Learn sign language on the road
12 August 2008
We are scratching our head to come up with how to keep our baby traveler occupied on the road. Maybe we should bring just two more, no, five more pieces of toy. Or we can stick yet another cartoon in the DVD player to amuse them.
Why don't we do something educational when we are trying to make time pass?
Two Little Hands Productions is the producer of the public television series - Signing Time. It teaches American Sign Language (ASL).
They teach babies, preschoolers, and grade schoolers ASL through music. I believe they create their own music, their animation is pretty charming, and in the video there are dozens of signing children to demonstrate the signs.
I found out this series has won more than 8 national awards - including a Telly Award, a Notable award from the American Library Association, the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval, and All Star Ratings from Kids First, to name a few. They have a full line of DVD, VHS, music CD, books, flashcards and Learning CD products that you can choose from. You can simply bring one of their books on the plane with you, or a DVD or CD if you will bring along a player.
Check out these baby sign language videos!
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.
