EP's tips for traveling with a toddler and an infant.

If you search the internet, you can find plenty of lists of things to take on trips when traveling with kids. I don't think some of those people who write those lists actually have kids, or perhaps they do, but have must have an entourage traveling with them. So, here are some of my ideas. Take them for what they are: suggestions.

However, before I start, there is one thing to do first. Acceptance. Just sit down before you travel and accept the fact that now that you have a child (or children), your volume of baggage has just increased to the size of a Mini Cooper. You have one child, you have five. It doesn't matter. Traveling "light" is just not possible. Don't believe people who tell you that.

So, here goes!

1) Start packing a week early. I know I am an obsessive list-maker (duh, look what I am doing!), but truly, make a list of everything you will need, down to the pacifiers, and start organizing bags with items that you can go ahead and pack.

2) Pack a bag for each kid. Honestly, it makes it a hell of a lot easier. When I want a "Lily" diaper, I just go to Lily's bag. When I need Charlie's pajamas, I open his suitcase. When it comes to infant items, like swings and bouncy seats and play mats, pick the one that is the most portable, easiest to pack, and they like the BEST! Especially if you're flying. If you're driving, just consider if you will have to rent a U-haul for a 2 day trip, and if you want to. We like the bouncy seat because it dissembles easily, and it's a way for Lily to "sit up" instead of always being on her back or in the carseat.

3) The clothes equation. Forget trying to have enough outfits. If you have a toddler, they are going to get food and dirt on their clothes, and may have to be changed during the day. If you have an infant, vomit and spit-up are a way a life, and several changes of onesies a day are the norm. Take the number of days you will be gone, and divide by 2, and add 1. That's the number of outfits to bring. THEN, pack a small container of detergent, and do laundry half-way through (or more). That saves on space in the kid's bags. And guess what? You get 1-2 hours of quiet time in the laundry room one evening!

4) Bring snacks, and food easy to prepare. Yeah, you may be able to wait a leisurely 90 minutes after you wake up to eat, but your kid most likely isn't. Try to get a room with a microwave and mini fridge, and have instant oatmeal, or cereal for him to eat while you get ready. We always have a small jar of PB and jelly, bread, fruity cheerios, oatmeal, cashews, goldfish, raisins, juice boxes, and microwave popcorn. And I bring a snack trap or baggies, and make snacks for when we go out, so we don't have to worry about finding (and paying for) food for the baby! Don't forget a set of utensils (including a knife for spreading PB), bowls/plates (make sure you can microwave them), spare sippy cups, and a bib (if appropriate for your child).

5) When driving, plan your stops around rest areas or play areas at fast food restaurants. Yes, McDonald's might not be your preferred dining stop (honestly though, who can resist a Micky D fry?), but 20 minutes of running around in the play area will make your child a much happier camper for the next 2-3 hours of straight driving. Or consider packing snacks and lunches, and stopping a rest areas for outside exercise!

Stay tuned for more tips throughout the week!