(ARA) - Whether it be to the grocery store, the doctor's office or a play date at the park, moms today are constantly on the go. Juggling the ever-changing needs of a child while out and about can be challenging, stressful and sometimes expensive.

Child and parenting expert, TODAY Show contributor and the author of "The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries," Dr. Michele Borba understands the challenges busy modern moms face.

"Moms today have it tough," says Borba. "Long lines, endless errands, sitting at a doctor's office or waiting for a sibling's practice to end are difficult on both kids and moms. Your best defense to turn off tantrums or prevent messy situations is to think ahead and always be prepared."

Borba offers four quick and easy "sanity savers" to help keep both mom and child happy while out and about.

Car games
While in the car, kids should occupy themselves with things that don't make a mess or spill. Hanging a shoe organizer on the back of a seat creates a great place to keep all their favorite games and toys organized and within reach.

"One of my favorite things to recommend for moms is to keep cookie sheets in the car stored under a seat," says Borba. "Cookie sheets instantly turn into eating trays or lap desks with endless opportunities for small children to play with magnets or reusable stickers and older ones to color or do homework on after school."

Smart snacking
Hungry kids are not happy kids, so it's important to bring munchies to keep their spirits up. For healthy snacks that will stay fresh for hours, Borba recommends using insulated food and beverage containers, like the Thermos Foogo vacuum-insulated stainless steel containers, and encourages parents to plan ahead for cleanup as well.

"Carrying a pack of wet wipes in your purse or diaper bag is a must," says Borba. "To save money, you can wet paper towels, add a small amount of bleach and keep them in a plastic baggy."

The two-for-one
To lighten your load and get the most use out of any item, try to find a second purpose for it.  Your hair clips tied to a napkin can create a restaurant bib for baby in a pinch, and your soft cooler can become a storage compartment for kids' toys and belongings.

"Moms don't have to carry the entire nursery with them every time they leave the house," says Borba. "Think about practicality and range of use for any item you take with you on the go."

Hydration salvation
Keeping a sippy cup or beverage bottle filled with water, milk or juice is a must while on the go, but can easily fill up an already-bursting bag. Look for options that are convenient and multi-purpose.

New BPA-free Thermos Foogo Phases drinkware, which features both vacuum-insulated stainless steel and Tritan plastic cups, offers three flexible drinking options that can be customized based on your child's needs. With a soft sippy lid for new drinkers, a hard sippy top for teething little ones, and a fun pop-up straw top, the line makes it easy for mom to quickly swap the interchangeable lids at a moment's notice.

"This drinkware is a great solution for moms because it literally grows with your child," says Borba. "The interchangeable lids make the products a great value since you can just upgrade the lid options as your child develops - no need to buy a whole new cup."

By taking these easy tips into consideration, busy moms can be stress-free, economical and prepared for any situation. For more information, please visit www.Thermos.com. of ARAcontent

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