I've been invited by Residence Inn to contribute to their Family Travel Talk Forum on Facebook this year. I'm joining several other blogging parents and I'm excited to see it shape up as a lively forum where we can share tips about traveling with kids.
My first post, about how to find a moment for yourself without completely ditching the kids, is up now (yes, it's possible). You can check it out here and I hope you'll share your own tips for finding balance when you're traveling with family.
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Posted on May 29, 2013 |
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There's no doubt that Disneyland can be magical for its youngest visitors, but the large scale can sometimes be overwhelming too. That's why we always try to seek out a few spots where the kids can feel like they're having an experience that's all their own.
The new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland was the perfect spot for my two year old niece. Kids line up outside the Royal Hall and are escorted (along with their families) to meet each of the princesses who are in attendance. During our visit, she got time with Ariel, Aurora and Cinderella. Like the Mikey meet and greet in Toon Town, our visit was completely unrushed and since she was a little nervous, she had time to get comfortable and talk with each princess before I swooped in with cameras to try to get the perfect shot.
Related Links
Orange County, CA with Kids
Contrarian advice for visiting Disneyland
All posts about Disney
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
This month, in order to celebrate their second annual family travel issue, the Conde Nast Traveler website is featuring advice from a handful of top family travel bloggers (including me) each Wednesday. The first post, about Packing for a family vacation is already up. It's a fun and useful read, so I hope you'll check it out!
While you're there, you can also check out all of my past posts on Conde Nast Traveler and some great advice from the newsstand issue.
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Posted on May 21, 2013 |
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Today, the Environmental Working Group releases its annual report on safe sunscreens. The report is well worth checking out, both for advice on using sunscreen properly and to find products that don't contain harmful chemicals but do provide adequate sun protection. You might be surprised to learn that some big brands, even in their "kids" formulations aren't as great as you assumed.
Here are a few tips I've learned over the years
- Sunscreens expire, and many have an expiration date stamped on the bottom. I write the year on each tube when I get it so that I can toss it if it isn't used up within three years. (Sharpie works well, and you'll want to add your name too)
- You need lots! For an adult, 1 ounce (think shot-glass-size) would cover all exposed parts of the body. For kids, half that much would be about right.
- Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and every time you get out of the water, don't count on high SPF or "waterproof" formulas to give you extra protection... they don't.
- Spray and Powder sunscreens are touted for kids because they're so easy to apply, but there are serious concerns about their safety for young lungs. I like the goopy white stuff for the body and a stick sunscreen for face.
- Cold sunscreen on a warm body sends my kids running. I squeeze out some lotion, rub it in my hands to warm it, and then slater it on.
- It's hard to get kids to sit still for lotion while everyone else is running in the sun. One trick is to hand over a stick of chewing gum. By the time the flavor is gone, you'll be done rubbing in sunscreen. And ideally, you would apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before you head outdoors.
- The best way to avoid sun damage is to avoid the sun. Peak hours for UV rays are between 10am and 3pm. Did you know that you can check expected UV levels in advance? Check out this handy website from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Product Recommendations
General Purpose
Vanicream Sunscreen
. This has been my go-to sun protection for years. It works well on my kids' sensitive skin and is easy to rub in with no white residue or staining.
Face
Faces are tricky, and I like to use a stick since it's less likely to end up in my kids' eyes. All Terrain KidSport SPF28 Natural Sunscreen Face Stick
is a cheaper, but still great alternative to the Aveeno Sun Natural Protection Baby SPF 50 Stick
I recommended last year. Both provides good quality sun protection, though they do leave some whiteness. The small size makes these sticks to keep in my purse or pocket every day.
Lips
I like the not-too-goopy Kiss My Face Organic Vanilla Honey Lip Balm, SPF 15
and my kids like the scent. Since this is for lips, I buy one tube per kid and label it with a sharpie.
Eyes
Nope, there's no magic sunscreen for the eyes. Instead you'll need to buy good quality, sturdy sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses - preferably ones that wrap around to block light from the side.
Low quality glasses that don't have 100% UV protection can do more harm than good, so any sunglasses you received as a party favor should be disposed of before summer begins. I also avoid sunglasses available at children's clothing stores since quality varies and you may not be sure about UV protection (not everything stamped 100% UV passes the test).
If you're an optometrist and have recommendations based on an independent review, I'd love to hear them in comments! The brands I'm aware of that use a high quality lens and frame are Real Kids Shades
, Julbo and BabyBanz / KidzBanz.
One note: It's worth letting your kids choose their own sunglasses since they're more likely to wear something they like.
Natural Supplements
There is some evidence that the vitamins in your diet can help prevent or even heal sun damage. While I wouldn't recommend adding supplements beyond the daily vitamin your doctor recommends, I do think it's worth making sure your child's diet includes good quality sources of Vitamin C and A (both of which can be found in summertime favorites like Cantaloupe and Apricot).
Related Links
Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection for more recommendations, from clothing to sunshades, check out my post on sun protection for your child
Beach Safety with Kids
Disclosure: I have not received free samples or been paid to recommend any of the products in this post and all of the products I recommend are the ones I purchase for my own kids. If you buy a product through one of my Amazon links, I do receive a small commission, and that income helps me keep this site going.
Filed Under:
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Posted on May 20, 2013 |
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When we're staying at an upscale hotel, walking back from the pool to our room always feels to me like a minor bit of disorderly conduct. Not to the kids though, refreshed and recharged they can't wait to get back into their daytime clothes and see more of our destination.
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Summer is just around the corner, and with it the family trips to the beach that seem to define this season. I wanted to share a few safety tips to keep in mind before you hit the waves.
Check Conditions
In an ideal world, you'd only swim at beaches where there's a lifeguard. City websites are a great resource for finding local beaches with lifeguards and information about open hours.
Surf reports, generally available in a local newspaper, will give you an idea of the size of waves that day, and that can help you determine whether there could be an increased undertow (the bigger the waves, the bigger the undertow)
Learn about local animals. Are there sometimes Jellyfish? If so, check with the lifeguard to find out how frequently people are experiencing stings currently. You'll also want to teach your kids how to identify a jellyfish on the beach or sand. If you are in a shark area, know that sharks are attracted to shiny jewelery and move closer to shore to feed during dusk, dawn and night.
Be aware of any concerns about local water quality and watch local news for beach closures.
Revisit Water Safety
Start each summer with a refersher on water safety - both for you and for your kids. Here's a good resource to get you started.
Kids may be confident pool swimmers, but if they haven’t been in the ocean before, the waves are a real game changer. Spend some time close by until you are confident that they have the hang of it and aren’t overpowered by the undertow. Teach them that if they are caught in a current, they should swim parallel to the shore until they are out of the current, instead of fighting the wave and that if they cannot get free, to draw attention to themselves by yelling and waving their arms - then set explicit limits about what areas they can be in and how far out they can go. And remember to stay within arms length of kids under age 8 when they are in the water.
Encourage children to use life-jackets, but avoid rafts, water-wings and other flotation devices that can slip off, they may encourage the child to go deeper than they are able to manage on their own. I’m a fan of this Speedo Swim Vest
that is compact for travel (but be sure to pair it with a rash guard shirt). For young tots, this Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket
is a bit bulkier to pack, but more comfortable to wear.
Be Watchful
It's tempting, if you're in a big group, to think that "someone will notice" if something goes wrong. The problem is, that when a group of adults is watching, oftentimes nobody is paying close attention. Instead, appoint one adult to keep the kids in sight at all times, preferably getting in the water with them, and take turns.
Remember that swimmers under age 8 should be within arms reach of an adult at all times, which might mean multiple adults in the water. I find it helpful to set up a fun out-of-water activity for young kids (sandcastles for example) to make it easier to keep track of everyone.
Dress Right
UPF clothing seems to be everywhere these days, but remember the more body it covers, the better it works. I can never resist a cute little swimsuit for my daughter, but when we'll be out in the sun for an extended period of time, I prefer to pair swim trunks with a rash guard shirt instead of a one-piece. You can see my top picks for sun protective clothing and hats here
There's no arguing about how cute bare kid-feet are, but they'll need some foot protection when they're walking to and from the water. I avoid flip flops since it's easy for young kids to trip when they're wearing them. Crocks are fine for the beach, but a real hazard on escalators. Instead, for babies I like a good water shoe that will protect their feet from heat or sharp objects in or out of the water. For older kids, I buy KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
- and because of the innovative design which allows kids to cinch a large shoe tighter, I often get two summers of wear from a single pair.
Protect from Sun
Here's my best advice on Sunscreen and recommendations about sun protective gear for families
Related Links
favorite sun protection products for kids
Sun Protection for your Little Traveler
Sunscreen for Kids
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Posted on May 15, 2013 |
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I'm not quite sure how I found a free hand to take this shot, but here's another first for the baby book - Eilan's first in-air diaper change. Yes, it was as awkward as it looks, but we both survived.
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
I'll admit it, with the stores full of Mother's Day specials, I've been doing a little window shopping this week. I thought I'd share some of my favorite gear ideas for a Mom who travels
Osprey FlapJill Mini Shoulder Messenger Bag
This weekend I took my Girl Scout Troop to camp, and I was just drooling over one of the mom's
Osprey FlapJill Mini Shoulder Messenger Bag
. If it doesn't show up on my doorstep for mother's day, I'm guessing I'll gift it to myself before our next trip. It's a great size as an on-the-go bag for Disneyland or other family adventures, accommodates a laptop if necessary and has lots of little pockets to help you stay organized. Plus a super-comfortable padded shoulder strap.
To Buy: Osprey FlapJill Mini Shoulder Messenger Bag (Now $49 was $59)
Tieks Foldable Ballet Flats
Almost a year after reviewing them for DeliciousBaby, I'm still loving on these foldable ballet flats. They're comfortable enough to wear all day, look nice enough for evening, and fold up so small that I don't feel guilty about packing an extra pair of shoes. If you're partial to heels, they're compact enough to keep in a handbag and slide on when the evening is over.
To Buy: Tieks (from $165)
Canon PowerShot SX260
That girl scout trip I mentioned in the beginning of the post? It wasn't so good to my camera (long story short, it sat in a puddle of water at the bottom of my backpack for a while). I'm still waiting to see if the camera will spring back to life, but in the meantime I've been reading reviews, and this Canon PowerShot SX260
looks like a great replacement. Maybe I'd better invest in a waterproof case too...
To Buy: Canon PowerShot SX260 (from $269 reg $349)
Eileen Fisher Tunic
I buy one or two Eileen Fisher Tunics every year and wear them on virtually every plane flight I take. They're comfortable, cute, and durable. I like to pair it with leggings, comfortable flats and a silkweight scarf so that I'm warm on the plane, and then remove the leggings if we're arriving in a warm destination. Best of all.. I look good enough to walk into any hotel or restaurant, but feel like I'm walking around in PJs.
To Buy: Eileen Fisher Ballet Neck Knee Length Dress (from $200)
Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Fire
I got a new Kindle Paperwhite
for Hanukkah this year, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I love the screen, and because the built in light is easier on my eyes than my iphone (and easier to juggle than my old kindle+booklight) I find myself reading more. There's also a special deal on the Kindle Fire
Kindle Fire (now $179 with code MOMFIRE was $199)
To Buy: Kindle Store (from $69)
Spa Finder Gift Card
A Spa Gift Certificate is a traditional Mother's Day gift, but what I like about buying a Spa Finder Gift Certificate instead is that it can be used at many different spas and gyms around the country. That means mom can save it for a respite on her next trip or use it at home, whatever she'd like! Plus there's a special Mother's Day promotion going on now.
To Buy Buy one SpaFinder Wellness Gift Card worth at least $100, get the second one 20% off! Use MOMBOGO.
(from $100)
Eagle Creek Ease Upright Suitcase
I have been road testing this cute, well designed Eagle Creek Luggage Ease Upright
for a year now and it is coming through with flying colors. The body and fabric are durable and have withstood a lot of wear, and I'm still happy with the well thought out design. This suitcase seems to be on closeout on Amazon, so now would be the time to snap it up!
To Buy:
Eagle Creek Luggage Ease Upright (now $129 reg $250)
Fivefingers Running Shoe
One of the best changes I made this year was to switch from a traditional tennis shoe to Fivefingers Bikila Running Shoes
. The transition takes some time, but now I'm running about 30 minutes comfortably and my feet feel great. But what I really like is that I'm able to pack the shoes easily, so my workout routine doesn't get off track just because we're on vacation.
To Buy:
Fivefingers Bikila Running Shoes (From $45)
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliates links. If you use them and make a purchase, you won't pay more but I receive a small commission. It's a nice way to help me keep the site going. I received Tieks and and EagleCreek suitcase to review, and they will be given to charity once the 18 month durability review period is complete. I'm always careful to give my own, unbiased opinion on DeliciousBaby.
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Posted on May 7, 2013 |
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One thing I am very glad to have done on this trip was to let the kids design their own journals. I'll write more about that soon, but the great thing was that since they "owned" the journals they were much more enthusiastic than usual about writing in them. Here's Darya sketching the scenery on our ride up to Glamis Castle.
Reader Question: Do your kids keep a journal when you travel? Do you?
Related Links
Children's Books and Toys for a trip to Scotland
Travel Guide: Edinburgh with Kids
More stories about Scotland with Kids
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
This is part of a series about my trip to Scotland courtesy of Adventures by Disney
On a full-length tour of Scotland, we would spend some time in Edinburgh before heading up into the Highlands, but on our condensed tour we headed out of Edinburgh right away. It didn't matter, after our days of exploration, the kids woke up raring to go and full of curiosity about the days ahead.
Other then getting them out of the room on time, there were few logistics for me to manage, and we began what became a routine - breakfast at an (included) buffet, grabbing our daypacks, and piling onto the bus. When we moved hotels, we simply put our bags outside the room in the morning, and they were collected, loaded, and then unloaded into our rooms at the destination.
The bus. You'd think it would be noisy and chaotic with so many kids. In the family car, I'm certain my kids would have complained of boredom and made 1000 pitstops, but there's something about being with a group of other kids and families that keeps them pointed in the right direction. Remember how you could never believe that your toddler would willingly lay down for a nap in preschool? It's like that, only with bigger kids and miles of road. Our adventure guides talked some, played a few games, provided snacks, and showed a short video each day. On our two longest rides, they showed a full featured Disney movie. I found myself with the unprecedented luxury of time to gaze out the window and even read a book.
Off the bus, our time in the Highlands was adventure-packed. Except at mealtimes, we were split into two groups for each activity, so our busload of 40 was reduced to a more manageable 20 (about 5 families) when we were out and about. First up, Glamis Castle!
Whoa, that's our tour bus pulled right up to Glamis Castle. It is the home to the 18th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and was the childhood home of the Queen Mother. The castle, which was the setting for the Shakespeares Macbeth seems to have played a role in every aspect of Scottish history, even Mary Queen of Scots visited Glamis in 1562.
But for me, the precious part was watching my kids and mom try their hand at Archery. Guess what, it's harder than they though. Guess what again? It turns out, my mom is a natural! She got a bullseye on her first shot!
And Darya just soaked it all in. What better way to learn about history than to enter it by doing what those historical figures did? Can you imagine how wide her eyes opened later on when we realized that the current queen of England has walked where she walked? It was fun to imagine that Mary Queen of Scots could have practiced archery here too.
When a friend, seeing my pictures on Facebook said "I'll be in Scotland for spring break, how do we set that up?" I had to tell him... you can't... archery on the lawn is an Adventures by Disney perk not available to independent travelers. And that was one of the surprises for me, a veteran traveling parent... I had no idea how much we'd enjoy those opportunities to step up our sense of place by stepping into those activities. It's something that will change the way we travel, even independently, in the future. The fact that all the details were pre-arranged was a nice bonus too.
Our lunch inside the castle was a chance to take that imagination one step wider. What would these rooms have been like without electric light? Without any heating? Never mind that the residents wouldn't have been eating penne pasta and cupcakes with sparkly frosting like my kids were.
After the fun on the bus and the fun of being outside, would the kids consider the actual tour of Glamis to be an extended commercial break? I imagined them hanging on me and whining as we moved through the castle at the pace set by our guide while I desperately tried to keep them interested.
I couldn't have been more wrong. The adventure outside and the atmospheric lunch seemed to have the opposite effect. They kids, all of them, were primed to learn more about the castle.
And our castle guide (an employee of Glamis, not Disney) was right there with the info they needed - stories about the children who had lived in the castle, interesting facts, a willingness to open closed doors and a slew of ghost stories. She had a way of dropping the kids something interesting to think about and then following it up with the sort of facts that the adults in the crowd would dial into. True, it wasn't as information heavy as an adult's only tour, but that was a small price to pay for the fact that my kids stayed interested the whole time, and I still learned quite a bit.
We left the castle with two treats from the Glamis castle guide - a pin (one of just a few identifiably "Disney" elements of our day) and a comic about the castle that Darya was excited to read aloud on the bus.
Not bad for a history lesson, right?
Got Questions: Feel free to ask in comments, I want to paint as detailed a picture as possible of what this experience was like and I'll be happy to answer!
Disclosure: Adventures by Disney hosted my family on a media tour of Scotland so that we could see what the tour is like and write about it. Except for its shorter length the trip was just like a real tour. I always give my true opinion on DeliciousBaby regardless of who foots the bill.
Related Links
Children's Books and Toys for a trip to Scotland
Travel Guide: Edinburgh with Kids
More stories about Scotland with Kids
Filed Under:
scotland
travel-stories
7 comments |
Posted on May 1, 2013 |
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