Every mom blogger has the same agenda this season: holiday gift guides and holiday travel features…and I'm no different. I love this time of year-- it's the optimal time to browse the web because many influencers are highlighting fantastic stuff you might not find in mainstream retailers. Now is your chance to discover the latest and greatest from big and boutique brands all over the world.
My first holiday inspired post is about travel because the countdown is on for winter vacation. Here are my picks for family travel essentials (also good gift ideas for road trippers and jet setters).
1. Ciao! Baby The Portable High Chair
Seriously, brilliant. You know those pop-up chairs you bring camping? Well, this one is fit for baby and toddler. The portable high chair makes mealtime easy and convenient. It's lightweight (but sturdy) and easily folds inside a compact carrying bag. There's also a built-in cup holder and BPA free plastic cover on the tray-- wipe clean in seconds. The chair accommodates babies up to toddlers 3 years old.
2. PhoneSoap
For germophobes, like myself. Cell phones carry tons of germs, especially during airplane rides, hotel stays, and vacations. PhoneSoap is the first and only cell phone charger that cleans and sanitizes your phone in less than five minutes while it charges.The UV light safely kills yucky phone bacteria and does not use heat, liquid or chemicals. It's compatible with most smartphones. Portable for packing.
3. DockATot
Five stars. This versatile baby docking system allows parents to "dock" their baby on a bed from birth through age 3. It can safely be placed in bed with parents, offering babies a soft, raised perimeter so babies can't roll out and parents can't roll in. The comfortable one-piece "bed" can easily be used for travel or in any room of the house. Many colors/designs available. Road trip must-have!
4. Chicco Cortina Double Stroller
Amazingly convertible. It's a sturdy, affordable option for parents of two kids. It features a fully-reclining rear seat for bassinet enclosure or car seat attachment; an exclusive forward-fold front seat for car seat attachment; a convenient one-hand activated fold; cup holders; canopies; and more. We brought ours on an airplane and it survived flawlessly!
5. AmeriBag's Healthy Back Bag
Relief for mom's aching back! This unique, teardrop-styled bag is ergonomically designed for all day comfort while reducing apparent stress on necks, shoulders and backs. There's plenty of padding and compartments that will help keep you organized. It comes in an array of colors and has a sleek, savvy look for trendsetters. (Mine is navy. #boymama)
Your child needs a backpack too, and I love this Swedish company (no chance on pronouncing it)! The backpack is totally cute and compact for little backs, and easily adjusts for optimal comfort. Good storage space for toys, snacks, and books.
7. Bumkins Gear
Bumkins offers smart options for traveling parents. I highly recommend the reusable snack bags, organizer bags, and wet bags (for soiled clothes). The waterproof bibs are super cute and convenient as well!
8. Water Wipes
Perfect for traveling tushies…the first chemical-free baby wipe! The only ingredients used in WaterWipes are 99.9% purified water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract. They help prevent diaper rash and won't irritate sensitive skin. Plus, one wipe fits all (great for the face and mouth too).
Nadine Bubeck is a multi-media personality, author, blogger, PR pro, speaker, and blessed boy mom. The TV News anchor turned all things mama contributes to numerous publications and is often utilized on TV as a parenting expert. Her niche: everything mom, baby, toddler, child, and family. She is the founder and owner of All Things Mama Media, LLC, the parent company for All Things Mama TV, BoyMamas.com, and more.
