Traveling with kids just got much easier

Seasoned travelers know that, when on the move with youngsters, it makes a lot more sense to plan some entertainment rather than leaving things to chance. When we're embarking on a trip longer than, say, around the corner, the first thing we do is pull out the Snack & Play Travel Tray ($19.99).

From StarKids Products, Denver, Colo., this padded foam tray provides the perfect surface for coloring books, toys, cars, and even meals. It has a two-inch padded rim to keep items from rolling off and two mesh side pockets made of sturdy nylon fabric to ensure that all of his favorite things are right at hand. This tray also works well for airline travel and in strollers. For more information, visit www.starkidsproducts.com.

When the kids run out of their own toys to play with on those long rides, we surprise them with a Toy Filled Treasure Bag ($9.99) from Traveling With Kids LLC. Designed for children three to eight years old, each small backpack contains individually wrapped toys and activities such as self-inking stampers, magic slates, pin- and paddle-ball games, telescopes, etc. This helps eliminate desperate attempts to entertain bored youngsters, who now at least can look forward to the next gift to unwrap. For more information, visit www.travelingwithkids.com.

As for snacks, we never leave home without the No Squeeze Juice Box Holder ($3.99) by JolieCo. We can't argue with how convenient juice boxes and juice bags are, but they certainly are hard for little hands to hold without squeezing them and making the juice shoot out the straw. Now, however, they're able to hold on tightly to the hard plastic holder without any spills. The design fits cup holders in cars and strollers as well. For more information, visit www.nosqueeze.com.

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