Skip Hop Zoo Neck Rest
Enjoying a break from entertaining your toddler on a flight is normal. Feeling comfortable when their neck droops and contorts while sleeping is not. Carry on a cute neck rest and you’ll both get some ‘rest’ enroute.
$25.99, available at <a href="http://well.ca/products/skip-hop-zoo-neck-rest_56843.html" target="_hplink">well.ca</a>
Seattle Sports Pocket Bucket
There are no guarantees in life. Except that wherever you go, laundry will follow—particularly if you are travelling with a newborn or an active toddler. (Is there any other kind?) Pack a portable ‘sink’ that will allow you to soak items that are soiled—anytime, anywhere.
$15, available at <a href="http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/HikingCamping/WaterBottles/WaterBottles/PRD~5010-921/seattle-sports-pocket-bucket.jsp" target="_hplink">mec.ca</a>
Maclaren Volo Umbrella Stroller
No one would ever call a mother a lightweight when it comes to hard work. Her stroller, however, is another story. When push comes to shove, we see the appeal of a one-handed fold-up stroller under nine pounds that can go the distance.
$159.99, available at <a href="http://www.lussobaby.ca/Maclaren-2012-Volo-Umbrella-Baby-Stroller-in-Jelly-Bean-Green-WDN01032.htm" target="_hplink">lussobaby.ca</a>
Speck Producs iGuy for iPad
He’s a standup guy, which is why your little guy, or girl, can be trusted for a turn with the iPad as an in-flight activity. The iGuy stands up securely, so nothing gets shattered—including your nerves.
$41.59, available at <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Speck-Products-SPK-A1227-iGuy-Mango/dp/B007JGBD22" target="_hplink">amazon.ca</a>
Yoomi Bottle with Warmer
Like VHS tapes and travel agents, the standalone plug-in bottle warmer receptacle will soon be obsolete. Keep liquids lukewarm—or warmer—whenever you need to with Yoomi’s portable bottle warmer.
$85.98, available at <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Yoomi-8-oz-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B005C1APZW" target="_hplink">amazon.ca</a>
Storksak Diaper Bag
You already have a diaper bag—but is it made by uber-stylish Storksak? And does it come with an insulated bottle warmer and change pad making it perfect for travelling? Your spouse may see it differently but this just made our ‘mandatory must-have’ list for travelling with kids.
$225, available at <a href="http://www.pamperedtot.ca/Storksak_Diaper_Bag_Olivia_p/storksakolivia.htm" target="_hplink">pamperedtot.ca</a>
Hold On Handles
Parenting experts tell us that eventually we need to let our kids go. This philosophy is best not applied to your 3 year old in the middle of Orlando International Airport. Give them something they’ll want to hold onto—and it’ll help keep them close.
$29.95, available at <a href="http://www.safetysuperstore.com/product/19994/hold_on_handles_single_handle/" target="_hplink">safetysuperstore.com</a>
LittleLife Travel Cot
A portable, breathable, lightweight playpen that also doubles as a travel cot for naps and nighttime means you can put baby anywhere you want. (Yes, even in the corner).
$170, available at <a href="https://www.polkadotpond.ca/Storefront/main_pages/browseProd.php?pid=1256#.USUhuKVtijI" target="_hplink">polkadotpond.ca</a>
Skip Hop Swipe Baby Wipes Case
Need a hand? Of course you do—you’re a mom, which means you’re carrying at least three or more of the following, simultaneously: a child, a stroller, a car seat, a toy, a coat, an electronic device, a purse, a diaper bag, a ticket, a credit card, an itinerary, a sweater, a pair of shoes, a balloon, etc. These wipes attach to anything and open with the press of a button. Trust us, you can handle it.
$10, available at <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Skip-Hop-Swipe-Baby-Wipes/dp/B001LF3YQK" target="_hplink">amazon.ca</a>
JLab Kid's Volume Limiting Headphones
Trying to control the volume with kids can be nearly impossible, but technology remains one step ahead of parents again, with volume limiting headphones that allow kids to control the sound, up to a limit. If only we could do the same from time to time.
$34.87, available at <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/JKIDS-BLK-FFP-Volume-Limiting-Headphones-Kindle/dp/B007VL90RA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_2" target="_hplink">amazon.ca</a>
Totseat Travel Highchair
You know from experience that no two babies are alike. The same goes for seats. Which is why this fabric highchair is our constant travel companion for kids who are able to securely sit upright (approx. from 8 months to 2½ years).
$43.99, available at <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/totseat-travel-highchair-available-in-3-colours.html" target="_hplink">raspberrykids.com</a>
Bibagogo
Leave emptying the contents of your purse to the professionals (airport screeners and toddlers). No need to search desperately through your bag for the bib, spoon and washcloth, come mealtime—they all come packed together in Bibagago’s hidden pocket.
$30, available at <a href="http://www.bibagogo.com/cake--boots.html" target="_hplink">bibagogo.com</a>
Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags
No matter what your brand of bottles, or breast pump, they all need to be sterilized, which can be challenging in certain ports of call. Keep microwaveable bags on hand (for example, Dr. Brown’s) to keep things clean in any country.
$7.99, available at <a href="http://well.ca/products/dr-browns-microwave-steam_41401.html" target="_hplink">well.ca</a>
Boon Squirt Baby Food Dispensing Spoon
A versatile utensil that utilizes the principal of minimal equipment to handily feed your ravenous child on the go—the Boon Squirt keeps things simple.
$9.99, available at <a href="http://www.cheekymonkey.ca/BoonSquirt.htm" target="_hplink">cheekymonkey.ca</a>
Sea-Band Wristbands
Wave goodbye to motion sickness with Sea-Band’s drug-free nausea-relief wearing option. Created with the concept of acupuncture pressure in mind, a plastic stud pushes gently again a point in the wrist to mitigate kids’ (and adults’) motion malady.
$13.99, available at <a href="http://well.ca/products/sea-band-child_30239.html" target="_hplink">well.ca</a>
gogo Kidz Travelmate
If you’re debating the necessity of bringing car seats because of the aggravation associated with shipping them, it’s time for a priority check—and perhaps the purchase of gogo Kidz Travelmate. It turns the seat into a stroller until it ships out on the cargo conveyor belt.
$104.99, available at <a href="http://www.crocodilebaby.com/p-1749-gogo-kidz-travelmate.aspx" target="_hplink">crocodilebaby.com</a>
portable babyPAD
A Canadian-made, portable, organic foam playpad perfect for putting baby on anytime you’re going to be sitting around for a while. Like, say, the airport carpet during a three-hour boarding delay. Bon voyage!
$74.99, available at <a href="http://golarolla.com/shop/portablebabypadorganic" target="_hplink">golarolla.com</a>
Trunk Snack Box
This kind of elephant we’re happy to acknowledge in any room. Boon’s multi-snack compartment will keep them busy during travel, eating a variety of snacks sealed into one container.
$17.99, available at <a href="http://www.booninc.com/products/Trunk" target="_hplink">booninc.com</a>
Snack & Play Travel Tray
Since they make a fortune off realigning you after a road trip, your chiropractor won’t appreciate this suggestion. A portable activity seat will significantly lessen the amount of time you’re wrenching around to pick up dropped food and crayons that rolled behind the seat.
$24.95, available at <a href="http://www.safetysuperstore.com/product/5106/snack_play_travel_tray/" target="_hplink">safetysuperstore.com</a>
me4kidz Medibag Family First Aid Kit
It’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality while travelling, but you can pack a Medibag that will cover many of the bases and contains 117 kid-friendly first aid items such as bandages, anti-itch and antibiotic ointments.
$29.96, available at <a href="http://well.ca/products/me4kidz-medibag-family-first-aid_49645.html" target="_hplink">well.ca</a>
Tykelight Wallmate Led Nightlight
Getting the nighttime light just right in a hotel room or at the in-laws’ can require some creative thinking—something that may be in short supply after a long flight. Pop in a Tykelight that gradually changes colour and it just may soothe them to sleep in a strange place.
$14.95, available at <a href="http://www.safetysuperstore.com/product/14020/tykelight_wallmate_led/" target="_hplink">safetysuperstore.com</a>
Robot Artist Journal
Capture their thoughts—or just a bunch of indecipherable scribbles—as they travel. Whatever their ability, kids ages 3 and up will love their own easy-carry art set, great for use on laps, seat trays and tables.
$20, available at <a href="http://www.qhousekids.com/robot-artist-journal.html" target="_hplink">qhousekids.com</a>
KidCo Go Pod Portable Activity Seat
Your baby is perfect. The KidCo Go Pod comes pretty darn close. Highly portable, adjustable (yet secure), designed with sanitary (a floor mat) and usability (loops to hold their favourite toys in place) needs in mind. This was most definitely invented by a mother.
$59.99, available at <a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=11892144" target="_hplink">toysrus.ca</a>