Now that our daughter has passed the two year mark, things have gotten much easier. Sure, she still tests us every chance she gets to see just how far she can stretch her limits, but that’s typical toddler behavior. She eats better and is more willing to try new things, and she absorbs language and other skills like a sponge.

One thing that hasn’t gotten easier, however, is traveling with her. She doesn’t like to sit still for very long, so leaving the house is a challenge. She’ll willingly get into the car seat when we leave the house, but getting her in and out multiple times (such as when we’re running errands) can be difficult.

Here are some of the ways we’ve found to keep her happy while we’re traveling.

• Keep snacks handy. There’s nothing worse than a cranky, hungry toddler. We travel with finger foods. Snacks that are portable and easy to eat in the car, such as baggies or snack cups half filled with Cheerios or other snacks.

• Keep them hydrated. A sippy cup of juice or milk helps to keep her hydrated and happy for car rides.

• Keep them entertained. We keep a few toys around that are only played with in the car, and rotate them. This way, she always has something somewhat “new” to play with while she’s in the car seat.

• Keep it short. If you can, try to limit the amount of time they’re in the car. For longer trips, take breaks every hour or two to stretch out. We like to park the car at a park or other large, grassy area so our daughter can wander and play safely for a little while before getting back in the car.

• Keep them shaded. Use sunscreen, even when the sun isn’t out, to prevent sunburn. In addition, use a window shade or other screen on the window to keep the sunshine from being so bright and hot. We tuck a receiving blanket up into the window crack to form a curtain that blocks out most of the harsh sunlight.

• Expect the unexpected (and try to plan for it). The last time we traveled, our toddler caught a cold, which drastically changed our plans. While you can’t plan for everything, sick kids are a common reality. Be sure to pack the children’s medicines and any loveys or other items he or she finds comforting.

Anyone who has traveled by air since 9-11, knows about the increased security measures before entering the boarding area for flight travel.

Going through the security lanes can be difficult, even for the seasoned traveler, traveling alone. From needing to place all toiletries and cosmetics in sizes no greater than 3 ounces. in carry-ons in quart-sized zip-lock bags (the 3-1-1 rule), to having to remove your shoes, to needing to “declare” any snacks and beverages (including expressed breast milk) for babies and children, and needing to remove electronics such as laptops and camcorders from the bags is a hassle. Add to that needing the stroller and carseat when traveling with children, and there’s a whole new dimension to a potentially unpleasant travel experience. Families become a nuisance to business travelers, and those same families, often feel the sting of stares as you inevitably hold up the line with collapsing the stroller and dealing with all of the gear.

Finally getting it right!

In an effort to streamline the process of flight travel, the TSA announced that it is creating different lanes for the different travel skill-levels and needs of passengers. In March, the TSA started the Diamond Self-Select program, where passengers who are familiar with security check-in protocol (such as removing outer garments like coats, removing shoes and belts, placing toiletries and electronics in the bins, and removing change and metal items from pockets), to have a veritable fast lane. Designed after expertise trails at ski slopes, the Diamond Self Select (sometimes called Back-Diamond Select) programs premiered at Salt Lake City International and Denver International Airports. The Self-Select program includes:

“Expert, for the business traveler who flies several times a month; Casual, for passengers that travel less frequently, but are familiar with the security process; and Family/Special Assistance, for passengers traveling with small children or strollers, elderly passengers and passengers who may need special assistance.”

According to MSN’s the Middle Seat, in an article originally published in the Wall Street Journal:

“Putting families and people with special needs like wheelchairs into separate lanes allows them to relax a bit without road warriors pushing them to move faster. As a result, they set off fewer ‘nuisance alarms’ because they prepare better and get metal, shoes and liquids properly into X-ray bins. The family lanes move slower than lanes moved before the change, on average, but many families seem to like the pace.”

Since March, when the program was initiated at Salt Lake City International and Denver International Airports, other airports around the country have added the program including Chicago’s Midway, Boston’s Logan Airport, Orlando, Florida and Spokane, Washington. Most recent additions include Pittsburgh International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and there are rumors of the program starting later in June at Detroit Metro Airport. Maybe your city will be next. Security changes such as the Diamond Self-Select program, may get some family travelers to return to the skies this summer.