Many toddlers get attached to a favorite doll that they tote with them everywhere they go. As their families prepare for summer travel, Bette Holtzman, vice president of consumer and family advocacy at The Goldberger Company, has some tips for parents:

¢ Consistency offers comfort: Being away from home, even on a fun trip, can be strange and traumatic. Caring for a doll could be a welcome distraction. Take along a doll that fits in your child’s suitcase or backpack.

¢ Make sure you have a spare: Most children have one particular-very-special-not-to-be-substituted doll that is clearly their absolute favorite. Tears will flow if this doll is accidentally left in the plane or a restroom. If it’s not too costly, buy a replacement doll in case the unthinkable happens. Or leave the favorite at home and buy an inexpensive new toy or doll just for the trip.

¢ Summer travel can be messy: Bring dolls that are easy to clean. A doll that spends a day on the beach might not make the perfect sleeping partner for your child.

¢ Traveling is for learning, too: Entertain and educate your child during long car or plane journeys by bringing dolls that can teach your child to snap, tie, button or zip.

¢ Silence is a virtue: Interactive dolls repeat songs, chatter and sounds. Be kind to neighbor passengers and yourself by removing (temporarily) the electronic elements that cause the dolls to sing, talk or squawk.

¢ Prepare for security: Airport authorities will require your child’s doll to go through security as a piece of baggage. Prepare her for that moment in advance, telling a special story about how and why the doll might be inspected. Let your child walk ahead with you and see the doll come safely through the X-ray in its own special bin.