Thursday, 26 August 2010

11 Baby Travel Disasters

Inspired by my favourite communications guy.

11. The baby puke-a-rama. You may have a pukey baby. You may not. This does not guarantee they won't turn into the exorcist when you're travelling. Carry multiple extra clothes…and a set for you too. A friend was in the Halifax airport in a tank top and pajama shorts in January with a carry on full of sicky clothing.  Nice look.

10. Baby runs. A friend said baby poo smells like buttermilk. When it just won't stop coming and you only have a limited number of nappies, buttermilk sucks.  You only carry on a logical number of nappies for a regular poop situation.  Solution? ...when you find out let me know.

9. Overtired immobile kids. The ones too young to run around. Instead they just cry and cry. I was on a plane from HK to London beside a mum that had already come from Sydney on her own with her 9 month old baby girl, Neve. Neve turned into a red, howling monster about 10 minutes after takeoff and kept it up pretty much solidly through to London. Nothing to be done. Try really hard not to scream at the on board team when they suggest she may want some milk. LIKE YOU HADN'T THOUGHT OF THAT ALREADY!

8. Overtired mobile kids. These are the ones that run maniacly up and down the airplane. Polite smiles turn into glares in no time when kiddo is yelling and bumping into elbows and knees on the upteenth trip. Let them run a bit, then tempt them into seats with books, videos, toys...pull out the big guns, otherwise they'll never stop.  Perhaps a shameless plug for the travel pack here??

7. Baby spikes a fever on a long haul flight. Okay, so you're panicing that it is airborne Ebola, but try to stay calm. Air stewards are great at running around and fetching you things (cloths for the baby...gin for you). If you have brought baby drugs - give them that and cuddle them and try to monitor their temperature. There isn't much you can do.

6. Your kid is bored. I realise, this may not seem like a disaster to many. However, on an airplane filled with people to annoy, this could be going in the direction of disaster. Have an emergency toy to hand. Ideally something new for the trip that should keep their attention for a while.

5. To really scare you - have a read about this nightmare with a travelling toddler. They have improved safety conditions since... http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Ryanair-Says-It-Has-Toughened-Up-Safety-Rules-After-A-Child-Fell-From-Steps-While-Boarding-A-Plane/Article/201008215681940?f=rss

4. Delays to return trip takes you past the 2 year old birthday. This is a good logistical nightmare. We were trapped by the ashcloud for 8 days in India past our return date. During those 8 days, Little Jet turned 2! Happy birthday! You now need a real airplane seat! This caused no end of problems with rebooking. If you have unexpected travel changes, consider calling the airline direct to talk it through. There are no systems in place for this sort of thing, so be prepared to be on the phone a long long time.

3. Nightmare when travelling with children nearby. Your kids may be angels, but when someone is feeding THEIR kids chocolate as a bribe to get them to pipe down on a flight to Malta, it is the longest 3 hours in the air ever. Sugar and kids and long journeys just don't mix.

2. Forgetting the key item. Little Jet has a doggie she does not sleep without. What happens when you are all on the airplane and doggie is not? We found that distraction with other cuddly toys specifically for travelling helped. A bit. Best advice? Don't forget doggie.

1. Travelling on your own with a small child on no sleep on a long haul flight that gets redirected to an airport in the middle of nowhere for a 4 hour emergency stop because someone in the cabin has taken ill. And your mobile phone battery died.  Tears all around.

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Top 12 Travel Toys for Kids

Without being a HUGE plug for Little Jet Setter products...Check out our stuff here:  http://www.autumnfair.com/Autumn10/website/Show_Exhdetails1.aspx?exhid=exhiReg452&id=det

Top 12 Great Travel Toys for Kids

12. Acqua Doodle - awesome reusable travel fun that allows kids to doodle with a refillable water pen. Let it dry and doodle again. Hours of entertainment!

11. Water-appear designs - these fun magic paper products are use-once as opposed to the acquadoodle items, but are everywhere with loads of designs and characters.

10. Small travel games - this is really for the older kids, but they make great, travel-sized tin holders for chequers, chess, hangman etc...

9. Reusable sticker sets keep kids happy and busy. Little Jet Setter has 4 fun travel scenes!

8. Magnet Sets - like sticker sets, but with magnets. Obviously.

7. Bucket and Spade - this is great for the beach, but you'd be surprised how much fun it can be in the bath, the hotel room etc.

6. Stackable Cups - greatest travel invention ever bar none. Easy to pack. Useful everywhere (except the restaurant...stacking means also breaking down...which can cause serious injury to waitstaff with cups underfoot!).

5. Blow up toys - (oi...mind out of the gutter please...).  These are super easy to deflate and pack, and are good in the pool, bath, ocean and on dry land!

4. Electronic games - the iPhone, the iPad - these are your friends.

3. Books - there is nothing better than a favourite (or a new book) to use again and again.

2. Toy clip - this should be your travel essential. It allows you to clip toys to baby's clothes, chair, table etc. so they stay off the ground. Cleaner and so much better for parental sanity than picking up the same item a million times!

1. Toddler packs - backpacks, suitcases, handbags - little ones love to put things in and take things out. As they get older they can carry their own toys with them as well! One less thing to jam in the nappy bag...

Monday, 23 August 2010

13 Reasons to Go Glamping

I just got back from glamping in Lancashire.  It poured down with rain (not surprisingly) but we had a brilliant time anyways! 

13 Reasons to Go Glamping!

13. Most Glamping tents have separate "rooms" for kids - it is like getting a suite in a hotel (albeit with canvas walls!)

12. No TV - kids get to experience the great outdoors!

11. Fresh Air - you get it even when you're inside in these tents, so the kids will sleep like logs!

10. Loads of choices worldwide. Check out this site for inspiration! http://goglamping.net/

9. Sleep in a yurt. I didn't know what a yurt was either, until I saw this: http://www.lake-district-yurts.co.uk/info/our-yurts.html (look like a big marshmallow from the outside...)

8. Campfires. Actually, the campfire is beside the point. You can roast marshmallows on campfires, which is when it gets fun!

7. The glamourous part means that most of these sites have indoor loos which makes all the difference at 2am!

8. Easy cooking options - the featherdown farms sites allow you to book yummy food ahead you just need to heat over your pot bellied stove or a roaring fire. http://www.featherdownfarms.co.uk/

7. Access to the beach - some french glamping is right on the med, and check out this site on the beach in Cornwall - surf's up! http://www.tolcarnebeach.com/shacks.php

6. Farm glamping means all kinds of fun animal interactions even for the youngest kids. Remember to keep washing hands to combat germs, but otherwise have fun.

5. Rain rain go away...it will rain, but with an indoor stove, running water, comfy chairs and a table, kids can have fun indoors too when the inevitable downpour comes.

4. Adorable sleeping nook in the Featherdown farm tents that the kids will fight to sleep in!

3. Should I mention the money? Glamping can be cheaper than the same amount of space in the same location.

2. Eco-friendly alternative for accomodations.

1. Forced chill-out - no power, no tv, no mobile signal (often) - unplug, grab a book, play with the kids. Sounds like a great break to me!

Sunday, 22 August 2010

14 Things Not To Miss When Travelling to France with Baby

This list is really what not to miss in France with OR WITHOUT baby! 

14. Watching the people watching the yachts in St. Tropez harbour.

13. Pedalboating in Lac St Croix at the entrance to the majestic Gorges de Verdon.

12. Top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris looking down at all that Meccano.

11. Eurostar itself getting to Paris is a ball.

10. Walking around the quaint Harbourfront in Honfleur with the baby carriage.

9. Provencal Villa near Lorgues - 45 minutes from Nice, 30 minutes from St Tropez in the countryside.

8. Cheese, Bread, ham - Baby heaven.

7. Cruising down the boulevard in Nice.

6. Watching the surfers while playing on the sand in Biarritz.

5. Ice Cream from Amorino on the Left Bank - totally mmmmm...

4. Ski school in Courchevel, Meribel or Val Thorens (while mummy and daddy drink vin chaud on the slopes!).

3. Gardens of Versailles are gorgeous and a great place to let the kids run themselves out.

2. The lively markets in small towns all around France - here is a good place to find them http://www.francetravelguide.com/france-markets.html

1. The relaxed pace of life - stop in a cafe, walk the boulevards or tiny medieval squares and soak up the essence of holiday!

Saturday, 21 August 2010

15 Baby Foods that Travel Well

15. Raisins - personally I hate them, but little people love them.

14. Rice Cakes - the organic flavoured ones taste less like cardboard.

13. Formula - SMA do a great boxed package of premade formula for planes trains and automobiles.

12. Sippy cups with juice. You would think the small boxed juices are good, but hand it to them and I guarantee they squeeze it before it gets to their lips. It will happen just when you don't have time to change their shirts.

11. Peter Rabbit Squishy fruits - these have pure apple fruit packs for early weaners (not to be confused with wieners).

10. Clementines - nature's packaging is perfect.

9. Yogurts/petit filous in a chiller pocket of the nappy bag for the first leg of a journey only!

8. Put some crackers in a small tupperware - keeping them in the bag will result in crumbs!

7. Speaking of crackers, North America has the ultimate toddler cracker: Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish. If you're there or travelling there pick up a crateful.

6. Cheesestrings - they say they are 100% cheese. I choose to believe them. Again, easy travel packaging, but really for the first leg of the journey before they get sweaty and horrible.

5. Grapes - unlike the souless variety (raisins), these are higher maintenance, but fresher - cut in half to avoid a choking hazard and put in tupperware. Yummy.

4. Granola bars - they come in a wide variety that suits all ages.

3. Cheerios - dry, plain, in some sort of sealable cup. The European version is more sugary, so if you want sugar-free little O's bring your own if travelling from the US/Canada.

2. Bananas - again, in nature's packaging...but be careful with these - much more apt to squish into a packed bag. Carry them somewhere you won't jam some toys on top in a rush to deplane/detrain.

1. What NOT to pack - chocolate of any kind. There is nothing worse than travelling kids who are high on sugar. If you want some upon arrival, they sell chocolate the world over!

Friday, 20 August 2010

Top 16 Packing Tips for Travelling with Young Children

16. The Carry-On is your key travel item - take the time to think through what you'll need and ensure you have enough space in the bag you choose.

15. If your toddler can walk, give them a small backpack with a few of their things to carry themselves. They love it. Do not choose a wheely suitcase unless they are bigger - you will end up carrying them and it at some point.

14. Bring a few sterilised baby bottles in your carry on bag - at least 1 more than you think you'll need. They may want the comfort of another feed in a strange place.

13. Favourite books are a must to pack for pre-bedtime rituals. Don't skimp on this - they take up space but are worth their weight in gold that first night away.

12. Bring an extra single sheet - some hotels annoyingly give you a travel cot with no linens. At least you can make due until they can change it for you if you have something with you. Also useful for midnight cot changes when necessary.

11. Baby Monitor - don't forget to pack it. It is useful if your room has a balcony or if you're in a villa or larger space.

10. Cuddly toy for bed - if your little one usually sleeps with it - pack it.

9. Snacks - a hungry travelling child is a disaster. Pack lots of easily accessible snacks for travel or even for being touristy during the day.

8. Baby toiletries - it is EXTREMELY rare to get given any baby toiletries when you travel as you would expect waiting for you in the room as an adult. Baby sensitive skin may suffer if you don't plan ahead.

7. Small bottle of sensitive detergent for washing baby's clothes. Hopefully you won't have to use it, but that all depends on the poop, sick, food mess lottery. Best to pack some insurance and hope for the best.

6. Toddler spoon/fork - you can go the whole hog and pack plates and bowls, but I find that toddlers are okay with most restaurant stuff other than the forks and spoons which are just too big.

5. Kids medicine and thermometer. You know how they can go from fine to feverish in the blink of an eye - it is better to come prepared.

4. Portable potty for the car - if it is going to be a long trip, and you have a bit of extra space, packing one of these may be your lifesaver when the desperate call comes from the backseat.

3. Nappy disposal bags - usually, I would not use these as I think there is so much plastic wasted anyways. However, when travelling, you may be stuck carrying around a soiled nappy for quite a while. I'd prefer if it was bagged, wouldn't you?

2. Full sized kids sunscreen - you will get through LOADS of it, so don't bother with the dinky travel size for this - it is going in your main luggage anyways.

1. You will have a lot of stuff. In comparison to your pre-baby days and a small weekend holdall...this will seems like an obscene amount of stuff. Check you're still under the airline weight limits if you're flying...otherwise, just deal with it. Your life has changed!

Thursday, 19 August 2010

Top 17 Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach

Beaches...ahh...wish I was off there today...but alas, we are far too busy working on the Little Jet Setter launch.  Hopefully these will be useful for those of you with holidays still to come.  Perhaps over the UK bank holiday weekend?

TOP 17 TIPS FOR TAKING BABY TO THE BEACH

17. Everyone knows to use a high factor sun screen - but how do you get it on a wiggy kid? Try sunscreen sticks for faces, ears and bits that are hard to reach.

16. Sun hats need to have chin straps for the very young, otherwise they'll get pulled off in 2 seconds.

15. Sunglasses are cute, but hard to keep on. Babybanz make a good set that stay put.

14. So long as it is in the shade, napping on the beach IS doable even with a 2 year old. The surf helps lull them to sleep...

15. Many young kids don't like the feel of the sand on their feet. Bring sandals that you can get wet and dirty to keep everyone happy.

14. Speaking of sandals, buy them Crocs. Crocs Rock at the beach.

13. Swim nappies are great and can be reused so long as there hasn't been an accident.

12. Why not let them go au naturale at the beach? There are few times that babies and kids are cuter naked than playing in the sand.

11. Don't forget lots of water - push them to drink loads.

10. Water wings and floation aides are great for the pool but pretty rubbish if there are any real waves. Be extra vigilent in the sea even if your kids can swim.

9. There are some great pop-up shade tents that will do well for playing on the beach. Samsonite do a good one.

8. Pack lots of snacks - raisins, squishy fruit purees, biscuits, fruit - they will get devoured with all that exercise.

7. Don't be afraid to dunk them in the water. Sometimes it is the only way to really rinse the sand off!

6. Long sleeved rash suits are totally in for babies and toddlers - especially the ones with SPF 50 materials!

5. Spread out a towel on the sand with some toys. They can venture off or stay on depending on how messy they like it!

4. Wet sand is the only way to go for sandcastle making. It is easy to forget from your own babyhood...so just a reminder.

3. Collecting seashells is a great way to get them enjoying the sand. Save them to make crafts later or back at home.

2. For the smallest babies, clip toys, books and soothers to baby with a Travel Toy Clip. Sandy soothers...yuck.

1. Play with them - on the beach, in the surf, under the umbrellas - this is the stuff memories are made of.

ENJOY