home, we'd like to offer a chance to win a free Travel-Tot Child-Proofing Kit! With everything you need to keep you "safe as home, wherever you roam," the kit affords you peace of mind on the go! The components of the kit that require installation are all affixed with temporary, non-damaging 3M adhesive strips, allowing you to remove them (for later use with new strips!) once your visit has come to an end without fear of incurring extra charges for having inflicted damage to finishes or surfaces!

For your chance to win a free Travel-Tot Childproofing Kit, simply visit us on Facebook and submit a comment under our post about the "Best Mother's Day Gift You Ever Received" and you'll be entered to win! We'll announce the winner on Mother's Day and contact the lucky Mom to arrange delivery! Good luck, and warmest wishes from all of us at Travel-Tot for a very Happy Mother's Day!

-Destination Mom

Brave the Beach: Great Travel Innovations!

2011-04-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner, and what better place to enjoy some sun and fun with the family than the beach? But before you head out, we've found some amazing innovations that can make your trip safer and easier - don't miss these great sanity-savers!

Ear Band-It System: If your child is prone to ear infections, or has tubes in his or her ears, this product is a must-have! The Ear Band-It System includes one pair of safe, putty-like ear plugs, which (once placed in your child's ears) are covered and held in position by the stretchy headband, keeping water out of the ear canal. The Ear Band-It comes in sizes to accommodate children as young as 1 year of age through adults.

UV SunSense Wristbands: Now there's no more guessing or forgetting! These wristbands change color when it's time to reapply sunscreen or even seek shade. Each time during the day that you apply sunscreen to your child, just coat the UV wristband, too. Bands are adjustable, waterproof, and disposable, and work with sunscreens SPF 15 and higher. Sun monitors are sensitive to both UVA and UVB rays and are for use with children ages 12 months and up!

Wet Bags (by Monkey Foot Designs): Beyond being stylish accessories, these multi-functional bags are perfect for everything from cloth diapers to swimsuits, wet towels, shoes, toiletries and so much more! The bags are lined with ProCare, a fabric that is known for its high duty barrier protection. The liner is seamed and sealed, so the wettest things won't drip, and the stinkiest stinks will be contained! Monkey Foot Wet Bags can be machine washed and dried (although the ProCare lining will last longer if air dried) and come in an ever-changing variety of beautiful fabrics in sizes ranging from XS (snack size) to XL (holds up to two wet towels, and three bathing suits)!

Sand-Away Beach Bag (by One Step Ahead): Bring back everything but the sand! This giant mesh bag holds all your beach toys, and gear, yet folds down into a small self-contained pouch. At the end of the day, just pack up your beach stuff, give the beach tote a good shake, and leave the sand at the beach! Featuring handy hook and loop closures and a zippered security pocket, it is also perfect as an eco-friendly shopping bag!

Happy shopping and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Destination: Pioneer Valley, MA!

2011-04-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

"Arrive curious. Leave inspired!" It's more than just four words that pique the curiosity of the listener; it's the catchphrase for Pioneer Valley, MA! Located in western Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley is comprised of a group of closely knit towns, including: Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst (among others!). The area is rich not only in beautiful scenery (particularly in the fall!), but also in great family-friendly museums and attractions! Below are some of our favorites!

The Zoo in Forest Park:

Featuring a variety of exotic animals, this zoo appeals to visitors of every age! The Zoo in Forest Park hosts a variety of different events almost every weekend, allowing guests to explore all aspects of science, while having a good time! Few people realize that a young Theodor Seuss Geisel regularly called the zoo his playground and that his father was actually a parks commissioner in charge of the Forest Park Zoo in the early 1900's! Hours of operation are seasonal, so be sure to consult their website before planning a visit! Celebrate nature's diversity, check out the Zoo at Forest Park!

The Springfield Science Museum:

One of a collection of five of Springfield's world-class museums, the Springfield Science Museum is a wonderland for toddlers and young children - particularly those with an interest in dinosaurs or space! With giant replicas of dinosaur skeletons, touchable fossils, and a cast of a sauropod footprint that children are welcome to climb into, Dinosaur Hall is a crowd pleaser! The Seymour Planetarium offers breathtaking shows about the wonders of the night skies! Events and exhibits are subject to seasonal availability - so be sure to check their website for information before planning a visit!

photo courtesy of Steve Alexander

Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden:

Located in the quadrangle between the Springfield Science Museum and the other Springfield museums, is a tribute to one of America's most beloved storytellers, Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to most of us as Dr. Seuss. A Springfield native, Dr. Seuss has been immortalized in bronze along with many of his most well-known and loved characters! Sculpted by Lark Grey Dimond-Cates (Geisel's step-daughter), these towering tributes are as inspiring to parents as they are to children! The sculpture garden is open daily 9am-5pm.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art:

Founded in part by Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art, conceived and built with the aim of celebrating the art that we are first exposed to as children. The Museum houses three galleries dedicated to rotating exhibitions of picture book art, a hands-on Art Studio, a Reading Library, an Auditorium, a popular Cafe, and a Museum Shop (check out the great virtual tour!). Hours of operation vary by day, so be sure to consult their website before planning a visit!

With everything from fantastic kid-friendly attractions to fascinating arts and culture - Greater Springfield, Northampton, Amherst and the Pioneer Valley is filled with family fun! Happy Travels!

-Destination Mom

Preparing Your Little Traveller!

2011-04-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Travel can be exciting, and sharing the adventure with your child(ren) can make it that much more fun! But while adults generally have some idea of what will happen on a journey, to many young children travel may be a bit intimidating. Preparing young travellers for an upcoming adventure can go a long way toward helping them get excited for the journey and enjoying the experience!

A few weeks before you hit the road, try to get your little adventurers excited about the place you're about to visit. Check out documentaries, maps, books, newspapers, folk tales, advertisements, music; whatever is appropriate. Try not to make it seem like a chore, but rather a journey of it's own that will give them a chance to determine what they'd like to see or do when they actually arrive!

Happy Travels!

- Destination Mom

Boutique of the Week: Twilight Moon!

2011-04-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

For all those who have exhausted and frustrated themselves looking for that perfect, unique baby gift - your search is at its end; our pick for Boutique of the Week has got items you won't find anywhere else! Forget surrendering yet again to the siren song of a mega-store gift card and check out Twilite Moon!

Featuring an extensive line of gear, furniture, toys, books, and baby and maternity apparel, Twilite Moon is the premier provider of everything innovative for "inspiring, nurturing, and celebrating life with baby!" By distilling the world of baby and child merchandise into a fabulous selection of only the best and most unique items available, Twilite Moon has done the shopping legwork for you! Their easy-to-navigate online shop offers something for every curious visitor: from eco-friendly nursery furniture, organic skincare, bedding and clothing options to the latest and greatest in travel and safety gear (even items just for Dad!). They even offer an online gift registry and a paper catalog by request!

In addition to their fantastic selection of merchandise, Twilite Moon is dedicated to giving back to the community by enriching the lives of children all over the world. To that end, they offer a line of body suits and tee-shirts by tea collection's Global Fund for Children (GFC); one-hundred percent of proceeds from each GFC sale is donated to the Global Fund for Children whose grants benefit grassroots organizations that advance the dignity of young people around the world through education. In addition, Twilite Moon also recently donated almost one-quarter of a million dollars in merchandise to the Santa Barbara Birth Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing complete midwifery care to all women with low-risk pregnancies.

For their dedication to the global community of families, their unique and stylish selection of merchandise, and their elegant and easy-to-navigate online storefront, Travel-Tot is proud to recognize Twilite Moon as our Boutique of the Week! Happy shopping!

- Destination Mom

Destination: National Parks!

2011-03-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

Some of the most memorable trips of my youth were the simplest, yet most extraordinary, and what could fit that description better than a visit to one of our country's beautiful National Parks? We are so fortunate to live in a country with such a diversity of natural wonders; lush forests, geysers, astounding rock formations, even volcanoes! Below is just a sampling of what our National Parks have to offer to visitors of all ages - from coast to coast, whether desert or tropical climate, there are memories waiting to be made in one of our nation's greatest treasures!

1. Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Grand Canyon is one of the most celebrated National Parks in the U.S.; but it's easy to make the mistake of driving to one of its many overlooks, gazing out upon its majestic scenery, and then leaving. Why not etch the grandeur of the park into your family's collective memory by truly experiencing the Grand Canyon? Consider taking a hike or even a guided tour (by land, water, or air!) to get a closer look at the canyon; there's the family friendly Bright Angel Trail for hikers or the pricier, but truly extraordinary, "flightseeing" option (a list of outfitters are available from Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor's Bureau)! Quick word of warning, because of excessively high temperatures in the summer months, autumn is the best season to visit; also, visitors should always pack adequate water.

2. Arches (Utah)

Arches is one of the smallest and most inviting National Parks; as well as one of the most breathtaking. Along a variety of trails you’ll find astounding stone arches and rock formations, each more spectacular than the last (it is estimated that the park contains upwards of 1,500 arches!). Families travelling with young children should take the easy walks along Balanced Rock path or stop and wander at the overlook point for Delicate Arch. The park also plays host to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and many trails are paved for accessibility! Added bonus: Arches National Park is conveniently situated only five miles from Moab, one of the nation’s premier camping, hiking, and mountain biking destinations.

3. Hawaii Volcanoes (Hawaii)

The Big Island offers visitors a chance to experience active volcanoes close-up at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This hot spot finds fiery lava flowing from the mouth of one of the world’s most active volcanoes; Kilauea regularly spews molten lava that reshapes the landscape as it flows down into the Pacific. Mauna Loa (the world's largest volcano) is also found here. The parks are accessible by car or foot and feature a multitude of some of the greatest sights vulcanism has to offer, including the Thurston Lava Tube! The park also offers several don't-miss favorites for kids, including: Echo Crater and Pu'uloa Petroglyphs!

4. Yellowstone (Wyoming and Montana)

Located on the border of Wyoming and Montana, Yellowstone is the country's first, and arguably best, National Park. Visitors of all ages marvel at the eruption of Old Faithful's towering geyser, the prolific wildlife, and the majestic scenery. With guided tours via bike or horseback, hiking, boating, and fishing, Yellowstone offers plenty of activities for families with children of any age! Don't miss The National Geographic Society's map that highlights historical, environmental, and cultural points of interest in the region!

5. Acadia (Maine)

Situated just outside of Bar Harbor on the eastern seaboard of Maine, Acadia National Park is considered the jewel of the northeast. From the mystifying forests of Mount Desert Island to the amazing views of the Atlantic from the peak of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia is an outdoor adventure to be savored! With miles of hiking trails, beautiful overlooks, and tidepool-laden beaches, Acadia has something to offer visitors of any age! Best in the autumn (when blackflies and mosquitoes are absent and the foliage is spectacular!), Acadia offers a number of activities for kids of all ages, including: Ranger-Narrated Boat Tours and a variety of Children's Programs. After a day outdoors, be sure to recharge with some of the fantastic local cuisine (we recommend the Maine lobsterbake at Stewman's Lobster Pound complete with lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, New England clam chowder, and fresh blueberry pie to top it all off!).

From coast to coast, America's National Parks offer a chance to share the phenomenal natural gifts of our country with its next generation of caretakers! So get on out into the open air and enjoy all the National Parks have to offer! Happy Travels!

-Destination Mom

Kid's Travel Activities We Love!

2011-03-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

This week we are very excited to share some of our favorite children's travel entertainment products! The activity market for kids is filled with amazing products; from books to puzzles, games, and toys - the options seem endless! Below, we offer our Top Five Picks for activities that we feel will provide the most entertainment and distraction on the go (with minimal mess and chance of losing pieces!):

Brain Quest (by BrainQuest) - Easily portable, no small pieces, educational, and fun! These oblong card books offer parents the chance to sneak in some education disguised as entertainment; cards are grouped into books by age (preschool, Kindergarten, 1st grade, etc.) and contain everything from art and math to reading and spelling!
(recommended for age 2+)

Triangular Crayons (by Crayola) - Crayons are a tried and true favorite for the travelling child! Improving on a classic isn't always easy - but these triangular shaped crayons are a home-run! Not only does the unique shape prevent "roll-away," it also makes holding the crayons easier which makes them more user friendly for younger children with less developed fine-motor skills! (recommended for ages 2+)

Go Games (by Magnetic Poetry) - Go Games has a complete line of magnetic travel games in compact, durable travel cases. All pieces are thick and easy to grab and stay firmly in place so you can store them mid-game to start again later! The Go Games line features such popular games as: Hangman, Chess, Animal Memory Match, Sudoku, Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe, Backgammon, Bingo, Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, Pachisi, and States and Capitols!
(recommended for ages 3+)

Magnetic Dress-up Playsets (Melissa & Doug) - The twenty-first century version of paper dolls! These adorable play sets feature sturdy wooden dolls with stands, plus plenty of colorful, magnetic outfits and accessories (with choices for boys or girls!). Wooden storage trays have lots of compartments to keep things organized. (recommended for ages 3+)

Full-Color Travel 'N Doodle (by Aquadoodle) - A soft, portable drawing toy! Travel Doodle is mess-free and it never runs out! Just add water and your little traveller can draw to his or her heart’s content, and then watch it disappear and start all over again!
(recommended for ages 2+)

And here are some other terrific products that will help keep kids occupied on rainy vacation days or during down-times once you have settled in to your destination:

DVD Projector (by Maxell) - A combination DVD player and projector designed with your kids in mind, brings instant entertainment that requires no assembly, mounting or multiple cables. Insert DVD, face projector toward any blank surface and project up to 45 inches! The integrated DVD player in this projector makes this product extremely portable for use in any setting. (recommended for use by children of all ages with parental supervision)

ZipBin Mini Travel Playmats/Toy Keepers (by ZipBin) - ZipBin folds flat and stores in its own lid or can be zipped up at the corners to form a fun storage bin for cars, animals, or dolls! With themes such as: trains, dinosaurs, unicorn garden, fairy castle, small town, and farm, this product is perfect for hours of portable imaginative play! Playmats are colorful and durable, with wipe-clean surfaces, sturdy heavy duty zippers, and handles and come in a variety of sizes. (recommended for ages 3+)

Happily, all of the above-mentioned products are readily available in stores or online! Happy shopping and happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Boutique of the Week: The Birth Boutique!

2011-03-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

Situated in the center of downtown Denville in northeastern NJ is a fantastic boutique for expectant parents! The Birth Boutique is the brainchild of Shari Criso, certified nurse midwife, board certified lactation consultant, and mother of two. Shari's decision to open her own store sprang from her frustration with the lack of local stores available to provide expectant and new mothers with the products and services needed for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Her dream was to create an oasis for first time mothers; somewhere they would be able to not only shop, but acquire valuable knowledge about parenting and its many facets (from baby gear to newborn care to breastfeeding!).

The Birth Boutique opened in 2001 to rave reviews! Shari attributes much of this success to "amazing support from word-of-mouth client referrals and endorsements from a network of local physicians." And while those may have helped launch The Birth Boutique, what truly made the retailer such a sensation was the fabulous products they offered and the phenomenal job Shari and her staff did making each customer feel special! From relatively humble beginnings, The Birth Boutique quickly expanded over time to become one of the largest and most unique specialty store and learning centers for new and expectant parents in the country, with all the service and intimacy of a small boutique! Offering an extensive selection of products, medical expertise, a variety of classes, and bra-fitting services along with a knowledgeable staff, Shari quickly amassed scores of loyal customers!

As their business continued to grow, Shari added a full gift registry service! She also continued to develop innovative parenting classes that quickly became very popular. By 2008, classes were routinely selling out, so the decision was made to have Shari's breastfeeding class professionally filmed to create a DVD program that could reach a wider audience. The DVD was an instant hit and has been receiving rave reviews from the media, industry experts, and clients!

For all the success The Birth Boutique has brought her, Shari is more than just a successful business woman! She has become recognized guru on breastfeeding and newborn care! In addition to her own blog, Shari even has her own live, interactive webcast covering "all baby topics" (the site features a promo of upcoming webcast topics as well as an archive of previously recorded shows)! Shari is also one of the featured lactation consultants for Breastfeeding.com (fielding questions every other Tuesday from 8pm-10pm!). She has also been featured in Celebrity Parents online magazine, and on Fox & Friends!

For her expertise, dedication, outreach, and, of course, the amazing storefront that started it all, Travel-Tot is proud to feature Shari Criso and The Birth Boutique as our Boutique of the Week! Congratulations!

-Destination Mom

Destination, LegoLand, San Diego, CA!

2011-03-08T01:23:00.000-08:00

Approximately a half hour north of San Diego, on an outcropping overlooking Carlsbad, CA, sits an amusement park that offers parents a gentle reminder that simple "kid-powered" activities are often the most fun. Legoland, which opened in March, 1999, is full of fanciful creations, hands-on activities, and rides and attractions that engage kids’ minds and creativity! Legoland is designed primarily for kids ages 2 to 12, but visitors of all ages are captivated by the intricacy of the park’s amazing displays!

Legoland California offers several kinds of attractions within its compact confines: rides, stage shows, and play areas. A detailed map of what the park has to offer may be found here, but below is an overview of some of the park’s fabulous offerings by area!

Dino Island – A naturalistic setting of prehistoric-looking ferns and bamboo filled with “living” life-sized and scale model dinosaurs. Features include themed coasters, and an excavation sand pit with the “skeletal remains” of dinosaurs!

Explore Village – Kids of all ages enjoy this area themed with tons of Duplo® bricks. Among the sights not to be missed here are models of fairytale favorites and life-sized safari animals!

Fun Town – Here is Legoland California’s own kid-sized town square where creativity and imagination abound. Featuring a variety of aviation-themed rides, a Lego® factory tour, and a real-life driving school for kids of almost all ages, among other things – Fun Town truly lives up to its name!

Pirate Shores – Embark on a pirate adventure! Pirate Shores features rides and attractions all based on water play. This pirate-themed area features more than 150 Lego® models sure to delight guests of all ages.

Castle Hill – This area of Legoland takes kids back to medieval times where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

Miniland USA – This eye-catching area is the heart of the Park! Miniland presents stunning reproductions of American landmarks built with remarkable detail from seven different areas of the country; Las Vegas, New England, Florida, Washington DC, New Orleans, New York, and the California coastline. Also featured are busts of famous luminaries, and Lego re-creations of famous pieces of art!

Imagination Zone – This zone emphasizes exploring and creation and features everything from water rides to video games and movies!

Legoland’s dedication to their visiting families goes beyond the fun though! There are large, family bathrooms with changing stations and short sinks for the kids. There are low food counters in the restaurants so your little ones can see. The park even rents lightweight strollers that offer your tiny traveler a little steering wheel. Legoland also limits the number of patrons admitted on a given day; once the turnstiles have ticked off 15,000 visitors, the gates are shut for the day! Finally, Legoland features the Model Mom Care Center/Lost Parents; where parents can feed their babies in a comfortable rocking chair, keep formula cold in a refrigerator and change the baby all in one cozy, comfortable nook right off the main street in Fun Town. Guests also can get all their questions answered here and be reunited with lost children or parents.

Legoland also has an informative, insightful, blog, written by Model Mom Mary (a former Park Entertainment Supervisor for Legoland)! Take a moment to check out her posts on everything from safety measures for visiting theme parks to "not-to-be-missed" park features (Granny Apple Fries top her list!).

Legoland is centrally located (an hour south of Disneyland and a half hour north of SeaWorld in San Diego), so it’s a great park to include on a swing through Southern California, particularly for younger kids who often get the short end of the theme park stick! The only park of its kind in the country (at least until the new Florida Legoland opens in October 2011!), Legoland is a family favorite, and a “must-see” for families visiting Southern California! Happy travels!

- Destination Mom

Family Travel Products We Love!

2011-03-01T04:37:00.000-08:00

Flyebaby:

We love this innovative portable, hammock-style, fabric seat that can be used for infants or babies on airplanes, dining room chairs, and beach chairs. Available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, the Flyebaby's adjustable straps make it exceptionally versatile - it gives you the ability to instantly create a safe seat for your child for feedings, changings, lounging, and air travel (see website for usage manual and FAQs). We also love that it folds down to virtually the size of a hand towel for storage and packing!

SmartSeat Chair Protector:

Young children are not always the neatest eaters; that's why we love this brilliant stain-resistant seat cover - ideal for bringing along on vacation or even family members' and friends' homes! The SmartSeat Chair Protector offers all the protection of vinyl with the comfort of fabric! It is a waterproof, stain resistant, and machine-washable cover made from soft, toxin-free fabric. Available in black, tan, and navy, the SmartSeat's patent-pending design uses adjustable straps to securely fit chairs ranging from 18″ to 25″ wide. Added bonus: their homepage also contains a link to their fun and information-packed blog - a must see!

Web/iPhone/iPod App - CitiStroller:

Released in fall 2010, the CitiStroller app is a web and smartphone guide for parents and caregivers navigating cities with kids in tow. Unlike any other tool of its kind on the market, CitiStroller offers national baby & kids gear retailer listings; diaper change locations with an ability to indicate whether the changing table is in the women’s, men’s or family restrooms; multi-city stroller friendly public transportation; great nursing spots; and stroller repair listings for those times when parents are caught with a flat or a wobbly wheel! In addition, CitiStroller offers listings for parks, playgrounds, indoor play spaces & activities, and stroller-friendly restaurants and cafés!

Happy Travels!

-Destination Mom

Unique of the Week: Orlando Stroller Rental!

2011-02-22T02:49:00.000-08:00

Renting baby equipment is becoming increasingly popular among families travelling with young children! That's why, this week, Travel-Tot is proud to feature one of our favorite stroller rental companies: Orlando Stroller Rentals (OSR)! Conveniently located in the sunny family vacation Mecca of central Florida, Orlando Stroller Rentals offers its clients the best in convenience, value, safety, and comfort! Boasting the endorsement of the Disney Moms Panel, and rave reviews from their clients, Orlando Stroller Rentals provides stroller-rental service complete with delivery-to and pick-up from Orlando-area hotels!

The company is the brainchild of Shannon Tanner; who cleverly identified the industry niche when her life-long love of Disney inspired her to bring her own school-aged children to experience the Magic Kingdom, only to find that all the walking proved exhausting to the kids. The next day, they elected to rent a stroller on Disney property; which she concedes "worked well, until we went to exit the park and were required to return the rental; our five year old daughter was very tired and my husband had to carry her back to the Beach Club Resort where we were staying, and our six year old son was not very happy walking back either." After renting a stroller for three more days, Shannon knew there had to be a better alternative for parents like themselves; parents who sought a stroller that could accommodate a high weight capacity, was easy to push, reclined, had a large sun canopy, was easy to fold, and which would be delivered-to and picked-up from Orlando area hotels. And so Orlando Stroller Rentals was born; Shannon left her 12-year elementary teaching career and started up the company!

Orlando Stroller Rentals is a company dedicated to making travel safer, easier and more enjoyable for families. Shannon and everyone at OSR take pride in providing reasonably-priced, high quality, comfortable strollers designed to accommodate one or two passengers. Strollers come standard with large sun canopies, and rain covers are available for a small additional cost. All OSR rental strollers are carefully cleaned with non-toxic natural cleaning solution before and after each use, and come equipped with theft deterrent features (removable rear wheel).

But OSR isn't only about strollers! They also offer the Liberty Special Needs Pushchair, which is cleverly designed to provide stability and a smooth ride, without a medical look or feel; offering children with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy excursions with their families. Orlando Stroller Rentals has also partnered with Sentry Location Solutions to provide child safety and peace of mind to travelling families with GPS Tracking Rental Units! Shannon is always looking for opportunities to expand Orlando Stroller Rental's product and service offerings, so be sure to check OSR's website often for the latest updates!

Shannon poses above with one of OSR's double strollers!

For their dedication to providing safe, comfortable, reasonably-priced rental equipment and to making family travel easier and more enjoyable; Travel-Tot is proud to recognize Orlando Stroller Rentals as our choice for Unique of the Week!

Happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Destination: Washington, D.C.!

2011-02-15T04:34:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great family get-away on a budget? Washington, D.C. is where it's at! Sporting numerous fun family freebies from museums and parks to historic landmarks, our nation's Capitol has something to offer visitors of all ages. Throw in the D.C.'s excellent public transportation system (a day pass costs just $9.00 and the Metro travels all over the city!) and you've got a recipe for a ton of family fun! Destination D.C. compiled a top 100 list of free or inexpensive things to do in Washington, D.C. from which we have culled these Family Fun Picks:

Family Friendly Museums in D.C.:

Check out the National Zoo - featuring pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.
Walk among living butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion (adults $6/children $5). Tuesdays are free, but timed-entry tickets are required and are available at the Butterfly Pavilion box office beginning at 10am each Tuesday.
Visit the National Museum of the American Indian, where free programming from storytelling and dance festivals to music performances by Native composers and classical musicians is available to audiences of all ages. Check website for performance schedule.
Play pilot in a mock cockpit at America by Air, an exhibition on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Share a slice of history with your children at the National Museum of American History. The redesigned attraction now offers visitors a rare look at the original "Star-Spangled Banner," the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem!

Family Friendly Tours and More in D.C.:

Tour the National Mall with D.C. by Foot, a walking tour company that gives free, kid-friendly tours infused with games, fun facts and trivia (gratuity is recommended).
Catch a performance of “Saturday Morning at the National,” National Theatre's free performance series designed for the whole family. Shows range from puppet and magic shows to showcases of music and ballet. Seating is limited and tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to showtime. Check website for performance schedule.
Let kids roam free at Friendship Park (a.k.a. Turtle Park), D.C.'s most popular playground, located in the city's Van Ness neighborhood. Little ones love the huge sandbox!
Enjoy one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year. Check Washington.org's event calendar for the latest information on the D.C.'s most popular festivals, full of activities and free-of-charge to attend including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the D.C. Caribbean Carnival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and more.
Take a ride on D.C.'s clean and safe Metrorail system to give kids a taste of a train ride, and a break from the summer heat!

Family Friendly Food in D.C.:

The 100% wind-powered Austin Grill is a family-favorite offering Tex-Mex "grub" in a fun atmosphere. Kids eat for free on Tuesdays, and there’s a different special every Monday.
You can watch the chef make noodles in the window of Chinatown Express before ordering a big bowl to nosh on!
The hand-written sign above the register in Ben's Chili Bowl says that loyal supporter Bill Cosby is the only customer who can eat for free. But you can still eat for cheap at this city staple, where the famous chili half smoke is just $5.45.
Enjoy a veritable feast each Sunday at the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market. During peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering items including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, baked goods and more. Market hours are 9am-1pm April through December; 10am-1pm January through March.

Washington, D.C. offers an inexpensive, exciting adventure for travellers of all ages! And parents will love the chance to sneak in a little education along the way, disguised (of course) as fun! Happy travels!

-Destination Mom