Anyone who criticizes the use of television as a babysitter hasn't tried to travel with children. There are times and places that scream for an unhealthy dose of the boob tube as a means of mollifying an otherwise squirming and blood pressure-raising kid. When you're waiting out a two-hour layover in Detroit or crawling down a seemingly infinite expanse of I-70 that's down to one lane, a kids portable DVD player is nothing short of a godsend.
When your little one is bored, the same hypnotic powers of SpongeBob that freak us out at home all of a sudden don't seem so bad. That's why if there's a necessary piece of equipment for any family that travels, it is undoubtedly a kids portable DVD player.
Choosing the right one however can be a bit confusing. When getting a kids portable DVD player do you know what to look for? We're here to help you out by giving you some tips on what you'll need to soothe your wild child.
The power source is the first thing you should consider. Moving pictures on a screen may seem magical, but only when the screen is actually working. Putting your peace and quiet in the hands of a few AA batteries is probably not a wise idea. Most portable DVD players require a lot of energy, and these batteries just won't cut it for long periods of time. Internal rechargeable batteries are typically a better choice. The bunny batteries may be good, but they won't last as long as these will. Also, make sure the unit has a suitable adaptor for the car. If it doesn't, be sure to get on as an add on. When you are traveling across the country trying to find your way, the last thing you need is for the unit to go dead right in the middle of a big scene in the movie. If you thought your child was unruly before, just wait until this happens.
Sound is the second thing you need to consider. It's not unusual for children to have a dislike for headphones or ear buds. That means you and they will be relying on the built in sound that the portable DVD player offers. You'll get nothing more than a barely audible hiss from some of the lower end units. That's not good enough. Other units sound like they were used for an amplifier for a heavy metal band in a previous lifetime. You don't need that either. Be sure to check the sound before you buy. Of course always start by seeing how well they react to the earphones. It may not be as bad as a screaming child, but listening to The Little Mermaid for the 327th time is not so pleasant either.
Finally, look for a name brand product. Sure, you can probably save ten or fifteen bucks by buying a no-name kids portable DVD player, but that cheaper product is far more likely to suddenly fail than something produced by a respected manufacturer. Saving money is great, but only to the extent the cheaper product actually works. There are times when it makes sense to go cheap, this isn't one of them.
If you cover those three bases and have a nice stack of available titles, you'll be ready to hit the road. A kid's portable DVD player is a powerful tool. It's a babysitter, a sedative and a source of smiles all rolled into one device--buy one that'll get the job done. | 
