Wednesday, February 5, 2014

I need some Pack N Play advice . . .?




Lilouwyn


My husband and I travel very frequently and will be moving to a 3rd world country in about a year and a half. We are expecting our first child (a girl) in about 3 months and I am trying to find the perfect pack n play to use as her crib. I would like something that has hanging storage on the side, a flip our changing station and is in neutral colors. I also want one with excellent safety reviews and that is easy to set up and take down. Any advice on a particular style or somewhere to look? I have looked at the Target and Babies R Us websites numerous times and just can't seem to find exactly the right thing. Our budget tops out at about $200.


Answer
My daughter is 17 months and she's still sleeping in her pack n play. We never bought a crib, and yes she's outgrowing the packnplay already...so if your baby will be around this age once you move, I wouldn't even bother buying one....would save the money and take it to get her a bed. I have the graco whinnie the pooh one that has the changing table...the storage on the side for diapers and wipes and it's sooo easy to take it apart and put it back together and it would work perfectly with your budget. So think about it, it might be more convenient to take that money in dollars to whatever country you're going to to get her a toddler bed.

What kind of Car Seats are allowed to be used on the Plane?




Phenomenal


I have a forward facing Car Seat for a toddler, does anyone know if I can use it on the plane and where do I have to sit order to use it. Also does anyone know if they sell straps or something to wear the car seat on my back like a book bag or anything to make it convenient to carry it around.


Answer
Car seats are a very good thing to use for air travel! They help to ensure the safety of your child and make the trip easier for both of you. You can use the car seat in any portion of the plane, except for an exit row (for safety reasons).

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.

Booster seats are not allowed or approved for air travel.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.


Target, Babies R US, and other retailers sell many varieties of things to hold car seats in to make transportation of them easier on the parents. Prices range from $20 on up to almost $100. Make sure that you get one you are comfortable with and that will last.


I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:

1.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to drink (milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food and non-perishable items such as cheerios, dried fruit, goldfish, just add water packets, etc, onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books or toys, a portable DVD player with at least one movie, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.

You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out his/her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without your child seeing so that he/she has an extra surprise when he/she opens his/her carry on.

4.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

5.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

If your child is still in diapers, you should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.

6.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

7.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.




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