I recently got a great question from Andy who said:
Your blog is wonderful but it does not address the issue of expressed breastmilk. I breastfeed my seven month old, but I also pump and supplement with formula due to diminished supply. In addition, we have started solids. When I show up at the airport for my international flight with my pump, pump accessories (and endless Medela bottles), expressed BM, dry formula, baby jars (applesauce, etc.), enough for a 40 hour trip (two international airplane rides and a 7 hour car ride to follow), what should I expect?
First of all, Andy, kudos to you for sticking it out with breasfeeding... it's not always easy, even in the best of circumstances, and the need to pump and supplement certainly doesn't make your job easier.
I have a lot to say on this issue. I have two very young kids, so breastfeeding is not a distant memory for me. E, my oldest, was never able to nurse, which meant that I pumped every single bottle he drank, and I needed to pump on schedule to avoid being incredibly uncomfortable (or worse) I also traveled with formula, because when you rely on an electronic device and batteries to feed your infant son, you always need a backup plan. You can imagine how challenging that was on 24 hour travel days with shuttles, layovers and air flights.
Little D, in an attempt to let us know from day one that she was her own person, never accepted a bottle until she was old enough to sit up and hold a sippy cup, so I nursed her no matter where we were. Nursing was so much easier than dealing with bottles that I was always grateful, but there were definitely some awkward moments
I want to give a detailed response to this question, so I am going to split my answer into several different posts. I'll run the posts over the course of the next two weeks. Here's what you can expect to see me cover: (Update: Links to all the articles in this series appear below)
Please let me know in comments if there is anything you think I'm missing or anything specific you want to make sure I cover
Related Links:
DeliciousBaby: How I feel about nursing on a plane
Family Travel: Nursing Is Best for a Traveling Baby
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Posted on May 22, 2008 |
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During the summer of 2001, as part of our 6-month trip around the world, my husband and I spent two weeks in Myanmar (aka Burma). The decision to visit Myanmar was not an easy one. The country's government is repressive. Ordinary people are impoverished while government officers live in luxury. It is not uncommon for villagers to be forced into labour when the government needs a new road, some rubies mined, or a bigger military. We debated the pros and cons of going and ultimately decided to go because we felt that going meant that we'd get a deeper understanding of the country, it's people, and it's culture, and that this would ultimately be a good thing, and we vowed to spend our valuable tourist dollars at family businesses instead of government agencies. As the tragic events of the cyclone in Myanmar unfolded, I felt like I had to do something to encourage people to help.
I hope you'll read this post, enjoy some of our pictures, and join us in donating money to help those in need in Myanmar.
We have all read or seen pictures of the shocking devastation and flooding caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar on May 2-3. The storm's winds reached as high as 121 mph, but most of the estimated 100,000 deaths were caused by flood waters driven inland from the sea. The death toll continues to rise as people make due with unclean drinking water, little or no food, few shelters, and inadequate medical care. The lack of sanitation means that disease will spread through the already weakened population resulting in even more deaths. I know that most of my readers are parents, so I'll tug on your heartstrings even more by telling you that Myanmar's children are expected to be hardest hit:
Current United Nations estimates put the total number of severely affected people at up to 2.5 million. UNICEF teams report that in the areas they have visited some 40 per cent of those severely affected are children. If the patterns UNICEF staff are seeing in the devastated areas are representative, there may be as many as one million children in need of urgent assistance.
Source: UNICEF Website
Even if the country had the resources, know-how and organizational ability to rebuild on its own (it doesn't) and it's unlikely that the government would prioritize the lives of poor children, farm laborers, hill tribespeople and other ordinary citizens as it struggles to recover. Furthermore, Myanmar's government has been reluctant to let foreign governments help, which has severely restricted aid from other countries and the UN.
There is a desperate need for NGOs with a track record of effective disaster relief to bring in aid directly to the people whose already meagre existence's have been devastated by this storm. UNICEF teams have been among the few able to reach remote areas of the country with aid. According to the UNICEF Website:
More than 70 UNICEF assessment and relief missions are in the regions, distributing essential survival kits, including plastic sheeting for shelter, water purification materials, medicines and mosquito nets, and cooking materials.
I am posting some of my favorite pictures from our trip with the hope that they inspire you to give to UNICEF (or the organization of your choice). This is a situation where any amount of money can truly make a difference.
Once you've donated, I hope that you'll take the extra step of commenting on this post. If my pictures aren't compelling enough reason to donate, a little peer pressure might help.
I also hope that you will spread the word by sharing this post with your friends in email (click the share button at the bottom of the post), on Digg, or using your favorite social bookmarking website.
The amazing and ornate Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangoon (Myanmar's Capitol) is one of the most beautiful and ornate temples I have ever seen. Its Stupa (the tall gold dome) stands approximately 321.5 feet tall. The structure is plated in gold, with the top also encrusted in diamonds. Though Myanmar is a poor country, the central tower is reguilded each year.
It's an amazing feeling to wander around Shwedagon Pagoda, and perhaps my favorite things is that it is one of the few places where visitors can talk to local people. During each of our visits to one of Myanmar's many Pagodas, we ended up, at some point, seated in the shade talking to a group of teenage monks. There always seemed to be a ringleader whose English was better than the rest, and after they'd asked all about the our lives in the US they pulled out their English Slang Dictionaries and peppered us with questions about "how people talk."
About an hour north of Yangoon by air (7 hours by bus) is the Bagan Archeological area, about 40 sq km of flat plains dotted with thousands of 800-year-old temple ruins. Tourists can hire a taxi or horse drawn carriage to take them to the major sights, but we thought it was more fun to rent bicycles and wander.
Each of the temples in Bagan is different, so it's hard to show a picture of a "typical temple," but here is one that we liked. Look at all the beautiful architectural details (and the weathering of the building). The larger temples were maintained by locals, but there was none of the pressure to buy trinkets that we experienced in other tourist destinations in developing countries. English was limited, but we were able to talk to some of the workers, and we even helped pull a few weeds.
The inside of each temple was different. Some had ornate decorations while others were more simple. There was something very powerful about this striking statue.
We took a ferry ride from Mandalay along the Ayeyarwady River to the massive Mingun Paya. Inside is the world's largest uncracked bell (the Mingun Bell). The site was almost empty when we visited, and we were glad to have the company of a few monks.
The Hsinbyume Pagoda, also in Mingun, was built in 1816. We were followed through much of our visit by the young boy in the very first picture in this article. He didn't speak English, but he played peek-a-boo, hiding behind the temple walls, and laughed when P juggled for him.
A typical "bus" crammed with people. Note the old colonial building in the background.
Burmese women credit their good skin to the Thanaka Bark they grind into a powder and use to decorate their faces. Mothers pride themselves in decorating their children's faces (and their own) with ornate designs. At a small shop in Bagan, I decided to buy some for myself. These two women, daughters of the shop owner, thought that the idea of a foreigner using Thanaka was the silliest thing they had ever heard of and they proceeded to give me demonstrations and beauty advice, giggling the whole time.
Was there a picture that you found particularly inspiring? Let me know in comments
Related Links:
UNICEF Donations for Myanmar
NY Times: List of Charities for Myanmar
NY Times: Interactive Satellite Images of Myanmar Flooding
NY TIMES: Myanmar's Children Face New Risks, Aid Groups Say
Photos To Inspire You: Photoblog from China (Thanks for the inspiration!)
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Posted on May 21, 2008 |
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I get lots of reader questions about the best travel gear for young kids. My kids are still young enough (1 and 2 1/2 in this picture) that it is important to let them both rest when we're exploring a new town.
I find a double stroller difficult to use in most cities, and it seems like a double would be especially difficult to haul up and down stairs in old buildings or subways. Instead, we use a sturdy single stroller. Our Maclaren Techno
took some serious abuse and kept going until British Airways finally lost it on our flight to Barcelona. We have a new one now, and expect that it will last until everyone in our family has grown out of it.
Little D rides in the Ergo Baby Carrier when she's not in the stroller. The Ergo lets me carry her on the front (cuddly) or on the back (most ergonomic) and even now, at 19 months, I can walk long distances with her on my back. Best of all, she sleeps well in the carrier, especially when we pull up the little hood that's designed to support her head.
Related Links:
Maclaren Techno
Ergo Baby Carrier
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Posted on May 21, 2008 |
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Last week I stayed home with E & D while my husband was away on business. By the weekend, we were all ready for a serious change of pace. Rather than sweat out the first warm weather of the season at home, we packed up the car and headed an hour north to Camano Island.
Camano Island, in many ways, is an ideal retreat from Seattle. Not only is it a short drive, but the island is close enough to land to have a bridge crossing instead of a ferry. Its sheltered location means that there are no big waves for parents with young kids to worry about. The island is dotted with parks, public beaches and picnic areas, but we're lucky enough to have friends with a home on the beach, making the trip particularly low key.
During the day the tide rolls out leaving a wide swath of sand, rocks and mud for the kids to play in. In this picture, D is digging and enjoying the sand. In the distance, you can see the tide slowly rolling back in. When the tide finally did arrive, the kids giggled as it tickled their toes and "chased" them to shore. The sand and mud, warmed by the sun during the day, heats up the water to a comfortable temperature for walking or swimming,
We spent the afternoon and early evening playing in the grass with water toys, stomp rockets, and balls... the staples of a happy toddler, and dined on pizza before heading back to Seattle. Not only did the trip free me of the responsibility to be the sole entertainment for my kids in a city where we've visited just about everything, but both kids fell asleep in the car and transferred easily into their own cozy beds leaving me with my first quiet evening all week.
A quick trip like this one, and two hours in the car can sometimes seem daunting, but I'm glad we did it. Everyone's day was happier than it would have been if we'd been at home and despite the high price of gas, I'm certain that I saved money compared with the inevitable "treats" I would have bought the kids had they stayed home. Best of all, I'll have these memories and pictures forever.
Related Links
Camano Island Visitor Information
Seattle With Kids
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Posted on May 20, 2008 |
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I recently received email from Meg who often rides the train with her active two year old and is looking for a way to secure him in his seat like she would on an airplane.
Hello. I travel by rail with my son frequently. Now that he is an "active" toddler, I find it very stressful to take trips by train. My son never sits still and I spend the entire trip making sure that he is out of the aisle, not bothering other customers, or hurting himself. There isn't any restraint system and taking the car seat isn't an option when travelling alone. I see that there is such a restraint for the airplane but can't find one that would work on the train. Do you or other readers know of any restraint system that might work on the train where there aren't any seatbelts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Here is my response:
Meg,
This is tricky. On the upside, we find train travel much easier overall than flying. There is more space to move and less security and waiting time at the station. One of the downsides is the inability to keep your child safe by securing them with a seatbelt. Having a child wandering around on a (sometimes) lurching train isn't great, even if the cabin was empty of other passengers.
I emailed Louise Stoll, the creator of the CARES Airplane Harness, and she confirmed that CARES works only with a lap belt.
The train situation is of course tricky, because CARES works with a lap belt and trains (and busses) don't have lap belts at all – and obviously should! When you read about the occasional serious passenger train crash there are always lots of deaths because the cars derail – and the people are knocked about (rather than crushed) because they are not seat belted in. Seat-belts (and CARES for the kids) would definitely save lives.
Here are some other ideas:
-
There is usually a handicapped seat somewhere on the train (a regular seat with an empty space next to it to accommodate an wheelchair). If nobody is using the handicapped seat, you can sit there and seat your son in his stroller next to you. Sometimes (rarely) there is even a strap designed to secure the wheelchair into the space.
-
Whenever possible, wear your son out by visiting a playground before you get to the train station. At two, he's probably practicing his jumping skills, and he can practice hopping in place in all but the most crowded train stations without disturbing anyone.
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Take a break from your seats and visit the dining car (where there's generally some open space) and the other cars near yours. A chance to explore should help satisfy some of his curiosity, and give him something to think about when he returns to his seat.
- Do everything in your power to keep him occupied and happy in his seat. Here are some of our favorite tips:
Ten Tips for Keeping A Toddler Busy on a Trip
Ten Great Travel Toys That Won't Cost You Money and
Our Favorite Travel Toys
Anyone have other suggestions for Meg? Please share them in Comments.
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Posted on May 19, 2008 |
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Thank Yous
I would like to begin this week by thanking some of the bloggers that have hosted or linked to my work this week. Go check them out for more great articles.
Family Travel Articles
I loved this article about Backpacking With Baby. It is both inspirational and offers some great practical advice. We have put off camping with our two kids because we felt they were too young. This family who began backpacking when their son was 10 months old proves us wrong. We're planning to start camping again this summer, so expect to see more information about camping with kids as I research how to make it all work.
I hope you enjoy this Mother's Day article in the LA Times by a writer who Traveled with his 75 year old mother to India I can only hope that my kids will want to do something like this for me one day.
Chris Jernigan over at Tripso.com points out that Some cruise lines disallow young children and pregnant women as passengers. These details are often in the fine print, so make sure that you check before you book to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you plan to use the ship's daycare, you should also check whether they require children to be potty trained.
Family Destinations
I've always enjoyed the Costume Institute in New York's Metropolitan Museum. The costume institute is one of many exhibit areas that works great with kids. It got a little more fun this week with the opening of the Superheroes exhibit, which shows high fashion designs influenced by superhero costumes! Check it out at: Superheroes Exhibit Packs a Punch
Travel and Leisure has a roundup of Cupcake shops in LA mmmm.... I need a research trip!
The New York Times answers a reader question about wither Bruges is a good destination with teens Bruges, Belgium with Teenagers. I have fond memories of touring Bruges with my mom when I was a teen (and just as chocolate obsessed as I am now), so I'll give a resounding YES to the question of whether it is a good destination for teenagers.
One of our favorite ways to save money and get a little more space on a trip is a vacation rental apartment or home. Arthur Frommer points out that Rentalo, a popular rental agency, has just started renting homes in Orlando Florida. What could be more family friendly than that?
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Posted on May 18, 2008 |
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I recently got this great question from Christy who is wondering whether she should bother bringing a stroller with her to Europe or should instead opt for a frame backpack carrier.
We are going to be in Italy (Venice and Siena) for the majority of our trip but will also be taking a cruise with ports of call in Croatia, Turkey, and Greek Isles. My duaghter is 2.5 years and 30 pounds. Should I get an Ergo (I've never tried one but think a neighbor has one that I can try) or a framed backpack carrier? I've traveled a lot in the US with her umbrella stroller but don't know if it's worth it with exploring old cities and ruins. Thanks you, I love your website!
Here is my answer.
Christy,
First of all, have a wonderful trip. Your itinerary sounds fantastic.
This is a tough question. Venice is one of the least stroller friendly cities I can imagine (lots of stairs and bridges) and you would definitely want an alternative carrier there. I don't have first-hand experience with a stroller in the other destinations you mention, so you'll want to do some additional research. The best way to get an idea of how stroller friendly they are is to check the "wheelchair accessibility" section of a guidebook (or google it).
We've used a stroller throughout much of Europe and even on Rome's famously abusive cobblestone streets. If you do bring a stroller, make sure it's sturdy and will hold up for the duration of your trip (our Maclaren Techno has been a real workhorse!)
We love our Ergo Baby Carrier
and 18 month old D still naps comfortably in it. With a 2.5 year old you might be reaching the limit for comfortable long distance walking. Take a walk around the block with your friend's Ergo and see how you feel or find a shop that will let you try the carrier out.
Frame backpacks are great at supporting heavier children comfortably, but they are also bulkier and can't be stowed in a day bag when not in use (though they often include a backpack where you can keep your other items for the day). One advantage to this type of carrier is that you can remove the backpack without taking the child out. This lets you put on a jacket or sit down in a restaurant, without disturbing a sleeping child. This type of backpack also doubles nicely as a high-chair.
When we're hiking here in Seattle, we use a
REI Piggyback carrier. It is a full backpack with a lots of size adjustments for both child and parent. REI also sells an optional sun/rain cover. We've been happy with the comfort and durability of this carrier, and we appreciate that REI stands behind their products if there is a problem. The staff is also happy to let you try out products in the store to make sure you find the one that best meets your needs.
If you're willing to buy something just for travel or perhaps to use around town, theKelty Kids: Convertible Stroller Backpack looks very useful. It can be used as either a backpack or a stroller. I do not have personal experience with it, but it does have good reviews on amazon
Whatever carrier you buy, make sure your child can sleep comfortably in it. Naptime is your time to see quiet museums, enjoy a nice meal, or just relax.
Good luck!
Debbie
Related Links:
Amazon:
Child Carrier Backpacks
Amazon:
Ergo Baby Carrier
Amazon:
Kelty Kids: Convertible Stroller Backpack
REI:
REI Piggyback
DeliciousBaby:
Packing Lists For Travel With Kids
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packing-with kids
packing-with-babies
travel-gear
8 comments |
Posted on May 17, 2008 |
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One of my great joys before any trip is to leaf through books that help me learn about the food I will be eating at my destination. Sometimes I just look at the pictures and pick a few restaurants or bakeries, but if am motivated I'll even
cook a few new dishes before we go. When I return, I often have a few regional specialties packed in my suitcase so that I can recreate some of the dishes I enjoyed.
Earlier this week, I wrote about my favorite online restaurant guides. Here are some of my favorite printed resources for finding great food experiences around the world.
General Resources
-
Lonely Planet's World Food Guides are a great resource for learning about a region's food before you go. The guides have lots of pictures and even include a few simple recipes.
- Fodors Gold Guides include clear, accurate restaurant reviews and their authors seem to seek out great food at every price. In larger cities, Fodors often lists one or two child friendly restaurants. Look for the "Gold Star" recommendations (which can be in any price range). Supplement this guide with a great map.
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Style City Guides are a great way to find out about a city's new and interesting restaurants, bars and shops (as well as the historic and traditional places that remain unique and fashionable. StyleCity guides aim to mimic a fashionable friend's recommendations in each city they cover. These guides also feature clear maps and beautiful photographs of each destination.
Seattle
Best Places Seattle does a thorough job of listing great food choices (and giving you a good sense of what to expect). The guides also have extensive hotel, shopping and activities listings.
New York
Nosh New York is not a traditional restaurant guidebook. Instead of listing just the authors favorite Manhattan restaurants, it is more of a neighborhood by neighborhood guide to the diverse food experiences in New York City. The book includes restaurants, bakeries, markets, food stands, interesting details about who lives in each area, and even a few recipes. This is a book for someone who wants to graze and stroll through New York.
This book is perfect for me. While I love New York's fine dining establishments, and I count
Daniel and
Balthazar among my favorite restaurants anywhere, I think that what makes eating in New York truly special is the diverse international offerings. I once ate in a restaurant that specialized in Chinese food prepared in the style of a Chinese restaurant in Bombay (more okra, more fried offerings, different spices and no beef). In New York I can have Falafel for a snack, cuban sandwiches for lunch, and a fresh made donut for dessert. I'm in heaven.
Paris
Clotilde's
Edible Adventures in Paris, By Clotilde Dusoulier was written by the author of the popular blog Chocolate and Zucchini. The book lists Clotilde's favorite restaurants, bakeries, and food shops in Paris. She includes details about what to order and what makes each place special. Clotilde, is focused on affordable experiences (though there is the occasional extravagance) which makes her recommendations often suitable for families. What I like best about this book, though, is that it includes many international choices (Japanese, Middle Eastern, etc) that most guidebooks ignore
Italy
Italy
for the Gourmet Traveler by Fred Plotkin is a great resource whether you're taking a road trip through Italy or focused on a few major cities. The book lists the author's favorite restaurants and markets whether they're mom & pop bakeries or Michelin starred jacket-required restaurants. The book also helps you learn about the regional specialties in each area you are visiting.
The Splendid Tableis widely recognized as the best reference on Northern Italian cooking. This cookbook not only has fantastic family recipes, but it's a great way to learn about the food of Emilia Romagna. If you've ever dreamed of cooking a Ragu all day or making a perfect lasagna, this is the cookbook for you.
Related Links:
Favorite Restaurant Guides on the Web
How To Find A Kid Friendly Restaurant With Great Local Food
Does
Travel With Kids = The McDonalds World Tour
Meals
and Snacks on a Family Vacation
Reader
Questions: Eating With Kids In Paris
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Posted on May 16, 2008 |
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The LA Times Travel Section is one of a handful of US newspaper travel sections considered to be leaders in travel reporting. So I was surprised and delighted this morning to see new visitors from the LA Times Travel Blog today.
The Times linked to our story about a Toddler Lost in the Vancouver Airport. If you have opinions on this story or helpful advice to other parents traveling with young children, please visit the article and let us know in the comments!
If you are new to DeliciousBaby, you might want to check out some of our other useful links and resources.
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Posted on May 15, 2008 |
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Today's news included the story of a family who lost their 23 month old son at the Vancouver airport. The family had split up in the airport, and didn't realize that neither group had the toddler until until their ongoing flight to Winnipeg landed. Luckily the boy was found and cared for, and Air Canada flew the father round trip to pick the boy up in Vancouver and return with him to Winnipeg.
I don't want to comment too much on this story because a) I don't know the full circumstances, b) my heart goes out to this poor family who must have been absolutely heartbroken and in shock when they realized the error, and c) it must be exhausting and overwhelming to clear airport security with a young child after a long international flight, especially if English is not your native language.
That said, I think this serves as a good reminder for anyone traveling with extended family. It is easy to let your guard down a little when there are a lot of other people helping keep an eye on your child. The problem is, if everyone is in charge, then actually, nobody is in charge. This story is in the news because it's such an extreme case, but the truth is that a lot of avoidable accidents happen when everyone thinks that someone else is watching the kids (but nobody actually is).
My recommendation: whenever you're with a large group, make sure that there is one trusted person who is in charge of your child, and make sure that you verbally tell them "you're on point." Those three simple words can make a world of difference in the amount of attention that a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle is paying to where the child is and what they are doing.
Related Links:
DeliciousBaby: How To Breeze Through Airport Security With Kids
DeliciousBaby: Flying with Children, Toddlers and Babies
CNN: Busy travelers forget toddler at airport, fly on
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Posted on May 14, 2008 |
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