Spring Break is almost here. Time for fun, sun and vacationing with the kids! Here are a few travel tips (or reminders)on how to make the
journey more enjoyable.
- Delight and distract. Bring a bag of small treats to divert the attention of your bored or unhappy child. Party favors, stickers, children’s magazines, rubberstamps, and small cars or dolls will amuse your kids. For ideas, try any Dollar Store or the "dollar" section at Target.
- Pack early. You’ll save yourself time and hassle if you pack your suitcases a day or two in advance. By getting organized, those last-minute items won’t seem so last minute.
- Prepare toddlers and older children ahead of time. Just as you prefer to be told how long you’ll have to wait at a doctor’s appointment, your kids will appreciate knowing the schedule of the day. Use the internet to show your children a picture of your destination. Bring out the family photos to remind your kids what "Aunt Sue" looks like. Although you can’t predict certain travel delays, you can help your family stay in a positive frame of mind by keeping everyone informed.
- Keep Baby happy in 3 simple steps... (1) When traveling by plane, give your baby a drink during take-off and landing. Pediatric Nurse Susan Schneider says, “Nursing or bottle feeding will help alleviate pressure in the ears which can cause discomfort.” (2) Bring small surprises and presents for baby too. (3) Take a disposable play mat (cut up an old table cloth or bring several throw-away diaper mats) so that your baby has a clean place to lie down or stretch her legs when you’re waiting.
Have fun. Remember the travel activities that have kept children happy for decades…play I Spy, sing songs, count billboards or trucks, bring out the baby favorite, Peek-A-Boo. Enjoy the ride!
Article written by BSA contributing writer and frequent traveler to Austin, April Paine. She is a native of Texas but now resides in England. Her children, Jessica (2 years)and Robbie (3 years), are pictured here on family vacations.
Upcoming Events:
Aunty E Performs at Ruta Maya
Saturday March 8th 3:15pm-4:30pm
Come listen to the upbeat and funky Rockstar Princess,
Aunty E,
sing hits such as
Mooey Moo, Freddy the Frog, and
Sunny Day this Saturday at
Ruta Maya. Tickets are $7 at the door with the first 100 people to receive a free Autographed Aunty E poster. Bring a friend and receive "two for one" admission. Free Door prizes! 3601 S. Congress Avenue.
Free Sitting Fee for the month of March
J. Bell Photography
Austin Photographer, J. Bell, specializes in infant and children’s photography. His passion for photography and background in graphic design combined with a knack to make children laugh is what sets J. Bell apart from other photographers.
J. Bell is offering a free sitting fee for Baby Scoop Readers for the Month of March. To book your appointment, e-mail J. at jbellaustin@gmail.com or call (512) 436-9199. Please mention you are a Baby Scoop Austin subscriber. jbellaustin.com
Let's Rodeo Austin!
Now through March 15th
Round up your little buckaroos and head over to the
Austin Rodeo for livestock shows, barrel racin', and carnival rides. Check out Borden’s Kidstown for educational and
entertaining exhibits for kids and adults. From learning about milking a cow to hanging out with
exotic animals in the petting zoo, to riding ponies, kids will kick up their heels with fun!
The
Spring Break Discount Pass ($15) allows kids unlimited use of the carnival
March 10th-14th, 11am-5pm.
Season Travis County Exposition Center
7311 Decker Lane
Here is a chance to speak up as Austin Parents by sharing your thoughts and feedback. This web survey, being conducted by the Austin City Council’s Family and Children Task Force, gathers information from residents on what can be done to make Austin a better place for families with children. (It takes 5-10 minutes to fill out)
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/fctf/default.cfm
Check out our
calendar for weekly updates. Did you know our calendar is "open to the public"? If you
know of a fun family event going on or you're hosting an event you'd like to post, enter your event details on our entry form. Upon approval, your event will be added to our community calendar.
DOT-COM OF THE WEEK
BSA’s dot-com of the week: www.izzyandash.com
Featuring the latest trends in infant and children's clothing, Izzy and Ash is full of fun and hip clothing carrying pint-size fashion that caters to parents who want "individual style" for their kids.
Not only will you find cool and stylish clothing but you will also find trendy accessories, functional furniture and fun toys. Look for designers like Kingsley, Catimini, Monster Republic, Miss Sixty, 7 for all Mankind, Flowers by Zoe, Kissy Kissy, and many more.
Check out our winners of last week’s poll: pre-natal massage at www.babyscoopaustin.com
Vote for this week’s poll: Best Place to Buy Nursery Furniture
Thank you for posting the Scoop! If you have discussion questions or want to chit chat, head on over to our Baby Scoop Forum and post, post, post!
Be that cool, hip mom-in-the-know that you are, and be the first to tell your friends about the coolest “mommy thing” in town!
Check out our site key for more details.
