26 Genius Air Travel Hacks Every Parent Needs to Know

by Melissa HeckscherApril 29, 2024

You’re excited about your destination. The journey to get there—maybe not so much. But before you start writing preemptive apology letters to your fellow airplane passengers, try some of these genius airplane hacks to keep your brood calm, happy, and organized on even thelongest of flights. From where to sit on the plane to how to pack so you can whip out the right stuff at the right time (Hello, emergency lollipops!), here are the best travel and packing tips for your next flight.

family travel hacks for traveling with kids — AdobeStock

1. Get TSA PreCheck status to breeze through security. True, some airports will whisk families through security to help weary moms and dads get through the lines without having to tame tantrums or retrieve runaway kiddos—but it’s not a guarantee. To help make sure your wait in the security line is a quick one, apply for TSA PreCheck status, which lets you and your kids breeze through security a little faster (PreChecked travelers use a separate line and don’t need to remove their shoes or belts nor remove liquids, laptops or light jackets). Children under 13 can use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the indicator on their boarding pass. Even better? It only costs $85 for five years.

Insider Tip: Make sure to apply for PreCheck status at least two weeks before your flight, then add your “Known Traveler Number” to your reservation.

Apply at Tsa.gov/precheck

2. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. According to air travel experts, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least popular days to fly—which means not only could you get a better deal on your flight, but you may end up with a free seat next to you in the air. In contrast, Sundays are the most expensive, according to TravelFreak.com.

3. Pre-order meals and snacks. Every parent knows it takes something as simple as, “Sorry, we ran out of the Pirate’s Booty” to send a cranky kid into a hangry downward spiral. To avoid this in-air calamity, pre-order any onboard snacks (besides the ones you pack) ahead of time. Most airlines will let you do this within two weeks of your flight, allowing you to prepay for meals or snacks so that you’re guaranteed your food of choice even if you’re sitting in the last row to be served (most airlines even have kids meals, which reportedly taste way better than their grown-up counterparts).

Not all airlines have specialized child or baby meals available, but many do—including Delta, American, United, British Airways, Emirates, EVA Air, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and Japan Airlines. Specialized meals (there are also allergy-friendly meals, vegetarian meals, etc.) are only available by reservation, so make sure to check with your airline long before your flight takes off.

Insider Tip: To reserve meals, go to the “Manage My Booking” section for your flight and find the option for meals and snacks.

4. Sit up front if you’re worried about motion sickness—and the back if you’re potty training. If you’ve got a kid who gets queasy easily, sitting at the front of the plane or between the wings is your best bet since this is the most stable part of the airplane. The back seats, by contrast, will be the bumpiest when the air gets choppy. That said, if you’ve got a kid who’s new to the potty, choose a seat in the back, so you’re close to the lavatory. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft also means you’re within easy reach of in-flight amenities (you can usually get cups of water or seconds on snacks), and you’ll have a bit of room to stretch your legs if you need to rock a nearly-snoozing child.

5. Use packing cubes to grab-and-go. When your wiggly tot needs to get to the bathroom, pronto, digging through your carry-on to find diapers and wipes need to be a lightning-fast feat. To prep for this inevitable moment, use a clear packing cube to make an easy-to-grab potty kit that you can whisk out of your carry-on the moment you see your wee one wiggling. Packing cubes are also great for separating snacks, spare clothes, toys, and other items you’ll need to grab at a moment’s notice. Try these EZPacking Cubes for clear plastic pouches or these compression mesh cubes that let you squish your stuff down to fit it all in.

Insider Tip: Bring extra Ziploc bags in case you need a place to put soiled or wet clothes.

6. Use a blow-up footrest to make naps happen. This blow-up footrest lets your little ones lay flat (if they’re small enough) or put their feet up to get cozy. It also works to keep toys and crayons from falling to the floor since it takes up almost all of the space in front of the seat. Blowing it up can be a little tedious—you use your mouth or a pump (sold separately)—but once it’s inflated, your tot will be the envy of your seatmates. Buy it here.

7. Use a phone wallet for easy access to travel documents and credit cards. When you’re shuffling kids through security, keeping all of your travel documents easily accessible is a must. So carry your phone and your credit cards in one of these wearable “phone wallets” so you can whip out your tickets and pay for snacks without needing to open your purse. Not only that, but you’ll be able to quickly snap a photo or hand over Youtube Kids at a moment’s notice. Win-win!

8. Use busy boxes to keep kids entertained without screens. Sure, you can hand over your phone and let kids veg out the whole flight, but if your kids are too young for marathon TV sessions or you want to occupy them for a few minutes without a screen—airplane busy boxes are a fun way to pass the time. Make them yourself by filling a pencil case with a variety of small toys and games suitable for your child, or head to Etsy and buy one, made-to-order. Stellar seller 2Plus3EqualsWe makes magical ones that can be personalized with your child’s name.

Insider Tip: Don’t show them to your kids until you’re up in the air!

9. “Surprise Eggs” are your friends. If the wild success of YouTube channels like Ryan’s World is any indication, simply opening a toy is almost more fun than playing with it. So bring along wrapped or boxed toys that your child can “unbox” while in flight. It can be as simple as filling plastic Easter eggs with tiny toys from the Dollar Store or buying pre-made kits online, like this 30 toy-filled eggs set on Amazon. Our choice: “Surprise Balls” like Mini Brands Toys (which come with tiny replicas of popular toys and are gender-neutral) take at least 15-20 minutes to unwrap, open, and explore, and they’re relatively small to toss in your carry-on. Keep them a secret, then hand them over when your kids get fidgety.

Insider Tip: Bring Play-Doh for kids to stick to the tray table—it works great for anchoring small toys in place!

10. Listen to Stories. There are only so many books you can bring to read to your child on a plane. So leave the storytelling to this genius little gadget that makes it easy for kids to listen to stories or songs without needing to know how to read the controls. All they have to do is slide the sturdy story card into the slot and push a button. Content cards range from Disney faves like Frozen and Spider-Man to kid-lit classics like The Magic Treehouse and Ramona Quimby. There are even cards that let you record your voice so you can read a story, sing a song, or just talk to your child and they can listen to your voice on demand.

11. Bring triangular crayons. Coloring is a no-brainer way to help pass the time on a long flight. To keep crayons from slipping and sliding off of the fold-down tray, bring triangle-shaped ones that will lay flat.

12. Tether important toys. Your kid won’t travel without her favorite lovey, but you know that doll is bound to end up on the dirty airplane floor. What’s a parent to do? Strap one of these handy tethers onto your kids’ important items to keep them from falling onto the ground (or getting lost). Note: You can attach one end to your child’s wrist (or yours) if you can’t find any other place to loop it.

13. Check the car seat. Don’t feel like lugging your toddler’s car seat but need something more than the airplane seatbelt to keep your little wiggler in place? Try this airplane hack that uses a safety harness that straps onto the airplane seat to create the same sort of five-point harness your child is used to, without the bulk. Because it holds the child’s chest area as well as the waist—the same way a car seat seatbelt does—the FlySafe harness can help restless kids fall asleep more easily on a plane. It is designed for kids that weigh 22-44 pounds and is small enough to fit in your purse.

14. Use a folding travel desk to keep things within reach. If your child likes to draw or craft her way through a long flight, a fold-out desk like this one is the perfect way to keep all those art supplies within reach and off the airplane floor. There are pockets for all the things your child needs, and it folds up easily for easy carrying to and from your destination. It also works to cover that infamously dirty tray table.

15. Roll your child through the airport. When you’re rushing to make a flight and you don’t want to worry about your child toddling into restricted areas or making a beeline for the airport store, this strap-on child seat fits on the back of your rolling luggage and lets your kid cruise right along with your carry-on. It works with children up to 50 pounds and attaches to any 20-24″ rolling suitcase. Want something a little more sophisticated? Micro’s Luggage Eazy has a built-in kid seat on the top of its roller case so you can zip through the terminal in style.

16. Get a seat with a bassinet for long-haul flights. Did you know most international flights offer bassinets that attach to the wall of the front row in coach? It’s true… and it’s amazing! To secure one of the few seats on the plane that offer this perk, book your seats way ahead of time by calling the airline directly and requesting the bassinet seats. The bassinets make a great napping and tummy time space and are available for babies up to about a year (though age and weight limits vary per airline). Check out this post from FlyingwithaBaby, which compares bassinet seats (and rules for them) for almost all major airlines.

17. Bring pain relief, just in case. The last thing you want when you’ve just reached cruising altitude is to hear the sad wail from your little one that can only mean one thing: something hurts. To help any in-flight ouchies (such as ear pain, which is common during the winter when kids have constant stuffiness), bring a bottle of infant or child Tylenol or Advil (plus the measuring cup that comes with it), just in case.

18. Use disposable mats on airplane trays. You don’t want to know what might be lurking on the tray table where your one-year-old just plopped his pacifier. One of our favorite airline hacks is to keep those yuckies covered with a disposable like this “Tray Mask.” That way, when your kids pour their pretzels out of the bags (because you know they will), you can rest assured knowing the table is clean.

19, Stash pacifiers in condiment cups. If you don’t want your extra pacifiers collecting dirt and grime, grab a few extra to-go dressing cups the next time you eat out. Each one is a perfect binky-holder.

20. Get this suitcase that doubles as a lay-flat bed. JetKids has invented what may be the coolest travel gadget for kids: The JetKids By Stokke Bedbox works as a scooter suitcase in the airport (your kids can roll themselves or be pulled by you) and transforms into a lay-flat bed for babies and toddlers in-flight. At $199, it’s a pricey purchase, but considering the peace of mind you’ll get knowing your little one will snooze the flight away, it may be worth it. Read our in-depth review of the BedBox here.

21. Use free printables. If the power on the tablet runs out, and you’re up for a family game, whip out a few air travel BINGO cards and start scanning the aisles for your winning items. See a beverage cart? Check!! Hear someone sneeze? BINGO! You can make your own cards or try one of these free printables.

22. Conquer achy ears. The frequent flyers over at Nourishing Little Souls picked up this hack from a flight attendant for when their little ones’ ears pop en route. Simply pour steaming hot water onto paper towels and stuff them into the bottom of two cups. Then, hold the cups so that they’re sealed over your kid’s ears; any pressure disappears in a flash.

23. Make in-flight snack time a game. Tots love to open and close things, so take a cue from Lemon Stripes by stretching out the mid-flight snack by stashing their favorite nibbles—goldfish, granola, raisins—into a days-of-the-week pill case. They’ll get a kick out of popping open each compartment and picking out the treats inside.

24. Use saran wrap or portable cup covers to minimize in-flight spills. Keep in-flight juice messes to a minimum by covering open cups (like the ones flight attendants hand out) with a piece of Press n’ Seal. Stick a straw into the top and voila! Looking for something you can use again and again? Try these ingenious portable cup covers that fit onto almost any cup.

25. Abandon screen time rules. If endless episodes of Dora The Explorer or a few hours of Minecraft is all it takes to keep your little jet-setter happy on a cross-country journey, let it happen. When it comes to screen time on an airplane, we say there are no rules. Quiet kids = Happy plane.

Insider Tip: If you’re downloading movies to the tablet, don’t forget a jack splitter so your kids can watch together. Also, don’t forget to download your airline’s app so you can watch free movies and shows in-flight (most airplanes without courtesy screens offer this).

26. Bring lots of lollipops. Hear us out: If your kids are having trouble popping their ears during takeoff and landing, sucking on lollipops can help. It also helps during temper tantrums and meltdowns (You’re on a plane: You do what you have to do). Don’t be afraid to offer them to the harried parents a few rows up—this airplane hack works like magic.

How the 5 Most Popular Baby Sleep-Training Methods Work

by Melissa HeckscherApril 18, 2024

We get it: Sleepless nights come with the territory as a new parent. But there comes a time, usually at around 3 or 4 months, when getting the baby to sleep is suddenly a thing. How you lull your little one into slumber—that is, which baby sleep training method you choose to make it happen—is the question new parents like to debate.

Will you let your baby “cry it out”? Are you a fan of “Ferber-izing”? Or might you opt for no method at all?

“There’s a lot of emotion around sleep training and not a lot of science,” said Dr. Elham Raker, a Los Angeles-based pediatrician, blogger, and parent coach. “I really would love to take the pressure off parents who say, ‘You have to do it this way or that way.’ What works for you mentally, physically, emotionally—that’s what you should do.”

In other words: There is no “right way” to sleep-train a baby.

“Sometimes sleep training is not possible because there are other kids in the house and a cry-it-out method is not realistic,” she said. “Or sometimes parents really need to do the cry-it-out method and get kids to sleep as soon as possible because they have to go to work the next day. There are a lot of factors that are important to consider.”

That said, you’re probably very, very tired… and that baby needs to sleep! So what are your options? Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular sleep training methods. See if any resonate with you. But remember, it’s your baby and your sleep (or lack thereof). So do what works.

Note: Experts say the best time to start sleep-training a baby is around 4-6 months old.

The Ferber Method

What is it: Developed by renowned pediatrician Richard Ferber, author of the best-selling book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems and director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children’s Hospital Boston, this method aims to help children learn to fall asleep on their own by allowing them to cry for short periods before parents soothe them. This method is also referred to as check and console, graduated extinction, or the interval method.

How it’s done: Put your child into her crib when she is drowsy (but not asleep), then leave the room. When/if she cries, wait a few minutes (three is recommended on the first night) before going into the room to comfort her. When you go in, don’t pick her up, feed her, or turn on the light. Instead, just pat (or rub) her on the back and talk to her in a comforting voice. Do this for just a few minutes, then leave the room again.

If your baby cries again, wait a little longer (five minutes) before doing the same steps. Repeat this process, extending the time between check-ins, until your baby falls asleep. The next night, wait a little longer before going in the first time and repeat the process. It helps some parents to keep a sleep log so they can see the progress night after night.

Benefits: You feel like you’re tending to your baby’s needs, and most babies respond to this method in about a week.

The hard part: You can’t pick up your child when she’s crying, which can feel like a big challenge. (Even if studies have shown that cry-it-out sleep methods don’t cause long-term damage.) Also, some babies become more agitated when parents come into the room and respond better to a full-extinction method.

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The Cry-It-Out Method (CIO)

What is it: The infamous, often-controversial method of letting your baby cry until she learns how to soothe herself to sleep without your help. It’s also known as extinction.

How it’s done: It’s simple, but perhaps the hardest method to tolerate for many parents (those baby cries!). After your usual nighttime routine (that should include a bath, lullabies, stories, etc.), place your baby into the crib fully awake. When she cries, don’t comfort her. The idea is that she will eventually get tired and fall asleep independently.

Sure, it won’t be easy when you’re standing at your baby’s door listening to those desperate wails, but experts say most babies will respond to this method within a week—with babies crying increasingly less by the third or fourth day. Keep in mind, this method only works if you put your baby down when she’s tired, so look for signs of sleepiness, including rubbing her eyes, pulling at her ears, or overall fussiness.

Benefits: It works quickly and, if you can safely ignore your babies’ protest, parents might be able to get more sleep (this helps if both parents have to wake up for work in the morning).

The hard part: Those cries can be stressful for both baby and parent! And while studies have shown that letting your baby cry at night isn’t harmful to her development (as long as she’s getting the requisite love and care during the day), some experts still advise against this method due to undue stress it may cause the baby (this study, for instance, found that letting crying it out did cause an increase in babies’ blood cortisol levels, though this is not definitively linked to any long-term consequences). It is also unrelentingly hard for most parents.

“I cried more than my baby did when we were sleep training,” blogger Fiona Tapp said in this Romper article (Spoiler-alert: Her baby learned to sleep independently after a week of the CIO method). “I sat in our office next door to his bedroom, stopwatch in hand, and felt like a delinquent mother ignoring his little cries.”

“The good news, after one week he was going to sleep by himself in his own room, sleeping through the night like a champ,” she wrote. “The bad news? Well, the process was the most stressful, tear-filled week of my life.”

More information: Babycenter.com

The Pick-Up/Put-Down Method

What is it: A gentle sleep-training method in which you go to your baby to comfort them, but then put them back down in the crib and leave the room once she is soothed (repeating this process until baby falls asleep). It’s similar to the Ferber Method, but you’re allowed to pick up and cuddle your baby.

How it’s done: After your usual nighttime routine, place your sleepy baby into her crib and leave the room. If she cries, wait a full minute, then go in and try patting your baby lightly while shushing them (whispering). If she is still crying, pick her up and offer cuddles until she is calm but still awake. Then, place her back in her crib and leave the room. Repeat this process until your baby is asleep.

The next night, repeat this process but add two minutes to the wait time each time before you go back into the room. Repeat every night, adding two minutes more every night. The goal is that your baby learns that she is safe—You are there!—but that she can fall asleep independently.

Benefits: You can pick up your crying baby, which feels right for many parents (even if it means losing sleep in the meantime).

The hard part: It can take longer—both to get the baby back to sleep and to eventually sleep-train your baby—when using this method. This is hard, especially if parents need to wake up and go to work in the morning.

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The Shush/Pat Method

What is it: A precursor to the pick-up/put-down method, this one (which was developed by Tracy Hogg, author of the bestselling “Baby Whisperer” books) works for newborns up to about 4 months old and relies on a particular way of “shushing” and “patting” your baby to lull her to sleep.

How it’s done: Lay your sleepy baby in her crib, propping her on her side (since tummy sleeping isn’t recommended), and steadily pat the center of her back while whispering “Shh” in her ear. If your baby doesn’t want to be put down, you can also shush/pat her over your shoulder. Keep shushing and patting until you feel your baby relax and fall into a deep sleep. Then lay her in her crib and leave the room.

Benefits: It works quickly to get your baby to sleep, and can also easily be used for naptimes.

The hard part: This method is meant for younger babies and, consequently, doesn’t always translate into a baby/toddler who will fall asleep independently.

More information: Thepostpartumparty.com

The Chair Method

What is it: A gentle sleep training method that allows you to comfort and sit close to your baby as she fusses. Parents sit in a chair next to the crib, moving their position further and further away each night until they no longer need to be in the room. This method works best for older babies (6-9 months).

How it’s done: After your usual bedtime routine, place your sleepy baby in her bed and sit in a chair just beside the crib. You can sing or offer soft, soothing words to (hopefully) help your baby slip into sleep. If your baby cries, you can give verbal comfort and rub your baby’s back but don’t pick her up. Sit back down in the chair when your baby calms down—and leave the room only when your baby is asleep.

After three nights, move the chair a little further from the crib, and repeat the above steps with a little less verbal comforting—use just soft “Shh” noises to calm your baby. After three more nights, move the chair by the door and repeat. Then, finally, move the chair into the hallway (but still be visible). After about two weeks of doing this consistently, you should make it out of the baby’s room.

Benefits: You are there to comfort your baby when she fusses.

The hard part: You can’t pick her up when she fusses. Also, some babies simply won’t be OK with you being there and not picking them up. “The pro of this method is that mom or dad is there and present,” sleep consultant Alanna McGinn told Today’s Parent. “But the con is, there will likely still be some crying, and now baby is watching you watch them cry. It can be really hard to be consistent with this method.”

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The “No Method” Method

Do none of these methods sound right to you? That’s OK, too! Maybe you’re the sort of parent who just wants to do what feels right in the moment—to heck with parenting advice and social media missives! Or maybe you’d prefer to co-sleep with your baby and feed on demand?

Remember: There’s no right way.

“I would say the important thing is, ‘How do we get the best version of us to be available to our kids during the day,” Raker said. “Whatever you need to do at night to make that possible I would go with that method.”

It’s important to note that children with neurodiversity including ADHD and autism may have a harder time falling asleep—and these troubles may start in infancy. In addition, some children just require less sleep (though all babies and kids should get at least the minimum of the recommended amount of sleep per day).

“Here’s what I want to say to parents: You may have tried everything; you may have done everything by the book, and it still doesn’t work,” Raker said. “There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s nothing wrong with your child. If you want to go to them, go to them. If you want to cosleep, cosleep. Do what works for you; just do it safely.”

11 Genius Gadgets That’ll Make Travel with Kids a Breeze (Promise!)

by Kate LowethApril 1, 2024

It’s no newsflash that traveling with kids can be a challenge, especially during the holidays. Before you get too worked up about that upcoming long-haul flight or road trip with kids, we’ve compiled a list of great travel gear for families that will make getting from Point A to Point B easier, safer, and hopefully, more fun! From carry-on cases that double as strollers to disposable covers that sanitize airplane trays, these are some of our travel favorites.

Keep>Going First Aid Kit

A mini first aid kit is definitely something you should throw into your carry-on for the next trip. These packs have everything you need from minor boo-boos to dealing with splinters and torn clothes. Their handy zippered container comes in loads of prints and includes a carabiner (which can be surprisingly helpful for lots of travel situations). The Go Kit is a great size for travel with kid-approved bandages included. There’s also an adult kit if you prefer neutral skin-toned bandages.

Keep>Going First Aid Kit ($39.95)—Buy Here!

Pilly Pal

Organization is key when traveling and you’ll want to be prepared for anything that might arise. Pilly Pal keeps your medications and vitamins organized in a too-cute snapping container. You can use their stickers to designate which items are included in each slot so you don’t have to remember. There’s nothing worse than having to run to the store while on vacation so this is a must-include in your carry-on backpack.

Pilly Pal ($9.99)—Buy Here!

Pocket Tripod

We can’t be the only ones who say all screentime rules are out the window when traveling. The Pocket Tripod is great to keep in your wallet as it is as small as a credit card and will set up your phone or tablet for kid viewing while on the airplane. It easily adjusts to devices of different thicknesses and it works great to snap that perfect family pic while you’re out and about.

Pocket Tripod ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Lusso Gear Kids Tray Table Cover with Pockets

If you've ever watched your little jet-setter try to play with her toys on an airplane, you know all too well the pain of collecting LEGO or crayons from a dirty plane floor. Enter the Lusso Gear Kids Tray Cover, a strap-on tray that keeps tray tables covered and toys (hopefully) off the ground. The tray has a raised border on all sides to keep sippy cups, LEGO, crayons, etc., from rolling right off mid-flight, and the strap on bottom keeps the whole thing from sliding. The Lusso Gear Tray Table Cover tray also solves the problem of your child eating snacks straight from the dirty tray table. It can also be rolled up and tucked away, which means it's just as useful at your final destination as it is on the journey.

Lusso Gear Kids Tray Table Cover with Pockets ($26.95)—Buy Here!

JetKids BedBox

Got a long flight planned? Maybe you really need to do the red-eye, but the thought of traveling with restless toddlers has stopped you? It doesn’t have to anymore! The JetKids by STOKKE Bedbox is a ride-on suitcase that converts into a bed in a regular coach seat. Seriously! If you’ve got a baby or toddler, the lay-flat bed feature of the BedBox makes it totally worth the price. For older kids, stick with the basic "Ridebox" (it's the same suitcase; it just doesn't have the bed converting apparatus inside), which will give your kids a set of wheels (and a suitcase) to zip around the airport. Kids can safely use the ride-on until they're about 77 lbs.

JetKids BedBox by Stokke Travel Bundle ($274.81)—Buy Here!

Flyte Scooter Suitcase

Is it a suitcase or a scooter? It’s both! For any parent who has ever had to lug their own child’s suitcase because he is just “too tired,” and for any parent who has felt that fear of missing the flight because of the snail’s pace of airport walking: the Zinc Flyte is your new favorite thing. It comes in three sizes: the mini for ages two to four, the midi for ages four to eight and the soon-to-be-released maxi for ages eight and up. The best part? It actually makes travel even more fun for kids! We can actually see this becoming a thing for kids who walk to school each day. Learn more about it here.

Flyte Scooter Suitcase ($129.99)—Buy Here!

Cares Airplane Harness For Kids

You have a special seat for your kiddo in the car, why not extend that to the airplane? The Cares Harness keeps young children buckled up safely with the same sort of four-point harness used in baby and toddler car seats. Consequently, it keeps kids from sliding out of their seats during unexpected bumps—and it can help kids feel more secure in the air (which means they may actually sleep on the flight!). Plus, the whole thing weighs less than a pound and fits in your purse when not in use.

Cares Airplane Harness For Kids ($79.99)—Buy Here!

Micro Kickboard Luggage Eazy

Want to give your toddler a fun way to speed around the airport—without the need for a stroller? Try this nifty invention that makes getting kids to your gate on time way cooler than walking. The Luggage Eazy carry-on (made by the same company that makes Micro scooters) is just like a regular roller suitcase—with one big difference: The top of the case has a built-in seat, so your child can hop on and catch a ride whenever you want to get things going. Rolling your tot around like luggage is way easier than you'd think, thanks to the tripod-style swivel (third) wheel that pops out from the back when your child wants to use the seat. There's also an easy place for your child to prop her feet so that she's perfectly balanced, with no dangling limbs, while in motion.

Note: The seat is designed to fit kids from 18 months to four years old.

Micro Kickboard Luggage Eazy ($199.99)—Buy Here!

Mifold & Hifold Travel Booster Seats

Want to travel with your toddler but NOT your toddler's bulky toddler car seat? The hifold by mifold car seat is here to help. The hifold is a high-back booster seat that folds down small enough to fit in a small carry bag. Not only is it "the most compact, lightweight highback booster ever," it also meets worldwide safety standards and complies with car seat regulations worldwide. If you’ve got older kids—at least four years of age and weighing 40 lbs or more—the mifold the Grab-and-Go Booster is a great option. It folds up to roughly the size of a paperback novel (not kidding about this at all—it is 10x smaller than the average booster and just as safe) and can tuck right into your suitcase or purse. It’s tested and meets regulatory approval in the U.S., U.K. and most other countries. We like it for those times when the rental car seat fails or you’re just not sure who is picking you up at the airport!

Mifold & Hifold Travel Booster Seats ($199.00)—Buy Here!

CozyPhones Headphones

Headphones are essential for any flight, but what are kids to do when their free airplane earbuds keep falling out of—or not fitting into—their tiny ear canals? Try a pair of CozyPhones! These fleece-encased headphones look like wraparound ear muffs and keep the small speakers right on top of your tot's ears without sliding out or falling off—and without getting so loud the music hurts her eardrums. Plus, they're super comfy (kids can fall asleep without that bulky push of plastic headphones), come in a variety of animal-themed designs, and will keep your kids a little warmer on those long chilly flights. And, they come in grown-up versions, too!

CozyPhones Headphones ($12.99)—Buy Here!

JL Childress Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag

Lugging a traditional toddler car seat through the airport can be a workout—and checking your beloved seat with your luggage leaves it open to scratches, dings and grime from who-knows-what it may encounter in transit. Not with the Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag, which works as both an easy roller and protective cover for your kid's car seat. You'll glide through airports, train stations and cruise terminals with ease thanks to the bag's unique combination of full padding and 360-degree spinner wheels. And, if you're checking the car seat, the bag will protect your child’s car seat from damage, dirt, moisture and germs. Additional features include a top carry handle and a clear ID card pocket.

JL Childress Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag ($119.99)—Buy Here!

Additional reporting by Melissa Heckscher, Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

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12 Tips for Handling a Kid Who’s Scared at Bedtime

by Melissa HeckscherMarch 13, 2024

If you thought sleep training was strictly for babies, think again. Bedtime and middle-of-the-night troubles can continue into the toddler years (and, basically, your kid’s entire childhood) and it usually begins with two words, spoken in a tiny voice you can’t ignore: “I’m scared.” Good luck, parents, because almost nothing is as hard to ignore as those two little words. Not I’m thirsty. Not, I’m hungry. Not, I want another story (because you’ll hear all those, too). Nope, nighttime fears are the ones that break out hearts.

“What’s tricky for parents of young children is that a child’s fears are usually coupled with natural, normal limit-pushing behaviors—stalling the bedtime routine, saying they’re not tired, wanting another sip of water,” says sleep consultant Kim Rogers, whose company, Sleeping Well Consulting, has been helping babies (and parents) sleep through the night since 2016. “Well-meaning parents are caught between wondering if their child is pushing limits like all young children do or if their child is expressing a legitimate fear that needs attention.”

So how do you know when your kiddo really is scared? And how do you show compassion without staying up all night yourself? There’s no shortage of advice online. A quick Reddit search will turn up a multitude of tricks to comfort scared sleepyheads, from using “Monster Spray” and hanging dream catchers to letting siblings sleep together or playing audiobooks as a distraction.

But what is the “right” way? Is there one? We asked experts to weigh in on what to do when your kid is scared at night. Read on to find out more.

First things first: Are they really scared?

Let’s be honest: Don’t we parents just know most of the time? Rogers says that despite a brew of conflicting emotions, parents can usually tell when children are truly scared and when they’re just doing the don’t-wanna-sleep dance.

“If a child has had a nightmare, you can usually put your hand on their chest and you can feel their hearts beating really fast,” Rogers says. But even if you can’t feel a thumping ticker, parents can usually tell if their kid is truly frightened just by the way they’re talking. If they can give you details about what’s scaring them, for instance, it’s usually legit. Experts say to trust your gut.

Stay calm

The best thing parents can do to help soothe a scared kid is to show them that you’re not scared. Be calm and in control. Offer empathy—without making anything a big deal.

“If we’re giving our child the message that being upset is upsetting to us, and therefore, we must make it stop, we end up accidentally creating more fear and anxiety for our child,” Rogers says.

Nix the “Monster Spray”

Despite the cute social media ads and Etsy pages devoted to “Monster Spray” that’ll exterminate scary creatures from your child’s room (while also making it smell delicious), experts say that these sorts of products aren’t a good idea. And that’s because THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS MONSTERS. In effect, you purchasing a professionally packaged product to rid your little’s room of evil only makes them think there might actually be something sinister hiding in the darkness.

“I would not recommend perpetuating the idea that there are monsters or villains or bad guys, because what if you’re not there to spray the monster spray?” says Dr. Whitney Casares, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Instead, she suggests saying something like, “You’re scared that there are monsters. You saw a monster on that TV show. Your mind thinks that they’re real, but I’ve been around a really long time and I know there are no monsters.”

Same goes for checking the closet, under the bed, etc.

This one’s a little trickier because if your kid is truly terrified, taking a quick peek in the closets and crevices may offer the peace of mind she needs to fall back asleep. But if it becomes a nightly routine to do a full security sweep of your child’s room, you might be perpetuating those fears. In addition, this sort of nightly ritual can set the stage for more obsessive thinking, Casares says.

Instead, just say something like, “I don’t need to check for monsters because monsters don’t exist.”

You can address shadows

Shadows may seem like nothing to you, but little kids don’t always understand them. So it might help to explain how shadows form (this book may help) and how the things in their room might look on the walls and floors at night.

Don’t get stuck negotiating

Parents need to be calm when talking to their kids about their nighttime fears, Rogers says. While you don’t want to dismiss their emotions, you don’t want to dwell on them either. “Parents get so caught up in talking and negotiating, even with their two-year-olds,” she explains. “It just ends up being this long drawn-out process, with the parent thinking it’s their job to make the fear go away.”

Instead, tell your kids that they’re safe, that you are there if you need them; and that sleep is a nonnegotiable—“like buckling into the car seat.”

Always offer comfort if your child has a nightmare

According to the AAP, nightmares can begin as early as 6 months and peak between the ages of 3 and 12. Experts say if your kid wakes up in the middle of the night from a nightmare, you should always offer comfort. Here’s how:

Ask them to tell you what happened in the dream (this can reveal useful information, especially if it’s something they’re watching on TV that you can curb or has to do with something happening during the day)
Tell them you’re not going to let anything happen to them
Assure them that dreams aren’t real
Sit with them for a few minutes and encourage them to go back to sleep
Once they’re calm (or asleep), try to leave the room

If they come into your room after the nightmare, try to walk them back to their room to comfort them. If you’re too tired to get out of bed (it happens) or want to get some snuggles in, Casares says it’s OK to let your kiddo fall asleep with you after a bad dream. Just make sure your child isn’t crying “nightmare” night after night as a way to sleep in your bed (more on that below).

If you’re going to lay with your child… be prepared for a battle when you decide not to

We get it: Sometimes it’s just easier to lay with your kid until they fall asleep. For some parents, this works (up until the child stops wanting it). But experts warn that if parents do this, they should be prepared for pushback when they decide to call it quits.

“The parents who I work with are parents whose lives are falling apart and nobody is sleeping,” Rogers says. “If everyone is in a family bed and everyone is happy and getting plenty of sleep, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Ditto for bed-sharing (with you or a sibling)

Letting your kid climb into your bed after a nightmare—or have sleepovers with siblings to stave off bad dreams—is probably fine if it only happens a few times. But if your child is coming in every night looking to get under your covers, it’s probably becoming a habit (and not an actual nightmare).

“If your ultimate goal is to have your child sleep on their own, I wouldn’t start the habit of letting them come int0 your bed every time they have a nightmare,” Casares says. “I would have it be that you comfort them in their bed and you help them go back to sleep in their own bed.”

Letting your little sleep with a sibling can also be problematic, since there may come a day when that sibling doesn’t want to co-sleep (especially if it’s an older sibling, who will likely want to sleep solo).

Find a favorite stuffie

If your child doesn’t already have a favorite blanket, doll, or stuffie, it may help to get one. Even the AAP recommends that children have a “security object” to help them self-soothe as they “learn to transition from dependence to independence.”

Similarly, having a “brave stuffie” that sleeps with them can help them feel brave themselves. It can also work to help them self-soothe when they’re alone in their room.

Teach your kid some self-soothing techniques

Rogers recommends breathing exercises: Have your child put her stuffie on her belly and watch as it rises and falls with their breath. You can also play soothing music (no words, because this can keep a child awake) to promote relaxation.

Related: Easy Meditations for Kids

Audiobooks can work as a distraction—but may not put your child to sleep

If you’ve got an older kid who can’t quell racing thoughts after a nightmare, it’s OK to let them put on an audiobook as a distraction. For some children, this might help them fall asleep; for others, it’ll just work to fight the fear (a win) but not bring on the Zs (sigh). Younger kids may enjoy storytime podcasts like Sesame Street’s “Goodnight World,” which includes soothing music to lull littles to snoozeland. There are also sleep meditations—like these—that can help anxious kids learn relaxation tools.

Casares says you want to be careful teaching restless kids to fall asleep with music, since “if they wake up in the middle of the night they’re looking for that music again.”

Know when it’s OK to walk away

If you thought sleep training a newborn was hard on your heart, walking out of the room to let your child handle their own fears is just as difficult—if not more so. But parents need to remember that their kids are OK, and that learning to self-soothe is an important part of building resilience.

“Parents need to remember that they really are there,” Rogers says. “If it was an emergency, they’d be there in a heartbeat.”

When Babies Move In: 8 Tips for Sibling Room Sharing Success

by Suzanna LoganMarch 6, 2024

Maybe baby’s arrival has left you with more kids than bedrooms. Or, maybe you’re hoping to promote an early bond between baby and an older sibling. No matter the reason, transitioning siblings into the same room is a major milestone. But it’s not one you have to lose sleep over—at least not for long with these tips to make sibling room-sharing as peaceful as possible for baby, sibling and you.

Time It Right

While there’s no magic age for moving kids in together, many veteran moms suggest waiting until your baby is sleeping through the night to make the move. Not needing to enter the room in the middle of the night to feed the baby minimizes the potential of disrupting your older child’s sleep. If your baby is still waking in the middle of the night when you make the shift to room-sharing, be prepared to get to them as quickly as possible to (hopefully) keep the big sibling sleeping soundly.

Do the Prep Work

Before you clear floorspace for a crib, ease reluctant older siblings into the idea of sharing a room with the baby ahead of time. Let the other sibling know what to expect and how they can help. Making them feel like the big (important!) part of the process will encourage a warm welcome for the baby. Additionally, help baby transition as seamlessly as possible by keeping their sleeping space familiar. If they are in a bassinet or co-sleeper in your room, set up the crib in your room and allow them to get used to that arrangement for a few weeks before making the move to a new room.

Safety First

While it can be tempting to hurry the transition process along, it’s imperative to know that your baby can maintain a safe sleeping environment in his new room. (This is especially important if the “older” sibling is still a toddler or preschooler.) Little ones can be tempted to climb into the baby’s crib or even offer the baby a small toy that could pose a choking hazard. Before you decide to take the sibling room-sharing plunge, talk with the older sibling about what they can and can’t do with their little brother or sister. For extra peace of mind, consider installing a video monitor to keep a watchful eye on what’s happening behind closed doors.

Keep It Real

Throwing two (or more) of your children into the same room and expecting them to fall asleep and stay asleep easily from the get-go is the stuff that parents’ dreams are made of, but not likely reality. Changing your child’s sleep routine is never easy. The best thing you can do to guarantee an ultimately successful shared room is to stick with it. It can take a few weeks for the baby and the older sibling to adjust to the new bedtime routine. If you find yourself desperately wondering, “Will anyone ever sleep again?!” take heart and stay consistent. Everyone will sleep soundly again—eventually.

Set the Stage

Making the room as restful as possible will go a long way in keeping baby and sibling asleep through the night. Darken the room with blackout blinds or curtains, maintain a comfortable temperature, and add a white noise machine to muffle coughs or snores.

Stagger Sleep Schedules

When two children share the same room, it can be tempting to try to make them share a sleep schedule, but it’s important to honor each child’s sleeping needs and bedtime routine. If the baby is tired an hour before an older sibling, take care of the baby’s bedtime routine first then use the extra time to connect with your older child. Or, if baby naps frequently during the day and stays up later than brother or sister, put your older child down first. To make this work, plan on doing each child’s bedtime routine—putting on pajamas, reading stories, cuddling—in a room other than the one they will be sleeping in to minimize disruptions. Other options to consider: putting the heaviest sleeper to bed first to avoid rousing the sleeping sibling.

Separate Them—Sometimes

If you think getting two kids to sleep in the same room at night sounds tough, getting them to nap while they’re within arm’s reach of each other can feel impossible. Instead of struggling through the nap time process every day, get creative with nap time arrangements. Set up a pack ’n play in your room or in a closet for the baby, or have the older sibling nap on your bed or on a sofa in a quiet room.

Be Flexible

A teething episode, a bout with the flu, or even a bad dream can throw a wrench into a peaceful night of room-sharing. Expect the unexpected and have a Plan B. Keep a playpen tucked away in your room or be willing to set up an older sibling’s bed on the living room couch on occasion.

Make sure to capture all the sweetest room-sharing moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Baby Sleep Coach Shares Her Top Tips for Stopping 5 A.M. Wake-Ups

by Gabby CullenFebruary 26, 2024

Despite what you’ve experienced or heard from others, babies aren’t necessarily pre-destined to be early birds. There’s a reason your baby might be waking up at the crack of dawn, and it’s not because they’re ready to play. In a recent TikTok, pediatric nurse and baby and toddler sleep coach Katy Bourzikas explains why babies start waking up at such an early hour and why it’s so important to fix the issue. And remember (sorry, new parents!) newborns will wake up whenever they want because they’re too young to be on a sleep schedule, so this won’t apply just yet.

@wellrestedweeones

What times does your baby wake for the day? #babysleep #sleeptips #tiredmom #sleepcoach

♬ original sound – Katy—Baby Sleep Coach

If your baby starts stirring between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. every morning, their nap schedule is most likely the culprit, and parents should make some changes, Bourzikas says. “If we’re not on top of it, baby gets used to waking up early, their circadian rhythm gets reset, and all of a sudden, we’re in a pattern of 5 a.m. wake-ups no matter what’s going on with the daytime schedule,” she says.

So, what’s the issue? Your early riser is either getting too much naptime or not enough naptime, and both can lead to early morning wake-ups, she says. It’s tricky because this can quickly turn habitual—meaning parents are also rising at 5 a.m. for months. She then offers both an explanation and a solution for exhausted moms and dads.

“You need to monitor how your baby wakes up when they wake between 4 and 6 a.m. Are they bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? Are they tired and fussy? If they’re bright-eyed and cheerful, they’re getting too much sleep during the day, and it might be time to cut a nap. If they’re tired and fussy, they’re not getting enough daytime sleep or they’re stretched too far between naps and bedtime,” she says.

Once you’ve determined whether they’re sleeping too much or not enough during the day, it’s time to fix their sleeping patterns. Bourzikas explains that this part is the most difficult because parents don’t typically spend enough time ensuring their baby goes back to sleep. “They might give them 15, 20, maybe even 30 minutes, but what I found in over five years of working with families is that many babies can take up to an hour to fall back asleep in that early morning. If they’ve gotten into this habitual pattern, you need to sit tight and let them work through it,” she says.

An hour feels like a long time to help a baby fall asleep, especially early in the morning. But, in the long run, a few days or even a couple of weeks of breaking that new circadian rhythm is much better for everyone than months of brutal wakeups, so hang in there and know that it’s not forever.

Month-by-Month Sleep Tips for the First Wild Year

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseFebruary 12, 2024

You know why there’s nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby? Because it takes so much work to make sleep happen. Healthy, consistent sleep habits are key for getting your baby in a good groove for snoozing. To do it, set up a calming bedtime routine, buy a white noise machine to drown out distractions, and read what these two prominent sleep experts have to say in this baby sleep guide for year one.

Dr. Harvey Karp is a pediatrician, child development expert, co-founder of smart-tech and parenting solutions company Happiest Baby, which created the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, and author of The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep. Renee Wasserman, P.T., M.P.H, is an infant & child sleep consultant and child behavior consultant, as well as the founder of the consulting practice SleepyHead Solutions, where she helps parents overcome sleep challenges with their babies and toddlers. Read on for their advice and our guide to baby sleep in the first year, from awake windows and naps to sleep regressions and the sleep tools that really work.

a baby sleeps on a mother's shoulder while she checks her phone — iStock

The good news: There are things we can do to help our babies sleep well. “Learning to sleep on your own is a skill just like learning to crawl or walk, and it takes lots of practice, consistency, and patience,” says Wasserman. “With the right plan looking at the sleep environment, routine, timing of feedings, schedule and approach to teach the skill of independent sleep, healthy sleep is achievable by all.”

Babies can differ when it comes to sleep patterns, but these guidelines will give you an idea of what to expect from naps and wake times, and how to create a healthy sleep routine for your baby. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns, talk to your pediatrician.

Newborn Sleep Tips: Birth to 2 months

Total sleep a day:14-18 hours
Awake window between naps: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Naps: 45 minutes to 3 hours, several naps a day
Sleep help: swaddling, white noise, motion (smart bassinet, rocking, bouncing on a yoga ball), Dr. Karp’s the 5 S’s, described below

Newborns are usually up every 2-3 hours, even at night, which gradually extends to 3- to 5-hour stretches of nighttime sleep. To help newborns learn the difference between day and night, keep lights brighter by day, take sunny morning walks, and play upbeat music. In the evening, dim the lights and plan calmer activities, like baths, and stick to soft music and lullabies, as well as white noise.

Between birth and four months, Dr. Karp recommends the soothing technique he developed called the 5 S’s to turn on baby’s calming reflex and promote sleep. The 5 S’s are:
⚬ Swaddling—it decreases startling and re-creates the womb’s coziness.
⚬ Side/stomach position—you’ll calm a crying baby more quickly in these two positions, but, for safety, babies must be put on their back for sleep.
⚬ Shushing—making shushing noises with your mouth will soothe a fussy baby, and white noise re-creates the shushing sound that blood flow makes in the womb.
⚬ Swinging—to calm a crying child, support baby’s head and neck, and use fast, tiny swinging motions no more than one inch to each side (do this safely, no shaking).
⚬ Sucking—Whether they’re using a pacifier, their thumb, or your pinky finger, sucking soothes babies into sleep.

a baby girl on a sleep schedule sleeping in her crib for a baby sleep guide — iStock

2-4 months

Total sleep a day: 13-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Naps: 30 minutes to 2 hours, 2-3 naps a day
Sleep help: white noise, blackout shades, Dr. Karp’s 5 S’s, introducing a sleep and feeding schedule, teaching your baby to self-soothe

Introduce a consistent daily schedule of feedings and sleep times. Picking up on your baby’s sleep cues (yawning or rubbing their eyes) will help you establish the schedule. And blackout shades can help babies sleep when the sun is shining. This is also a good time to introduce a sleep routine to signal to your child that it’s time for rest. Before naps, you can sing, read a book, and cuddle. The bedtime routine should be longer and can incorporate a bath, lullaby, baby massage, nursing or a bottle, soft music, white noise, and books.

A key part of creating good sleep habits is teaching babies to fall asleep independently, rather than always rocking, feeding or holding them until they fall asleep. It’s normal for children, and adults, to wake up between sleep cycles. So when babies wake, we make it easier for them to fall back asleep by putting babies to bed drowsy but awake.

“If they fall asleep while taking a bottle and then wake during the night and the bottle is gone, it often results in them crying for the bottle,” says Wasserman. “If they fall asleep on their own after being put in the crib drowsy but awake, when they wake during the night, they will be in the exact same position they were in when they fell asleep, making it easier for them to get right back to sleep.”

In fact, Dr. Karp recommends that if your baby falls asleep before being placed in their bed, wake them slightly after you lay them down, by changing their diaper, putting your cool hand on their head, or giving them a little tickle. Baby will open their eyes, moan, or move your hand before falling back to sleep.

“I know it sounds crazy to wake a sleeping baby,” says Dr. Karp. “But it helps infants learn how to self-soothe, which they can use in the middle of the night to put themselves back into slumber all on their own.”

At this age, babies are typically sleeping for 5- to 6-hour stretches, but watch out for that four-month sleep regression. Regressions usually last 2-4 weeks and typically coincide with exciting developmental and physical changes. According to Wasserman, the four-month regression generally happens as baby’s internal sleep rhythms start to settle. This can require changing your schedule so naps and nighttime sleep are better in sync with your child’s natural sleep rhythms.

a baby in a purple onesie is sleeping in a crib — iStock

4-8 months

Total sleep a day: 12-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 2-3 hours
Naps: 30 minutes to 2 hours, 2-3 naps
Sleep help: White noise, consistent naps, and a sleep schedule allowing your baby to self-soothe

Sleep stretches of 6-8 hours are possible at this age. But babies typically start teething around this time, so wake-ups can be due to discomfort. Try chilled teethers and give extra cuddles to soothe your little one back to sleep.

When your baby cries out from the crib, wait a moment before rushing to comfort them. Yes, it will feel like the longest seconds of your life. But here’s why it’s important: Your baby may be able to self-soothe to get back to sleep, thanks to all the work you’ve been doing to put them down drowsy but awake.

If you suspect hunger is waking your baby at night, make sure they’re feeding well before bedtime to fill them up. You can also introduce a dream feed, which means nursing or giving your half-asleep baby a bottle before you go to bed for the night.

At 8-9 months, prepare for another sleep regression. According to Wasserman, this regression is usually tied to babies dropping their third nap. She recommends moving bedtime a little earlier to keep your little one from becoming overtired as they get used to being awake longer before bed.

a baby sleeping on his stomach for a baby sleep guide — iStock

9-12 months

Total sleep a day: 12-14 hours
Awake window between naps: 2.5-4 hours
Naps: 1-2 hours, 2-3 per day
Sleep help: White noise, consistent naps, and a sleep schedule allowing your baby to self-soothe

As babies approach the one-year mark, they may be sleeping up to 7-10 hours at a stretch, and it will feel as glorious for you as it sounds. But don’t get too comfortable because, with walking and other exciting baby milestones and developmental leaps on the horizon, sleep may get interrupted again.

Around 12 months, another sleep regression is likely. This one is usually linked to learning to walk and may result in your baby refusing to nap. Wasserman recommends not giving up on naps or switching to one nap just yet. Instead, hang tight and be consistent with two naps as your baby moves through this regression in a few weeks.

The happy ending to this wild year? Understanding your baby’s natural sleep rhythms, creating a soothing environment for rest, building an adaptable schedule of sleep and feedings, and teaching your baby to self-soothe and sleep independently have built a foundation of good sleep habits that will help your child (and you!) sleep well for years to come.

23 Incredibly Unique Overnight Stays That Are Anything but Boring

by Kate LowethFebruary 8, 2024

Hotels schmotels. If you want to make your vacay extra-extraordinary—you’ve got to make your overnight accommodations as much a destination as any place else. So whether you want to spend the night on a battleship, sleep on a big cat refuge, or hunker down on your own private island, there are oddities galore when it comes to Airbnb vacation rentals. You’re going to have a hard time deciding which one to book next, trust us!

Star Wars House - Orlando, FL

If you're planning a trip to a galaxy far, far away, Airbnb has the perfect place for you to stay in Orlando, Florida. Twelve Parsecs is a 9-bedroom house located just 15 minutes away from Disney World, making it the perfect place for a family of Jedi warriors to rest their heads while visiting Galaxy's Edge. The home includes a heated pool and resort amenities at the Champions Gate Oasis resort that include a water park, two golf courses, a splash pad, a game room, a theater, and more. The hosts have also left behind 16 Star Wars Easter eggs for guests to find. Read more here.

Sleeps: 16
Cost: $477/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Bruno Steel House | Ransom Canyon, TX

Bruno Steel art unique vacation rental — Airbnb

This house is gorgeous, more of an art sculpture than your normal box-shaped residence. You'll get plenty of room for your whole family and views of the gorgeous canyon.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $400/night
Online: airbnb.com

This ark is such a welcoming space and we know you're going to enjoy visiting. It sits on over 50 acres of land that includes a pond for fishing and a year-round creek.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $225/night
Online: airbnb.com

Bedrock Homestead | Boulder, UT

bedrock flintstones house unique vacation rentals — Airbnb

Live out your Flintstones dreams at this hydroelectric homestead and working farm. You'll have an entire west wing to yourself and a shared kitchen and common rooms. Climb to the top of the cave to see the expansive stars and enjoy your morning coffee up there. The area has numerous options for hiking, mountain biking and exploring.

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $275/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Nut House Treehouse | Aubrey, TX

nut house treehouse unique vacation rentals — Airbnb

Your little ones will go nuts for this too-cute vacation rental in Texas that looks like an acorn! Sit on the porch and listen to the creek flowing nearby before you head inside to the circular sitting area and lofted bedroom.

Sleeps: 2
Cost: $266/night
Online: airbnb.com

Fillmore Treehouse with Farm Stay—Fillmore, CA

treehouse with farm stay unique vacation rental — Airbnb

Drive about an hour north of LA and you'll discover this secluded treehouse in an orchard of orange and avocado trees. It's located on a working farm with chickens, goats, ducks, and more—which makes it an ideal spot for a parent-kid getaway (only two guests are allowed). The recently built treehouse boasts a comfy queen bed, a cute kitchenette, and a full-size shower. Watch the sunset from the large deck, complete with a fire pit to satisfy your s'mores fix. After dark, you and your little one can enjoy some stargazing far from the city lights.

Sleeps: 2
Cost: $214/night
Online: airbnb.com

Sleep in a Train Caboose - Joseph, OR

green caboose unique vacation rental — Airbnb

Wake up to this gorgeous view in your green caboose. The caboose is located behind an original Train Depot built in 1906 which used to be located in Enterprise, Oregon. It was moved in 1980 to its present location, one mile north of the town of Joseph, to serve as a residence. The caboose is completely self-contained with a small fridge, electric stove top burners, table and stools, a shower with rainfall shower head, linens and towels, cooking utensils, and an RV-style toilet room. There is one main bedroom with a full-size bed with a memory foam mattress. Two twin bunk beds are separated from the main bedroom with drapery.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $145/night
Online: airbnb.com

Off-Grid UNIMOG Zombie-Proof Adventure - Kimberly, AL

this zombie-proof rental is one of the best Airbnbs for kids — Airbnb

How cool is this Airbnb? This 1966 UNIMOG was used as a movie prop in the Hunger Games and the Walking Dead. Two people can sleep in the UNIMOG and there are spots for additional people to sleep on the open-air sleeping loft. You are totally off the grid at this spot as you'll drop your car at the farm's goat pen and throw your belongings in the back of the UTV. Staff will drive you what will seem like a hundred miles away from society onto the 105-acre sanctuary. You will hike beautiful scenery, play in the river and chill in your lounge chair on an observation deck that lets you truly escape the world below.

Sleeps: 4 but more can be accommodated. Dogs allowed.
Cost: $102/night
Online: airbnb.com

Private Island Log Cabin - Monmouth, ME

unique vacation rental private island in Maine — Airbnb

If you REALLY want to get away from society, this is the Airbnb for you. Your cabin is on its own private island which you access by private pontoon ride from the mainland. Spend your days fishing, boating, and swimming while you enjoy this fully off-grid adventure. Island concierge service is available if you need to have any supplies restocked during your stay. Unwind by the campfire, watch the sunset, and listen to the loons as they settle in for the night.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $196/night
Online: airbnb.com

Stay In an Historic Lighthouse - Cape Cod, MA

This lighthouse in Cape Cod, MA is one of the best Airbnbs for kids — Wing's Neck Lighthhouse

For a true New England vacation with a killer view, you can have this entire historic lighthouse and its adjacent home all to yourself. Located at the tip of Wings Neck Point along the western coast of Cape Cod, the lighthouse was built in 1849 and completely renovated in 2003. Formerly a U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, the light tower still stands next to the original three-bedroom keeper's home. Kids will love climbing the whirling stairs and subsequent ladder to reach the glass top of the lighthouse, where they'll get a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent rocky shores. And, when just looking at the water isn't enough, there is a private sandy beach nearby where kids can swim in the gentle waves of the bay.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $430/night
Online: airbnb.com

Underground in a Hobbit House - Santa Fe, TN

Lord of the Rings fans will geek out at the opportunity to stay a night in a hobbit house. These underground pods—located on a crop farm near Nashville, Tennessee—look like little hills from afar; but get closer and see the wooden walls and the giant round doorways. There are two pods for sleeping (for up to four guests each), with separate pods for the kitchen and dining rooms. Communal barbecue and sitting areas are located around the eco-farm to bring people together. Kids will love exploring the trails and looking for waterfalls (there are two of them) across the farm's 15 acres. There's also a chicken coop where you are free to collect fresh eggs for breakfast. A unique vacation rental you won't soon forget!

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $375/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Earthship—El Prado, NM

The Phoenix Earthship (which is located near Taos, NM, not Phoenix, AZ) is a work of art and guaranteed to make a unique family vacation the kids will never forget. The greenhouse makes a lush environment in the high mountain desert, with banana trees, grapevines, birds, turtles, and a fish pond. The entire property is off-grid, sustainable and unique. There is also a food garden, chickens, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Part of a massive 630-acre Earthship subdivision, the only official off-grid subdivision in the world, you'll find stars for days. It's also within driving distance of artsy Taos.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $270/night
Online: airbnb.com

Dome Dwelling - Woodridge, NY

Got a whole crew in tow? Check out this amazing dome for a group vacation in the Catskill Mountains, located in New York. There’s a communal outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower and bath, a fire pit, a pizza oven, and a bathroom available. Kids will love swimming in the pond and adults will enjoy watching from the wood-fired cedar hot tub. The property, perfect for multi-generational families, also has bunnies, sheep and goats.

Sleeps: 16
Cost: $379/night
Online: airbnb.com

Castle with a Pool—Los Angeles, CA

For your little knights and princesses, this newly restored 1920s castle is straight out of a storybook. Original details like stone turrets, gothic arches, and exposed beams abound. It's a splurge, but so worth it. The grounds are completely enclosed by stone walls and offer a private courtyard off the master, a built-in fire pit, and a spacious pool to play in.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $1,004/night
Online: airbnb.com

Sleep in a Silo at Laughing Llama Farm—Troy, TX

unique vacation rental silo house — Airbnb

Located near Waco, Texas, and about 20 miles from the downtown area, this expansive farm stay includes an incredibly unique converted grain silo with all the amenities, including a sleeping loft, full bathroom, kitchen, and a fishing pond on site. Visit with the sheep and llamas and relax in the peace and quiet.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $118/night
Online: airbnb.com

Go Rustic in a Navajo Earth Hut - Page, AZ

Have you ever thought about how cool it would be to stay in a Navajo hut, with an earthen floor and a wood-burning stove? This rustic Native American-owned traditional Navajo hut near Page, Arizona accommodates four family members and has a fully-stocked bathroom nearby and an outside fire pit where you’ll cook your dinner under the moonlight. The best part: you’ll wake up to a traditional Navajo breakfast complete with blue corn porridge, fresh fruit, and ranch coffee or tea sourced from the land. Keep a look out for roaming sheep, sheepdogs, and horses before you set off for a visit to the nearby Grand Canyon. This unique vacation rental is a kid favorite!

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $210/night
Online: airbnb.com

Float House at Jack Creek | Astoria, OR

You'll love this delightful float house on the John Day River, minutes from charming Astoria. This home offers a perfect place to enjoy river recreation and relaxation. Originally a floating store, guests now enjoy all the modern conveniences mixed with old-world charm. Sitting adjacent to 16 acres of farmland, enjoy the peace and serenity of country life or use it as a jumping-off point for your adventure on the coast.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $200/night
Online: airbnb.com

Safari West—Santa Rosa, CA

Come to Santa Rosa for the exotic animals and stay for the one-of-a-kind overnight glamping experience at the Safari West wildlife preserve. The heavy canvas tents—imported from Africa—have hardwood floors (albeit polished), and the sounds of wildlife give the feel of camping, while heaters and ceiling fans provide home comforts. While the luxurious bedding is nice, the highlight of the experience for all ages is the more than 800 animals that roam these acres. (Note that the tents are separated from the wildlife for safety reasons.) Take a 3-hour tour of the property on an open-air safari Jeep (must be age 4 or older for this). The on-site Savanna Grill offers indoor and outdoor dining and wines from area vines, as well as Africa.

Online: safariwest.com

Play All Day at a Gaming House - Orlando, FL

This 15-bedroom mansion devoted to games will wow grown-ups as much as it does their little gamers. Built by the same couple who made The Sweet Escape, this bastion to all things playable lets guests walk inside their favorite board and video games. It's a gamer's paradise: There's a LEGO room covered in foam blocks; a Ms. Pac-Man room that'll make you feel like it's 1985 (it comes with a multi-cade arcade machine and an Atari 2600); and a CLUE room that also works as an escape room. There's also a huge pool with a lazy river and waterslide; a human whack-a-mole game that's just begging for social media likes; a human bowling game that puts people inside Zorb balls to knock down giant bowling pins; and a giant dartboard that uses Velcro soccer balls instead of darts.

Rates start at $1,595 a night (sleeps up to 54 people).

Online: greatescapeparkside.com

Overnight on a Battleship - Corpus Christi, TX

Ahoy, sailors! Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and spend the night aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier that has been docked in the Corpus Christi harbor since 1991 as a living history museum. Overnights on the battleship mean a unique first-person lesson in history: Not only will you get to bunk in the crew's original quarters; you'll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship and hear stories from its past (the ship was heavily used during World War 2). Overnighters are also treated to a nighttime scavenger hunt, a movie in the 3D MEGA Theater, a few good old-fashioned ghost stories, a flag ceremony and two trips through the chow line.

Hint: The ship is large and there are stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.

Rate: $75 per person (for one night). Kids must be five and up to attend the sleepover.

Online: usslexington.com

Stay in a Haunted Hotel - Cheyenne, WY

If you're going to stay in a hotel, you may as well make it a haunted one! In downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming, you’ll find the beautiful Historic Plains Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, built in 1911. This hotel is full of local Wyoming art, and stained glass, and several websites claim paranormal activity at the hotel—including Trip Advisor reviews. Visitors to Cheyenne can embark on a Cheyenne Trolley Ghost Tour to learn more about the Historic Plains Hotel ghost activity and the cowboys and Indians of the wild west. Jill Pope, who has worked for Visit Cheyenne and the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, has written two books on haunted Cheyenne and she leads tours and lectures that include the Historic Plains Hotel. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love hearing folklore, a night at the Historic Plains Hotel will be a night to remember.

Online: theplainshotel.com

Additional reporting by Melissa Heckscher & Wendy Altschuler

Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Is Melatonin Safe for Kids?

by Erin PeplerJanuary 26, 2024

There used to be this thing called sleep that we would get at night before any number of tiny humans came into the picture. You probably vaguely remember it. It was nice. But small kids and a good night’s sleep rarely go hand-in-hand, which leaves many parents scrambling to find a solution for their nighttime woes. It’s one thing to have a baby who wakes in the wee hours—we’re repeatedly warned about that—but what about a toddler whose stalling leads to a two-hour bedtime routine, or school-aged kids bolting awake multiple times a night? A lot of parents are taking matters into their own hands, turning to melatonin for some bedtime help. So, does it work? And, more importantly, is melatonin safe for kids?

To learn more about the risks and benefits of melatonin use in children, we spoke to Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a pediatrician at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York.

What is melatonin and how does it help with sleep?

“Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found in the body to assist with circadian sleep rhythm and falling asleep,” Siddiqui explains. When you purchase melatonin gummies, pills, or tablets, you’re getting a synthetic version of that hormone that delivers a similar result.

Essentially, melatonin supplements create a signal that bedtime is here—think of it like sending a memo to your brain that says it’s time to get some shut-eye. When you’re dealing with jet lag, for example, it can be really helpful in coaxing your body to fall asleep at a different time than it’s used to. However, Siddiqui points to research indicating that taking melatonin does not help people stay asleep or get better quality rest during the night, which means it won’t stop your four-year-old from bouncing out of bed at 4 a.m. ready to start their day.

Is melatonin bad for kids?

Melatonin can be appropriate for kids when it’s given in the correct dose and only on occasion. “As a pediatrician, I understand the issues with children and sleep,” Siddiqui says. “Some children over the age of 2 may need supplementation of melatonin to assist in falling asleep for a brief period of time.”

While taking melatonin regularly isn’t something that most doctors or sleep experts recommend for children (or adults, for that matter), there’s a time and place for it. “I do recommend melatonin for certain children who are having difficulty falling asleep for various reasons,” Siddiqui says. “Perhaps a stressful event, or a change in environment, a new sibling, or a change in behavior.” It’s also been shown to help kids with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder who have sleep disturbances. Siddiqui stresses that melatonin should be used under the supervision of a pediatrician or another doctor specializing in children’s health, adding that it should be given temporarily and in low doses.

a toddler sleeping for a story anwering 'is melatonin safe for kids' — iStock

It’s also important to remember that because melatonin is a supplement, not a prescription drug, it’s not regulated by the FDA the same way pediatric ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other medications are. This means there is no regulatory oversight on the content of melatonin gummies or tablets, and parents can’t be sure that they’re buying a safe, high-quality product. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine looking at 31 melatonin supplements found that 71% of the products had more than 10% variance from the amount of melatonin they claimed to contain—and a quarter of the products also contained unauthorized (and unlabelled) serotonin!

Basically, it’s a bit of a Wild West where melatonin is concerned, but if it’s used temporarily under the guidance of your pediatrician the risks should be low. The biggest issue is when it’s taken casually or on a regular basis.

How much melatonin is safe for kids?

Siddiqui recommends speaking to your child’s doctor for personalized advice before offering them melatonin. Generally speaking, the typical dosage for kids aged 2-5 would be 1-2mg. A school-aged child may be given slightly more—perhaps 1-3mg—whereas someone over the age of 13 could take anywhere from 1-5mg in a single dose. Most medical professionals will recommend a low dose to start with. Because melatonin supplements differ by brand and all children are different, individualized guidance from a pediatrician is ideal.

Are there melatonin side effects for kids?

Most kids won’t have side effects from taking melatonin supplements, but some will experience headaches, increased bedwetting, nightmares, dizziness, agitation, or grogginess. Luckily, these symptoms typically subside as soon as they stop taking the melatonin supplement. Some researchers have speculated that melatonin can affect puberty-related hormones in children (due to similar findings in studies on animals) but there is no firm evidence and no long-term clinical trials have been conducted to date.

Can children overdose on melatonin?

Unfortunately, melatonin overdoses can and do happen—especially because kids and seniors are more sensitive to these supplements. Fortunately, the risk to their health is fairly low. “While [melatonin] overdoses can lead to excessive sleepiness, headaches, nausea, or agitation, luckily they aren’t dangerous most of the time,” according to Harvard Medical School.

Still, given the lack of regulatory oversight and extensive long-term research, this doesn’t mean that over-the-counter melatonin is completely safe. “Many sleep problems can be better managed with a change in schedules, habits, or behaviors rather than taking melatonin,” the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) stressed in a recent health advisory.

If you do choose to give your kids melatonin, be sure to discuss it with your family doctor first and always stick to the recommended dosage for your child’s age and/or weight. Don’t cut melatonin gummies or tablets in half since this can lead to inconsistent dosing.

boy doesn't want to go to sleep for a story answering 'is melatonin safe for kids?' — iStock

Other ways to help kids sleep

We understand why exhausted moms and dads are reaching for melatonin, but if it’s late-night Googling that brought you to the supplement you’ve probably also seen the term “sleep hygiene” thrown around—and research indicates that good sleep hygiene is way more effective when it comes to improving your kiddo’s sleep.

“Sleep issues in children are quite common,” Siddiqui says. “The practice of sleep hygiene and good sleep habits is so important to develop from an early age or any time there seems to be a disruption in sleep regulation.”

So what is sleep hygiene? It’s forming the good habits that help your body pick up on those time-for-sleep signals and release its own melatonin, which it does mostly as a result of being in the dark. She recommends:

a quiet period with no screen time for at least one hour before bedtime
a sound sleep routine consisting of a bath and bedtime story
teaching self-soothing techniques to help kids fall asleep and fall back asleep if they wake in the night
a consistent bedtime and awake time in the morning (yes, even on the weekend—we’re sorry)

Siddiqui also notes that sleep patterns will vary by age, so always start by asking your doctor for guidance if you have concerns about your kid’s health or sleep habits. Good luck and good night!

The Simplest Way to Transition Kids to Quiet Time When They Start Fighting Naps

by Gabby CullenJanuary 8, 2024

For parents, naptime is sacred. After all, keeping a young child alive is exhausting—oh wait, nap time isn’t about us? Maybe not, but a period of quiet play time or rest is rejuvenating for busy kids and the adults in charge: It helps with memory consolidation and can boost energy to make it through the day, among other things, according to the Sleep Foundation. So when little ones want to drop their nap, parents should have a backup plan that’ll ensure downtime stays on the schedule.

If this sounds like an impending battle of wills you’d rather not have, there are a few simple things you can do to make it easier. In a recent Instagram post, behavior analyst and parent coach Mandy Grass shared her thoughts on the issue.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mandy Grass (@thefamilybehaviorist)

While Gross says she has conflicting feelings regarding nap time, she offers two tips for parents looking to keep it on the table. “Let’s say you’ve got a 3.5- or 4-year-old who doesn’t really need the nap but kinda needs the nap, but you need the break. How do you handle it?”

1. Take sleep off the table.
Instead of insisting kids nap, Grass suggests that parents write down the expectations and reinforce them. So, quiet time in their rooms for an hour means they don’t have to sleep: They can look at books, snuggle their stuffed animals, etc. She also says that if you use a clock, “When the light is red, they stay in their rooms; if the light is green, they can come out.”

2. Introduce a novel activity.
This is something only allowed at nap time. The idea is that since kids get to do this thing only during quiet time, it’s likely to hold their attention and keep them engaged a bit longer. “Maybe it’s a super special LEGO or maybe a certain coloring page or whatever that might be,” Gross says.

She continues by adding that if kids are tired—they usually fall asleep. And, when the hour is up, be sure to reinforce the expectations by calling out their actions. “I love the way you stayed in your room. Now we can make cookies.”

Even if your kid doesn’t sleep, they will slow down and relax, learn how to play independently, and be happy on their own while you can tackle undone tasks or sit down and have your own quiet time.

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