Friday, February 28, 2014

Are travel systems worth the money?




RyanA


I am due April 3rd, with my first child. I do not go out often now. I doubt that I'll go out more after the baby is born... :) Anyway, I was wondering if the travel systems are worth it, or if there's something else that would be better. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks!



Answer
You'll need a car seat and a stroller, but if you're going to spend the money, just get a really good car seat that will last. Get a Britax Marathon or a Sunshine Kids Radian 65 or 80. These will hold your child in the rear facing position (safest position) in a 5 pt harness (safest harness on the market) until 33 or 35 lbs, respectively. Then, it flips around to be a forward facing seat using a 5 pt harness until 65 or 80 lbs respectively. It'll save you a lot of hassle in the long run and you'll only need to purchase 1 seat for your child instead of 3.
Infant--Graco Snugride $80
Convertible: Graco Comfort Sport- $80
Booster--Graco Turbo Booster-$40

So, that is 200 dollars for seats that are not top of the line and top safety rated. In fact, boosters do little to save your child in a crash, yet kids as young as 3 yrs and 30 lbs are approved in many states to use them. You couldn't pay me to put a 3 yr old in one.

1 convertible for 65-80 lbs
Marathon: $270
Radian 80-$280
Both get top safety ratings and are the best on the market

I don't tend to like Graco or Evenflo strollers or car seats. Plenty of moms will say to buy Graco because they get good safety ratings, so I'll probably get a thumbs down. I will agree, that they do get good safety ratings for their price bracket. However, if safety is important, it's worth it to spend some extra money to insure your child's safety. In terms of car seat purchases and being safest here is the breakdown of brands from lowest quality to highest:
Safety 1st
Cosco (Jeep is Cosco)
Evenflo
Graco
Baby Trend
Chicco
Peg Perego
Mia Moda
Britax
The above is for infant seats.

Evenflo and Graco strollers tend to be squeaky and bulky. They have a lot of perks like cupholders, snack holders, big storage baskets, and if that's important to you, then go with one. Personally, I like strollers that are lightweight and easy to push. I love the Skate and Pilko by Peg Perego, the Britax Vigour looks amazing--I've never used it, although people who do use it swear by it.

I have never found moving a baby from car to stroller to be a major issue, as the car seats don't really get a lot of air flow through the plastic, so if it's summer and hot outside, your baby will be sweating like crazy if sitting in a car seat in a stroller. I'd rather have the baby be more comfy in the stroller. If you want stroller suggestions, feel free to email me!

9 months old baby travel in plane?




Sword


Can Moms tell me how let her sleep comfortable without a bassinet pls? It is a 15 hours trip. THXS!


Answer
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:

1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. Since it will be an international trip, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your child as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.

FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). You will need to inform the airline ahead of time that you will have a small infant traveling with you.

The Flight Attendants SHOULD place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Because of the length of flight, the Flight Attendants SHOULD give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.

I fly international flights all the time, and trust me, you will get tired from holding your baby for such a long flight, and your child may become fussy. Try holding your child for that same amount of time while sitting on the couch. If you can do that without any problems, then you'll be fine on the trip. If you can't, then you definitely need to ensure a bassinet for your child or a CRS.

2.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. It will also help your child (and you) to sleep better.


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

This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (formula, water, juice- it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. If you are also starting to feed your son cereals, bring some that you just need to add water to. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

4.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books or toys, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.

5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.

6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.

You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.

7.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.

It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.

Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.

8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.

Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

9.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me




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