What does an 8-month old baby need on a visit to Grandma's?

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kcat

My baby is 2 months old, but he and I are visiting his grandma's house when he is 8 months old. Grandma wants to start buying things he will need when he visits such as a car seat, cradle, etc.

What things do 8 month old babies use?
We are flying to Grandma's house, so we won't have much with us other than clothes and a few toys.
And we'll be staying at Grandma's for at least two weeks and maybe as much as a month.

Answer
A car seat and a safe place to sleep are the most important things. Most 8 month olds sleep in a crib at home (or co-sleep with mom) but usually a pack'n'play is more practical for traveling. Grandma could then fold it up and store it away easily when you aren't there. If you expect to visit again in the next few years, I would tell her to get a convertible car seat (not an infant one) that can go rear facing or forward facing. An 8 month old will do just fine in one of those, and then it will still be usable for several more years. Most 4 year olds can still fit in a convertible seat. If she gets an infant seat, you'll only be able to use it for this visit and will need a different one the next time.

Otherwise, an exersaucer, walker, or other play equipment is nice, but not essential. Chances are he'll be playing with Grandma more than by himself, so it may not get much use. I wouldn't buy something like that for just one visit.

A high chair is convenient for meal times, but again not necessary. They also make booster seat/high chair combos that strap onto a regular chair, which is what my parents have for when we visit. It's small and stores away easily when we're not there and works as a high chair with tray for a baby or as a booster seat for a toddler/preschooler. Plastic bowls/plates and baby spoons if you choose to spoon feed, but those you can easily bring with you in your luggage.

You might want a stroller, if you plan to be taking baby out for walks or something a lot. I usually brought our stroller on the plane to have a place to for my daughter to sit while we were in the airport, and also so I had less to carry! You can check it at the gate and pick it up at the other end.

You'll need diapers, but you won't know what size until closer to when you visit, as it depends on your baby's body shape and weight at the time. Also wipes of course.

So much suggestions for Grandma would be: a convertible car seat, a pack'n'play, a high chair/booster seat combo, and a few plastic bowls/plates/spoons. If she has money to burn and really wants to, she could also get some sort of play equipment or toys.

What are the minute details to take care of travelling to India with a toddler 8 months old. Please help...?

question

I am kin gmy 8 months old to India for 3 weeks. Any help is highly appreciated. What all precautions should I take ? Whatall should I take with me. This is her first time ever in a plane travelling 15 hours?

Answer
I'd purchase a separate seat for the baby and use an FDA approved car seat, or the baby will be wanting to crawl all over the place. I'd also make sure to bring a blanket so you can cover her in her car seat so it's dark to mimic night when she's used to sleeping. Make sure to have enough formula (or if you're breast feeding, you're good to go!). If she'll take a pacifier, bring one of those, or something else for her to suck on during take off and landing. Make sure when you're there to either buy bottled water or boil it before using it for her so she doesn't get sick. Bring a few toys and just know that she will get cranky (as will you) and that it's normal. Make friends with the people around you so you can get a break from holding her every now and again :-)

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Korean items that are good to sell in the Philippines?

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dire_angel

I'll be traveling to Seoul South Korea next month. I'm wondering what are some of the things I can buy in Korea (at cheaper price) so that I can resell it in the Philippines.Any ideas?
...What about electronics? Is it cheaper in Korea?

Answer
im a teen and here's what i usually buy in tiangges.

cute shoes. mini dresses. graphic shirts that dont look cheap. shorts. skirts. jackets. caps. hair accessories!!

um. bags. pouches. wallets. keychains. cellphone accessories. mirrors. small stuffed toys. combs.....

other cute burloloy.

dont sell makeup, perfumes and other beauty products like whitening soaps or hair serums. trust me. no one buys these kind of stuff ever since the whole china scandal.

these are what females want! not only teens but also grown ups. it's easy to sell stuff for females cause we love to shop..

um. so i hope you find this helpful and stuff. :)

How much do you say you spend on your baby ?

lovesugark

everything from accessories, food, clothes. in a month aprox.

Answer
Well, for my baby (6 week old) I spend about $300, not including all the baby stuff we bought before he was born, like his swing, car seat/stroller travel system, etc. This is just diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, clothing, etc. When he gets older the price will go up because he will be able to play with toys. Now my 6 year old I spend about $500 and that is a lot less than I used to spend, but that is because I was a single mom with him and I couldn't bear to see him cry so I gave him the toy before he even asked or cried for it. It was getting ridiculous though, we would go to 2 or 3 stores and he would expect to get some thing from each one and he would throw a fit if he didnt get what he wanted, and I have no patience so I would just give it to him. Trust me, that is not the way to go. Set limits early. It is still hard with him in a store because he got every thing he wanted and now all of the sudden I am saying no, and he is confused because he always got some thing at the store and now all of the sudden I am saying no.
The amount you spend on a child varies though. Now that I am married and we have a higher income that I did 6 years ago with my first son I splurge and buy nice top of the line things. But when my first son was born I spent about $150 at the most. If your income is medium or lower you can qualify for WIC and get your formula through them if you bottle feed, which saves hundreds. Also I get Target or Walmart diapers which are the cheapest. I have tried all the name brands and they work the best, so you save 1/2 the amount on diapers.
Good Luck

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what can I take on an airplane?

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viggie75

I'm going on a cruise and I want to know what I can take in my carry on?

Answer
As was said before, bring some of your own food but don't pack so much it's obvious you have food. Also, bring small versions of what you love to do. Your favorite books (comic books are great, personally I love Garfield), magazines, newpapers, electronic games, travel games (but don't bring those with minute playing pieces that can get lost easily), an mp3 if you have one or a cd player (music is extremely helpful if you're prone to motion sickness), notebooks (if you're bored, they're great as journals to record what's happening on the plane, such as hearing the annoying screaming of hyperactive toddlers and any sights you see outside), etc. A laptop can be convenient but don't carry too much around. You don't want your possessions to become hassles. Cell phones can't be used, I believe, during the ride (to avoid air disturbances). Ear muffs or headphones can be useful to block out noise. With your favorite things, airplane rides can be alright even if you get motion-sickness like me.

Is counting calories a good method to lose weight?

Q. I was going to record my calorie intake within each meal in a notebook. Have any of you tried this method? Does it work well?

Answer
I think it cannot hurt! I'll bet if you recorded what you ate on a normal- non-dieting day, you would be SHOCKED at the number of calories you ate.

I am currently in a "Biggest Loser" competition at my job and the only real thing I have been doing is cutting back on calories. I am not as organized as you with a journal to track them, but here is what I have been doing.
In the am, I usually eat cereal and skim milk.
For lunch and dinner, I eat a "lean cuisine" or similar frozen meal. I noticed that most of them are under 300 calories so I set that as my limit. I do not buy ANY of the meals if they are more than 300 calories.
I add a big salad to both meals. I mix in lots of my favorite veggies, a spoon or two of fresh salsa for flavor, and only use vinegar for dressing.
For snacks- at the most 2 per day- I keep 100 calorie packs on hand.

It is totally working for me! I work long hours and travel 1 hour each way - plus I am a single mom with a toddler - so I don't really have all that much time to exercise. Just cutting back on the high calorie food has helped me drop 24 pounds already since November!

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What toys are a must for a toddler on a plane?

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March

If you flew with a toddler ( 18 months ), what kept your little one occupied for a while? We have a long overseas flight ahead of us.I expect he won't sit for 8 hours, but I would like to find out what are some best little toys to pack. Thank you so much for the tips!

Answer
Portable DVD player.
Stickers.
Play-dough.
Colouring books but be prepared to have to keep crouching down on to the floor to pick up the crayons.
Etch-a-sketch is handy.
Little story books and her favourite teddy.
A good idea is to wrap up little toys in gift-wrap and put them in a bag and every half hour or so let her choose one.
Bring plenty of drinks and snacks.
His little ears might hurt so make sure you have a bottle or soother or something similar for him to suck on when taking off and landing.
It can be a nightmare travelling with babies so just ignore anyone who tut tuts about his making noise. It seems like a long flight but you'll get there in the end! Good luck.

What are the ways to entertain a 1 yr old on a 24 hr flight journey?

Mom 007

It will be a three 8 hr trips with breaks at the airport, how can I keep my one year old son entertained? He will sleep for only 10 hrs, the rest is play time,

Any other advise on travel planning and inflight food is also welcome...

Answer
take a portabal dvd player so he can watch cartoons or a movie, pack a few of his small toys like cars, blocks stuff he can play with, colouring in will keep him entertained and also a couple of books to read to him if he gets restless dont try to keep him quiet walk up and down the aisle with him show him out the window. At take off and landing give him a drink as this will equalize his ears and stop them from getting sore. Make up bags of finger foods for him like sandwiches, rice cakes, biscuits etc this is the easiest thing for a toddler on a plane. Also remember to pack spare clothes and nappies. I would invest in one of the trunkies, the suitcases for children, for all of ur sons things u can take it on the flight with u and it saves u cramming it all into a bag i have one for my daughter and its great and perfect for trips for her toys.

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What are some good quiet car toys for long trips with toddlers?

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Miki

I have ADD so loud toys in the back seat can be a bit distracting while driving. I thought about coloring books and crayons but if they are dropped she can't reach them because of the safety harness and they can melt when left in a hot car. I am going to get some board books but would like other suggestions.
I'm looking for a bit of a low tech solution.
I'm fine with music, it usually helps me focus really.

Answer
Yeah, crayons are a pain in the butt in the car! My car seat is covered with melted crayon, and it doesn't come out easily!

Have you considered DVD players? They're not so noisy that you can't deal with it. And they'll keep the kids seriously busy and quiet. You could even try to get them to wear earphones so that you don't have to hear it at all. But when we travel, we use a laptop to play movies, and connect it to the car's audio system to get great sound.

How long is the trip? If it's more than a couple of hours, plan on frequent stops and carry a good variety of snacks. You'd be surprised how long a bag of fruit snacks or animal crackers will keep a child quiet, especially if it's a favored snack or one she hasn't ever seen but likes.

What was your experience traveling with your baby/toddler?

Any tips from your personal experience would be great. Can you also say what age your baby was the first time you traveled with him/her & how you prefer to travel? Etc...

Also, what are some items you would recommend (or you think are absolutely necessary) for traveling with a 6 month old baby? & Do you think it would it be better to drive or take a plane or train?

Thanks :)

Answer
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.

My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:

1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.

2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.

3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blankie or something to help him or her sleep and a small trinket to keep them entertained.

4. If you are flying and/or if it is desirable, divide the family into two groups for the trip. We do this when we need to be very practical. My husband or I leave first with most of the luggage and the older children, and the other one follows a few days later with the little children. It isn't the idealized image of a happy family trip with road-trip songs and fun, but it gets us where we want to go quickly and more relaxed. That way, we only have to focus on a few things instead of having to juggle everything at the same time.

5. Bring fresh, comfort food for the trip. We always bring our own lunches and fruits, regardless of the means of transportation. Something dry and easy to eat for the kids is my best bet.

6. If your child is old enough to understand, explain the logistics of the trip. Even if it seems pointless, it helps a little to run over the new things they will be facing (airport crowd, homeland security, long hours sitting inside the car) and also announce that potty time is going to be trickier than usual.

7. If you are traveling by plane or train, ask the travel agency about family-friendly seats. I prefer them. Sitting with other children keeps the kids happier and also spares us most of the anguish of facing annoyed adult fellow-travelers.

I love to travel by train, but the chances are rare and far-between. Driving is fun for certain occassions. If we have plenty of time to get to our destination and it is reasonably close, we will get the old suburban out of the garage and enjoy a family trip. I love the plane because it is quick, but the overall experience of airport, airport security and the plane itself isn't fun for the kids or for us.

Have fun and good luck with your trip.

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How do you keep a child entertained on a long airplane flight?

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My niece is about to move with my brother's family to Malaysia. I want to get her something small enough to take with her that might help keep her entertained during the like 27 hours of traveling. Any ideas?
My nine-year-old niece is about to move with my brother's family to Malaysia. I want to get her something small enough to take with her that might help keep her entertained during the like 27 hours of traveling. Any ideas?

Answer
Many airlines have excellent in flight entertainment these days, some with A/V on demand (AVOD). If your niece's airline has personal IFE, they offer many kid's movies, cartoons, games, audio, tv shows, etc.. Also, many airlines, especially the Asian airlines will give kids a nice gift pack which includes coloring books, toys and small games to play with during the flight. Otherwise, Gameboys, PSP's and other small handheld electronic gaming devices are good if she likes those types of things.

Does anyone know where I can get a handheld electronic Bejeweled game?

MRabbit

I have the game on my computer but would like to be able to play Bejeweled when I travel. I have been able to find Bejeweled software for PDAs but was hoping there was just a handheld game to be found.

Answer
YOu can get it from toy "toys r us" or any large book store

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Does anyone have any tips on traveling with an 8 month old? We are going to Puerto Rico.?

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Q. I am dreading the 4 hour plane ride with her, because I have no idea how I am going to entertain her if she does not fall asleep. What can I do to make the pressure less on her ears? What are some necessities for this trip? How can I make other passengers not hate us... :)

Answer
We've traveled to the Philippines, Europe, Las Vegas, and LA, and each time we've kept our 2 kids (both 5) busy with things others have mentioned above - DVDs, coloring books, reading to them, in-flight entertainment, having a nice chat with them too etc.

The trick for keeping our kids engaged and occupied is variety. Yeah, they like all of the things I've mentioned, but going with her to walk the aisles and treating trips to the bathroom to wash their hands does wonders too :)

Some necessities are :

It's a lot easier flying now that we're past the toddler days.

- DVD player. Our kids like Pink Panther, which works really well because it's not dependent on the audio and our youngest does not do too well with headphones yet.

- Paperback books and magazines, especially for our older kid. Nick Jr. magazine is fun for our younger.

- Coloring/puzzle books. Highly recommended: Crayola "flip-top" markers, which have the caps attached. (They slide down the length of the pen and snap onto the back when in use.) Runaway caps are a pain on an airplane.

- Small toys. Finger puppets worked really well during the toddler years, as did the kids' small plastic teaset.

- Don't forget snacks! Fruity strips pack well; a chewy treat like jelly beans or gummies work well, & things to drink - water, milk...no fizzys to make her hyper !!

I would recommend also, buying all the food snack in the departures. It's alot less hassel then having carry them around and have it all inspected by the gaurds at the airport !!

what are the must haves for newborns?

pretty in

this is my friends email and she said i could use it. i just need to know some things that my baby cant live without when shes born. i have a tight budget so just the must haves please. and if possible could you put the price and how many of each item i need to buy a month. thank you!

Answer
The necessities for a newborn are these:

Diapers (don't buy a ton of newborn diapers because they grow out of them pretty quick. Start with one pack and if you need more, buy them after.) Pampers are about $20 for a box. I'd say we bought diapers every 1 1/2 - 2 weeks at the newborn age) There are cheaper diapers out there too, but we preferred Pampers.

Wipes (Buy in bulk if you can. Trust me you'll use them for everything.) Big box of wipes cost $7-12 depending on how big the box is and the brand name. They will last you a good while and the cheap ones are just as good as Pampers or Huggies.

Onsies and Sleepers. All the cute clothes can wait until later on. Trust me, the baby will spend more time in onsies than anything else.

If you will be nursing, get a Boppy/Nursing Pillow and at least a manual pump. They are a life saver. If you go back to work you'll need bottles and an electric pump. Make sure the pump is for woman who pump regularly. Some are only for occasional pumping and are not as good at keeping up a supply. Medela is great, but also expensive ($250 approx. for a double electric pump, but is worth the price). You can find them used for much cheaper, but you will want to buy all new bottles and pump parts. Replacement parts are not very expensive.

If you are formula feeding and when feeding pumped breastmilk, bottles are a must have. Make sure they are slow flow nipples for a newborn. I suggest buying some decent ones and don't go too cheap. You want some that reduce the amount of air your baby gets, so he/she wont be too uncomfortable after each feeding. It will also reduce spitting up.

You'll want a crib and mattress for sure, unless you will be co-sleeping. A changing table is nice, but definately not a necessity. We will just be using a changing table pad on one of our lower dressers. Crib Sheets, Mattress Pad. No need to buy an expensive bedding set. You aren't even supposed to use the comforter when they are a newborn either. It can cause SIDS, so you really don't get too much use out of it before they want a character bedding set. We bought a toddler bedding set at Walmart for $35 once our son was a bit older. Until then we just used some thin blankets we got from our baby shower.

You'll want a car seat. The hospital will not let you leave without one. The travel systems are a bit pricey, but well worth it. Once that baby is asleep, you will not want to wake him by lifting him out of a car seat.

That's all I can think of right now. Buying things used can save you a ton of money. Try Craigslist.org, but make sure things are not recalled and are not more than 3-4 years old. Many items have more safety standards and what not these days. Also, be careful when buying a car seat used. Make sure it has not been in any accidents. I really do suggest buying a new one. Sign up on websites for coupons and offers. Huggies sends out tons of coupons. Pampers kinds sucks with the coupons. If you'll be using formula you'll want to sign up and many will send you checks you can use at the store.

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How do you protect a toddler during a tornado?

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Bethanie

With all of the recent tornados that have occurred it has been making me think about how I should protect myself and my toddler in a tornado. We live in an apt. complex and are on the 2nd floor. I believe the safest place in my apt. is the bathroom or the closet. I am just wondering that if you are in the bathtub with a mattress pulled over the two of you, how should you be positioned in the tub? Should I be on top of my toddler, I am just wondering. If so, how would I hold my mattress and him at the same time. I have also read that the safest place for little kids is in a car seat. I am just trying to clear up what's factual and what is not. I also live about 8 minutes for a hospital. Would it be safer for me to drive to a hospital and get into the ground floor. I know it's a lot of questions but I am just wondering what's the best thing to do if you dont' have a shelter

Answer
If you are in a multi-level apartment complex, get to the lowest floor and into an interior area or room. This could be a hallway, bathroom, closet, or any other interior room. Take plenty of water, blankets, pillows, any special items your toddler needs such as diapers, medicine, something like a toy bear or stuffed animal to help keep him/her calm. Get as low as possible. Sit and hold your child in a manner where you have a good hold and where your arms/hands can protect their body.

If you can not get to a sturdier shelter, The National Weather Service states to find a low ditch or culvert and lay flat as can be face down if no other shelter can be found. This would be a last resort action. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Some tornadoes have been known to travel up to 70MPH. If caught in a vehicle, do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. Wind speeds are actually sped up through the overpasses.

You can keep alert by watching or listening to local news. Can also listen to NOAA weather radio. These radios alert you of any watches or warnings issued for your area. They can be purchased at almost any department store.

Any tips on travelling with a toddler on long flights?

Socrates

I have a long journey planned on my next vacation with my 1.5 year old. A fourteen hour flight followed by layover and then a 6-7 hour. We did not opt for an exclusive seat for him either. Any tips?

Answer
Here are a couple of tips from our own experience:

1. most importantly: call the airline and try to get a bassinette, and at least one seat next to it(that's the crib that attaches to the wall in front of the bulk head seats). the bassinette itself will probably be too small for your child to actually sleep in, but will hold all the extra stuff that comes along with a toddler. moreover, the extra leg room will give your toddler more space to play that is NOT your lap or the aisle...
note: bulk head seats are usually booked first because there's more leg room there, but parents with infants on-lap (younger than 2 years) have priority to these seats on most airlines. if you can't book the seat in advance, don't dispair - you can still get it upon check in: come in early and insist on it!
2. try to keep the child's routine as close to normal as possible. keep meal times and nap times as close as you can to your "home time". bring small packs of favorite foods and snacks with you, as plane food is not likely to top your kids list... you can heat up baby food by putting the container in a small cup filled with a half-inch to an inch of boiling water and stirring the contents. "Gerber" containers fit perfectly, or you could use the small, round, 4-oz disposable plastic containers (like "Glad" or such) which also fit in the coffee cups provided on airplanes.
3. of course, if your child has a favorite toy, stuffed animal, blankie etc., have it with you on board.
4. get a bunch of new, real-cheap little toys that you wouldn't mind losing / throwing away by the end of the trip. introduce a new one every hour or so -- it'll buy you precious time! i'd put under this category also some little arts & crafts items, like stickers and crayons.
5. have at least two full changes of baby clothes and lots of extra diapers with you, as well as a small "baby-bath travel kit", just in case your layover gets extended, your suitecases go astray, and so on... i'd also take an extra shirt for mom and dad, for any unfortunate accidents.
6. on the plane, don't be shy - let baby run up and down the isles. fighting it won't help anyway, and the excersize is good for you both ;-) plus, the more energy they spend, the more likely they are to fall asleep at some point...
7. talk to your pediatritian about baby-safe antihistamines - a small dosage may be all the help baby needs to get drowsy and sleep better when they're already over-tired, but the strange environment won't let them fall asleep...
8. take a deep breath, and remind yourself that, as hard as this one day may be, it's only one day of travel, and it, too, shall pass!

good luck! :)

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Any helpful advice traveling on an airplane overseas with a one year old?

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leasa

I am traveling by airline overseas 11 hours with my one year old son. Any helpful advice in keeping him entertained, or any tips. Anyone who has done this please share your experience.

Answer
I found that taking a selection of small toys, new to him, wrapped in colourful paper and given to him one at a time when he got grizzly, was good. Also, lots of little books to read, paper and coloured pencils for him to scribble with. Nothing entertains for long at this age and eventually we went for walks up and down the aisles. We sang songs (quietly) and for some of the time he slept. Be as inventive as you can and don't expect it to be too easy.
Having said that, it'll probably be easier than you think.
Have fun!

Any tips on travelling alone with 7 month old on long haul flight?

Seuss

I am going to Asia for Christmas and have a 14 hour flight London-Singapore. My baby will be 7months by then. Any tips and suggestions on how to make this 'easy' will be much appreciated! Am concerned on how I will feed him on board & how will I get to eat/sleep since I'll be on my own!

Answer
make sure to bring plenty for him/her to do... plenty of books, and quiet toys... also, bring plenty of snacks, and any items that offer you baby comfort... such as a blanket or a binky... and when he/she starts to cry, just give him/her the comfort item... good luck with that.. its not very fun flying alone with a baby..

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Any suggestions on flying with a 13 month old?

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Snow

I am going to be flying overseas with our 13 month old. It is a ten hour flight and our 13 month old has hit the screaming stage...you know when he gets excited or mad or whatever. Any suggestions on keeping him quiet and occupied? Thanks for the suggestions.
To the person who doesn't know why we would fly with a 13 month old...my husband is military and we are flying home to see family. That's what happens when you are in the military.

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children, transatlantics and other flights.

This can be a tough age, especially if your little guy can run. Communication is limited and they can't really understand what's going on (why they have to stay seated or wait, or whatever). Most other passengers understand this and will not complain if they see you are trying to attend to your little one's needs.

I do recommend that he have his own seat and that you bring his carseat along. This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. If you're military, they usually pay for a seat for each member of the family.

Check with the airline you're flying. If it's a U.S. company, which you probably are, since you're military, this is the relevant page;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If, for whatever reason, you haven't booked a seat for him, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.

I will say that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. I will admit that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.

To get through the airport, there is no need to carry a car seat. There are all sorts of gizmos sold like these;

http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it. She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.

Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?

For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to him once you're on the plane. I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to him.

I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* he can watch it without sound. I doubt he'll wear the headphones at this age but you can try it at home. If you opt to bring it, make sure it either has a battery life of at least 5 hours or you have a second battery. Bring the recharger in your carry-on and any adapter you need in case of a delay.

Just some other small tips;
-Bring at least one change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-Learn to change him standing up (don't try to fit him on one of those tiny babychangers and toddlers hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring an empty sippy cup to fill during the services. This will prevent spills in the air.
-Get up and move around with him but keep an eye out. Those carts the F/A's use are the perfect height for hiding little ones
-Bring snacks. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!

It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw problems in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings.

ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for at the top of descent (not landing, which is too late);
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude/htm

This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization.

Please don't wake your son unnecessarily during take-off or landing to force him to drink, and don't make him if he doesn't want to.

Basically, for the whole trip, let him sleep, eat and run when he can. Be Good Parents when you get to your destination but let whatever slide while in transit. Don't keep him up at any stage to make him sleep. I've seen this backfire too many times!

The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little boy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.

For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php

All of you get plenty of sleep the night before and have a good flight!

can drs give toddlers meds to help them relax on airplane rides?

Beth P

I'm just trying to get some information about if its true or not because I'm to scared to do that to my child. and if any of you have traveled on a plane with a 1 year old longer than 9 hours as a lap child what are some ideas to occupy them?

Answer
I'm a fomer Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my children. While I've never given any of mine any sort of medication to sleep, I've seen it done many times. Usually it's worked but twice, the children had the opposite reaction and went wired. I have an antihistimine allergy and it's runs in my family so since I ended up in the emergency room at age 7 unconscience from Benedryl, I can't risk giving them to my kids. This is a common allergy so it's important to try it home first.

If your flight is less than 6 hours, I think it's kind of an extreme measure for such a young baby. I saw it used more often on long international flights with toddlers who walked (and ran!)

I do recommend that she have her own seat and that you bring her carseat along. Try to get an extra seat next to you if the flight isn't full.

This is the only way to fly safely with any baby. Lap children are allowed because statistically, flying is so safe, there's very little chance of anything going wrong. If it does though, these babies have no protection.

First check that your seat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If you are not flying a U.S. company, check your airline's website for information on what car seats are allowed. I will admit that often they don't check the details and I've flown many times with seats that weren't strictly approved by a foreign airline (and had them taken away and checked a couple of times).

Since you haven't booked a seat for her, call the airline and see if the flight is full. Then, at check in, ask nicely if you can have an empty seat next to you to place your carseat in. They often do this for families.

I found that my toddlers were much more settled and much easier when they were in their familar seat. Not to scare you but some parents haven't been able to keep a hold of their little ones and have been "off loaded" as a result.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2007-01-23-airtran_x.htm


I confess that I've strapped down an unhappy little one more than once. Toddlers hate to be confined and simply don't understand that they have to be seated sometimes. Firmly anchored in, I could then consol them while we landed.

To get through the airport, they sell all sorts of gizmos like these;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html

I simply use a small metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord and it works great. I skip on the stroller and she can even ride in it (and she's 3 1/2). She usually prefers to walk and then I load the carry-ons abord.

Besides, taking your car seat onboard virtually guarentees that it'll be there at your destination. Checking them risks damage and loss. Wont you need it when you get there?

For entertainment, get her a new toy, anything and it doesn't have to be expensive. Keep it and give it to her once you're on the plane. My son at that age liked anything with wheels. Once, I simply had a package of plastic animals. Kept him busy for ages!

I actually don't recommend a portable DVD player *unless* she can watch it without sound. Even played quietly, it'll drive the other passengers batty. I doubt she'll wear the headphones but try it at home if you already have one. Check your DVD player's battery time and turn the screen to dim to prolong it on board.

I found that stickers, coloring stuff and books (especially chunky ones) were better at occupying them at this age. No one will mind if you read to her. My daughter made a mess with PlayDough but many parents swear by it.

Just some other small tips;
-Bring a change of clothes
-Bring way more diapers than you think you'll need
-wrap everything bulky, like clothes and extra diapers in plastic bags, and use rubber bands to reduce the bulk and save space in your carry-on
-If you formula feed, use the kind of bottles with plastic liners. Premeasure the powder, roll them up and put them in a ziplock bag. Airplane bathrooms have bad sinks for washing traditional bottles.
-Make sure you baby is used to a room-temperature bottle. I warmed many a bottle in my career but I saw first-hand what a pain it is. The baby isn't getting any health-advantage to the warmed bottle and no one will do this task while you're in the security or check-in line.
-Learn to change her standing up, assuming she can stand with support (don't try to fit her on those tiny babychangers and babies at that age hate to lie down in strange places)
-Bring snacks she likes that aren't too messy. Don't fret security. I've never had anything taken away (yes, water but not snacks) and that's the only risk. If you have something not allowed, they simply remove the item. No scenes, no speeches, no arrests!
-Try to sit in a bulkhead seat so that there's no one in front of you
-Bring slippers, especially if you're not in the bulkhead!

It's actually a myth that children need to suck on something for take-off and landing. I rarely saw it in my 13 years as a Flight Attendant and with all the flights I've made with my children, I have never, ever done anything special with them for take-offs and landings and we've never had any ear issues.

ENT specialists simply recommend that the child is awake for landing;
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandalt...

The delicate time is not during take-off or landing/touchdown but at the *top of descent*. This is usually 40 minutes to an hour before landing and everyone's ears have to reverse the pressurization. I can confirm that when I worked, if any passengers had ear problems, this was the time. Not just children either! They actualy felt *better* as we got closer to landing.

The BEST way to avoid ear issues is to take your little guy to the doctor a few days before flying. My son was good at getting symptomless ear infections. Make sure yours' doesn't have one of those! The doctor will look in his ears and make sure they're clear and infection-free. Healthy ears can handle pressurization changes.

For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids. It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Both of you get plenty of sleep the night before and good luck!

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What is the best way for a toddler to sleep on a plane?

have toddler will travel image

Kaytee

I will be soon travelling alone internationally with my 16 month old daughter. She will be on my lap. When she was a baby, she could sleep in an airplane bassinet during flights, but now she won't fit. I am wondering, how can I make her sleep longer and more comfortably on my lap? What position would you recommend? She's a bit of a fussy toddler, so I expect it may be hard to put her down.

Also, any other life-saving tips for toddler air travel?

Answer
the people who said give your baby benedryl before the flight got a lot of thumbs down, but it really wont hurt. I wasn't too crazy about that idea when I was going to fly with my son at that age for the 1st time so I asked his pediatrician if that's ok. He said yes its totally fine and they told me exactly how much to give. It goes by weight, so to keep your sanity you may want to try it. It wont hurt her, unless she's one of those freakish kids who has the opposite reaction to benedryl and bounces off the walls. toys work for a little bit but cramming a toddler into a small space like an airplane seat confined to your lap.....youre going to want her asleep. As far as what position...I asked the flight attendant for a pillow and then i opened up the little tray in front of me, put the pillow on it and my lap...his head was on my lap his legs up on the tray part. it was a 5 hour flight and most of it went smooth since he was sleeping. When he was awake he kept trying to get off my lap and was kicking the giant guy next to us :)

At what age can my daughters father take her out of the state without my permission?

Fade

My daughter is 15 months old and her father is wanting to take her out of state to visit his family in florida. i live in texas and i don't feel comfortable letting my toddler travel halfway across the country her father and i have an agreement in which i have primary custody. His family is threatening legal action against me now for not letting her go. do they have a case?

Answer
He can't take her out of the state without the judge's permission. Go to court for a custody arrangement and don't have any more kids out of wedlock.

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has anyone ever converted a crib for each stage all the way to a full size bed?

toddler travel mattress image

lildevil

If you have which one did you have? and how sturdy were the beds when converted particularely the full size bed

Answer
Our crib started with the high raised mattress for newborn - sit up age, then we dropped the mattress, now we are on the toddler bed stage of it. It's very sturdy but we are finding it's not really big enough for our daughter (she's 3), because she likes to "travel" in her sleep. We are in the middle of building a house so once we move she will be in a regular bed (probably our old queen!). I can't remember the brand but it has definitely been a good investment.

where can i find nice baby funiture for a good price need changing table crib and drawer thanks?

Yaya K

if you could send me some links or pics if you have any...

Answer
Walmart!! I was there looking around a Christmas time & I got a 3 in one crib (crib, toddler bed, & day bed) for $75! I knew if I didn't get it then it would be gone later. I also got my travel system (car seat/stroller) there for $120 after shipping & a crib mattress for $60

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What are some of the necessities for a baby?

top baby travel toys image

India

I was just wondering what are some of the things you could not live without when baby arrived. I am 26 weeks along with our little girl. Thank you for your help.

Answer
When preparing for a new baby, there are so many things you will need. It can be overwhelming, but here at Hip and Little, we insist that shopping should be fun! Here is our new baby checklist for the necessities, as well as a few cute optional items. Use it to plan your registry or your own shopping excursions.



Clothing - Necessities:

___ 6 - 12 bodysuits or baby Ts (depending on how often you want to do laundry). Shirts that snap or tie on the side are helpful for babies who don't like things going over their heads.

___ 6 - 9 pairs of soft, comfy pants.

___ 3 - 5 newborn gowns. These are great for quick diaper changes, especially when baby is sleepy.

___ 6 - 12 soft pjs.

___ 3 - 5 soft knit caps.

___ tons of socks and booties (these disappear quickly!)

___ 8 - 12 bibs



Clothing - Extras

___ 2 sweaters if the weather will be chilly.

___ 1 adorable take-home outfit.

___ Christening or other newborn welcoming ceremony clothing.

___ Tiny little fancy outfits that may never be worn.



Nursery - Necessities

___ Crib (unless you are planning on cosleeping).

___ Crib mattress

___ 2 Crib mattress pads

___ 3 - 5 Crib sheets

___ Cosleeper and sheets

___ Crib mobile (and possibly one for the changing table as well).

___ Dresser and/or changing table. There are many cute combos now that have a removable changing table top on a child-safe dresser.

___ Changing pad.

___ 2 - 4 Changing pad covers.

___ Shelves and bins for books and toys.

___ A clothing hamper



Nursery - Extras

___ Crib bedding set

___ Rocking chair or glider

___ Nursery artwork

___ A fun, colorful rug

___ A moses basket

___ Washable curtains (avoid having window blinds in the nursery because of safety issues).

___ Lamp (preferrably one that is not too bright, so it doesn't wake your baby further in the middle of the night) or nightlight.

___ music box or radio with lullaby CDs

___ Wooden closet hangers

___ Armoire or closet organizer

___ A cradle or bassinet

___ Diaper stacker



Baby Gear - Necessities

___ A baby carrier or sling

___ 4 - 6 receiving blankets

___ Infant carseat

___ Car sunshade (preferably the kind that sticks onto the window).

___ Car mirror (so your newborn can see you while facing backwards).

___ Stroller

___ High chair

___ Baby swing and/or bouncy seat

___ Tons of burp cloths



Bath - Necessities

___ Baby bathtub

___ 2 - 4 hooded towels

___ A dozen or so washcloths

___ Baby soap and shampoo

___ Cotton swaps and alcohol (for umbilical stump care).

___ Bath toys



Diapering

___ diapers

___ diaper pail

___ baby wipes

___ travel wipe container

___ diaper bag

___ changing pad

___ diaper ointment



Breastfeeding - Necessities

___ Box of disposable breast pads

___ 6 - 8 washable breast pads

___ 5 - 7 nursing bras

___ nursing tops and pajamas

___ Lanolin nipple cream (such as Lansinoh)

___ Boppy or other nursing pillow

___ Phone number of your local La Leche and/or lactation consultant

___ Breastpump, bottles and accessories (if needed)



Bottle Feeding - Necessites

___ 6 - 8 bottles

___ Newborn nipples

___ Bottle brush and drying rack

___ Bottle sterilizer

___ Formula



Safety - Necessities

___ Outlet covers (enough for your home outlets, plus a few for travel).

___ Cabinet locks

___ Baby monitor

___ Safety gates

___ Oven lock

___ Toilet locks

___ Earthquake straps (if you live in a earthquake-prone area)

___ Cord winders

___ CPR / First Aid class for you and family, babysitters, etc.

___ First Aid kit

___ Spout cover for bath tub

___ Playpen



Baby Health/Care

___ Pain reliever / fever reducer as recommended by your pediatrician

___ Thermometers (rectal and ear)

___ Baby size nail clippers

___ Hair brush

___ Teething ring / toy



Saving Memories

___ Camera (still and/or video)

___ Film, photo paper, and/or video cassettes

___ Scrapbook or photo album

___ Baby book and/or journal

___ Picture frames

___ Handprint/footprint keepsake kits

___ Personalized blanket or other custom item

___ Storage box for keepsakes such as the hospital bracelet, first haircut curls, etc.



It seems like a lot, but remember that you will receive much of these items as gifts and you can spread the rest out over time. Enjoy shopping for your baby!

What should I do to make my baby (4months old) at ease at her first International Flight?

Sexy Mama

We gonna do some travelling at the end of this month, and Im kinda worried about my lil girl. This will be her first flight ever. What stuff should I do so she will ok with the flight? please help!

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant who now flies a lot with my own kids transatlantically. Each of mine flew for the first time from Europe to California at this age and went *great* every time. I now wish it were still so easy (they're 3, 5 & 8 now).

I do recommend that she has her own seat. This is the only way to fly safely with an infant.

First, check that your carseat is FAA approved;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_childr...
Most carseats in the U.S. are but check. If you purchase a seat for your baby and you have an approved carseat, it's your right to use it. Disregard this statement if you are not flying on a U.S. company. Check with your airline and/or Aviation authority (i.e. the C.A.A. in the U.K.)

Also get out your owner's manual and see what they have to say about airplane use. Some recommend not using the base. Decide if you need the base at all for your trip and can install it without. The inconvenience of the seatbelt installation might be offset by not having to drag the base

How do you travel by plane with a three year old?

travel toys three year old image

D

I want to fly home with my three year old but I am worried about him having a tantrum. Ever since I saw that story on the news about those people who got kicked off the flight becasue their 4 year old had a melt down, I have been super stressed about trying it. I want some advice from people who have flown with children and some tips. Did your child lose it? What did you do?

Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally alone. 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 this notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your son as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

2.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

3.) Since your child is at the age where he/she has to have a seat, I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat (car seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

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.

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.

4.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child something to drink (milk, water, juice- it doesn't matter), a candy (I prefer sugar-free) to suck on, or gum to chew.

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 bring just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. with you also. 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 wanting to drink, suck on candy, or chew gum, 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.

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

My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper so that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well.

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 carry on.

Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let him/her stretch his/her muscles. It's actually a good idea for the whole family to do!

6.) 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.

7.) 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.

8.) 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.

9.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she 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.

10.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.

11.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it. Try to get your older child to help from time to time as well.

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

do three year olds need to have a car seat on an airplane?

kellee g

how to intertain a three year old girl on her first airplane ride? what are some must haves for that first trip for mom and dad ?

Answer
Under FAA regulations, she does not NEED a car seat, but she will need her own seat on the plane.

Since you will have to pay for a seat for your daughter, I advise that you put her in a CRS. A child safety device is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

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

Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

For take-offs and landings, give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a candy to suck on.

Another trick is that if your daughter is not taking to the above mentioned, gently rub the neck of your daughter from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. A few of her favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. The Fa's will also provide you with a toy or coloring book for your daughter. Also be sure to bring along an extra change of clothes and any medications your daughter might need in case she gets sick, or in case your luggage is delayed.

Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. Dried fruit also makes a great snack (and it's healthy!). You can also bring chips, and a few other non-perishable snack items. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.


To entertain yourself:
- Bring along a few books, magazines, puzzles (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).
- Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player to listen to music.
- A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, connect to the internet, and get any work done that you may have. (You have to have a WIFI card in your laptop and the airline will charge you to connect to the internet)
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships.

If I can be of more assistance, feel free to contact me anytime. Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

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I need a list of the most important things that I need to ask for at my baby shower.?

travel bed toys r us image

Shay

And how much should each product cost? I heard somewhere that you should do a $50 limit. But, the baby shower IS 2 weeks before my due date, so should I be a bit more high priced with my gifts???
I.E. asking for cribs, bassinets, learning toys...

Answer
I would put everything you need on the registry. Even if some items are more expensive, sometimes people like to get together and buy the more expensive gift as a group. I will warn you, however, that a lot of people will just ignore your registry, especially if you register for a lot of practical things. I registered for bed linens, baby monitor, lots of really practical items, and lots of people gave me fluffy baby blankets (which are pretty much useless) and intricate little outfits (I prefer one-piece baby clothes, so much easier!) People would rather buy things that are cute instead of practical.

You can find a sample registry with all of the "bells and whistles" at Babies R Us. I edited the list for you. Two stars (**) means very useful and one star (*) means useful. No stars means purely optional.

**Car Seat
Car Seat Base for 2nd Car (optional)
Car Seat Head Support (if not included with seat)
*Auto Mirror
*Stroller (I suggest the Snap and Go; Don't buy a travel system, they are too heavy and big)
*Portable Crib or Playard (Graco Pack-and-Play with full-size bassinet)
Playard Sheets
**Moby Wrap
Maybe an Ergo Carrier or other carrier for an older baby, optional)
**Gym or Playmat (I suggest Tiny Love brand)
**Bouncer Seat
*Jumperoo
*Swing
*Stationary Entertainer (eg Exersaucer)
Do not get a walker! They are dangerous.
**Baby Monitor
Safety Gate (if needed)
Corner Guards & Tot Locks (wonât need until 5+ months)
**Nightlight
Humidifier
**Thermometer
Brush and Comb
**First Aid Kit
**Nail Scissors
**Gas Relief Drops
**Baby Tylenol
**Bulb Syringe (they might give you one in the hospital)
**Diaper Bag (really any kind of bag will do)
**Diaper Pail and Refills (choose one like diaper champ that uses regular kitchen trash bags)
**Rash Ointment
Wipes Warmer (I donât use this personally)
**Diapers (3 newborn pkgs. & 1 size one â I use Seventh Generation)
Baby Wipes (I use cotton pads instead, with warm water from a thermos; even sensitive wipes give my baby a rash)
**Baby Clothes
Homecoming Outfit
**Onesies
**Footed Sleepers
*2 Sleepsacks (Halo brand; donât get the Carterâs brand they are too hot)
I avoid the Gowns, my baby kicks them up
**Absorbent Bibs
Booties or Socks
**Hats
Snowsuit or Bunting and Warm Hat (for winter babies)
**Receiving Blankets
Bassinet (or use the pack-and-play)
**Crib
**Mattress
Mattress Pad
Avoid the Crib Bedding Set; you canât use loose bedding in a crib
**Fitted Sheets, Cotton and/or Flannel (Ultimate Crib Sheet is nice)
Breathable baby bumper (Donât get a fluffy one!)
**Mobile
*Dresser/Armoire (Can use a changing pad with a dresser instead of a changing table)
*Changing Table
**Changing Pad & Covers
*Glider and Ottoman or Rocker (this is more necessary than you might think!)
**Hamper (you will be doing a lot of laundry!!)
* Planet brand detergent is nice, or use another natural product
Lamp
Nursery Storage
Window Treatments
Rug
Nursery Accessories (wall hangings, shelves, etc.)
*Rattles/Teethers
*Toys for 0-12 Months
Stuffed Animals (keep out of the crib!)
Crib Mirror
Crib Toys (the rainforest soother is good)
Car Seat & Stroller Toys
**Breast Pump (medela pump in style is great)
**My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow (not the boppy!)
*Breast Pads, Shields & Cream
Bibs, Burp Cloths and Lap Pads (I use regular hand towels, taget has sets for $2)
*Bottles and Nipples (born free or another BPA free brand)
Bottle Sterilizer (i dont use one)
**Planet brand dish soap for washing baby stuff
High Chair (donât need until 6 months)
Feeding Sets(donât need until 6 months)
Infant Spoons(donât need until 6 months)
*Bath Tub (make sure it has a soft infant sling; better yet, get a bath seat http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Deluxe-Baby-Bather/dp/B000GEFE42)
Bath Toys
*Washcloths & Hooded Towels
*Gentle Shampoo or Body Wash (I use California Baby)
Baby Lotion (California Baby)
Bath Accessories
Pregnancy & Childbirth Books (I suggest "Great Expectations")
Breastfeeding & Parenting Books
Colorful Board Books for Baby (eg Goodnight Moon; Sandra Boynton books)
Classical or Lullaby music (they sell these CDs call Rock-a-By Baby that are lullaby versions of popular music)
*Camera (digital, video, or film)
Baby Book or Journal
*Snap 'N Go Stroller Frame
Stroller Blanket Bag (for cold weather, if your carseat doesnât have one)
Stroller Rain Shield
Portable Feeding Seat (optional, I donât have one)

Did I buy my son's love?

Irishfan

We're 21. She( my wife of 2 years had our son at 18) I'm at summer class at ND( I go there and she didn't want to live in married housing because she wanted to be close to family) and they came up for a visit( from IL) and left Sunday( in a bad mood). He's 3 and they came up to ND for the weekend. It was a long walk from the parking area to my dorm and he said "hi" to about everyone he walked past. Some people stopped and talked to him he would say " I'm visiting my daddy" and yank on my shorts. We didn't really do much on Friday other than watch him run around and try to get him to sit still during a James Bond movie( the new one on dvd and even though it was PG-13, it was ok because he had no idea what was going on in the movie).
He had a Mountain Dew and was bouncing off the walls and climbing up his mother earning him the nickname "Monkey". He refused to go to bed and my wife blamed me and asked me to get him some water to help him sleep( i had no idea it worked). I come back to the room and my wife is on the bed, my son( shirtless with Spiderman pajama bottoms) is on my roommate's lap on the couch with 5 girls around him. I told them " Sorry ladies, it's past Hef's bed time" He hugged them all on the way out .
Saturday was spent watching sports center and playing on the floor. Other guys in the dorm literally stood in the hall way and watched us play with him.
Saturday night she went out with some friends from high school for a little "girl time". She put him to bed and left. I did a little work and he still wasn't asleep. I thought it'd be fun to take him for some late night( What he considered late night) Dairy Queen and bonding. He told me he could finish a large( only made it 1/3 of the way and I figured I'd eat what he didn't finish.) I took him to Toys R Us and bought him 1 toy, pretty cheap, but he loved it.
She wasn't happy with me when she got home and was wide awake from a sugar rush and playing with his toy. She asked him if he thought ice cream was nutritious for a growing boy. He just put his head down and she confiscated it. I told her " It's just ice cream, calm down". She started talking about how " he needs to learn nutrition and rules, like bed time is bed time. She lectured me for " spoiling him". He begged her to not take his toy. He tried puppy dog eyes and kissing but she told him that it was bed time and he could play with it all day tomorrow. Sunday, he was refusing to eat an apple for part of his breakfast and eventually she just put him in time out. Then they left, but not before he went into every dorm room on the floor to tell them "bye" and insisted we stop by the girls dorm to say goodbye to his 5 new friends. My wife's last words were " thanks a lot, now he'll get bratty. I am told constantly how about how cute he is. How do I deal with this

Answer
Your son should grow up social and not shy. Your wife has to know that your son has feelings and he is excited about seeing his father since he is away from you for many days. It is normal emotions that you have to explain to your wife that if you punish him for being happy he will learn to be shy and people will take advantage of him. Just like if she gets after you for being with your son you will learn not to like her.
Tell her your son belongs to both of you and she sounds to want total control on the child. She almost sounds to me a woman that has come from divorce parents. Most of these people need to control the situation because they are confuse why people like one parent or the child and not them. Or why the child is getting more attention it is like jealousy. No, I do not think you bought your kid. He is yours you just gave him something he likes without making him feel guilty like his mom. The ice cream is not a bad habit or the toy but what I see is that she may be punishing his emotional growth for you not buying her something considering she traveled there to be with you. How in the world will your son know what nutrition means at his young age those are big words. The problem is your wife may continue this pattern if someone does not explain to her that maybe the way she was raised was too strict. Your his dad too. You did nothing wrong and you did not buy him. You can't buy a kids happiness he was just happy to see you sincerely.

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How do you bring a car seat on an airplane?

toddler travel car seat airplane image

Ezarale

I am wanting to take my 6 month old son on a plane trip, seated on my lap, but do not know how to bring a car seat. I would prefer to bring my own car seat than to rent one at our destination. Are car seats allowed as carry on baggage or are they only allowed as checked baggage?
Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three kids and we always bring a car seat (when allowed).

First of all, check the rules of your company. They vary but if it's a U.S. company, and you bought your car seat in the U.S., it is probably fine to use on board. Most car seats sold there are approved to use in the cabin.

NEVER CHECK A CAR SEAT UNDER THE PLANE AS LUGGAGE. Airlines are infamous for abusing bags and it's unlikely that they'll make an exception for your seat. It risks being not only damaged but lost. What will happen if you arrive at your destination and your seat has gone somewhere else?

Gate-checking is better than checking it as luggage but it's no guarantee. You want to bring your car seat to the gate for two reasons. First, to use on board. This is not only the only way to fly safely with a baby but way more comfortable for both of you. Ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to have an empty seat next to you if the flight is not full. Make sure to have your car seat with you in case of a last minute empty seat, even if they weren't sure you'd get one.

The big difference is that gate-checked items, like strollers and wheelchairs, are loaded directly into the belly of the plane, rather than sent down the various belts under the airport. At your destination, they should be returned on the jetway, but be sure to ask. Some airlines send them to the baggage carousel.

To get your car seat through the airport, there are many ways. If you have an infant-bucket style seat that is part of a travel system, just use all that. Get gate-check tags for both the stroller and car seat. If you have a convertible (up to or past 40lbs) than you can try to attach it to your stroller. Use a couple of bungee cords and either attach it to the back or wedge it in the seat.

I used to simply check my stroller, put the baby in a baby carrier and pulled the car seat with a metal luggage cart. They actually sell expensive gadgets to do this (look up GogoKidz) but I found a simple metal cart works *just as well* if not better. Again, an extra bungee cord helps. My toddlers could ride in it.

Bravo for not using a car rental seat. They are dire. Relatives just visited and when I saw what their daughters were riding in... scary! A car seat is an important piece of safety equipment that could save your child's life so it deserves to be treated right!

Here are my totally non-commercial flying tips;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

Good luck getting it on board. The slight inconvenience of carting through the airport is more than made up for in comfort on the flight and peace of mind of having your seat reach your destination safely.

Can i take a toddler car seat on a plane?

Drifter

I will be going on a 10-12 hour flight with my son (3 years old) and I will be purchasing his seat (full price). Can I take his car seat and put it on the plane seat so that he can eat and do everything?

Answer
Yes, car seats are highly recommended for children under 40lbs because it is safe for the child (especially during turbulence), makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

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. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.

Here is an example of what the SMVSS sticker would look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg

There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/




I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8, 6, and 3 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.

I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html

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

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How do you entertain a preschooler, 2 toddlers, and an 8 month old on a 7 hour drive?

great travel toys for toddlers image

Wilmavimom

We are taking a weekend trip to go to a wedding and taking the kids. It is about a 6 hour drive and driving overnight or taking more than 1 day is really not an option. My plan so far is to leave early (5 or 6 A), maybe have a movie in the car and stop for breakfast and play around around 9A. Any other helpful advice for traveling (besides not taking them as my sister suggested. lol) would be appreciated.

Answer
We took our 2 1/2 year old twins on a 12 hr trip from Oregon to Montana and found the best thing was to have lots of their toys in the car. We did not have a dvd, so it was all about toys, books, their music. We have an older daughter who was 10 at the time, so she would read stories. The person who wasn't driving would show them things out the window. It was actually a wonderful trip both ways and the girls did great. Good Luck!!

What was your experience traveling with your baby/toddler?

Any tips from your personal experience would be great. Can you also say what age your baby was the first time you traveled with him/her & how you prefer to travel? Etc...

Also, what are some items you would recommend (or you think are absolutely necessary) for traveling with a 6 month old baby? & Do you think it would it be better to drive or take a plane or train?

Thanks :)

Answer
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.

My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:

1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.

2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.

3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blankie or something to help him or her sleep and a small trinket to keep them entertained.

4. If you are flying and/or if it is desirable, divide the family into two groups for the trip. We do this when we need to be very practical. My husband or I leave first with most of the luggage and the older children, and the other one follows a few days later with the little children. It isn't the idealized image of a happy family trip with road-trip songs and fun, but it gets us where we want to go quickly and more relaxed. That way, we only have to focus on a few things instead of having to juggle everything at the same time.

5. Bring fresh, comfort food for the trip. We always bring our own lunches and fruits, regardless of the means of transportation. Something dry and easy to eat for the kids is my best bet.

6. If your child is old enough to understand, explain the logistics of the trip. Even if it seems pointless, it helps a little to run over the new things they will be facing (airport crowd, homeland security, long hours sitting inside the car) and also announce that potty time is going to be trickier than usual.

7. If you are traveling by plane or train, ask the travel agency about family-friendly seats. I prefer them. Sitting with other children keeps the kids happier and also spares us most of the anguish of facing annoyed adult fellow-travelers.

I love to travel by train, but the chances are rare and far-between. Driving is fun for certain occassions. If we have plenty of time to get to our destination and it is reasonably close, we will get the old suburban out of the garage and enjoy a family trip. I love the plane because it is quick, but the overall experience of airport, airport security and the plane itself isn't fun for the kids or for us.

Have fun and good luck with your trip.

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