Jessica Mulroney.
I had a great time chatting with Jessica Mulroney yesterday about March Break travel. Thank you to all Canoe.ca and Sun Media readers who submitted questions and took part in our hour-long chat!
Jessica, mom to twin two-year old boys with hubby Ben Mulroney, offered readers some fantastic tips on travelling with children, from keeping kids busy in the car on road trips to getting through airport security with a baby. Here are some of Jessica’s top March Break travel tips. To read our full chat, click here.
Q: We aren’t going far, just doing some small day trips in our province.. but the kids can still get restless in the car… any advice?
Jessica: Long or short road trips can be tricky… it is never easy to keep kids entertained in the car! I always suggest each child gets their own set of earphones so they can listen to their own music. Music is a great distraction. Always have snacks and water handy in the car to avoid pit stops and spending money uselessly on the road.
Q: Any tips on getting through airport security with a baby?
Jessica: I would suggest to check as many things as you can, you need far less than you think on a plane with a newborn. This avoids feeling like an insane person at security. Pack one diaper bag with the essentials. A few extra bottles and perhaps just the car seat. Officers are usually nice enough to help but the less you carry, the easier it is. Remember, it is never an easy task to go through security whether you are alone or with child. As long as you are organized, the process should be slightly painless.
Q: How do you keep a newborn from crying on an airplane?
Jessica: Ok, so I truly believe this is luck of the draw. As a parent, you have to be prepared for anything! You never know what you are going to get on what day. We have to stay realistic. However there are some tips on how to create a comfortable environment on a plane to help avoid crying. I would definitely not forget to pack food and milk. Little toys and blankets.Anything that works at home should work on the aircraft. Create a comfortable environment for the child on the plane. Always try to have everything within arm distance as well.
Q: I currently travel with one, but with one on the way, what are the issues with travelling with two youngsters?
Jessica: I find the biggest hassle is airport travel. Each child must be accompanied by an adult at that age. That is a big restriction if you need to go somewhere with the children on your own. Double the luggage… double the trouble. Try to streamline your packing as best you can to avoid excessive luggage. Sometimes it can be a bonus. Perhaps your older child will feel the need to help take care of the younger child and will be more calm because of it!
Q: What are the two travel items you can’t live without – as a woman and a mom?
Jessica: As a woman, a fabulous book and a big and comfy scarf that turns into a blanket on the plane. As a mom, a great diaper bag and tablets for the kids. I also find it hard to live without my husband’s help on the plane!! But have to sometimes suffer without him.
Categories: Travel tips