Going home for the holidays family travel tips - Travel toys

November 6, 11:13 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Hitting the road with the babes in the back seat can be easy and fun. For me, road trips have never been as exciting as they are since my girls were born. In their short lives, we've already logged thousands and thousands of miles on the road to visit relatives, friends and just have fun together as a family.

Sure there's bound to be whining at some point but you can minimize it with a few strategically placed toys next to the 'ol car seat.

The first thing to note to make the most of journey and keep it pleasant is to bring these things:

• One or two of your child's favorite toys
• A few new toys or activities to break out when the duldrums set in
• A small travel pillow and travel blankie
• healthy snacks and a snack or two that is a real treat that you may not give otherwise
• Leak-proof bottles or sippies
• Bottled water and juice without added sweetners to stay hydrated
• A change of clothes (easily accessible)
• Diapers or a portable potty seat (also make easily accessible for quick stops)

Here's a quick look at some of travel toys to maximize entertainment and minimize the whining.

Small toys

Put & Peek Doghouse by Manhattan Toy (littlejetset.com) My girls fight over this toy every time we get it out. It comes with three little puppies and a bone in a soft dog house with lots of doors to open and shut. Good for ages 9 months and up.

Wooden Spinny by Maple Landmark (hazelnutkids.com) These entertain little minds with either animals, letters or people. You just spin the blocks around to make all new creations. Lets kids be creative. Plus they're made in the USA.

Ready, Set, Go Cars by Parents (amazon.com)

These toy cars come as a set of four, perfect to split up among the kiddos. Both my girls' imaginations are captivated with these. When you get to where you are going they do double duty as great occupiers while you get the room child-proofed. My girls like to stand at the edge of the bed and go around rolling these friendly looking cars. If you put them on the ground and pull them back, they scoot across the floor too. No batteries required!

Teethers for babies

Shake, Rattle & Roll Teether by Playskool (cvs.com) This little toy is colorful and full of texture and great for little ones needing to chomp down all of the time

Teething Rings By HABA (amazon.com)German-made wooden teething rings made with 100% non-toxic water based stains. Available in a variety of designs from bears to flowers. These are super cool looking, safe, and innovative!

Organic Cotton Grape by Under the Nile (amazon.com) Get baby to love her fruits and veggies with this fun organic toy. You can dip the bottom few grapes in water and freeze them for added soothing for teething tots.

Activities for little tots

Things That Go Flashcards by Mudpuppy (littlejetset.com) These flashcards are all about things that go, so they're perfect for any vacation (even to the moon!). They're also kept nice and neat and not all over the car by a nice little ring in the corner!

Waterworks by Parents (onestepahead.com) A good choice for artists on the go because it works on water and is very durable. Plus it comes with four water pens so if one gets dropped on the floor no big deal. Kids can easily get out another one. For ages 18 months and up.

Lacing Cards by eeBoo (eeboo.com) These cards are really pretty plus they're fun and keep little hands busy. Designed for tots 3 and up.

On the go electronics

Kid-Tough Portable DVD Player by Fisher-Price (fisher-price.com) This DVD player is cute and easy for little hands to operate. It's made to be droppped to so it can withstand th torture your tot may bring.

Kid-Tough Digital Camera by Fisher-Price - (fisher-price.com) In the same line as the above DVD player, this camera is very durable. Ava has taken it and dropped it along many hikes and all around the house. The quality is not as great as your digital camera. But it is decent and sure is fun for kids. It works with both Mac and PCs.

Games for a little bit older tots

Travel Bingo by eeBoo (eeboo.com) This is an old-school travel game that's still lots of fun. It comes with four bingo pads of paper and four pencils. You play as you see stuff as you go down the road.

Table Topics Kids to Go (tabletopics.com) This is a fun game the whole family can play in the car to start up conversations. Questions range from fun and silly to interesting and revealing. You might learn something about each other that you didn't know before.