Must Pack Items for Small Childrem

[Pirate1+Princess4]

My kids were really freaked by the self-flushing toilets. We followed the tips of putting a small bandaid over the sensor until they were through..

We use small Post-It notes.

 

[benjamie]

Not sure where to post things so I apologize if I'm not doing this correctly.

Here's the situation; My husband is currently in Iraq. He will be getting R&R this fall and we've decided to take our 2 and a half year old to DW with us. The first week will be DW and the second week we will go to a beach somewhere. My MIL will be staying with us for the first week so my husband and I can go out for some alone time.

My questions are, is there a hotel/condo that anyone knows about that can provide 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen that is nice and priced well? We would like to save money by trying to cook our meals instead of eating out all the time. Also any tips for traveling with a 2 year old? And last do I need to buy one of those "deal" books to be able to get good deals?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Jamie

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

As much disposables as you can find: disposable bibs, changing pads, utensils, sippy cups... That way you can unload stuff by the end of your trip.

For DS 2.5 I packed 100 calorie packs (perfect size for little snacks) and they don't melt! We took his kid-proof camera that he played with while we had long waits in line. He took his beanie Mickey and favorite blanket (but PLEASE don't do what I did and lose his favorite baby blanket on the trip... I cried for days). I let him pick the clothes he wanted to take. We also kept our portable DVD player close at hand on the trip. Glow sticks were another must.

DS is extremely lucky to be returning in the fall with Dgrands. I've picked up glow sticks and some little Disney trinkets at the dollar store. I'll do the same for their trip and pick up non-melting snacks to pack in their bags.

One thing I wish I would have packed was hand sanitizer. I'm not a germaphobe by any means, but I would have like to have had it on hand a couple of times at the park.

 

[lotus14]

Not sure where to post things so I apologize if I'm not doing this correctly.

Here's the situation; My husband is currently in Iraq. He will be getting R&R this fall and we've decided to take our 2 and a half year old to DW with us. The first week will be DW and the second week we will go to a beach somewhere. My MIL will be staying with us for the first week so my husband and I can go out for some alone time.

My questions are, is there a hotel/condo that anyone knows about that can provide 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen that is nice and priced well? We would like to save money by trying to cook our meals instead of eating out all the time. Also any tips for traveling with a 2 year old? And last do I need to buy one of those "deal" books to be able to get good deals?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Jamie

I don't know the answer to this. You've posted it in the wrong place. You need to start a new topic on the main page with this one.

 

[MagicMomentsMom]

great tips--just bumping to see if anyone has more to add! I'm getting my list of stuff ready to buy/get together for the trip!

Veronica

 

[ARmomof2]

great tips guys!!!! I am going with a 3 1/2 yo and 14 mo in Feb. Keep the tips coming!!!!!

 

[MoeFam]

I would def. recommend some stroller hooks. The kind that hang over the handle bar of the stroller for extra bags, coats etc. We rented from Orlando Stroller Rentals and it was by far our greatest stroller experience- just wished I had by hooks!

Also - consider a sling...even for the 2 yr old. Standing in line can be exhausting and a simple sling can give them a break, and is easy to squish in a backpack. Also can be used as an extra seat cover for parades etc.

 

[lilybrooke14]

We actually had issues with the crayons on the plane. I even had the triangular ones so they wouldn't roll on the floor, but she still managed to keep knocking them down, and then DH and I had to dig around for them. (I apologize to the crew of AirTran if we missed any, we really did try). I like those "Magic" books with the one marker that makes pictures appear, or makes the colors on the pictures appear. Lots of fun, and only one marker to keep up with. I also found sticker puzzle books at Michaels. They come with several different designs, and numbered squares that make a picture when you put them in the right order. DD still needs some help with them, but they're good for working on her numbers. Sticker books were also handy. I've seen Mickey Mouse and Princess themed HUGE books at Sam's. That kept her occupied for a while on the plane. The best thing though, was the DVD player on the plane. Can't beat cartoons for distraction.

Disposable sippy cups were handy in the parks, as were baby wipes and sanitizing wipes and spray. As a PP stated, our ponchos were about useless. Next time we'll just take umbrellas and raincoats.

My best tip though, is channel 96 in the hotel room if you're staying on property. I've heard it's not at all the hotels, but it was at CBR when we were there. It's all classic Disney cartoons all the time. It was on almost all the time we were in the room. Great for winding down at night, getting up in the morning, and relaxing for a while when we just needed a break from stimulation. We even blew off Fantasmic on the night we were supposed to see that because DD was just too tired. We headed back to the room, turned on the cartoons, ordered a pizza (with Mickey on the box!) and snuggled into bed. I think we had a much better night than we would have had with a overtired, cranky, terrified toddler, and we woke up rested and ready to have another fun day!

 

[Mrs D]

PP's said nightlights - those are mandatory. I also bring outlet covers for the room. I buy the cheapest kind and just leave them.
I think you said you are going in 2 months, so Dec. or Jan, correct?
If you are staying out after the sun goes down be prepared with extra layers for warmth. It's not cold compared to Chicago standards, but to little ones it can be too cold to have fun. I'm bringing kids sized sleeping bags for the evenings I am hoping they'll crash in the stroller while the adults continue to play!

 

[Beckypooh1972]

We have 2 1/2 year old twin boys. We bring sippy cups for their strollers and allow them cups with straws at restaurants since we can more easily keep spills in check at our table. We have brought outlet covers for the room, snacks, extra clothing, wipes - all the standard diaper bag items. If you are getting a moderate with the AC units you might consider some tape for the door that covers the knobs since knobs are like magnets for toddlers. We love the value resorts because they seem more child proof - Pop has no handles on the furniture, no AC unit to bother, etc. Have a great trip and consider renting a car, one of our essential items - much easier to make a quick getaway with little ones.

 

[JOCAmom]

All these were great tips and we have brought plenty of them on our trips. We needed the post-its for the bathrooms...those toilets are loud for little ones. We also found that bringing one of their favorite stuffed animals from home to be a life saver. There were plenty of times that they would get very tired and wanted nothing more than to cuddle of with a friend from home.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

All these were great tips and we have brought plenty of them on our trips. We needed the post-its for the bathrooms...those toilets are loud for little ones. We also found that bringing one of their favorite stuffed animals from home to be a life saver. There were plenty of times that they would get very tired and wanted nothing more than to cuddle of with a friend from home.

That's a good point about bringing a stuffed animal - when DD was just about 2 we went and she brought her stuffed Minnie or her stuffed Daisy to the parks (we did ensure that what she brought could be replaced later if needed), and it helped her especially in more intimidating circumstances - she so WANTED to meet and hug the characters, but they were still kinda too much for her, but it helped that the characters saw HER friends and could interact through that. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it was a huge help!

Also, I think this was mentioned by someone else, but glowsticks are awesome to bring with you - we got some at the Target dollar section (I think they may have them out now for Halloween) - 15ish small ones for $1! We'd bring them out at night to avoid DD asking for the ones that they sell for crazy amounts, or when waiting in line for the buses they were a lifesaver just as a fun toy.