During a recent layover at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), I discovered a wonderful addition to their children's play area in Terminal 1. The vending kiosk, called Diaper Bag Basics, was stocked full of everything a traveling mom needs. Here's just a partial list of what you can find: crayons, Orajel, pacifiers, sippy cups, Similac formula, bottles, three sizes of diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, diaper rash ointment, Sprout snacks, and even a nursing wrap. The items were all reasonably priced for what you would expect to pay at an airport- we're talking $2 crayons and $4 for a sippy cup. The company has two other locations in St. Paul. For more info, check out www.diaperbagbasics.com
MSP has been working hard the last few years to improve families' traveling experiences. Most of these improvements are thanks to the non-profit group Airport Foundation MSP. They funded the building of both the play areas at the MSP airport. These play areas are located by C-12 in Terminal 1 and by H-6 in Terminal 2 and both feature a mock airplane and control tower with slides, a parent seating area, and other activities. At the top of my favorites list is the hand sanitizing station located within the play area. The airport is currently evaluating these stations, so if you would like them to stick around please text your comments to 612-366-6069.
For families with very small children, the Airport Foundation provides two additional services. The Family Center, located near the entrance to Concourse E, is a quiet resting place for babies and small children. You'll find a family restroom, comfortable seating, a rocking chair and even a crib! Mothers with babies in tow will appreciate the Nursing Mothers Room. For access, check in at the Traveler's Assistance Desk located near C-12 and the children's play area. The assistance desks are manned by volunteers from the Airport Foundation MSP, so take a minute to say "thanks" from traveling parents everywhere. For more info, see www.airportfoundation.org
I wish all airports had these. I spent several hours at the play area in Chicago. It saved my trip. Last week, we had a layover in Houston and they didn't have anything for kids. My husband took the kids on a train ride for an hour until it got close to our departure time. Although, I do need to send a shout out to the Real Food Company because they provided me with peanut butter, butter and gloves when my little girl got gum stuck in her hair.
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