Baby's Day Out At The Beach #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

The sad reality is that we always overlook the luxury of living close to the beach until family or friends are in town and they want to visit.  One Summer we hung out at the beach about 6x.  That was a record for us.  We definitely take living by the Pacific Ocean for granted and that needs to change.  We ventured out last weekend to Mothers Beach to celebrate Lily's 2nd Birthday!  Now that Omie is a little bit older we knew he would enjoy the freedom to run around in a new environment and enjoy cake!  We were right, we know our kid.  He freaked out having his feet in the sand but the minute I walked him to the water, he didn't want to leave.  He splashed and danced around but the minute he put his hand in his mouth, it was time to head back to the party and clean up!

I used baby wipes at the beach for everything that day - cleaning off Omie's hands, wiping sand off his face, cleaning up his face after eating pizza (and cupcakes!) and when he got a booboo on his foot.  I didn't realize how much of a lifesaver they are for us!  As long as we have them, we can survive at the beach!  More trips are definitely in our future!  Another parenting challenge conquered!

The Huggies' parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka Rivera, Huggies spokesperson, and her son Sebastian will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the third one here!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Get Social with Huggies:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

Parenting Challenge: Traveling With A Toddler #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

One of the biggest challenges parents face is traveling with babies and toddlers.  I know I get anxiety just thinking about it.  We decided last year that we wouldn't travel till Omie was at least a year old.  Omie is almost 16 months old and we're going on a trip with him next week!  It's a big trip too - we leave from LA and layover in San Antonio and finally to Orlando, FL.  It's his first plane ride and we are crossing our fingers that it goes easy.  I brainstormed and came up with travel tips that I think will be helpful for the whole family when dealing with our toddler.

• Prepare the family to take turns with the toddler - I usually find that prepping the kids with their duties helps.  This way everyone knows what is expected of them and that means when the little prince looks bored or is cranky, we switch without hesitation.    
• Diaper change before boarding - This should be a no-brainer.  Even if the diaper is just a little wet, change it.  Changing diapers on the plane is bad for everyone.  Your little one, you, everyone on the plane.   
• Comfy clothes - I remember a few long flights with my parents back in the 80s.  This was when it was still cool to get dressed up for flying.  In one of the pictures, my parents had me fitted in a suit.  Yes.  Ironed pants, a blouse and a suit coat.  I have no idea what they were thinking but that's not how I dress my kids these days.  I insist they dress for comfort.
• Favorites - Omie has a favorite blanket and a few toys.  Bring them.  It'll make your child feel comfortable.  
• Review My Top 10 Tips For Traveling with Kids - Go over that list again.  Definitely bring a variety of snacks (both good and bad - it will work wonders and save the day) and download a few movies and games to keep the little one entertained.  

I would love to hear your tips for traveling with a toddler - Has traveling with a toddler been a parenting challenge for you?  What is the one thing that helps you when you fly?



The Huggies' parenting webisodes featuring Zuleyka Rivera, Huggies spokesperson, and her son Sebastian will be uploaded monthly and will be available on Huggies Latino Facebook page - You can check out the second one here!

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Get Social with Huggies:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

My Top 10 Tips for Traveling With Kids #CulturelleKids

My sons are pros when it comes to traveling.  We travel at least once a year and if we're lucky, up to 3x.  We fly, we road trip and we have fun!  We haven't had an unhappy kid yet.  Even after a 24+ road trip so hey, maybe I know a thing or two about traveling with kids!  We have a travel routine that works for us and I'm going to share my tips for keeping your kids happy.
Happy kids = happy parents = more trips!  

• Discuss your travel plans with your kids.  I can't emphasize how important this tip is.  The more your kids know about the trip, the more enthusiastic and easy they'll be.  Easy.  None of that pesky question: "Are we there yet?"  
• Prepare fun facts / history about your destination.  When we took a road trip from CA to TX in 2010, I researched Roadside Attractions and cities we would be stopping in.  The kids were definitely interested in where we were passing through.  
• Have each kid pack his/her own backpack.  I gave each kid a general list (pair of socks, underwear, one comfy outfit) and it was up to them to add whatever else they wanted.  Make sure you check those backpacks!      
• Bring portable tv's or iPods.  Download fun apps and movies.  Talking Tim is still a fun one in our house.  It will keep them busy for a few hours.  
• Pack snacks and drinks.  This should be a no-brainer!  One time I forgot that Duke had a Capri-sun in his backpack and we passed TSA Screening with it!  He was happy.  I was kinda scared we would get in trouble!    
• Give them a travel allowance.  Trust me on this.  Hand each kid $20 and tell them that's their spending money (even if you plan on splurging on them later).  It will teach them how to budget.  
• Assign each kid a job.  My sons are seasoned travelers and it's because we've taught them how to be responsible during trips.  Anything from making sure we don't forget anything in a hotel room to listening for gate changes at the airport.      
• Group restroom trips.  Our boys only use public restrooms together or with Dad.  We know that traveling can lead to "tummy troubles" so Culturelle Kids Probiotic Packets can help with digestion.  Kids don't want to feel blah on a vacation!  Just empty a packet into a water bottle, it's tasteless and odorless!  
• Let them choose a store they want to shop at.  This goes back to having a travel allowance.  Damien (our 13 year old) loves games so I can guarantee you he almost always wants to check out the used game section of Game Stop.  
• Make a surprise pack for each kid.  Even though I have teenagers, they still like being surprised.  When you create a fun kit (notebook, stickers, markers, funny books, Lego) for a kid, it'll keep them busy for a couple hours (maybe more).  

Our favorite staycation trip is to Carlsbad, home of Legoland.  We love staying at Grand Pacific Palisades.  You bet we used my top 10 tips for this trip!  Makes travel easier for Chris and I!  See those smiles!?!

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your digestive tract?  Having a healthy and balanced digestive system plays a vital role in strengthening your child's overall health and well being!  Culturelle is trusted by parents, trusted by pediatricians and #1 pediatrician recommended!  

Disclosure:  I was compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.