MacGyver Mom

In the land before kids, I didn't think a whole lot about what I brought onto an airplane. Running out the door, I'd throw my ipod and a few books into my purse, and call it good. Sometimes a fashion magazine and a bottle of water would make its way into the mix once I got to the airport. But really? That's about it.

Once I read a magazine article about things husbands found endearing about their wives. One guy, I recall clearly, loved that his wife was super prepared when they traveled. "She's like Macgyver,", he said, "anything that comes up, she's ready for. 3 hour delay? Here are some sandwiches I made. Headache? Tylenol and advil, here for the taking. A small cut? Here's my portable first aid kid."

I read that in awe, wishing I could be as uber prepared for every travel eevntuality as that woman. But the truth was, I didn't really see the need in most instances (my credit card and airport convenience stores seemed to fill the void) and I didn't have the energy.

But since being a mom?

I'm now a certified travel Macgyver. A Macgyver mom.

Packing the clothes part of a trip is still important. But this is not where I focus my energies. Since I realized that having the right equipment can avert on-board meltdowns, I focus on: the plane bag (dun, dun, dunnnnn.)

Travel with little ones can be crazy, and to me it, it is like a game to figure out which of their numerous needs may need to be met from the skies, and how I can plan the best way to efficiently meet them. In most aspects of my life, I'm a regular mix of organized and disorganized. But here? I've realized how mad preparation can benefit me, and I go for it.

I start with a list a few days before, listing out everything from changes of clothes, to baby Tylenol, to snacks, to toys, to reading books, to surprise coloring books, to rented Itune movies, to extra pacifiers, to sippy cups, to first aid kits, to diapers, to infinity and beyond. Yes.

Then when the packing begins, I temporarily abandon my efforts to reduce use of plastic bags and I go a little crazy. There's a 'Tiny Snacks' bag and a 'Drummer Snacks' bag. There's a 'medicine for the plane' and 'medicine for the suitcase' bag. There's a bag within a bag within a bag to keep it all straight and organized. And its all labeled. It helps me to easily reach what I need inside a big bag full of stuff.

I choose each thing carefully, and pack it just so. I feel like a mama warrior, preparing for travel battle.

The possibilities for things that can go haywire with kids while traveling are endless. And I think being a little OCD about my 'plane bag' helps me to feel a little more control. Obviously, I'm not. But it gives the illusion, and has helped things to go more smoothly.

And then when I'm able to be at the ready with some small thing I've packed? Oh, the satisfaction.

Hmmm....do I spy a dirty tray table? Excuse me while I just whip out my antibacterial wet wipes.

**what about you...what are your favorite tips for traveling with kids?***