The easiest way to travel light with kids

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  Posted by MyMaggie Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:08pm PDT

  this is very useful. In case you didn't know, there are some other great baby equipment rental companies too. I use some great companies when we travel (CA, FL, NC, DC, NY, Canada). no more schlepping my daughter's gear all over the country!

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  Posted by CAPEGIRL Fri Aug 1, 2008 12:05pm PDT

  should airlines have seperate family rooms? oh yes, i travelled two years ago for the first time with my then 6 month old son, and was thinking about this question then, and why it has not been done a long long time ago, it would make things so much better. I am willing to pay a little extra to have a seat in the family room, and i am sure other moms and dads feel exactly like me.

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  Posted by Sullivan Fri Aug 1, 2008 12:15pm PDT

  I cannot recommend the ERGObaby carrier enough! It carries babies of all ages, from infants (with insert) to 40lbs (the weight of my 5 1/2 y.o)!!! It is SO comfy since the baby's weight is distributed on the parents hips instead of pulling on the shoulders...it's lightweight and allows you to travel truly hands free, so you put baby on your back or front (or hip!) and get your luggage - no bulky stroller to "gate check" and wait at the end for - off you go! SO useful - folds up in a second and you pull it out again for your beach walks or shopping on your vacation! I LOVE MINE!!!!!

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  Posted by NickELDJ Sat Aug 2, 2008 4:14am PDT

  Recently ,as a wife and mother, I went through a very dark time. I felt as if I wanted to leave everything behind.My husband would not have to battle me for a thing,he could have the cars(save the one I was driving away in) ,the house and the kids!I gave up my job to several years ago to raise my children and tend to the house.Now my husband had started a successful business,my kids were growing and heading off to school. Here I still was perfecting my folding and cleaning skills...I felt horrible, of course,for feeling this way.I never read an article or heard anyone talk like I felt.So I decided to confide in those closest to me,my husband, my mom ,my best friend.It helped to get it out and hear my thoughts out loud. In talking about it, I soon realized I wasn't the only mom who felt like they secretly were harboring Darth-Vader-like thoughts.And I was not a horrible person.It feels like I've come full circle and I've remembered why I am home, to do what no one else can do like I can.Love and support my family.These years absolutely fly by with lightning speed and I want to enjoy them.Surround yourself with healthy supportive relationships-friends and family alike,you will be amazed when they give back to you all the love&support you have given them.

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  Posted by Donnanne Sat Aug 2, 2008 3:50pm PDT

  I am currently in Mexico with my two children 3 and 7, and I traveled here alone- flight, rental car and accomodations for 12 days without my spouse. My travel tips are simply...simplify. Going away is going away. Children do not need to take every favorite toy, book, game etc. They are to be creative and explore new territories. I decided to forgo a lot of weight because I had to lug everything alone, by not bringing toiletries and pullups for example. Most places,even in Mexico, sell shampoo and pullups. I will also leave whatever I don't use here. Another good idea is to bring older toys, so when they are swept away by a giant wave or broken, no tears. You can also pack clothing that you may not need to bring back. In some places, you may find a good home for them and make some extra room for the junk you buy. Overall, kids have the right to travel, be crabby and what not. It isn't fun, but we will all get over it. When the young twenty something couple rolls thier eyes at your squirrely kids, you can only hope they will understand someday and be willing to show their kids the world. Keep traveling moms! Oh, and the rolling off the bed thing is a huge pain, but I have also come accostomed to using the chairs in the room. Usually they fit right between the beds and you can use the back as a rail and pad it with an extra pillow....what mom sleeps well on a vacation anyway? happy travels. adios

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  Posted by nashwa Sun Aug 3, 2008 6:59am PDT

  i travelled one years ago with my then 2 years old daughter, and was thinking about these questions and why it has not been done a long long time ago, it would make life easier.

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