I’ve given plenty of kids camping gifts over the years, from stocking stuffers to big presents. They’re always a hit and get a lot of use. From camping gear to fun outdoorsy toys, here are my gift ideas for the adventurer kid. 

Camping Gear For Kids

Binoculars

Spot birds, squirrels and other wildlife up close, or use them at night to see the moon, binoculars are a fun way to get kids interested in nature. This set is sturdy and kid-sized, perfect for their first pair.

Mini Microscope

Kids love finding interesting bugs on hikes or at the campsite and this pocket microscope lets them see critters up close. 

Bug Catcher and Viewer

This bug catcher is perfect for bug-hunters and would be ideal for backyard adventures or on a trip.

Compass

If you are a family who regularly likes to hike, you’ll know how important trail safety is. Get kids interested in responsible trekking at an early age with this compass and take it on a trial run to a nearby park. For an extra challenge, look up your local orienteering club for a map and try a course.

Keep your kids safe with an emergency hiking whistle, so they can call for help if they accidentally stray from the trail.

Emergency whistle

LED Light Beanie

One of my kids’ favorite activities when camping is taking a night walk, when everything is just a little bit spooky and they get to use a flashlight.

These beanies with attached LED flashlights are the perfect gift for an outdoorsy child, keeping their heads toasty and their hands free. Best of all, the lights are easily recharged, no need for batteries.

Sleeping Bag for Kids

This REI sleeping bag is rated down to 25F and can be cinched at the bottom for smaller legs, leaving plenty of room for growth while keeping them warm at night.

Toddler’s Sleeping Bag

For 18-36 months old toddlers, you need a blanket that will keep them sunup without covering up their face as they move around at night. This quilted Baby DeeDee sleep nest is designed for outdoors, keeping your baby warm and safe all night. It’s also good as outerwear in a stroller during the winter.

Deuter Child Carrier

Whenever I pass a parent with a toddler on a trail miles from the nearest parking lot, they are always using this Deuter carrier. If you are into hiking and you don’t want to wait until your kid is old enough to walk some serious miles, this will keep you trekking comfortably.

Backpack

The Osprey Daylite is the ultimate day pack and now your kids can carry their own water with this smaller, kid’s version of the classic. 

Smart Wool Toddler Socks

Socks are a classic Christmas gift, so make them warm and durable with Smart Wool.

Warm Toddler Snow Boots

Keep their tootsies warm all winter in these adorable Merrell kicks. When looking for toddler shoes, make sure the toe box is generous and the sole flexible. These fit the bill and actually look good too.

Rain Jacket

Another good hiking safety tip: have your kids wear bright jackets. Red and yellow are the most attention-grabbing colors. A good waterproof will keep out wind and rain, add a warm base layer if it’s chilly out.

Games For Toddlers

Sticks and stones make great playthings but these fun, portable games are guaranteed to keep kids entertained outdoors.

gofindit Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to get kids to explore nature. This one is ideal for young kids as well as bigger siblings. Set a timer to make it more of a challenge.

WaterWow

Fill the included brush with water and watch the illustrations come to life. It’s very satisfying, makes no mess and is easy for small hands to grip. Once dry, WaterWow pictures go back to black and white and you can start again. 

Crayola Coloring Books and Crayons

Classic coloring books and chunky crayons for the win.

Dump Truck

A campsite is basically a giant sandbox, so take a sturdy plastic truck like this one from Green Toys. All toys from this brand are made from recycled plastic and can be used in water, sand, dirt, left in the sun, dropped, whatever. They are impressively durable. 

Camping Toy Set

This cute camping toy set, complete with fire and s’mores, is perfect for toddlers who want to go on a make-believe camping adventure. It’s recommended for 18 months and up.

Camping Toys For 4-5 Year-Olds

Hoyle 6-in-1 Fun Pack

The great thing about this 6-in-one pack is the age range they are suited to. Snap Jack and Memory are the easiest to play, while Old Maid and Crazy 8 are better for older kids.

Blue Orange Games Mindo Unicorn Brainteaser

Kids can play this clever little puzzle game themselves. It has several levels of difficulty, so it will still be challenging next year.

Stomp Rocket

Stomp Rockets are such a fun outdoor toy. Just be careful not to use it under trees (you can buy extra rockets when you inevitably lose them).

Camping Toys For 8 Year-Olds

UNO

My seven-year-old is obsessed with this game. He is also annoyingly good at it. If anyone has any tips on beating a seven-year-old at UNO, message me.

Toss and Catch

Easier than regular catch, this is a fun campsite or beach game.

Paint by Stickers

Combining paint-by-numbers and stickers, these innovative activity books are ideal for some quiet time.

Ice cream maker

Want to eat ice cream while camping? Combine ice and rock salt, plus some ingredients, then let the kids roll the ball around for a while. Crack the whole thing open and dig in!

VTech Kiddizoom Action Cam

If your kid has asked for a Go Pro but you’re not sure kindergarten is the right time for a several hundred dollar piece of kit, this VTech camera fills the gap nicely.

We’ve got one and it’s small, easy to use and sturdy. It’s been underwater, captured on-the-go footage of bike rides and taken snaps of us all out and about. You will need a memory card but everything else is included in the kit.

A camera is a good camping toy for an eight-year-old, as you can encourage them to take pictures of treasures they find along the way, rather than take anything home.

Alternatively, this creator cam comes with a tripod, so your little creator can film themselves on adventures.

Kiddizoom Creator Cam

Books

National Geographic Junior Ranger Book

If you’re planning a National Parks road trip, this is a good way to get your kids excited, with facts, photos and activities for every US National Park.

Pete the Cat Goes Camping

If you have a little Pete the Cat fan, this is a good book to read to prepare them for their first camping trip.

The Camping Trip

This is a great kid’s guide to camping. It’s all about trying new things, and how much fun you can have with your family outdoors.

Where’s Rodney?

This book is for every kid who can’t sit still, and would always rather be outside than inside. It’s a celebration of nature, and the feeling of freedom it brings.

Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist

A true story of a daring scientist who chased her dreams and changed the world, despite the restrictions placed on women in the early 20th century. It will appeal to all bug fans, adventurous kids, and anyone who hates to be told “no”.

Toddler outdoor activity book

Need some inspiration? This book has tons of ideas for outdoor play, which will come in handy on hikes, camping or just at the local park.

The post 34 Kids Camping Gifts For The Outdoorsy Child appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

A day at the beach is the perfect toddler trip: soft sand to explore, cool water to tickle little feet and plenty of space to run around. With a little bit of planning, you will have all the toddler beach essentials you need for a memorable family day at the beach.

Toddler Beach Essentials Checklist

Toddler Sun Protection

Sun protection is absolutely vital and multiple “layers” of protection will keep your toddler safe from sunburn. Choose a SPF50 rash vest and sun hat, use SPF50 sunscreen, then bring your own shade in the form of a beach tent or umbrella.

UV Skinz is my favorite brand for sun-safe swimwear. The three-piece sets are great value and feature cute designs. The company was founded by a mom of three who set out to design affordable, durable sun-safe swim-wear after her husband sadly lost his battle with skin cancer.

Next, choose a good sunscreen. There is a lot of choice out there so I’ll help you narrow it down a bit! 

Sunscreen comes in two varieties: “physical” and “chemical”. Both are fine for kids. A “physical” sunscreen primarily uses titanium oxide or zinc oxide (found in baby rash creams) as its active ingredient. It sits on top of the skin and blocks the harmful UVAs and UVBs from entering the sun. 

This type is good for very sensitive skins and is reef-safe. The downside is they can need more frequent applications and can leave a white tint to your skin – not ideal for darker complexions. 

Blue Lizard makes a great SPF 50 zinc oxide sunscreen, which is safe even for sensitive skins. It is designed for up to 80 minutes in the water before a re-application is needed.

Sun Bum is another of my favourites, it is a “chemical” sunscreen but is reef-friendly and also good for sensitive skin. It also smells amazing and is very moisturizing. I have this on Amazon’s Subscribe and Save over the summer so I never run out.

Sunscreen should always be reapplied every two hours, unless you go in the water, in which case reapply when you get out. Set an alarm on your phone to help you remember!

Beach Shade

Next, bring your own shade. A beach umbrella with a sand anchor won’t blow away – we use this Tommy Bahama shade, which has stood up to windy weather and hasn’t faded in the sun.

This little pop-up sun shelter would also work well and is a perfect spot for a nap. The mesh liner will keep out bugs, while the fabric of the tent protects your baby from the sun. It’s not big enough for the whole family, however – check out this larger tent if you all want to stay comfortably in the shade.

Toddler Safe Swimming

For water fun, don’t forget to pack a swim diaper. The iPlay brand works well and is reusable. Pack two to be on the safe side!

A toddler life jacket is the safest way to swim. It will keep kids upright in the water and if they do accidentally fall in, flips them onto their back. Make sure you buy a US Coast Guard approved style such as Stearn’s Puddle Jumpers.

Water shoes are another toddler beach essential to keep feet comfortable on hot sand or rocks. 

Snacks and Drinks

Bring plenty of water to the beach, in a soft cool bag to keep everything cold.

Toddler Beach Toys

The beach is just a giant sand box, so bring a bucket and spade or a truck to keep your toddler entertained. Green Toys make the best plastic toys, all from recycled material. 

So you have your sun protection, your snacks and your toys… how are you going to get all your toddler beach essentials from the car to the sand? 

You could lug it all in a backpack (the umbrella bag has a carry strap, which helps) or invest in a collapsible wagon.

Whatever you use, bring an extra bag for all the wet and sandy things, to keep separate from your clean-ish stuff.

If you are looking for trip inspiration, California has some amazing beaches, including Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Big Sur. 

The post Sun, Sea and Swim Diapers: 20 Toddler Beach Essentials appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Camping is a great way for families to spend time together outdoors, free of screens and distractions. It’s cheap and fun but can be a bit difficult to get started, if you don’t have the gear and are a bit worried about the logistics of it all.

Hey, don’t worry. I made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. Here are my tried and tested tips for what to bring and what to expect on your first camping trip with your baby.

If you are just looking for a list to ensure you don’t forget anything (this is ESSENTIAL for a camping trip) you can find my ultimate camping with a baby checklist right here.

Happy camping!

Start simple

Pick a spot near home and stay two nights to begin with. Even in the summer in the San Francisco Bay Area where we live, we have been able to find weekend availability in a local state park. If there is no potable water, make sure to bring plenty!

Get some sleep

My big concerns on our first trip with our one-year-old were: maintaining some kind of routine; him crying at night and disturbing other campers; and safe sleeping.

Well, routine went out the window.

I attempted to get him down at his normal bedtime and creep out to join the adults but ninja moves are a no-go in a tent. In the end, we all went to bed at the same time when it was dark enough. We got an early night and he got a late one, but we all got some sleep.

As for noise, he was delighted to be co-sleeping with me and didn’t make a sound all night. If your baby is not as keen on cozying up as mine was, you could bring a small travel crib.

If you don’t already have one, look for something light, easy to carry, easy to assemble and with mesh all around the sides like this Lotus crib. The side unzips so you don’t need to lift up your baby in the middle of the night for feeding.

As long as you can provide a sleeping environment they are used to, they will eventually drop off. Probably.

Safe sleeping with a baby means a firm sleeping surface and bedding that cannot restrict their breathing.

Ideally, get your baby an infant sleep sack from Baby DeeDee, either the indoor or outdoor quilted version, depending on how cold it will be at night.

Your baby will also need a safe sleeping surface. An air mattress is not recommended for infants under 18 months as it is too soft, so opt for a self-inflating or foam pad, unless you intend to use a travel crib.

Your baby needs a sleeping pad not for comfort but for warmth. Without the insulation of a pad, the cold ground will suck all the warmth from his or her body, making for a miserable night!

This Therm-a-Rest pad is foam, so cheaper than a self-inflating mat but can be folded in half to double the insulation. Perfect for a baby.

If you don’t already have a tent, we are happy with our Coleman 60 second cabin tent. It’s a great size,  sturdy, plus it goes up and packs away quickly. I recommend getting a tent slightly bigger than the number suggests – for example, the six-person tent is the perfect size for our family of four.

Getting around camp

On our first trip, I didn’t really think about what I would do with the baby while sorting out the tent and cooking. Fortunately there were other adults to help!

If you are not bringing an extra set of hands, getting a little travel chair where they can eat and stay put while you are sorting the tent out is a good idea. This Summer Infant travel highchair is ideal for the job.

A good sling is also essential – test it out around the house before you go to make sure both you and your baby are comfortable.

Bring a picnic blanket for a clean area your baby can lie on and some of their favorite toys so they have something familiar to play with. 

Eating

Take a thermos so you can boil water first thing in the morning and store it for bottles during the day, if you are bottle feeding. As for cleaning the bottles, OXO has a great portable bottle brush that would be perfect for camping (or traveling generally).

There are plenty of online recipes for how to whip up a restaurant-standard meal with just a pan and a campfire. Make it easy on yourself: bring a pre-cooked meal like a chili and just heat it up. I promise it isn’t cheating. You can still cook the s’mores on the campfire.

A good, solid camping stove, like this one from Everest is an excellent investment. The high BTU number means you can heat up water or food faster and the high sides make it wind-proof.

Bugs

Babies need protecting from the sun and bugs. A zinc-based or child-formulated sunscreen is a good choice as children’s skin can be sensitive to some ingredients. Long sleeves, a hat and staying in the shade wherever possible are the best strategies for the whole family.

Mosquitoes can be a problem when camping, especially if you are camping in a forest. A campfire can help – I am never bothered by bugs sitting next to a fire and I get bothered a lot.

If you want to use an insect repellant, I would recommend something with DEET. There are alternatives available but DEET has been around for a long time and has proven effectiveness.

According to the American Association of Pediatricians, a concentration of 10-30% is safe for children aged two months and older, once a day. If you use a spray, apply it to your hands, then rub it on their exposed skin, rather than spraying them directly. This avoids accidentally getting it into their eyes or mouth.

Off has a family DEET-based bug repellant, which at 15% concentration does a good job of protecting everyone.

Products containing Lemon Eucalyptus or picaridin are recommended as the next best thing to DEET, if you are not keen. However oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is NOT recommended for children under three years old as it can cause skin reactions.

Picaridin has not been around for as long as DEET, only ten years or so, but is considered to be just as effective. At a 20% concentration, it is safe for babies aged two months and over.

I know there are extra things to think about when babies are outside – such as protecting them from the cold, the sun and bugs – but I think it is worth the effort. Babies love being outside and being with their parents, so a camping trip is actually the perfect first getaway for a family.

Camping with a baby checklist

The post Camping With A Baby Checklist appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Planning a family vacation to Yosemite National Park this summer? Don’t forget any of the essentials, it’s a long drive to the nearest town! Here is my packing list I use when planning an outdoors family vacation.

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I have personally used, or from brands in which I have confidence.

Day pack

A good day pack should be light weight, sturdy, comfortable and feature plenty of pockets. Bonus points if it is waterproof!

I love Osprey as a brand because although their packs are expensive, they come with a a lifetime guarantee – Osprey will repair or replace your back pack free of charge, whether you bought it 20 years ago or yesterday. It’s a “buy once and done” philosophy I am on board with. The Osprey Daylite is my pick for short family hikes as it is small, lightweight and simple.

Hiking shoes

Depending on the age of your kids, you may only be attempting easy paths. But even on the simple trails, you might have to cross a small stream or climb over some rocks. You will need a sturdy, comfortable – and preferably waterproof – pair of shoes for everyone as sore feet will quickly spoil your trip.

Sports Basement or REI are great stores for outdoor equipment. As for brands, Keen is my favorite for the whole family. Their toddler shoes are very flexible and still look good after a year of continuous wear.

Water bottles

I have tried a lot of different bottles for my kids but I always go back to Green Sprouts. These bottles have been through the dishwasher hundreds of times and still don’t leak. The weakest point is the silicone straw but you can get a replacement pack for when they break (especially if you have a chewer).

For the adults, something that will keep your drink cool (or hot) is a bonus, and of course, should not leak all over your pack. YETI will keep your drinks cold (or hot) and stylish.

Snacks

Trail mix is good for a pick-me-up, as are cereal bars.

Waterproof jacket

The weather can change quickly and it is always good to be prepared. A light-weight waterproof can be layered for cooler weather or thrown on in the event of a sudden spring downpour. Columbia is a good, affordable brand, I especially like their Pardon My Trench coat, which looks as good in the big city as the great outdoors. Check out Columbia’s cute kid’s jacket and their men’s waterproof to outfit the whole family.

Baby carrier

If your child is three or under, you will find they get tired quickly on a hike and want to be carried. A back carrier or a stroller is essential for a National Park vacation with toddlers or babies. While you can find trails suitable for a stroller, it is a good idea to have a carrier so you are not limited to where you can explore.

For babies, I prefer a stretchy wrap, as I found these type more comfortable. Boba is the original and has thousands of great reviews on Amazon. For toddlers, a back carrier is the way to go. I still use a soft structured carrier like the LILLEBaby (actually it is a Connecta, which I love, if you’re reading this in the UK check them out!) but if you plan on doing a LOT of toddler carrying, you may be better investing in a frame carrier.

I have never actually tested any out so can’t recommend any personally – I will defer to Wirecutter who have a very thorough review.

Hats

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun. For kids I really like hats with chin straps like this one from iPlay. All my friends have this brand sun hat, we love them! For the adults, a wide-brimmed hat that can be crushed down for packing like this one from Siggi is perfect (and affordable).

Sunscreen

Kids often have sensitive skin and I have found mine do react to many brands. Banana Boat Kids Factor 50 spray is light, easily absorbed and has caused us no problems so we use this for the whole family when outdoors.

It’s also reef safe so you can take it to the beach as well as Yosemite.

Bug spray

I have always had the best results from bug sprays containing DEET, which is safe to use on children over two months old. Natural alternatives containing essential oils such as citronella are available but won’t be as effective.

I didn’t find mosquitoes too much of a problem during the day in Yosemite but if you are camping or planning to be outside at dusk it would be a good idea to have some on you.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has the following recommendations for parents using insect repellants on children:

• Do not buy “two-in-one” repellant and sunscreen because sunscreen needs to be applied more frequently than repellant
• Do not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD) on under three-year-olds as it can irritate their eyes. Not to be confused with lemon eucalyptus oil, which is safer for children but not as effective
• Do not use repellant under clothes, use on bare skin only
• Do not spray onto the face directly, spray on your hands then apply to the face
• Avoid multiple applications
• Once indoors, wash it off with soap and water

It’s your call on whether to use a product with DEET or a spray with essential oils. While DEET has been used for years and has been proven to be safe and effective, it does smell pretty awful and there is a chance your child’s skin might have a reaction. I do use it at times when bugs are really a problem and anywhere ticks might be active. Make sure you read the ingredients of whatever you buy – for kids aged under 10, buy something with a 10% concentration of DEET.

I have a spray but it does get everywhere – wipes might be a better buy for children. If you use a spray, stand away from your kids and spray it into your hand, then rub it onto their exposed skin.

These wipes from Cutter are family-safe at 7% and if you prefer a natural alternative, try this Babyganics repellant instead.

First Aid kit

Kids inevitably get grazes, bruises and splinters when playing outdoors so have a simple first aid kit with you. I always take some antiseptic ointment, band aids, a cold pack, children’s Tylenol, children’s anti-histamines (plus adult versions) and tweezers in mine, which seems to cover most emergencies. 

Camera

Smartphones take beautiful pictures now and I do use mine a lot! If you want to up your game though, I do think a DSLR is worth the cost and effort. The new generation of mirrorless cameras are a lot lighter if weight is off-putting and you don’t actually need a lot of extra equipment to take great photos – for example, I hardly ever use my tripod but with the in-built anti-vibration technology I can still take non-blurry photos with long exposure times.

Sony and Olympus make outstanding mirrorless cameras, so check out the Sony Alpha a6000 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mk II if you are looking for a sturdy, light-weight camera to capture those amazing views.

If you prefer to stick to the smartphone, invest in a selfie stick or tripod for group pictures and a set of lenses from Olloclip or Moment.

Pocket microscope

There are a lot of interesting things to pick up and look at out on a trail, so take this small but powerful LED microscope with you to get a closer look at the flowers, rocks and bugs you find. It’s also helpful if your child is keeping a travel journal and wants to draw pictures of the things they see on their trip.

National Park Annual Pass

You can buy your pass as you drive through the gates but if you want to buy in advance, you can order one online. Even if you don’t buy one in advance, it’s a good idea to check the different prices, options and discounts available so you can move through the entrance a bit quicker.

What to read

Anything by John Muir, of course! I really enjoyed “Anywhere that is wild” the naturalist’s account of his walk from San Francisco to Yosemite. His unapologetic enthusiasm for the natural beauty of California is inspiring and it is fun to follow in his footsteps, even if it is by car.

Also check out my post for stroller-friendly trails in Yosemite, plus accommodation recommendations for families. Have a great trip!

The post Packing List For Yosemite National Park appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

I was at an airport last year and there was a problem at check-in: turned out we needed a visa to visit Canada. I looked around at my sleepy kids who were utterly unbothered by this stressful turn of events and felt the pressure: this was my problem to fix and my family’s vacation depended on myself and my husband. I realized why my own parents would get so anxious at the prospect of a flight.

Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to make it easier on yourself (like doing some proper research on your destination before booking a flight!) and in this post I will be listing some of the best travel gear for kids you can buy to make getting through the airport and flight a little less stressful.

Should I Take A Car Seat On The Flight?

If you plan on driving at your destination, you need to decide if you are going to rent, borrow or bring your own toddler car seat.

Rent A Car Seat Or Bring My Own?

When you book your car, you can also book a car seat for your toddler. This is a great way of avoiding lugging a car seat through the airport and also avoids the risk of damaging your car seat in transit.

The downsides to this plan are:

Cost – typically, renting a car seat is between $10-$15 a day

Safety – probably the seat has not been in a car crash but there is no way of guaranteeing this

Installing the seat – Car rental staff will not help you install the seat, so you are left with installing an unfamiliar car seat in an unfamiliar car yourself. Not ideal from a safety point of view.

Hygiene – we all know what toddlers do to car seats.

Traveling With A Toddler Car Seat

If you decide to bring your own, you can either check it in for free or take it on board the flight with you, installing the car seat with the airplane belt just as you would in a car. This has the advantage of making sure your toddler is safe for the flight in case of air turbulence, as the belts are really only designed for adults.

If you do prefer to check your seat – and this does make getting to the gate easier – consider getting this Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) approved CARES Kids Fly Safe Harness for your child to fly in to ensure their safety.

Best Toddler Car Seat For Flying

Based on bitter experience, I would say the best car seat for traveling is a lightweight one. We did try to travel with our regular, steel-framed Diono (which I love) with a strap that converted it into a backpack but after doing this once, we bought cheaper, lighter seat specifically for flying.

At only 12lb, the Evenflo Tribute LX is perfect for air travel. Approved for flying by the FAA, this is the seat we use for all our flights. It is comfortable, not too expensive and easy to install. We have used it in several rental cars in the US and Europe with no problems. And the cup holders are pretty useful too, especially for forward-facing children who otherwise drop their drinks. It’s the small details that really help!

For children heavier than 40lb and four-years-old and up, the BubbleBum is a good alternative. Small and light, this inflatable booster can be packed in your luggage, or even hand luggage. This is a great solution for multi-stop trips, situations where you need to take a bus or taxi ride, or when you need three in the back seat of a smaller car. It meets all EU and US safety regulations for booster seats and gets a great review from respected car seat experts at Car Seats for the Littles. My friend used this recently for her six-year-old and was very impressed! Our kids aren’t quite big enough yet but this is what I will be buying when they get to the right height and weight requirements.

If you want to take the car seat through the airport and onto the flight (or to the gate for gate-check), check out this genius invention!

The Car Seat Luggage Belt is a sturdy belt that will attach your car seat to your suitcase, turning any car seat into a stroller. Not only is it far easier to roll the car seat through an airport than drag it, your toddler also has somewhere safe and familiar to sit.

Toddler Bed For A Long Flight

Not planning on bringing a car seat on board? On a long flight, your toddler may want to sleep but struggle to get comfortable. This Koala Kloud inflatable bed transforms their seat into a lie-flat bed, so it’s first-class all the way for them. Just inflate after the seat belt sign goes off and pop it into the gap in front of the seat. This is a favorite amongst parents who travel long-haul. Be aware, however; not all airlines allow them on board. Call your airline and ask before you bring one.

The downside of these inflatable beds are they take up all the available space that could have been used for bags. This innovative ride-on suitcase from Stokke JetKids solves that problem neatly by converting to a travel bed on a flight. This design is quite a lot more expensive than an inflatable but overall more useful.

Stroller

After car seats, this is the most essential piece of travel gear. Toddlers get tired but they are heavy to carry. So are all the snacks and drinks they need. A sturdy, light stroller like the Kolcraft Cloud will get you through many adventures with your toddler. We love this stroller, it has lasted for years and we take it everywhere.

Ride-on Suitcase

The two best options for a ride-on suitcase are Trunki and Stokke. I love the designs from Trunki, which include ladybugs, fire trucks, unicorns and tigers. They are also a lot cheaper than the Stokke JetKids! If your toddler has their own seat, you may as well take advantage of the extra hand luggage allowance and avoid baggage fees.

Entertaining A Toddler On A Flight

If you don’t have strong feelings against a tablet, bringing their own entertainment system, loaded with games and TV shows is a wonderful way to keep a small person quiet during a flight. Amazon’s Fire 7 Kid’s Edition tablet comes with a sturdy rubber case and a guarantee if they do manage to break it, a replacement will be sent. You get a year’s worth of Amazon FreeTime, the children’s version of Amazon Prime, with unlimited TV, games and books for children. We have had ours for three years and still going strong!

Don’t forget to buy headphones too – we have these Nenos headphones. They are cheap but work well and come in a rainbow of colors. There are two audio ports so kids can share a device.

Toddlers need a balance between familiarity and novelty when traveling, so bring their favorite soft toy, blanket or book as well as a variety of new items.

Coloring books are good, as are these clever Water Reveal Pads from Melissa and Doug, which minimize mess.

Our toddler loves pens but inevitably uses the whole world as her canvas, including her own body. Crayola has a (probably) magic pen set that solves this particular dilemma and they were a hit on the flight. Several Disney coloring books are available as well as non-character themes so there is something for everyone.

Toddler Sleep On Vacation

Many hotels and vacation rentals offer travel cribs big enough for a toddler to sleep in. But if your toddler has transitioned to a ‘big bed’ at home, or they don’t have one for you, he may have to sleep in a hotel bed.

Worried about him falling out? Toddlers older than 18 months can safely use crib bumpers, so take a look at these Sleepies Inflatable Toddler Bed Rails that can keep your child from rolling out of bed in the middle of the night.

So that’s it! All the latest gear to solve your toddler travel dilemmas for flying, driving and sleeping on the go.

If you’re still wondering, we did catch the flight to Canada, thanks to a good internet connection and an efficient online visa process. Hooray for smartphones.

What are your problems when traveling with kids, and have you found a way to solve them? Let me know in the comments!

For more tips, check out my Flying With A Toddler and Best Travel Gear For Babies posts.

The post Best Travel Gear For Toddlers appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Whether you are taking planes, trains or automobiles, here is a comprehensive list of everything you need for getting around with a baby – and a packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!

For more tips, check out my post on Flying With A Baby.

Car Seats, Strollers and Baby Carriers, Oh My!

Even if you don’t own a car, you may want a taxi or to get a lift, at which point you will need a car seat. The laws on car seats in taxis vary depending on where you are but the laws of physics are the same everywhere and an unrestrained baby is extremely vulnerable, even in a low-speed accident. A car seat is really the only truly essential item here.

Check out my comprehensive post on Flying With An Infant Car Seat for tips on how to fly with a car seat.

These are my top-picks for light-weight and safe car seats for babies:

Car Seat	Weight Without Base	Weight Limits
Grace Snug Ride 30	7lb	4-30lb
Maxi Cosi Mico	8.2lb	4-30lb
Chicco KeyFit30	9.6lb	4-30lb

When looking for a stroller, you need to think about how you are getting about. If you are mostly going by car, a travel system using the car seat will be most convenient. But bear in mind car seats are not designed for babies to stay in all day, so if you prefer walking or taking public transport, consider a stroller that can be reclined to lie flat instead.

And you will also need a way of getting it safely to your destination, so check out this J L Childress Ultimate Padded Backpack car seat bag.

Top picks for travel systems

Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Travel System Stroller	This one-hand fold stroller is just 21lb, ideal for travel.		$
	Pricier than the Graco but packed with features, this is a light and stylish travel system.		$$
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System	Lightweight and easy to maneuver, this is a popular travel system.		$$

Top picks for lie-flat strollers

2018 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller	Pricey but ultimate flexibility: not only can you use this fully reclinable stroller with the MESA car seat, you can add seats to accommodate up to three children.		$$$
Chicco Urban 6-in-1 Modular Stroller	This modular system features a fully reclined seat, perfect for newborns. The seat can be removed and the Chicco KeyFit car seat connected, so this doubles as a travel system for extra flexibility.		$$
Maclaren Quest	At 12.7lb, this is very light for a fully reclinable stroller. While you cannot use it with a car seat, it is very compact and sturdy, perfect for travel.		$

Baby carriers are a lovely way to be close to your baby as you go about your day. They are good for moving around the home as well as for short trips out. On public transport, carriers take up no space at all unlike strollers. Look for something that will be kind to your back, allows  you to carry your baby inwards-facing and offers good support to your baby’s hips and head. Bonus points if it can easily be thrown in the washing machine.

Top picks for baby carriers

">Boba Classic Baby Carrier Wrap	I like this wrap because it is easy to wear and very comfortable for both baby and wearer. It’s also very easy to wash. You can use this even when your baby is a tiny newborn.		$
LILLEbaby 6-in-1 Carrier	New to the market but earning great reviews, this is a multi-way carrier. Once your baby gets heavier, you will find it more comfortable to wear them on your back, so this stylish carrier has some longevity. Great if you like going places a stroller can’t manage.		$$
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-In-One Ergonomic Baby Carrier	Ergobaby have been making comfortable, safe baby carriers for years now and you will appreciate the padded lumbar support.		$$$

Travel Crib And Travel High Chair

Many accommodations will offer a travel crib and even a high chair if you ask. If nothing is available, a light portable travel crib can be packed into your luggage. Make sure you take an appropriate fitted sheet and instead of a bulky quilt, use a cozy baby sleeping sack.

Top picks for travel beds

Brica Fold ‘N Go Travel Bassinet	This is a nice light bassinet for 0-3 months. Good if you don’t need a bulky playard but do want somewhere safe to lay down your baby.		$
MiClassic 2-in-1 Rocking Bassinet	A portable bassinet that can be rocked, great if your baby likes movement to get to sleep. Can hold a baby up to 35lb, so will last longer than the Brica.		$$
phil&ted’s Traveller Crib	This portable cot is very light at just 6lb and rolls up to yoga mat size, so can easily be packed up for a trip. Lasts until your baby can get out, so about age 2. A good option if your baby is crawling or you just want something that will last longer than one or two trips.		$$$

We usually took turns to hold the baby when traveling but there are some great portable booster seats available like this Summer Infant Pop And Sit portable booster if you would prefer to eat with two hands. A chair is also a safe spot to put a baby in an unfamiliar room while you run around baby-proofing. 

In your Carry On

Airlines usually allow two pieces of luggage as carry-on bags for the flight: one for the overhead compartment and a smaller bag to fit under the seat. If the flight is full, the flight crew may ask you to check your larger luggage into the hold, so make sure everything you need on the flight is in your smaller bag.

Diaper Bag

I mention diaper bag because they are popular but realistically any bag will do. A backpack is best for your back, although not necessarily convenient when you are trying to grab some wipes. Whatever you pick, think plenty of compartments and pockets. I found a cross-body style worked best for me. One tip: look for something with a separate, water resistant compartment for bottles. Because leaks happen.

Diaper Clutch

This Skip Hop clutch is perfect for on-the go changes. The bag has pockets for wipes and diapers and the clutch opens up into a wipe-clean mat. Public bathroooms are not always the cleanest and you will really appreciate something hygienic on which to change your precious baby.

Wipes

Obviously. If you are not wiping your baby, that’s probably because you are busy wiping up the mess they made. Look for water-based wipes if going disposable as babies have sensitive skin. You can buy a pack of cotton or bamboo reusable wipes as an alternative and keep the dirty ones in a wet bag when out and about.

Water Bottle

Taking care of a baby is hard work, so stay hydrated with a good water bottle. If you are using a steel bottle be aware they need extra checks when X-Rayed, so just take it out before putting your bag through the scanner at the airport.

Muslin Blanket

I never went anywhere without a muslin blanket. Great for keeping baby warm on cold days, the sun off a stroller on warm days and for wiping up messes on all days. 

Toy

Simple toys with a variety of colors, textures and sounds to explore are great to have to hand to entertain a baby. 

Top picks for travel-friendly baby toys

Lamaze Freddie the Firefly	WIth lots of colors, textures and sounds, this is a perfect small toy for babies to explore.		$
Manhattan Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy	Simple yet utterly fascinating to babies who just want to discover the world by putting things in their mouth.		$
World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Let's Count Clip-On Book	Get them started on books early with this crinkle texture book based on the classic Eric Carle story.		$

Spare clothes

Some messes require a full outfit change, so pack more than one spare set of clothes for your baby. Onesies are the best because those envelope necklines allow for you to take it off downwards or over the head, avoiding getting mess all over your baby’s face. 

Don’t forget a spare top for yourself too.

Formula/Bottles/Water

Airport security will allow you to take liquids through for babies, such as water, juice, milk or formula in “reasonable quantities”. Just be prepared to take it out for inspection when you are scanning your bag through security.

If you are breastfeeding, you may want a hand pump rather than trying to bring an electric pump with you.

The post Best Travel Gear for Babies appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Most airlines allow parents to fly with an under two-year-old on their lap, which means they fly for free (or almost free, you will still need to pay taxes and fees).

However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends children under 40lb are properly restrained, in their own seat, for their safety. Unfortunately, parents’ arms are sometimes not enough and in the case of an accident, an unrestrained child could be injured or killed.

How can you make sure your baby is safe when flying?

A “proper restraint” for children means either a CARES Kids Fly Safe Airplane Harness or a car seat that is FAA approved for aircraft. Approved seats will have a sticker on the side stating “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”. Infant car seats and convertible car seats are acceptable but booster seats are not.

Airline seats can be quite narrow and some seats will not fit certain aircraft. This is more likely to be an issue with a convertible (toddler) seat than an infant seat.

There are so many car seats out there what should you consider when looking for one to fly?

Choosing A Car Seat: Convertible vs Infant Seat

You can either buy a convertible seat that can take them through from newborn to toddler or get an infant seat for the first year. There are some great convertible seats but the minimum weight is often a bit higher than infant seats, which means you may find you can’t take your newborn home safely from the hospital.

In addition to a low minimum weight, an infant seat can easily be unclipped from a base and either carried with the handle or attached to a stroller (travel system). These are great options for traveling as you don’t need a separate stroller. Babies spend a lot of time asleep and it’s a lot easier to transfer a sleeping baby from the car to the house or into a stroller if you don’t need to unstrap them from their seat.

If you plan on flying, and your baby is within the safe weight and health limits, I would recommend an infant seat because they are a lot easier to travel with than a toddler seat. They are also more likely to fit in the increasingly narrow airline seats.

Infant seats come as two parts: the seat and the base. You will not need the base if you are using the seat on the airplane but you might want to take it with you if you plan to use a car at your destination. Pack the base in your luggage if you want to take it but you can install an infant car seat in a car without a base, so you might prefer to leave it at home.

A travel system is the best way to get your car seat (and baby) through the airport. Take it through security and gate check the stroller frame and car seat, if you are not taking the seat on board the flight with you.

Best Infant Car Seats For Traveling

I recommend getting the lightest-weight seat within your budget as you will be carrying it a lot! Here are some of the best FAA certified light-weight seats that can be combined with a stroller frame to make a travel system.

Car Seat	Weight Without Base	Weight Limits
Grace Snug Ride 30	7lb	4-30lb
Maxi Cosi Mico	8.2lb	4-30lb
Chicco KeyFit30	9.6lb	4-30lb

Tips For Flying With An Infant Car Seat

• If you want to fly with your baby and would like to buy them a seat on the airplane rather than them travel on your lap, you need to buy a car seat that has been approved to fly with the FAA. This way they can spend the whole flight safely strapped into their car seat aboard the aircraft.

• Car seats that are legal for the US are not legal in Europe and vice versa. However, this only applies if you are going to live there – you’re fine to use your car seat for a vacation so don’t worry about taking them overseas. Overseas airlines may not allow you to use an FAA approved seat onboard their flight, however. If you want to use your seat, take it to the gate and ask, it can be gate checked at this point if there is any doubt.

• Some airlines have rules on where a car seat can go, as they can be bulky and block passengers from getting in and out of their seats. Check when buying your ticket, as your car seat may have to go in the window seat.

• Find the “FAA approved” sticker on your seat before going to the airport as you don’t want to hold up the flight looking for it if you are asked to show the certification by the flight crew.

How Do I Strap The Car Seat Into The Airplane Seat?

This will be covered in the manufacturers safety booklet so make sure you read it before leaving. You do not use the base but thread the airplane seat belt through the seatbelt path on the car seat, clip in the belt then tighten it as hard as you can, putting your weight on the car seat to do so. Infant seats are safest when they are rear facing and this is true on aircraft as well as cars. The flight crew will want to check your installation, or they may insist on installing it themselves.

You don’t need the base on the airplane, so either leave it at home and use the seat without the base if you plan to drive at your destination, or pack the the base in your luggage.

The FAA has a great video on how to safely install a car seat on a flight.

What Do I Do If I Am Not Using The Car Seat On Board The Aircraft?

If you are flying with your baby on your lap, you will need to check your car seat into the hold. The good news is this is free; the bad is it may get damaged. You can try and protect it by buying a travel bag and by gate checking (taking it through security and giving it to the flight crew at the gate to put in the hold at the point of boarding). This way it is less likely to get damaged and you will get it back as soon as you leave the flight. This car seat bag from JL Childress is padded and has backpack straps to help you get it through the airport and beyond.

At the gate, ask the flight crew if there are any empty seats. If there are, ask if your child can have the seat so you can safely fly them in your FAA approved restraint.

For more travel tips, check out our Flying With A Baby and Flying With A Toddler posts.

The post Flying With An Infant Car Seat appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Here are our picks for travel Christmas gifts for the adventurer in your life, or to get you through traveling with your family over the festive period. Amazon is offering deals throughout the run-up to Christmas, which I will update on Twitter. Follow me @tinytrailblaze for deals of the day on travel gear and gifts for families as they go live!

Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

A good set of headphones is the first thing I pack in my carryon luggage (OK second after I’ve found all the passports.) Absolutely essential, even if I’m not listening to a movie, podcast or music, these keep out the background noise and give me much needed peace on board an airplane.

Kids Headphones Volume Limiting and Audio Sharing

For the kids, these make great stocking stuffers. We have some and they are pretty durable, fit well and come in a range of colors (a very important feature to children).

Bose BoseBuild Headphones

A little pricier but these are some very cool headphones that you actually build yourself, making these a great STEM gift. Practical and fun, this will definitely make you the cool aunty/uncle this year.

Trunki

Visit any British airport and you will see these fantastic little suitcases everywhere. Trunki ride on cases are a great way to get kids around an airport if you don’t have a stroller. It’s useful at the airport and a toy at your destination.

Kid’s Fire HD

A tablet with downloaded video and games is a good way to get through a long flight. Amazon’s kid-proof Fire is very sturdy and the thick rubber casing does an excellent job of protecting the device from drops. It also comes with a year’s subscription to Amazon’s children’s channel, which includes child-appropriate games, video and reading content.

Melissa and Doug Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Pads

You can’t go wrong with Melissa and Doug toys and this is another winner – a no mess coloring pad, perfect for traveling.

If you are flying with a toddler or flying with a baby over the festive period, check out my posts on how to survive the trip! 

The post Travel Gear Christmas Gift List appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.