What Keeps Me Up At Night?

Before every trip, there always seems to be something that has me worried, and this short trip to Whistler is no exception. Sometimes I fixate on the logistics, like what I'll feed the kids or whether our vacation rental will be what I expected but more often it's about the latest "developmental milestones" the kids are going through, and how I'll deal with them on the road.

We've been working with E on potty training, and after months of using the potty when it suited him (like 20 minutes after lights out) he's finally decided to get serious. We're in that early stage where I find the restroom each time we enter a new room, carry spare clothes everywhere, and keep a mental clock ticking each time he has something to drink. We're both feeling proud that he had his first dry day today, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about how we'll make it all work when he's busy sledding, playing in the snow, and exploring a new area. Normal parents might say "put him in a Pull-Up," but my fastidious child has never once agreed to wear one and I'm not about to loose the headway we've made by putting him back in a diaper.

While you're picturing what I'm picturing, imagine, just hypothetically, that you also have an 18 month old daughter who has to do everything her big brother does. Then imagine how much enthusiasm we've been showing each time E uses the potty. It might sound glamourous to have an 18 month old who wants to potty train herself, but poor D spends half her day trying to use the potty just like big brother, isn't nearly as independent about it, and she's often inconsolable if things don't work out. At least she will wear a Pull Up (just do be different, she refuses to wear diapers)

Well, at least all that running to the bathroom will wear them out and make them sleep well, you might think. Maybe. I've finally weaned D (at 18 months, I've hit the sweet spot where I can simultaneously be judged by half of the world for nursing too long and the other half for cutting her off way too soon). Up until now, I've let her nurse to sleep whenever we travel so that she wouldn't disturb her brother. Nighttime might be interesting...

If you think I'm feeling sorry for myself, you're wrong. I'm super excited about this trip. We don't get much snow in Seattle, and I know that the kids are going to be beside themselves playing in so much snow for so many days in a row. It's never a breeze traveling with two little kids, but I'm not willing to forgo the amazing experiences we can have together by waiting for them to grow up enough to make things easy on me.

0 comments | Posted on April 13, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Reader Questions: Car Safety in Taxis

I recently received this question from Janice who is worried about keeping her 22 month old safe when riding in Taxis and other land transportation on a cruise.

Hello!

My extended family will be heading to Rome for a few days before boarding a cruise ship for 12 days. Very exciting for sure, but we have a 22 month old and I was wondering if you had any tips for driving safety while we are in ports. We will mostly be in taxis and minivans. I can't imagine lugging a car seat around and yet I'm horrified at the thought of not bringing it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Janice

Here is my response:

Janice,

You are officially in between a rock and a hard place. It would be tough to lug a car seat through every site you want to see, but it is also scary to ride in a car with a young toddler who is not properly belted, especially when you're not sure of the driver's safety record.

My first recommendation (and what we do when we travel without a car seat) is to use public transportation as much as possible. You can research where your ship will be docking ahead of time and find out what options are available to you.

When it isn't possible to use public transportation, there are two products that may be helpful to you. The Sit 'n' Stroll is a car seat with a built in handle and wheels so that you can also use it as a stroller. With the Sit 'n' Stroll, you would be able to use the car seat feature in Taxis and shuttles, and then use it as a stroller while touring each city. Note that the stroller is not designed for rougher terrain, and might not give a comfortable ride on Rome's famously rough cobblestone streets. The Sit 'n' Stroll is also approved for use on airplanes.

Your daughter is probably a little too small for the RideSafer Travel Vest. The RideSafer is a unique car "seat" for booster seat aged kids (it fits kids approx 3-9 years old). Instead of a heavy seat, kids wear a supportive vest which then gets buckled into the car. The vest is lightweight and compact (perfect for stowing in a suitcase) and works with both latch and shoulder harness seatbelts. The vest is not approved for use on airplanes.

With either option, you could purchase the product locally, or check into renting it from a local baby gear rental company before you leave on your trip.

Have a question? Send email to debbie at deliciousbaby dot com

Filed Under: safety travel-tips

0 comments | Posted on April 12, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

We Have A Winner! PacBack Giveaway

We got a great response to our first ever giveaway. I want to thank everyone who entered and shared their vacation plans. Lots of you are headed to California, Florida, Hawaii and Mexico and a few were headed further afield to destinations like Africa, Russia, Bali, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Wow! All that travel makes me very very jealous.

The winner of the Cheeky Monkey Pac Back was Ellie who said "Our next family vacation will probably be to the Oregon Coast. Just a few hours from home, but so much fun!"

Many thanks to Cheeky Monkey for generously sponsoring this giveaway.

0 comments | Posted on April 10, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Picture Of The Week: Paris Toddler Playground

Here is E at 16 months old (and me 7 months pregnant with baby D) on his second trip to Paris.

While there are great playgrounds throughout the city (making it easy to stop and play for a few minutes in between museums) our favorite was at the Luxembourg Gardens. The toddler playground had a nominal entrance fee, and in return there was a huge, clean play area with tons of equipment, a fun sand area (complete with buckets and shovels), and even toddler sized toilets in the bathrooms.

The park is packed with activities for kids of all ages (as well as quiet areas to stroll when it's time to put your little one to sleep in the stroller.

While our pre-baby travel days wouldn't have included a playground, it was neat to be a part of this aspect of French life.

2 comments | Posted on April 9, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Headed to Whistler and Vancouver

We're headed to Whistler, British Columbia for a few days next week. Whistler is about a four hour drive from Seattle. We haven't been there since the kids were born, but it's a wonderful destination year round. In the winter, the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain is considered one of the world's great ski resorts (and will host the 2010 Olympics). In Spring and Summer, there's hiking, mountain biking, river tubing, nature walks (including "bear safaris") glacier skiing and more. Whistler Village, at the base of the mountain has lots of family friendly restaurants and tons of shopping.

My husband wants to get in some end of season skiing, and I'm looking forward to hanging out with the kids and playing in the snow. Of course, I'll be bringing along my laptop and blogging about the trip.

On the way back we'll stop in Vancouver for a night or two

I'd love any tips on great kids activities and places to eat! Just comment on this post.

Related Links:
Vancouver with Kids

1 comment | Posted on April 9, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Reminder: Free Giveaway Ends Wednesday

If you haven't had a chance to enter our free giveaway of a hands-free car seat carrier backpack from Cheeky Monkey, now is your last chance. The contest ends Wednesday April 9 at Midnight PST

Just visit this article: Giveaway - Pac Back Hands Free Car Seat Carrier Giveaway and add your comment telling us where you plan to go on your next family vacation.

0 comments | Posted on April 8, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

March Top Articles

With Spring Break upon us, and many parents looking for practical advice on long flights, jetlag, and more, March was busier than ever.

1. Flying With Babies Toddlers and Kids
   
2. Advantage Rent-A-Car's Dangerous Car Seats
3. Ten Tips for Keeping A Toddler Busy on a Plane Flight
   
4. Our Favorite Travel Toys
   
5. Flying With Carseat: Who Needs a Carseat Onboard
6. Jetlag and Babies, Toddlers and Kids
7. Ten Great Travel Toys You Already Have At Home
8. Packing Lists for Travel With Kids
9. Flying With Carseat: Tips for Getting Through The Airport with a Carseat
10. Ten Reasons to Pack Duct Tape When You Travel
    

I also want to take a minute to thank some of the great sites that sent new readers our way. If you have not read these sites before, now would be a great time to check them out!

We were delighted to be added to Guy Kawasaki's new site, Alltop which lists many of the top blogs on the Internet. Check us out on moms.alltop.com and travel.alltop.com. Alltop is a great place to find new blogs and quickly learn what the "buzz" is on your favorite topics.

TipNut provides daily tips on household management, crafts, recipes, projects and more. They were also kind enough to feature our article on Ten Reasons to Pack Duct Tape When You Travel

ParentHacks is a site I've read regularly since E was a newborn. It features tips and ideas from real parents like these recent post: Clean Sippy Cup Straws with Pipe Cleaners

0 comments | Posted on April 8, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Reader Questions: FAA and Airline Policies on CARES Harness

Hi Debbie,

We just purchased the CARES system for at trip we're taking to Mexico next month with our two-year-old. Last year, we took him to Hawaii and brought his car seat on the plane, and also used it in our rental car. It worked very well on the plane, and was easy to take through the airport (we used the TravelMate system with it), but a pain to lug down the aisle of the plane (the aisle was too narrow to roll it). This time we don't have a rental car, so we decided to give CARES a try.

My questions are: Have you ever had a problem with airline personnel not accepting it? I contacted our airline, and received an email stating they would accept it, but I'm still a bit nervous... Also, have you ever had a problem with the person sitting behind the seat, since the strap has to go under their stowed tray table?

Thanks!
Shannon

Here is my response:

First of all, have a great trip to Mexico!

Though airline policies vary widely (check out this great DaddyTypes article), I have never had a problem with the airline personnel accepting the CARES harness (though they've asked questions a couple of times). We always bring along the printed documentation for the harness, including the page that shows it is FAA approved. Since you had the foresight to get email from the airline, you sould bring a printed copy of the email as well. If you do get questions from the flight attendants, you'll be well prepared to answer them.

I've never had a problem with the person sitting behind us (possibly they're just glad that they're not sitting in front of a toddler ;) The CARES harness doesn't interfere with the operation of their tray table, so unless they're bothered by having the tray down for a few minutes while you get things set up, there isn't really any reason for them to complain.

With both flight attendants and other passengers, we try to remember that we already have two strikes against us (D & E) when we step on board a plane. We're extra sensitive and extra polite, especially with all the recent news about flight attendants having passengers removed planes for various reasons.

Related Links:
DaddyTypes: Who CARES? The FAA's Car-Seats-On-Planes Policy Is A Total Train Wreck
Amazon: CARES Harness by Kids Fly Safe
DeliciousBaby: Securing Your Child Safely Onboard a Flight
DeliciousBaby: Picture of the Week: CARES Airplane Harness
FAA: USA FAA Infant and Child Restraint Rules

Filed Under: flying-with-kids safety travel-gear

8 comments | Posted on April 7, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

Picture of The Week: Churros & Chocolate in Barcelona

For E, one of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona was his first taste of Churros (fried dough, similar to long doughnuts) at Granja-Xocolateria La Pallersa. Churros are dipped in to thick, rich chocolate before eating, and it's hard to imagine a more toddler friendly combination than fried dough, chocolate, and dipping.

There are lots of places to enjoy Churros in Barcelona, but this is one of the oldest and most authentic. The chocolate was rich and thick, and not too sweet. The churros were crispy on the outside and tender inside, and there was always healthy crowd of locals, even in the middle of the day.

Reader Questions: Napping in the Stroller on a Family Vacation

• Use Jet Lag To Your Advantage
  The first few days of a trip are a great time to get your child used to sleeping in their stroller if they aren't already. They'll be a bit more tired and primed to sleep than usual, and since they're already out of their element they're more likely to go along with a nap in their cozy, familiar stroller. We have fond memories of our 6 month old son (who had never slept in the stroller at home) sleeping through a multi-course meal at Robuchon in Paris
• Consider a Sling
  Both of our kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer when they're cuddled in someone's arms. The sling gives them that same feeling of safety and closeness, and noises that might awaken them in the stroller are less likely to disturb them when they know that a parent is nearby. We used the Baby Bjorn when our kids were little, but found that they got too heavy at around seven months. We switched to the Ergo Baby Carrier, and little D will still take a good nap in the carrier now (at 18 months old)
• Fresh Air is Your Friend
  There's nothing like running (or crawling) in fresh air to help you feel calm, tired, and ready for a nap. Just before naptime, try to find a playground or open square where your child can move around. You'll feel refreshed too.
• Maintain Your Home Routine
  We often carry along a storybook and aren't afraid to (quietly) sing a song or two before putting our kids to sleep. With babies and young toddlers, going through the home routine is what cues them into the idea that it's naptime. For older kids, who understand your words better the routine is still comforting.
• Bring The Binky
  Help your child feel comfortable (and further reinforce the idea that it is time to sleep) by giving your child whatever comfort object they usually have in their crib at home. If you're worried about loosing it, find a way to clip it to the stroller.
• Find a Quiet Place to Stroll, and Keep Rolling
  Every child is different, but ours do fall asleep most easily if we find a street or park to stroll in where there's not too much activity and excitement. A slightly bumpy surface (but not too bumpy) seems to be soothing too. You can walk in circles or use naptime as an opportunity to cover the city searching out hidden finds. Don't stop until baby is sound asleep in the stroller.
• Cover Up
  Covering the stroller's opening with a lightweight blanket will block out drafts and changes in light (as well as some sound). Some kids will let you cover the stroller when they are merely drowsy while others need to be fully asleep, and you will need to experiment to see what your child likes. Be sure to try a few different blankets at home to find one that covers the entire opening, and bring along a couple of clips to secure the blanket to the stroller.

Now that baby is sound asleep, it's time to choose a stroller friendly grown up activity!

Filed Under: travel-tips

2 comments | Posted on April 3, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us