Summer Travel with Maclaren

It's the most wonderful time of the year - summer! Maclaren is happy to present some of our best travel tips and suggestions to make your vacation fun, exciting and safe for you and your children!

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Where is the world has your Maclaren buggy traveled? What makes your Maclaren buggy the ideal option for vacations and holidays?

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Healthy Eating on the Go

If you're on the go this summer it's nearly impossible to not pass one of the thousands of fast food restaurants on the road, in the airport or at the train station. These can certainly be an option for your family - but it is good to note there are alternatives to french fries and soda when it comes to feeding your little one on the go. 

As always being prepared can go a long way! Before your trip pack a "Snack Pack" for your child that is age appropriate and will keep them full throughout your journey. 

Some of the moms here at Maclaren recommend the following healthy snacks for you to pack in your baby bag or stroller for your little ones while you're on the travel path! 

1. Cut up/peeled fruit or fruits that will not leave behind trash (i.e. pits, rinds, stems) - some great options are a peeled apple, grapes or super fruit, blueberries. 

2. Individually portioned snack packs such as Goldfish or pretzels. It's an extra special treat for your children while your making your way to and from a vacation destination but it also a healthy alternative to fried foods. 

3. Many Maclaren kids love the Plum Organics on the go organic treats from puffs to blends - which are great to throw in your baby bag and allow tots to eat from anywhere along your journey. 

What are some of the best healthy snacks you recommend for families on the go? What are the snacks your kids love best?  

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Going On A Road Trip

Are you keeping the vacation domestic this summer season? Packing up the car with the kids and a destination in mind? Take it from a group of travelers - there are a few items for your road trip vacation that you do NOT want to leave behind! 

Like all vacations it is important to prep a list of items that are must haves for a road trip. First and foremost pack that GPS or rent a car that comes equipped with one! If you don't have one it is probably worth the small investment to make sure if you go off course you can find your way back relatively quickly - and GPS systems today can tell you which roads to avoid based on traffic patterns as well as the nearest dining options and gasoline stations to keep the trip moving and fun!

Speaking of using technology to make your road trip - and vacation - go smoothly we suggest downloading the best road trip or travel apps to help you along on your journey! Some of the great ones available are WeatherBug, INRIX Traffic and SitorSquat. Be sure to check them out - and download them!

And of course as Maclaren we encourage you to pack that umbrella stroller for the little ones you have on board! The lightest Maclaren buggy - the Volo - is just 8.8 lbs! Perfect for the family on the go to throw in the trunk and use at your convenience! 

What are some of the must have items you recommend families take on a road trip? 

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Keep 'Em Entertained

No matter if you are going near or far, traveling by plane, train or automobile it is important to have a plan to keep your children entertained as you make your way to and from your vacation or stay-cation location! 

So what's a parent to do? Prepare yourself with a travel activity bag will keep them entertained from the start of the journey to the time your are officially ON VACATION! 

So what should your travel activity bag include? Most importantly it should be age appropriate for the child your traveling with and include all the things that will not only entertain them but soothe them should they become anxious or upset. 

Some parents at Maclaren recommended the following activities that work best when traveling with their children: 

- Coloring books and crayons

- A favorite stuffed animal for naps and cuddling

- A brand new movie that the child has not seen before that will hold their attention for some time

- Favorite books for you to read to your child mid-travel

If you have the space pack a travel tray! It will contain your child's activities to one area and keep things from spilling or falling on the floor of the car or airplane.

What are some of the best travel activities you use when you're on the go with your children? Share them here! 

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Airplane Travel With Kids...

...doesn't always have to be a nightmare. The most important thing to remember is preparation is key! Below are a few suggestions from Maclaren on how to make plan travel easier for you and your children! 

Know your airline: Prior to your flight visit your airlines webpage for some suggestions/rules about flying with an infant or small child. What you find will tell you a great deal about how helpful they will be when you fly (i.e. carry on rules, strollers, diaper changing areas, food available on board etc.) 

Remember the rules for traveling with liquids: Mother's are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as you place it separately in a zippered/quart-size bag. It is likely breast milk, medicines or formula will have to go through additional TSA screening so consider this in your timing to catch your flight

Childproof your flight: Finding time preparing for a vacation can be a herculean task - however it would be to your benefit to print out or read the FAA's Childproof Your Flight. It is a short two page document that will be extremely useful to you, especially if you are traveling outside of your home nation where rules for babies/children flying may be different!   

Always be sure to check out the TSA website for rules on liquids, medicines and baby needs before heading out for your flight. For more great tips visitwww.flyingwithkids.com.

What are some of the best you have for airplane travel and children?   

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Packing That Baby Tote (or diaper bag)

As a parent you have to be ready for anything when it comes to traveling with your children. The most important accessory you will have - in addition to your child - is a well packed, stocked diaper bag! The best way to make sure you have everything you need - and don't go overboard - is to make a check list! 

It's important for moms and dads to choose a bag that is most suitable and comfortable for them. It should have multiple pockets, that are easy to access quickly! Your needs will obviously change based on the age of your child or children but here are some quick suggestions:

- Diapers & Clothes: 6-8 diapers depending on the distance you are traveling as well as 1 -2 extra sets of clothing 

- Health essentials: Band aids, tissues, hand sanitizer, fever reducer,  

- Toys & Accessories: A blanket, pacifier, and two soothing toys

For even more suggestions check out the Parents.com Diaper Bag checklist - it's a must for any traveling parent! And if you're in the market for a new diaper bag or tote check out Maclaren's new tote bags 

How do you decide what to pack? What tips can you offer parents on the go this summer

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A travel stroller is necessary for your vacation and journey! Moms and dads know that when it comes to travelling with young children, a Maclaren buggy is essential! 

How do you ensure it makes it to your final destination after plane travel? Before you check the stroller in on board baggage claim (before you leave your home!) We suggest you properly label your buggy with a permanent marker or unique luggage tag. Include you name, contact information and if possible your flight information and destination. If you have a Maclaren you can pack your stroller in a buggy bag to assure it stands out from others and can be easily carried throughout the airport.    

What tips do you have for parents going on plane travel with a stroller? How do you make sure your buggy stands out from others? Share tips below!