Kids Kaleidoscope Happy Holidays, Here are some great gift ideas for you and your darlings!
It’s time for planes, trains and automobiles! In the coming weeks, many families will be heading off for one of the busiest travel times of the year. As they pack for their travels, they may want to consider one of these great travel items from DaddyScrubs, Squeez’Ems and Prince Lionheart. These terrific items will make traveling a whole lot easier this holiday season (and what family wouldn’t want that?).
The Daddy Diaper Pack ($69.95)
Now, there is a solution to stay organized in the form of a Daddy Diaper Pack made by Daddyscrubs.com that is the ultimate go-to bag for dads! Organize baby paraphernalia in durable side pockets for water/baby bottles and sippy cups. It includes a larger pouch for diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes (and Daddy's tablet if he's bringing it along). And the front pocket will keep keys, money, cell phone, pacifier, and small toys all together for convenience. There is even an insulated cooler pocket for snacks! For getting out and about with the kids whether it's hiking or biking or going to the zoo, this Daddy Diaper Pack will consolidate your daddy stuff and make the trip a little easier. Wouldn’t this bag be perfect for holiday shopping or travel?
Daddy Diaper Pads ($7.95)
DaddyScrubs Disposable Diaper Changing Pads are every new dad’s best friend and are an essential component of every on-the-go daddy bag and perfect for taking along on your holiday travels. You never know where you’ll be when your baby needs a diaper change, and with our Disposable Diaper Changing Pads you can be ready for a quick and sanitary change no matter where you are. Dad will venture out confidently knowing he’s ready for anything and Mom will love these convenient changing pads, too!
Squeez’Ems (2 for $9.99)
Squeez’Ems (with the new twist of cap) are eco-friendly, reusable food pouches for any pureed or blended food. They are easy to fill, clean and toss in your bag while traveling with your kids this holiday season. Squeez’Ems reusable food pouches are perfect for all ages, from babies to school-age kids. They are comprised of just one piece to eliminate the worry over losing parts. They feature a new screw top lid that turns clockwise to prevent accidental opening. It guarantees a tighter, 100% leak-proof seal! Also, the pouch has an open window so that kids can view their favorite purées inside. Squeez'Ems are BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free.
Prince Lionheart
bébéPOD® Flex PLUS ($65)
Traveling for the holidays and need a highchair for your destination? Grab the award-winning, pediatrician approved bébéPOD® Flex PLUS. The bébéPOD® Flex PLUS is a wonderful first infant seat for feeding, play and travel. And it’s small enough to toss in the trunk and take with you on-the-go. With its dual-strap system, the bébéPOD® Flex PLUS converts from a floor seat to a chair mounted seat in a snap--perfect at home, at restaurants and visiting family. It is super comfortable, non-toxic and easy to clean with an ergonomic design that provides optimal support in helping baby learn to sit and eat. Available in kiwi, watermelon and orange.
Compact Wipes Warmer ($21)
The Compact Wipes Warmer brings your little one the comfort of home as you travel this holiday season. The anti-microbial Compact Wipes Warmer holds 30 wipes and has an automatic lid for instant access to pop up wipes. Includes two adapters (for home and auto use).
backseat ORGANIZER ($24.99)
Keeping the family car neat and organized is a common struggle for most of us, especially when traveling. In addition to helping us keep things straight, this organizer has been thoughtfully designed by parents to maximize function and, believe it or not, restore sanity. For example, in case of car seat meltdown, top left and right pockets are designed for distraction toys, opaque to capitalize on the element of surprise, affording child a moment of intrigue and parents a moment of silence. Ah, sanity restored.
babyview MIRROR ($13.99)
Safety is always of the highest importance when it comes to our children, it’s just unfortunate that it means they have to face backwards while riding in a rear-facing car seat. We designed a mirror that looks good, complements the upholstery, matches our other travel accessories, and will not distort your baby’s head like a carnival fun mirror. Perfect for your holiday travels!
backseat KICKMAT ($13.99)
Since our kids find it entertaining to occasionally kick the seat in front of them, we’re guessing yours will too. When they do kick, the only lasting (term used loosely) impression will be our stern, yet loving words of disapproval, as the upholstery will be unharmed with the back seat KICKMAT in place. Comes with 2 carabineers to attach favorite toys.
On-The-Go-Bottle-Warmer ($16.99)
A must for parents on the go and traveling this holiday season! This On-The-Go Bottle Warmer provides instant heat at the push of a button to all baby bottles and baby food jars. No batteries or electrical supply needed. Remains warm for hours. Simply boil in water to reuse. Completely non-toxic.
Car Seat Check Bag ($21.99)
Stroller Gate Check BAG ($21.99)
Protect your child’s car seat and stroller from dirt, debris, and damage as you travel this holiday season with the Car Seat Check Bag and Stroller Gate Check Bag. Simply slide it in, zip it up and you’re ready to go. It also makes your car seat and stroller stand out! ___________________________________________________________________ 
Over the River and Through the Woods:
10 Safety Tips for Flying with Children In 2014
If you’ll be flying with a small child this year, you’re probably
dreading how stressful air travel can be—but you may not be aware of the
safety risks it can pose. Louie Delaware, the Home Safety Guru®, points
out 10 things you should be aware of before heading to the airport. If you’re like many American families, you’re gearing up to go “over the river and through the woods” in order to spend the holidays with loved ones. But instead of taking a horse and sleigh, your modern-day family will be strapping into an airplane and perhaps a rental car after that. As any parent can tell you, that’s not exactly a recipe for peace on your corner of the earth and goodwill to your infant, toddler, or small child! Yes, fighting the holiday crowds, navigating security checkpoints, hauling luggage, and getting everyone to and from the correct gates in one piece is enough to give any parent the “Bah, Humbugs”…but safety expert Louie Delaware urges you to not lose sight of your child’s well-being in the midst of your holiday travel hassle. “Especially if, like most families, you don’t travel often—or if this is your youngster’s first time flying—you may not be aware of potential safety concerns until after an accident has already happened,” says Delaware, author of The Home Safety Guru’s® Definitive Guide on How to Childproof Your Home: Making Your Home Safe and Secure for Little Ones (Blue Indigo Publishing, 2013, $9.99, www.howtochildproofyourhome.com). “Fortunately, knowing what to expect, inspect, and ask for before the big travel day can keep your little ones secure once you board the plane—and can help ensure that an unforeseen incident doesn’t add to your travel stress.” If your family will be flying to this year’s holiday gathering, read on for 10 safety considerations to keep in mind: Get the best seats. On an airplane, not all seat assignments are created equal, especially if you’re traveling with an infant or small child. When making your reservation, you may want to inquire about bulkhead seating for your family. Bulkhead seating is found behind partitions in airplanes. These partitions often separate business class from economy, or contain galleys or lavatories—meaning that you’ll be sitting behind a wall, not a row of seats. (Be aware, though, that some bulkhead seating is located beside emergency exits, and that children are prohibited from sitting in these rows.) “The added space of bulkhead seating will make it easier and safer for you to get out of your seat with your child,” Delaware points out. “It will also be easier for you to manage food, beverages, toys, or other activities once you reach a safe flying altitude. And finally, you won’t have to worry about being cramped by reclined seat backs…or about your child kicking them! “One last piece of advice: While it may sound obvious, double-check that you and your family are all seated on the same row,” Delaware adds. “You may have to pay extra for this ‘privilege,’ as some airlines are now reserving aisle and window seats for passengers who are willing to pay an extra fee.” Be first in line. Especially if you aren’t a frequent flier, you may not be familiar with early boarding, an option that many airlines offer to families traveling with younger children. “When you get to the gate, ask the attendant if early boarding is offered, and if the answer is yes, take advantage of it!” says Delaware. “When you’re trying to wrangle an excited, curious, nervous, upset, and/or sleepy child, as well as your carry-ons, having a few extra minutes to get settled into an empty plane can be a godsend. Most importantly, this time will allow you to check and double-check that your child is securely fastened into his or her seat.” Make sure that your car seat works as a carry-on. Don’t assume that just because your car seat contains a baby, you’ll be able to carry it onto a plane with no problems. If your car seat doesn’t have the designation “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”—which many models don’t—your airline may prevent you from using it. “For the best fit in aircrafts, use approved car seats that are less than 16 inches wide,” Delaware recommends. “Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain that the car seat is properly installed using the airplane seat belt.” Reserve lap-sitting for visits to Santa… If your child is under two years of age, you might find it very tempting to simply hold him or her on your lap for the duration of your flight if the airline allows this option—after all, you’ll save the cost of an entire plane ticket by doing so! However, says Delaware, it’s much safer and easier for everyone (including your child!) to have their own seat. “First, you won’t have to hold a hot, squirmy little human on your lap for hours at a time in an already cramped space,” he comments. “But much more importantly, unless you have Herculean strength and lightning-fast reflexes, it can be very difficult, or even physically impossible, to catch and hold a child during severe turbulence, which can come out of nowhere.” …or use an infant or toddler travel vest. If you do choose to have your infant or toddler (up to 24 months old) sit on your lap, consider purchasing a device that will keep both of you more secure and comfortable. Delaware recommends the Baby B’Air Flight Vest. “This vest slips over the child’s head, has chest and crotch straps, and is equipped with a loop that slips into your own lap belt,” he explains. “It’s made in two different sizes: for infants aged six weeks to one year, and for toddlers from approximately one to two years old. Retailing for around $30, a Baby B’Air Flight Vest is a small investment to make for your child’s safety—and to help reduce your own stress.” For older children, use a customized seat belt… Many parents don’t realize that children who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds can easily slip out from under their lap belts if sitting alone. Fortunately, an Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) can protect your child from bumps and jolts while still ensuring his or her comfort. “I recommend purchasing the CARES Safety Harness from Kids Fly Safe—it’s the only ACSD that has been approved by the FAA,” Delaware says. “This harness system installs very easily by attaching around the back of the seat and works in tandem with the lap belt. Weighing less than one pound, it’s much easier to carry than a car seat and is still affordable at $74.95.” …and don’t rely on airlines for a boost. You might be used to relying on booster seats in your car, at your dining room table, etc. And you may even have heard stories from friends who were able to use boosters on airplanes. But Delaware recommends you check in with the particular airline on which you’ll be traveling before hauling a booster seat to the airport. “Many airlines won’t allow you to use booster seats in flight,” he says. “Again, though, I prefer using an ACSD strap—it’s much easier to transport than a booster seat and keeps your child safer.” Follow directions—even if they do go against your instincts. We’re all familiar with the pre-flight safety instructions that instruct adults to put their own oxygen masks on before helping children. As a parent, though, your instinct might be to assist your child the moment masks drop from above, regardless of your own safety. “Listen to the flight attendant’s instructions and put your own mask on first in the unlikely event that their use is required,” urges Delaware. “What the pre-flight safety instructions don’t tell you is that if there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure, you could lose consciousness within 15 to 20 seconds without oxygen. If you don’t get your mask on within that time frame, you’ll be unable to help your child.” Stick with renting vehicles… In other words, don’t rent car or booster seats. Avoid borrowing them from friends or family members, too. “Always bring and use your own car seat or booster seat if you are planning on renting a car at your destination,” Delaware instructs. “Rental car companies frequently run out of these items during busy travel seasons. And if seats are available, you may not be happy with their condition. Don’t count on your family or friends to have a proper seat, either. When it comes to your child’s safety, a seat you know and trust is best—plus, your child will travel better in something that’s familiar.” …and make sure seats are installed properly. If you are planning on renting a vehicle, chances are it won’t be the same make and model as your family’s automobile. Pay close attention when installing your car seat to ensure that it is secure. “Even a quality seat can put your child at risk if it is installed in an improper way,” Delaware comments. “This mistake can be easy to make in an unfamiliar vehicle.” “If you know what to expect and plan ahead, your child’s safety won’t be something you have to worry about in the midst of holiday air travel,” concludes Delaware. “Your family’s holiday memories will center around a great visit with people you love, not mishaps on the way to or from your destination.”
|
