Disclosure: I received an SportsBaby sling from the OnBoardOutfitters for review. I received no compensation, and the OnBoard Outfitters did not require that I express a particular point of view. My review policy does not allow me to keep products valued over $40, and I will donate this carrier to a local charity that collects baby items. I do not receive a commission if readers purchase this item.
Summer is officially here, and with it Seattle's wading pools are open. With three kids under 5, it's not an option for me to sit out swim season on the sidelines, so when OnBoard Outfitters contacted me to see whether I would review their SportsBaby sling, I jumped at the chance. The SportsBaby is made of Neoprene and is designed to be work in or out of the water, but I was interested in it primarily for water use.
Overall Recommendation
The SportsBaby was the least comfortable of the slings I own or have owned (the Bjorn, Ergo, and Moby), and I would not use this as an everyday carrier. If you absolutely must have something that allows you to get into the water without getting your everyday sling wet, this is a really useful product. The SportsBaby it was the only product of its kind that I could find online.
Fit
The SportsBaby Carrier slips on over your head. Once it's on, you slide baby in, clip a buckle and a swivel clip, and secure some velcro for a snug fit. The instructions that come with the SportsBaby aren't super detailed, and it took me a little while to feel confident that I was wearing the sling properly. Once I got the hang of it, the steps were easy to remember, but I continued to have a difficult time reaching up to clip the swivel clips on my shoulder.
Unfortunately, there are only three possible settings for the shoulder level clips, and none of them were snug enough for use, which meant that meant that baby Eilan swung around a bit as I walked.
Baby sits up higher than in the Bjorn and Ergo, and the top of Eilan's head touched my chin. The manufacturer claims that this makes the sling more comfortable (though I did not love that sensation), and I assume it also allows you to go deeper into the water than you could with a lower carrier. Baby can be positioned face in or face out.
Comfort
The high positioning combined with the fact that Eilan was positioned slightly away from my body, and swung around as I walked placed a lot of strain on my shoulders. After wearing the SportsBaby in the pool for about 45 minutes, I had sore shoulders for the rest of the day.
At one point, Eilan squirmed enough in the carrier to unfasten the Velcro that makes the carrier fit more snugly around the waist. The carrier's buckle clip kept him safe, but this was still an unsettling sound and feeling.
Usefulness
I loved being able to get right in the water with E and D without worrying about Eilan squirming out of my arms while I helped them with something. Eilan, who normally cries when he sees the tub or gets his feet dunked in the pool relaxed a little in the sling, and by the end of our morning together he started to enjoy having his toes in the water.
Expect to stay in relatively shallow water with this carrier - according to the manufacturer, the SportsBaby should not be used in water deeper than your waist in a pool, or deeper than your ankles in the ocean or lake or other large natural body of water.
Weight Limits
According to the manufacturer, the baby must weigh between 11 lbs and 35 lbs. and be at least 21 inches long.
Convenience
The SportsBaby is made of Neoprene and other quick drying materials. I soaked the SportsBaby in the water (much as it might be soaked in a pool) and then hung it up to dry at noon. By 7pm it was completely dry.
Price
The SportsBaby Carrier retails for $53.97 at the OnBoardOutfitters website.
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Posted on June 30, 2010 |
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Everything described in this post was paid for at my own expense, and I did not let anyone know in advance that I would be blogging about my experiences.
According to every Istanbul guidebook and website I checked out before we arrived in the city, the Spice Market is one of the "must do" activities on any itinerary. We were a little overwhelmed after visiting Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, but since the Spice Market is a short walk from the Bazaar, we thought we'd squeeze both activities into the same day.
In retrospect, that was just too much to take in, but we and the kids loved the plant and pet sellers outside the Spice Market.
The kids insisted that they be allowed to bring home these plants, after an agonizing few moments where I considered explaining customs law, I told them that "we have different dirt in Seattle, and these plants won't grow well at home."
And D begged to bring home a pet - even though she's terrified of any animal that isn't caged.
And then we tried to wander through the Spice Bazaar. Really. We did. But the truth is that we were just fried. Doesn't E look miserable?
In our short tour, we saw signs like this at every stand. I'm glad that E wasn't reading well enough during the trip to ask me what this sign meant! (The "Turkish Viagra" is local figs stuffed with walnuts)
And other lovely looking goodies that I can't believe I didn't try
On the way out, we found a "secret" restaurant, hidden upstairs just at the entrance to the market.
Pandeli Restaurant is really a bit too fancy for kids, but we arrived before the lunch crowd, and I was armed with an arsenal of stickers, activity books, and small toys. Just look at the juggling I do to eat a meal with three kids! Luckily we have lots of practice doing this at home.
And wow, was the food worth the effort. I wish I were a better food writer, but you'll have to trust me when I say that the yogurt kabob was one of the best things I have ever tasted.
It seemed to be deep fried bread drenched in a magical, tangy yogurt sauce and then covered in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. It was the sort of dish that you continue eating long after you feel full.
There were more kid friendly options too, including this tender lamb kabob
For me, a meal like that can salvage an entire day, let along a single outing gone awry. While the kids munched mostly on juicy cucumbers and mounds of rice, my husband and I stuffed ourselves. When we finally headed down the stairs and out the spice market door, we found ourselves renewed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Related Links:
City Guide: Istanbul with Kids
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Posted on June 29, 2010 |
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Disclosure: I do not have a relationship with any of the companies whose products are described in this post. If you do choose to purchase one of these products on Amazon, I earn a small commission, and you can find most of these products at local retailers as well.
Feeding baby at home is a messy endeavor. I usually strip Eilan down, let him eat, and then put the (still clean) clothes back on rather than deal with a bib. When we travel, that isn't an option, plus I have to carry along all the food he might need during the day. Here are my best tricks for feeding a baby on the road.
- Dress Right: Unless the weather is very hot, dress baby (and yourself) in layers. Remove the top layer for feeding and then replace it once baby is all cleaned up. Any missed spots will be hidden under that lightweight sweater. To prevent spots, my favorite bib for travel is the Bumkins Bib it's lightweight, washes up easily in a sink, dries quickly. If you don't want to carry around a wet bib, Munchkin Travelware Disposable Bibs - 24 Pack
are compact, and you can throw them away once you are done.
- Pack In Baby's Food: Every day I carry a couple containers of baby food, a plastic container full of baby oatmeal, and some non-perishable finger foods. If we won't be out for too long, I might also carry cut up cheese, fresh fruit or olives. I try to feed Eilan primarily from restaurant menus, but when there isn't anything suitable (or we're in the middle of our sightseeing) I always have something I knew he likes and is not allergic to.
- Order Off The Menu To avoid unknown allergens while still introducing new foods, look for simple appetizers and side dishes to feed baby (for example, a Caprese salad, cheese or fruit plates, or even a selection of olives. Even if you don't see something obvious, take a look at what sides the entrees are served with. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate a young baby, and will serve you a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or some other accompaniment on its own. It's bulky, but you might consider carrying a baby food mill
if you want to make your own baby food at the table.
- Get Seated Not every restaurant has a high chair, especially when you are traveling internationally. If you want to keep baby off of your lap, consider using a hard framed baby backpack (most can be set on the floor next to the table) or feeding your baby in the stroller. Of course, you'll need extra baby wipes to clean up the mess!
- Keep Clean Ask for an extra cup of water when you sit down. Why? To clean dropped spoons and dirty faces or hands
Related Links:
Bottle Feeding When You Travel
My Favorite Products for Feeding Baby When You Travel
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Posted on June 28, 2010 |
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Earlier this week, I wrote about visiting Istanbul's Grand Bazaar with kids. We loved our tour through the bazaar, but I was mindful of the fact that those shops are heavily touristed (though many also serve wealthy locals who can afford fine gold jewelry, rugs or other traditional items). The area around the bazaar is in some ways even more interesting, if less pristine. Just look at the riot of colors on this street leading away from the bazaar.
Related Links:
City Guide: Istanbul with Kids
Photo Friday:
Share a favorite travel photo by participating in Photo Friday. Please make sure that you link to your post directly so that readers can find it later in the week. If your url is longer than 100 characters, you will need to use a url shortening service, like bit.ly
First timers, here is
more Information about Photo Friday
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Posted on June 24, 2010 |
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I share my favorite family travel-related (or destination related) books every other week. Most books are from my personal collection, or checked out from the library, but whenever I do accept a book for review from a publisher, I will always let you know. If you buy the book using the Amazon link at the end of the post, I earn a small commission, and that income helps me keep the site going.
Reading books from the Travelers' Tales collection is one of the ways I prepare for a trip to a new destination. Each is filled with short stories about real trips to the destination (or according to some other theme), and I think they're a great way to get a flavor of your destination without cracking a dry history book or cultural analysis.
I just finished reading Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get (Travelers' Tales Guides)
and I thought it was fabulous. There were personal stories of every possible type of trip - from an Italian vacation with kids and an ex-husband, to trips with parents, to river rafting with kids. The stories are well written, engaging, and fun to read. If you are in need of inspiration or confidence, "The Farther You Go, The Closer You Get" is a great place to find it.
Related Links:
Buy on Amazon:
Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get (Travelers' Tales Guides)
Favorite Books About Traveling With Kids
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Posted on June 24, 2010 |
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I'm so excited to announce that the new website Best Family Travel Advice launched today. Some of my favorite family travel bloggers (and me) are contributing our best answers to your travel questions. What I love about this site (besides all the mom travel bloggers whose work I enjoy) is that more than one person might answer any question - which means that you get more than one perspective. I'm learning a ton by reading the answers written by other travel experts!
We've already answered some of the most popular questions that we get asked on our own sites, so even though the site is new there's a lot of good information already. Go check it out, and while you're there, don't forget to submit your most puzzling question about family travel!
Related Links
Best Family Travel Advice
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Posted on June 23, 2010 |
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I want to thank everyone who entered to my giveaway to win one of two Cannon compact Photo Printers.
The two randomly selected winners were:
Amy who said:
Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, VA is a great place for kids of all ages.
and
Michelle who added a listing to our city guide for
Nolin State Park in Mammoth Cave, KY
Amy and Michelle, please send me your mailing address to receive your printer!
Didn't win this time? The Canon Selphy ES30 Compact Photo Printer
happens to be on sale right now for just $50. Or you might want to enter the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest sponsored by Energizer and National Geographic (who also sponsored this giveaway).
I have another great giveaway starting soon. Be sure to check back (or subscribe so that you don't miss a thing).
Related Links:
Amazon:
Canon Selphy ES30 Compact Photo Printer on sale for just $50
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Posted on June 22, 2010 |
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Of all the ideas I got from friends, family, and folks on the internet, the Grand Bazaar was by far the most frequently recommended place for me to take my kids in Istanbul. Perhaps it is because the Bazaar is so iconic, or perhaps it's because it is easy to bribe your way through an attraction that is filled with eye catching trinkets. In any case, I cannot imagine visiting Istanbul without visiting the historic marketplace
According to Wikipedia, the "Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops." Walking through the brick-arched labyrinth can feel overwhelming if you've never visited this type of market before, and almost every guidebook has a suggested route and favorite shops.
We were more interested in taking in the sites than making a purchase, so we wandered through the market, turning down the passageways that looked most interesting and following our whim. The market was surprisingly sparkling, it seemed like cleaning was almost constant. In fact, the only real refuse we saw was the pleasant litter of discarded tea glasses, waiting for the tea seller to pick them up and return with full glasses that each shopkeeper seemed to have in his hand.
While you can certainly find cheap keychains in the Grand Bazaar, in general, the quality of the merchandise is very high, and the we all loved checking out the handmade artworks that lined each street. The kids did surprisingly little begging for goodies - I don't know whether it was because there was just so much to take in, or because most of the items were practical, but it certainly wasn't for lack of beauty.
When their legs finally gave in, we sat down for a snack, and this was perhaps my favorite part of the day. Sitting here, I finally had a chance to take in what was around me, chatter happily with my kids about their purchases (stone models of their favorite Istanbul attraction, the Blue Mosque), and sip hot milk with honey.
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travel-stories
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Posted on June 22, 2010 |
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I have no relationship with the companies whose products are described in this post, and these are products I discovered myself in the supermarket. Some of these products are available on Amazon, and if you do use a link on this page to make a purchase, I receive a small commission. That income helps me keep this site going.
On Friday, I made a cavalier statement about letting the kids eat bread for lunch if they couldn't find something they liked in a local restaurant. That's not entirely true. On our family trip to Istanbul, I carried around a variety of goodies that made it easier for us to snack on the go, or to give the kids something nutritious to eat when nothing on the menu would do.
The real "lifesaver" was packable Sun Butter or Nut Butter
. Every restaurant has bread, and most restaurants have either jam or honey. If you have one of these slim single-serving packets in your purse, you have the makings for a protein sandwich.
Two quick tips: Be sure to carry it in a ziplock bag - though I never had one split on me, I imagine that peanut butter oil would make a goopy, hard to clean mess. And speaking of a big goopy mess, kids are messy eaters - even if you would use a nut butter at home, consider traveling with sunflower seed butter or soy butter to avoid leaving oils on the table that could make another child ill.
Related Links
Eating Out With Kids on a Family Vacation
How to find a kid friendly restaraunt that you will enjoy
Buy on Amazon:
Nut Butter
Buy SunButter
Filed Under:
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Posted on June 21, 2010 |
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We were invited guests of the Four Seasons Resort Vancouver on this trip. The hotel did not require that I express a particular point of view, and I always strive to present a fair and balanced review regardless of who is paying the bill.
The last day of school is always emotionally charged. Between the "graduations" that kids seem to have every year now, yearbooks, saying goodbye to friends and teachers, and the momentous effort that seems to go into teacher gifts and end of year treasures for classmates, we're all emotionally spent by the end of the day.
This year, we thought we'd try something different. A short trip up to Vancouver might just take the edge off of that post-last-day let down. So, after all the yearbooks were signed, pre-k graduation was complete, and we'd played on the playground one last time, we hopped in the car for the two hour drive north.
There's nothing like a spacious lobby to welcome you and you're stir-crazy kids after a long drive. We let our jiggles out here before heading upstairs to check in.
Of course the kids would have made it up the escalator in double time if they'd known that kids get to choose their own welcome gift from the toy wagon. A new toy was a welcome sight after a couple of hours in the car!
After the long drive, and the emotionally draining day, we needed to stretch our legs. A tour around the hotel seemed just right. After that, we thought, we'd go out and have dinner. Afterall, Vancouver is one of our favorite cities for dining. There are so many different cultures here, each with it's own cuisine, and most of those bustling ethnic eateries are kid friendly.
But guess what happened, we were just so exhausted, and the cozy chairs and huge bed seemed to be calling our names. We ended up ordering room service, and borrowing a movie from the concierge (movies are free of charge to all hotel guests).
We're staying in tonight, we'll get up and explore Vancouver tomorrow.
But the next day, the kids seemed to awake with a start. SWIMMING MOM, LET'S GO SWIMMING. So there we were, in our conveniently located in-city hotel headed down to the pool. What about breakfast, I wondered? No problem, it turns out, we just ordered roomservice poolside (a tradition that was repeated the next day. The kids played and floated for hours in the shallow indoor pool while Peyman and I took turns watching and taking advantage of the hotel WiFi. Vancouver in June isn't necessarily warm, and that's the beauty of an indoor pool!
And then, suddenly it was noon. Eilan needed a nap. Darya, who had given up her nap ages ago, seemed about to drop. So Peyman headed back up to the room with the two littlest kids while Everest and I walked across the street to the Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver's premiere art museum, housed inside a beautful neoclassical former courthouse). That one-on-one time was just what Everest and I needed. After the end-of-the school year rush, it was so nice to just sit and chat over a quiet lunch.
The rest of the weekend proceeded much the same way. The kids wanted the pool, we wanted to sample all the goodies that were there for adults, and before we knew it, it was time to head back to Seattle. I suppose the next time we're in Vancouver we'll sample more of the food, hit more of the playgrounds, and take in a bit more culture. We were perfectly situated for that, but it turned out that we neeeded more of an in-city resort, and wow, did the Four Seasons Deliver.
Related Links:
Vancouver With Kids
Filed Under:
hotel-review
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Posted on June 21, 2010 |
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