Looking for Ideas for Toys When Traveling

For the 3.5 year old I highly recommend the Doodle Pro - you can get the travel ones at target for like 5 bucks.
http://www.fisher-price.com/us/products/product.asp?id=28942

Also for the little one a play phone or play keys always kept my daughter busy and he will probably spend some time chewing on things as well, maybe a teether.

Good Luck!

I second the traveling doodlePro for the 3 yr old, along with coloring books and crayons. My daughter is 28 months and those are the most used things we have in our house. THey entertain her for hours. The 6 month old is actually easier, esp in a condo. My daughter used to play with plastic cups and bowls and spoons at my parents' house around that age. Just anything for them to explore, plus some little stuffed animals are always good at that age, too.

I suggest searching the web for "baby toy rentals" in the city where you are going. When my daughter was 7 months old, we took a trip to Phoenix and my husband found a rental place there. They rent age appropriate toys as well as strollers, etc. I was great since all the toys were new to my daughter.

Since that time, we have traveled a lot on airplanes with my two kids now 5 1/2 and 3 1/2. I highly suggest bringing your 3 1/2 year old son's car seat for the plane ride. He'll be higher so he can see out the window and he'll be in a familiar seat and won't be able to unbuckle it as well as the airplane seat belt. Since your 6 month old is a lap baby, you'll just need a few books which both kids will enjoy seeing as you read to them.

If you are flying Southwest, they are awesome in the "help" department. The captain once helped carry my carseats from the plane to the gate while I pushed the double stroller with the kids in it! Traveling alone with two kids is both fun and challenging. Don't forget to have fun!!!

My husband just sent me this websit used when we were in Phoenix.....http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/baby-equipment-rentals-...

Try bringing at least one favorite toy if it's not too big/bulky. Also, books and coloring activities are good. Bring NEW toys. They don't have to be expensive, just new to them. It's helpful just in general to have a bag of toys that the kids only see at resturants or on trips...good luck!

My daughter loves sticker books and coloring books and they don't take up much room. Also, do you have any of the leap pad toys? those are lifesavers. Also, flash cards are nice and portable. You could probably buy playdo there somewhere - not good for the younger one though. We just went on vacation with a 20 month old and a 3 yr old and I took a thing of bubbles (i think they're called Gazzillion) with us - they are great to use when the child is in the bathtub. They always play with hotel cups in the tub and then I break out the bubbles. Hope this helps.

First off, Good luck! I traveled to Australia with my 9 month old by my self in 2005. My husband ownes his own business and couldn't get the time off, so I went by myself to visit his mom and sister. I was extremely lucky because I was breastfeeding which absolutely kept my son busy on the plane. My advice to you is don't hesitate to ask for help from the airline. Request being first on or last on, and first off or last off. My airline quantas was extremely accomadating when it came to helping me with such requests. They would watch my son when all I wanted to do was go to the bathroom by myself. And ask for help getting on and off the plane as you'll be caring a ton of stuff! Now for toys to bring to keep the kids occupied, I would suggest coloring books, and dvd's. These things are light and the dvds will occupy both the little ones, and the coloring books for the 3.5 year old. And maybe also some light weight puzzles, tape them so they don't fall apart and put in the bottome of the luggage to almost line the suit case. The last thing I think of, is if your staying in a condo that has a stocked kitchen bring the recipe for home made playdo. Its extremely simple and occupys my 2 year old for hours. If you would like it just let me know. I'm at work but when I get home I can send it your way.
Have fun, good luck!

Pick up an $80 portable DVD player from Walmart. I am not a huge fan of teh "plop them in front of the TV" approach normally, but when travelling--ANYTHING GOES! My niece and nephew fly a lot and my sister will not leave home without it. Plus, since she doesn't usually let them watch too much TV, they are excited to get to watch it and will watch this for the whole flight! :)

For the condo, consider inflatable toys/balls. They pack easy, can be inexpensive and even watching the inflating can be fun for a 3.5 yo.

My daughter has a Dora suitcase with wheels and a handle. I don't check it on the airplane...I am not sure how sturdy it is:>) But even this has served as entertainment. They enjoy pushing it around.

Have a great trip.

when we traveled to Israel (by plane )I bought a cheap knapsack and put one toy in it. It was a small playset of a castle with people. Not only did my three year old love it but other children came over on the plane.Once in Israel he played with it all the time. With blocks , or other smaller items -too many pieces, Did I mention all the items were from a resale shop so if lost I didn't have a huge investment.