So you visited our recent 7 Days of Traveling Helps round-up and have been adding diaper services, travel games, comfort toys, books, carry-on totes, and multi-use travel essentials to your travel checklist. One last thing to consider, especially if you and the kids will be enjoying the recirculated air and making frequent trips to the public loo on a plane this summer, is germ-fighters, and we've got a couple of ways to ensure protection against some of the most common in-flight bug-transmitters.
Even before you hit the tarmac, the Germ-Free Pak ($32 from Flight 001) gives you a whole range of handy germ barriers, and because it's carry-on approved, you'll also be able to store it right next to the in-flight magazines. The reusable zip-top kit includes toilet-seat covers; a package of mini tissues; E-Boost immune-system booster; a germ-fighting aromatherapy inhalation pouch; and antibacterial spray, towelettes, and hand-soap sheets.
Once you're in the air, ensure the kids won't be napping with previous passengers' cooties by breaking out the Nap Sac Travel Blanket + Pillow ($28 from Lug), a snuggly-soft set that folds and zips neatly into its plush pillowcase for storage later. The blanket opens to 48" x 32", and the set is available in eight different colors, including grass green (pictured), crimson red, and chocolate brown.
Of course you'll also need a book to ease into naptime, so assuming it won't cause nightmares, what better way to rally the little ones around your bug-fighting mission than with the old stand-by Germs are Not for Sharing (top of page; $7.95 from Amazon)? Who knows, maybe if you read it loudly enough that guy in that seat next to you will remember to cover his face the next time he sneezes.
