So this may not be the ideal solution to your every problem, but we have discovered that loading my husband's iPod with Sesame Street podcasts can really save the day when we are out with our toddler.

The iPod is much smaller than the laptop we would lug onto airplanes, hoping that Baby Einstein would keep our then-one-year-old from screaming everyone's ears off. The other night, we sort of felt odd, but we brought it with us to a restaurant when we were all too sick and tired to cook, but knew she would be easily set off into a meltdown.

She may or may not even watch it very intently, because she is so fascinated with the headphones and buttons-but I would just as soon she pressed the buttons and played with the headphones rather than watching TV anyway. :) If you save it for must-keep-them quiet situations, it can end up being a great tool!