Pregnant and Traveling with Two Kids

Two words: DVD player! Also small snacks, small new toys (or hide some for a few weeks), Color Wonder markers that don't color the seats/tray tables. Get up and walk around whenever you can, esp. since you're pregnant and will need to go to the bathroom :-) Your six year old will be fine to leave in his seat while you walk the little one. Also, take a stroller even if all you do with it is carry your stuff. They will gate-check it and have it waiting for you in Oregon. My neighbor has a cute little harness with a teddy bear on it, you could consider that for your almost 2 year-old just to keep track of him in airport--or strap him in the stroller. You'll be fine--it may even be fun :-)

I have learned that traveling is tons easier if you bring along NEW toys to play with. I spend about $10 per kid on a few new toys or books at the dollar store or K-Mart. The kids don't get to see the toys until we take off.

Also, be VERY prepared. I had to travel with a child on my lap while pregnant and let me tell you - it's not easy to bend over and reach things! Luckily your older child should be able to help a little, but I would pack light and make sure you know where every little thing is that you will need.

And most importantly, bring food! Something chewy during take-off will help with their ears popping. I brought gummy worms along once (my kids had never seen them before) and they kept my kids giggling for quite a while.

Good luck!

Oh, my gosh- have a good trip! I always had a zip-lock of something they hadn't used/ ever seen such as sm. toys, crayons/pencils/pen w/ multi-colors..scratch-off paper.,just cheap NEW things to keep them busy. And did I mention snacks? Gum to chew to de-pressurize their ears,and relaxing herbals from the health food store.

I traveled to Holland with my 9 month old daughter recently. Much longer flight than you have to deal with but I learned one thing...keep them chewing! Bring every snack you can possibly pack. If you have a portable DVD player, bring that also with a few movies. Your flight will go quickly if those boys are eating and watching movies.

My Ped. gave me the idea of wrapping all the new toys in pretty paper so the kids think its a gift. I did that with my 2 year old when we flew to Fl. It worked like a charm.

A.

C.,
I don't know if you've already went on your trip. I'm a new member to mamsource and when I saw your post I thought I'd share. I have to travel four hours in the car to visit my family and to keep my kids occupied I like to use little sing-along finger plays and quiet books. It helps that I'm a consulant for Story Time Felts and I have all of their products. But if you want to check out storytimefelts.com you'll see that you can pick up a very cute toggle book (which is a quiet book) for only $14.99. Email me at ____@____.com and I can give you advice on more products that I use in our travels and at home and tell you about how to get a discount on your order.
Hope this helps. I know there's nothing worse than a cranky child on a trip. My two little girls love the felt.