5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH A TODDLER

Everyone knows traveling with small children can be an anxiety ridden adventure (or let’s be honest, a total nightmare). It’s difficult to be stuck at 30,000 feet trying to console your children while random strangers stare at you! So to avoid some of those feelings, it’s a great idea to really prepare ahead of time in multiple ways to get your family ready for any trip. Hopefully some of the tips I share below will help any parent avoid a tantrum in flight, and instead having you sitting pretty (maybe even with a glass of wine). Here are my top 5 tips to help you all have a stress free journey.

      1. Help Your Toddler Prepare For Travel. Prep your toddler with the news that you will be flying to some amazing place (like Nana’s house, lol). The last time we flew with Willow we explained to her that we were flying to see her Nana, and that we were taking a magical airplane. I went and bought her a toy airplane so she could see all the parts of the airplane. Toddler’s minds are extremely literal, so referencing all the parts of the plane (such as, “this is where the captain sits”, “here is the door we will walk through”, “you can see out of all of these windows”, and “here are the wings”). We brought her airplane with us and she had so much fun pointing out each of the areas of the airplane when we boarded.

    1. Plan Activities Ahead Of Time. As we all know from experience small children have a small attention plan. Someone once told me to plan my flight in 30 minute increments with a new activity each half hour. So for my 3 hour flight, I had 6 activities for Willow. I brought old toys and some new toys (just for the element of surprise, knowing she would be more occupied with something new). I also put her toys in a  small rolling backpack, so she felt like part of the grown ups walking through the airport rolling her own travel bag. She has one similar to this ONEI packed her coloring books, stickers, small puzzles, dinosaur figurines, reading books, etc.

  1. Bring the IPAD/DVD Player. Yes, I know, don’t judge me just yet. I am not saying stick your kid in front of an IPAD all the time to keep them entertained. What I am saying is that flying is an exception, and if all else fails it is better to have some movies and apps downloaded already to keep your little one entertained. It also saves you from trying to bring your entire toy chest with you to keep your toddler distracted.
  2. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes/Essential Oils. I usually rarely use hand sanitizer on Willow and always prefer soap and water. But I always take these with with me when I travel, to help avoid catching nasty bugs. I mean who knows who was in the seat before you and what they did on their flight. So I always try to wipe down the seats, arm rests and tray tables with sanitizing wipes before we sit (this is what pre-boarding is for!). I also have Willow use hand sanitizer prior to eating on the plane and as needed. I add this Immushield on the whole family, it has 8 essential oils to help boost the immune system.
  3. Be Seriously Organized! I like to keep separate pouches to organize items I will need on the plane, like these Mommy and Toddler Things bags. They have a large label, and allow me to easily pull them out when needed. Here is what I always recommend bringing/doing:
    1. Protein Filled Snacks (thinking mini PBJ, nuts, bars)
    2. Sippy Cups, Bottles
    3. Suckers (if your child is old enough for take off and landing to help with ear pressure).
    4. Medications you may need.
    5. A change of clothes in case of accident (for you and your little one, plus a baggy for any soiled linen)
    6. Check if your airline has pre-boarding (trust me some don’t) and let the airline staff at the desk know you would like to pre-board, and then be ready at the desk when boarding starts.
    7. A pillow or soft animal your child can use to comfort themselves.

Good Luck! I hope this was helpful and it’s smooth flying for you all! If you find your self stuck in a full on tantrum, remember breathe deep, know that this flight WILL end, you WILL exit the aircraft and most likely NEVER see any one of those people ever again!

XOXO

Photo Credit: LiveStyled Shop

YOU ARE A GOOD MOM…GIVEAWAY!

( Giveaway Closed) I’m so excited to announce a fun giveaway with Julie Solomon (fellow Mama blogger) and myself. We love this mug and it’s message! We want to honor all those awesome Mamas out there who need a little love, by giving away this “You Are A Good Mom” Mug to one lucky reader/follower!

To Enter:

  1. Follow @thechicmamas and @julssolomon on Instagram
  2. Like the Giveaway Photo on Instagram and tag a fellow Mama who would love the Mug!

Winner will be announced on Sunday! XOXO Good Luck!

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Valentine’s Day Sales

The weekend of love is upon us and so are some major sales!! Click through the list below for great deals and discounts. Be sure to make note of the codes needed on various sales to ensure you get the appropriate discount!

 

Happy Shopping Loves! XOXO

J CREW 30% OFF CODE: SHOPSALE

ASOS 25% OFF CODE: LINCOLN

NORDSTROM 40% OFF

POTTERY BARN 20% OFF CODE: FRIENDS

LOFT 40% OFF

MACY’S 20% OFF CODE: PRES

REVOLVE 50% OFF

MADEWELL 30% OFF CODE XOXOMW

TARGET 25% OFF CODE: PRES

ONE KINGS LANE UP TO 75% OFF

NASTY GAL 25% OFF

BANANA REPUBLIC 40% OFF CODE BRFIT

KATE SPADE 25% OFF CODE SPOT ON

BLOOMINGDALES UP TO 30%-70% OFF

 

Cupid’s Corner-Gifts for Her

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SHOP THE POST:


Pave Ring (only $32) | Young and In Love Pullover | Lipstick | Red Lace Up Heels | Drop Earrings | Laura Mercier Souffle Body Cream | Leopard Clutch | Floral Robe (only $65!) | Pink Lace Up Flats | Lace Bralet

See More Gift Inspiration Below:

Endless Eyewear with Shop DITTO (plus get your first month FREE)!

Sunglasses, one my favorite accessories (next to shoes and handbags of course!). We all know how pricey finding a great pair of shades can be, so I am so excited to share with you this amazing, unlimited eyewear service called DITTO. You can rent one designer eyewear for as long as you want for a total of $24/month, then switch them out when you are ready for a new pair. You can browse thousands of glasses from over 50 top designer brands. 

DITTO is offering my followers their entire first month for free! Just use code: THECHICMAMAS at checkout.

It is easy to sign up, just follow these steps:

1. Go To DITTO

2.Pick out your favorite pair of sunglasses

3. Sign up, use promo code THECHICMAMAS at checkout

4.Keep them as long as you want

5.When you are ready for a change, swap them out (free shipping and returns)

6. Love Them? Keep Them! Members get 15% off the purchase of their glasses.

These glasses below have been my absolute favorite, and I’m already thinking about keeping them!

XOXO

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Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka Photography