Business Editors/Family/Parenting Writers

AVON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 2003

For new parents traveling near or far with little ones in tow this holiday season, packing the right gear will make everyone a lot more merry. According to The First Years(R) Director of Parenting and Child Development Maureen O'Brien, Ph.D., the secret to successful travel with young children is to view the trip from a child's perspective. "Travel is an adventure for adults, but when you're traveling with a child the goal should be to make the trip as uneventful as possible," says Dr. O'Brien. "Plan ahead and try to incorporate your child's everyday routines into your travel itinerary."

Routines help children to organize their day and their world and make them feel comfortable and safe. The First Years' Dr. O'Brien offers the following travel tips for parents hitting the road with infants and toddlers:

-- Try to maintain the same sleeping and feeding schedule.

-- For infants under 6 months, plan direct flights to minimize

sleep interruptions and equipment transfers (car seats,

bottles, strollers, etc.).

-- Pack some of your child's favorite foods and snacks.

-- Bring along favorite quiet activities, such as storybooks - no

baby or toddler can be expected to sit still for hours at a

time.

Next, pack products that will make your trip less work and more play. The First Years offers several tried and true, must-have travel items, including:

On-the-Go Booster Seat

This lightweight portable booster seat (only 2 lbs.), quickly self-inflates with the flip of a valve and folds into a self-carrying case.

Take & Toss(R) Cups, Bowls & Utensils

This award-winning line of semi-disposable spill-proof cups, bowls and flatware is ideal for travel. Easy to clean, lightweight and microwave/dishwasher safe, Take & Toss are durable enough to reuse, but inexpensive enough to be discarded.

Shake & Jingle Keys and the Real Phone

Be sure to pack a few play items. Both the Shake & Jingle Keys and Real Phone (sold separately) are compact enough to easily fit in a diaper bag and let little ones pretend to be like mom and dad with their own "travel items." Both brightly colored toys also feature teethable surfaces.

Crib/CD Player

To help maintain sleep routines while traveling, bring your child's favorite music with The First Years' Crib/CD Player.

Baby Health Care Kit

Don't forget baby can get sick on the road. The 5 piece Baby Health Care Kit has everything mom and dad need to care for baby including a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer and medicine spoon. And the vinyl case offers plenty of room for extra items.

For more information on travel and other solutions to help parents, visit us at www.thefirstyears.com.

About The First Years Inc.

The First Years Inc. (NASDAQ: KIDD) develops innovative products aimed at better parenting, focusing on the many stages of parenting and child development in the first three years. Leveraging input from its approximately 300,000-member Parents Council, as well as insights from on-staff parenting and child development experts, The First Years offers a comprehensive range of products to make parenting easier. Areas of focus include: feeding, sleeping, bathing, diapering and transporting/travel. The Company's distinctive brands include: "The First Years," licenses from the Walt Disney Company and "Sesame Street(R)," licensed from the Sesame Workshop. Products are available internationally at mass merchants, food and drug stores and specialty outlets. The First Years offers product and parenting information, and free membership in its Parents Council, at http://www.thefirstyears.com, and through its Parent Service Center at 1-800-533-6708.