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  • Summer Infant Quick Smart Easy Fold Single Stroller with Weather Shield


    10 August 2008

    This is absolutely a god-send when it comes to flying with your baby.  Its weight is only 12lbs and will fit into the overhead bin on the plane.  You can't believe it?  Take a look at the picture and you can see why.

    Traveling and flying with your baby is not an easy task, why make it harder by bringing your regular sized stroller?  Then you may be worried a cheap umbrella stroller may not be the safest for your baby traveler.  The Summer Infant Quick Smart Easy Fold Single Stroller with Weather Shield features 2 recline positions, a 5 point harness and a retractable canopy.  Along with the rain shield (included) your baby traveler will be protected from the elements.  It is definitely not your usual $10 umbrella stroller.

    Not only is it essential for flying with your baby, it can prove to be very useful when you need to fit other luggage into the already-packed trunk of your car.  Your baby traveler will appreciate the extra toys and blankets you can bring along on a trip if you pack this nice compact stroller.

    The stroller will hold up to 40lbs, and has four 4 inch front swivel wheels and two 8 inch back wheels.  The travel bag that it comes with makes it really baby travel perfect. 

  • Flying with your baby in your lap


    07 August 2008
    There's been a recent debate around the safety of putting your baby in your lap when you fly.  Regardless of your point of view, the FAA does have this on its website:

    "Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap? ... FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do."

    Well, what is a CRS?

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

    FAA has also approved a harness-type restraint appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of device provides an alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles.

    This restraint is called CARES:

    The AmSafe Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is the world's first aviation alternative to a car seat. It's a belt-and-buckle device that attaches directly to the airplane seatbelt.  It's pretty simple to install, and is usable in most seats with the exception of those in exit rows. CARES has been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for children weighing between 20-44 pounds sitting in their own seat.

    Now parents can now check the bulky car seat through as luggage.

    Weighing only one pound and fitting into a small carrying case, it's perfect for flying with your baby traveler.

     

  • A Baby Travel Packing List For the Uninitiated


    07 August 2008

    The first question upon reading the headline may be: Why bother with a baby travel packing list. Why not just pack a week's worth of baby stuff?

    The answer is simply that it is difficult to foresee everything you might need on a trip with a baby. You probably won't need most of the extra stuff you'll be packing, but if you do need it, you'll dread the idea of going without it.

    Baby Travel Packing List Part One: The Obvious Stuff

    Okay, so you are probably going to need plenty of diapers, formula, baby food, pacifiers, some changes of clothes, and so on, right? Pack all that stuff, but pack one and a half to two times as much as you think you need.

    You'll want to bring everything you need to make your baby comfortable and mobile during your trip. Certainly, take the carseat as well as your baby's favorite sling or carrier - plus a stroller that is compact and collapses easily.

    You especially won't want to skimp on diapers. Pack lots of wipes, as well, as they are great for tidying up and washing sticky hands. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is bound to come in handy, as well.

    You'll want to make sure you have plenty of snacks for your children, as well as some protein-based snacks for you. I always stash a bag of raw nuts in my bag. Sometimes, if I have been too busy to eat, these are exactly what I need to get me through to the next time I can sit down for a minute. Walnuts, cashews, and pecans are ideal. Trail mix is great for this, too.

    A note on formula and traveling by plane: As of the time of this writing, airports will not allow people to bring more than three ounces of a liquid on a plane in their carry-on luggage. They may make an exception for baby formula, but don't count on it. It's best to bring powdered formula and mix it with warm water on board. The flight attendant should be willing to provide bottled water and warm it up for you.

    Baby Travel Packing List Part Two: The Not So Obvious Stuff

    Obviously, you can ignore some of this stuff if it doesn't apply to your travel plans, but don't skip on anything else.

    * Loads of Entertainment

    Whatever your baby's age, she is going to get really, really bored on long car rides or plane trips. Try to schedule travel around your baby's nap or sleep time, but don't count on it working out perfectly. Bring toys, coloring books (if your child is approaching toddler age), and whatever else your child loves to play with. You might want to surprise her with some new toys just for the trip, too.

    * Children's Passport

    Don't forget that all babies (even newborns) need passports before they can fly internationally.

    * A First Aid Kit

    Throw your entire baby medicine cabinet in your bag, including rubbing alcohol and band-aids for little scrapes, and make sure your baby is properly vaccinated before taking off. We all have an immunity built up to local bugs and viruses, but traveling long distances can introduce the immune system to brand new diseases. Be prepared. Tell your doctor where you're going and request the requisite vaccines.

    * Something to Read

    This one's for you. A lot of the time spent traveling with a baby is going to be dedicated to soothing your child's stress from the constant changes. Babies can enjoy traveling, but it's stressful nonetheless, so you may want to have a book at the ready for long stretches of cuddling and napping.

    Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com, where you'll find promotion codes as well as coupon codes for Beaches Resorts, famous for its family-based amenities and activities.