Foremost on most parents' minds will be keeping babies and toddlers safe, and ensuring travel doesn't translate into sleep problems.
For naptime and sleeping, you can count on your hotel providing a crib. Half the time, those cribs are overused, dirty, falling apart and sometimes downright dangerous. I suggest having a backup:
- Samsonite Traveler Series Baby Travel Bed
- PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed by KidCo
- Li'l Lewis Kid's Travel Pillow (available in 15 Animals)
- Travel Sound Soother 20 with LCD to help your child sleep in strange digs
Safety is always crucial, and you need to be even more vigilant while traveling. You have no way of knowing how sanitary a hotel room is, for instance. Here are some top safety and security items:
- Hotel Room Inspector, a handy small tool that reveals any unsanitary areas in your hotel room
- Laundry Kit, almost mandatory for traveling with little ones. It's also a great way to avoid paying a hotel $10 to wash a onesie (since none of them have baby clothing price lists)
- Door Stop Alarm, to alert you if your adventurous toddler decides to wander out of a hotel room or train compartment
- Use the Magellan's Electrical Wizard to be sure you have the proper plug adaptors and convertors. With babies and toddlers, you'll surely have many packed items that need recharging.
- Toilet Set, featuring a seat cover, tissue and towelettes, ideal for unpleasant rest stops or other impromptu toddler toilet trips