Uh Oh, where does the baby go?!

We just returned from a six day trip to New Mexico. While it was GREAT to go see the grandparents and Balloon Fiesta the 8 ½ hour drive each way was not.

It was only after we had the car loaded, and by loaded I mean: stroller, pack n play, 3 suitcases, and several tote bags full of toys just to name a few things…oh yes, and both dogs, there wasn’t anyway to put “Little Miss” into her car seat. You see we had packed things on both sides of her seat, in front of her seat and all along the floor board. Hmmm, we spent that whole day taking her in and out of the car from the front seat, not an easy task I might add.

I have listed below an article on traveling with baby, either air or road travel. But, the best advice given to me and what I have learned as well is: pack trash bags (in case of motion sickness), do not give any dairy products on day of travel (in case of motion sickness; learned this the hard way), and a portable DVD player is a great and worthwhile investment! Enjoy the article:

High-Flying Advice
1. Travel off-peak. This varies with the route and the season, so ask the airline which flights to your destination fill most slowly. You'll have a better choice of seats, and the plane is less likely to be packed. Avoid flights with long layovers or late-night connections.
2. Reserve seats when you book. Though final seating assignments aren't guaranteed until check-in, prebooking ups the odds of getting your preference. (Keep in mind that a car seat can be installed only in a seat next to a window.) On your departure date, be sure to arrive early enough to ensure that you get your choice. Remember that the coveted front-row seats with attachments for bassinets are assigned first to families with younger babies, so your chances of snagging these are slim. Also, many airlines such as United save the best seats for business travelers and frequent fliers.
3. Bring your child's car seat. "Unrestrained children have been seriously hurt during air turbulence," says Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Kathryn Creedy. As a result, the FAA recommends that children under 2 be buckled into a car seat while flying. Although a child that age who has a seat of her own (as opposed to being held on your lap) pays 50 percent of an adult fare on major U.S. airlines, the extra cost is well worth it.
4. Preboard the seat, not the baby. Although airlines no longer officially preboard families, most will do it on request. However, preboarding adds an extra 30 to 45 minutes of being cooped up with a 1-year-old. Have the person you're traveling with claim the seat and stow the bags, then wait until the last moment to board with your child.
5. Check your stroller at the gate before boarding. That way, the crew will have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.
6. Adjust your toddler's nap schedule so he will sleep on the plane. This means knowing your child's patterns: Some kids will sleep if they've skipped their naps; others will remain awake (and cranky) from overtiredness. Though some parents give their kids antihistamine syrup before a flight to promote sleepiness, resist the urge. It's never a good idea to give any kind of medicine to a healthy child.
7. Dress your child in easily removable layers. Airports and planes can be hot one moment, freezing the next.
8. Be on the alert for ear pain. If your child has recently had an ear infection or a cold, get your doctor's approval before flying. The change in cabin air pressure may cause pain, but swallowing or sucking on a bottle or Sippy cup usually solves the problem. Offer a drink at the first sign of discomfort.
9. Keep drinks close at hand. Flying is even more dehydrating for children than it is for adults, so make sure they get plenty of fluids.
10. Change diapers in the rear. Wide-body and newer planes have large fold-down changing tables in the lavatories, but U.S. airlines still fly many older planes that do not. In that case, ask a flight attendant if you can use adjoining empty seats in the back of the plane as a changing area.

On the Road Again
1. Time it right. Toddler car travel presents fewer challenges than flying. But that doesn't mean your child won't get cranky, overtired, or carsick. To make a road trip go as smoothly as possible, start out close to your child's regular naptime so she'll sleep for part of the journey.
2. Entertain your child. Even the most independent toddler cannot amuse himself for hours. Consider sitting beside him if another adult is driving.
3. Limit driving time to six hours a day. In addition, make stops at safe, well-populated rest areas every two hours so you and your child can recharge.
4. Protect your child from the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and keep back windows shaded.

Please feel free to leave a comment about some of your favorite travel tips.

Also, check out our new custom section for your Infant and Toddler covers. The fabrics are incredible and how fun is it to create your OWN look! Order now, we are getting busy!!!!