Traveling With Kids -- by Guest Mom Skye Hoppus

Hello gorgeous ladies! I hope you had a chance to watch the TODAY show yesterday. I had so much fun and they could not have been any nicer at the show! In case you missed it, you can probably still download the segment or read excerpts from the book and segment on the TODAY show website.

After the TODAY show, I was able to relax a bit before heading over to Bellydance Maternity to shoot the first part of The Morning Show segment that will air on tomorrow's show. I am doing a maternity makeover with a lovely girl in need of a new wardrobe. You'll have to tune into Fox on Thursday to see the big makeover!

Today, I have a bunch of radio interviews -- 12 to be exact! It means I sit in a room for 2 or so hours and talk to various radio stations around the country. Probably by the end of those 2 hours, I'll be so sick of hearing myself talk!

I miss my man and my little man. Mark is out on tour and in Seattle today. The tour ends soon and we are planning a vacation with our good friends Suzanne and Sasha when it's all done. They have 2 adorable, beautiful kids that Jack just loves hangin' with so we are all looking forward to that!


With that said, here are some tips that I have for traveling and heading out on vacation with your little one(s):

*Let your little one have his own carry-on for the plane ride. Load it with lots of great books, crayons and drawing books. Kids feel like they are part of the adventure when you let them have their own stuff.

*I love portable DVD players and I especially love the PSP as kids can watch movies on them!

*Make sure that you make-in their carry-on-enough snacks for the trip. You never know what the airplane might or might not have!

*Order a kids' meal in advance. Some airlines no longer offer kids' meals so call ahead! Normally, you need about 48 hours notice to make sure your request is processed.

*If your little one has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket or toy, make sure to bring that along for the ride. It's a good way to calm nerves.

*For taking off and landing, make sure your kid either drinks water or chews on a cracker to help pop his ears.

*Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen! Babies and kids should be properly lathered up in sunscreen before even stepping out into the sun!

*Sleep adjustments -- Help your child adjust to whatever time zone by allowing enough rest or quiet time the first few days. Traveling is quite tough on kids, especially long distances, so help your child ease into the new time zone. Lots of rest and lots of good, healthy food!

And some tips for the mommas and the papas for also enjoying a much needed vacation:

*Make time to have a nice, quiet dinner with your man on your vacation. And if you need to book a sitter at the hotel, be prepared and call ahead to book with the concierge. You deserve a little quiet time too!

*Take lots and lots of pictures! These memories are too good to miss!

*Take a minute to read all about what the hotel has to offer. You'll be surprised how many great activities and events some hotels and resorts offer!

OK, I never break a promise, so here are some more of my FAVORITE things that I'm sure you'll love as much as I do! ENJOY!!!...

Bugaboo Frog - needs no introduction!

Orbit Infant System - revolutionary new baby car seat and stoller (modular system)

The Queen B by Bumbleride (an amazing pram!)

Tiny Ride - specialty retailer of baby stroller, joggers and car seats

Elite Car Seats - carries the best in full range of car seats

Oeuf baby Lounger at Olie Bollen

Stokke xplory - cool stroller in rad colors

JJ Cole Essentials Dad Sling - streamlined and ergonomic sling-style bag with plenty of compartments that keep the necessities organized

MobiCam Baby Monitor - This monitoring system has it all. It's the most compact, portable and multi-function available, and allows you to see your child as well as hear. The winner of the Wall Street Journal's 2005 monitor review.

ExpectantSee Pregnancy Screensaver (pregnancy timeline for computer)

Vivre (everything POSH and more)

Posh Tots ($3000 cribs and $28,000 kid’s bed! And much more!)

Oeuf Crib and Aerial Crib

Moderno Rocker by Yrjo Kykkapuro

Duc Duc NYC – Rockers: Check out the Eddy, Sedona and Collins rockers

Dante Beatrix Baby Bag

Bill Amberg Papoose

VIPP 16 by Holger Nielsen - a modern alternative to the Diaper Genie

Suede Box - luxury items, beautiful site

Diaper Dude Diaper Bags - specializes in diaper bags for men

Miabossi - simply gorgeous diaper bags

Baby Bjorn carrier

Pisellino Cotton Swab Holder - cute little swab holder!

HANNspree TVs – yep people, it’s a TV in a plush, stuffed animal. Check out the elephant, zebra, giraffe and pig styles under “Fantasy: Plush”. Adorable!
The Doomoo Seat – amazing beanbag for babies and kids up to 60 lbs.

Enjoy your Wednesday! And I'll be back tomorrow with some of my favorite BEAUTY products for moms and expecting mommas! 'll also share some of my favorite baby bath and lotions for kids!

You are beautiful and don't you forget that!

xoxo
Skye

Airplane photo from Getty