All Posts – Page 11 – Little Gulliver

Ten Tips for Keeping a Toddler Busy on a Plane

So, you’ve packed the bags, cancelled the papers and are really looking forward to being away for a couple of weeks free from the usual routine but you’re really anxious about keeping your young kids occupied on that long plane flight.

So this is a CARES? — So, the seat belt goes through this loop?

Besides packing a few great new travel toys that your toddler hasn’t seen before, you’ll want to have some airplane activities that won’t break, get lost or cost the earth.

So here are some practical tips for travelling with toddlers and preschoolers that will help you to relax, enjoy the journey and help you all arrive with your sense of humour!

1. Bathroom

Make sure that your toddler has used the toilet before boarding the aircraft as they are spacious and much cleaner compared to the aircraft ones! It’s also a good idea to carry a supply of baby wipes and be sure to put them in a place where you can easily reach them throughout the flight.

2. Seat choice

Only choose bulkhead seats if your baby needs a baby bed as the armrests can’t be moved. Normal seats are far better if your baby or toddler wants to lie down on the seat with their head on your lap as the armrests can be moved up which is far more comfortable.

3. Ear pressure

If your baby is breastfeeding or on a bottle, give them the breast or bottle during take-off & landing as it is the best thing for their sensitive ears. They will be more relaxed and far less distressed and you will feel more at ease too.

If your child is older, then carry cotton wool or ask for earplugs as soon as you board the aircraft. Make use of them for take-off then save them for landing as the crew may not have any fresh ones left by then. Or play a yawning game with them to see how many times they can yawn on take off or landing as this helps pop their ears so the pressure doesn’t cause them discomfort.

4. Food

Carry a supply of biscuits, water, juice & healthy snacks for your toddler. Raisins are great for keeping little hands and minds occupied for quite awhile and also carry milk packets (the UHT small packets) yourself. Airline snacks run out in flight and milk is a shortage very often too so bring your own so you won’t panic if they run out.

5. Bottle heating

If you ask the crew to heat up your baby bottle check the temperature of the liquid yourself periodically and don’t depend on the crew as they are extremely busy. Most crew in Economy Class are not mothers themselves (as they are very young) so they don’t necessarily know the right temperature for your child’s feed. Airline crew are most willing to help but it’s always best to take responsibility for your own child’s bottle.

6. Health

If your child has a cold it’s a good idea to see a doctor before the flight to check if your child is fit to fly. Toddlers flying with a cold can experience terrible pain during take-off & landing and it’s also dangerous to their eardrums too!

7. Clothes

Always carry a change of clothes for your child and it is a good idea to carry a change of top / t-shirt for yourself too. You never know when you will need it…

8. Rubbish

Get a carrier or plastic bag from the crew, to put your rubbish in as you go along. It helps to keep your area clean and more organised. Also take fragranced bags with you to dispose of your nappies before putting them in the toilet bins provided.

9. Books

It’s always a great idea to carry reading books (new ones as well as old favourites), colouring books and crayons, as well as an ipod with their favourite songs and stories to listen to.

If you can carry a portable DVD player they are usually a big hit with toddlers. If you bring your own DVD player and your child’s favourite DVDs then you will have full control over the content and also the timing of their video entertainment which is good for maintaining a healthy balance about how much they watch. Another alternative might be to play their DVDs on your laptop.

10. Games to play

Toddlers often get naughty when they experience long delays to their journey, so being prepared is half the battle.

* Pack a goody bag filled with activities to keep them occupied and busy and include things like play dough, a few blocks, some small board books, a little car or your toddler’s favourite teddy. You could also wrap each item in wrapping paper a few times too and play pass the parcel with them, to add to the fun and excitement.

These ideas are best and most effective for keeping your child occupied during the normal waking hours on a flight as they encourage your child’s imagination and creativity.

* Put some fun pictures onto your digital camera of the people and places you are going to visit or pictures of a recent trip you’ve been on, like to the zoo, for your child to look at. During the flight, you can relive the fun and tell stories about where/who you’re visiting. It will keep your little one busy and relaxed which will make the flight a pleasurable one for all of you.

* When the flight attendant delivers drinks, ask for a cup, a couple ice cubes, and a straw. There are endless games you can make up with this combination as ice is fascinating to toddlers. Make sure that the ice doesn’t end up in their mouth though as it is a choking hazard.

* Bring a book of Finger Rhymes to teach your toddler. Great ones are “Finger Rhymes” by Marc Brown and “Little Hands, Finger Plays & Action Songs: Seasonal Activities” by Emily Stetson and “365 Games Smart Toddlers Play” by Sheila Ellison

* Learning how to fasten and unfasten an “old fashioned” seatbelt, jacket zipper and poppers or buttons on their clothing (or a carry on bags) can keep them occupied for a long time too.

* And don’t forget the old favourite of peek- a- boo if you’ve got friendly neighbours and “I spy”!

It’s all about relaxing, imagining the journey going really well a couple of nights before you fall asleep, so your unconscious gets ready for the journey positively, and planning ahead. It’s also about being flexible and relaxed when unexpected things happen that you have no control over. Toddlers will pick up on your vibes so lighten up, chill out and have a brilliant holiday!

This great article comes from www. Parenting Australia.com.au

Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach and Author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the famous black and yellow series and mother of two children. She has written many books on self esteem and toddlers and her Positive Toddler Taming CD and ideas book is available from her website. To find out more about her work and to receive her free monthly newsletter bursting with practical tips and helpful advice for bringing up happy, confident, well-balanced children from toddler to teen go to => http:/www.positive-parents.com

Hiring Baby car seats in Sydney

Mary said: 18 September 2010 9:07 PM

Our daughter is flying from England in November with her 7 month old son. She requires a baby safety seat for the day she arrives in Sydney, and the same again when she leaves three weeks later. She has family members at each of her other destinations who can have baby seats fitted in their cars when she arrives, but Sydney is the the problem, because it will be for such a short time. Is it possible to hire one for one or two days at a time? She will be using private transport so doesn’t need to hire a taxi. I realise that that car will have to be fitted out to take a baby seat. It will difficult enough travelling with a baby without having to carry her own baby seat, as well.

Donna @ Little Gulliver said: 20 September 2010 2:33 PM

Hello Mary,

That sounds great. I’m surmising you’re based in Australia and no doubt you’re a bit excited about seeing your Grandson (and his mum)!

Since you’ve mentioned private transport, hiring a car + seat is out. But, yes, absolutely you can hire just a seat for a day or 2 at a time. (Of course individual places may have a minimum number of days hire, so you may have to pay for some extra unused days). There are a number of businesses that hire baby equipment. You could also hire other things, like port-a-cots, strollers and the like.

I’ve listed a couple below that rent baby equipment in Sydney;

http://www.hireforbaby.com/

http://www.phdrentals.com.au/hire-baby-products.html

And a couple of Directory’s can be found here;

Kidspot’s Sydney Baby Hire Directory

Bubhub Nursery Eqipment Hire NSW

I’m sorry I can’t personally recommend any in particular, although I have used ‘Hire for Baby’ a couple of times. (It is a franchise business though and I have not used it in the Sydney region).

As your Grandson is around 7 months, the hire company will advise which car seat option will suit him – based on his weight. Baby capsules are most likely out and it will depend on whether he would suit a rear facing car seat or face forward. At his age, rear facing is likely to be the best option. Just check his weight before you make any calls.

Other things to consider when hiring the seat is delivery and installation. Depending on circumstances, they are likely to visit the house with the car and install a day or so before the baby arrives and pick it up the day after he leaves. It will also help if you can tell them the make and model of the car when booking. (I’m not sure why, but I’ve been asked this before)!

Also, with the private car, just make sure it is baby ready. It should already have at least 1 vehicle anchor point (to attach the car seat). Newer cars have these already. Otherwise, you can easily get 1 from a baby store or even a department store. Again, the baby hire organisation you use may be able to help on this.

I absolutely agree that your daughter need not bother about bringing her own seat. Apart from actually having to bother with it, I think they are better off staying in your car – where you know where it’s been. The other thing is legislation. I am uncertain as to whether UK car seats would even be approved for use in Australia and may not be worth the worry.

Here is a couple of recent posts which you may find helpful;

http://www.littlegulliver.com.au/blog/flying-with-babies/

http://www.littlegulliver.com.au/blog/choosing-an-aeroplane-seat/

Let me know if there are other things you’re wondering about that I haven’t mentioned. Also, Little Gulliver’s Baby category is here, in case you need any ideas.

Best of luck with the planning and I hope you get lots of cuddles!

Regards,

Donna

Mr Men take off

Put together your own kit! Choose from a number of road tested boredom busters=>visit our popular Travel Activities category Little Gulliver fun stuff!

Qantas is rolling out new Kids Kits on domestic and international services Qantas kids kits. Children travelling on domestic and trans-Tasman services receive an activity pack from the Mr Men range of books. The new characters Mr Messy and Little Miss Sunshine will be featured (suitable for 3-12 year olds). Children on other international services will receive a Race Around the World pack, comprising a reusable travel pouch with an activity book, a time-zone card, a deck of cards, jigsaw and pen.

-adapted from Kay O’Sullivan, Smart Traveller, The Age, Saturday September 18, 2010

Sounds great? Put together your own kit! Choose from a number of road tested boredom busters=>visit our popular Travel Activities category Little Gulliver Games and Activities

Packing for the Kids

Clothes – packing for late winter

People often ask me about packing. It can be a hard one, as you’re not sure what you’ll be doing and what the weather will be like. Keep it simple and don’t take anything they don’t normally wear at home (chances are you won’t want them wearing it when you’re away). Make sure the clothes are comfortable and that the kids will actually want to wear them (especially older kids).

Because we’re staying with family and will have access to washing I’m taking 3 full sets of clothes per child. This will allow for one set to be washed each night and a spare. This doesn’t include “plane clothes” – because we have such a short flight and will have rel’s waiting at the other end we normally dress up a bit in our “good” clothes and shoes. (I always keep it simple though and always wear the same clothes there and back).

Three “full” sets of clothes includes;

Boys	Girls
singlet	singlet
socs	socs
undies	undies
long sleeve shirt	long sleeve shirt
pants	pants + pinafore dress
jumper/light jacket	jumper / light jacket
casual shoes (1 pair)	casual shoes (1 pair)

Extras – 1 set of pyjamas + dressing gown + slippers, nappies for the baby, extra undies for the 3yo, emergency princess dress up for 3yo girl, footy top for 4yo boy, 1 beanie and hat each.

My kids get reasonably dirty every day. You could possibly take less clothes if you have children of the non-grubby variety, or if you’re happy to wash and use a clothes dryer every night.

I always take as many nappies as I can fit, less bother about shopping while you’re there I say. Alternatively, if you’re staying with family they may be happy for you to let them know a shopping list ahead of time.

By laying out your 3 sets of clothes in little piles, before you pack, you have less chance of forgetting anything. Just make sure you have each set complete before you start packing or you’ll keep wondering if you did actually pack that singlet. You won’t want to unpack your whole suitcase to make sure!

Country NSW here we come…

Those of us who live away from our families will understand that the most time we spend on planes is unfortunately not off to a destination like a tropical island or a theme park. Most of our trips are off to see our loved ones, and though this is exciting, it’s when I’m packing that I wish the bathers could fit in and that I would have a need for them!

Anyway, this trip we’re off to the Hunter Valley. From where we are, based in Melbourne, it’s only a short 1 ½ hours in the air. One difference for me this time is its the first time the three kids and myself are heading off on our own, Dad free. Our kids are now 4, 3 and 1, so things are fairly easy (compared to 12 months ago). But I’m still dreading the possibility of sleepless nights and unsettled souls leading to a tired mum. Oh well, it’s the price to pay for getting away.

One week out, I’m making my list and checking it twice. I’ve bought extra nappies, pre-packaged snacks (normally I’m a ‘I bake it you eat it’ sort of girl). I’ve bought everybody new toothbrushes (so I can pack them early), organised hairdressers, checked ahead for the weather (we won’t need our coats – hooray), have organised car seats for the drive at the other end, cancelled fruit delivery…can’t think of anything else!

As seen in Shop 4 Kids Magazine

If you’re reading through the Spring 2010 issue of ‘Shop 4 Kids’ Magazine (issue 9) you may recognise some of our products! When putting together their ‘Are We There Yet’ collection they came to Little Gulliver to feature some of our top selling items.

Look out for;

Potette Plus (page 192)
Medibuddy (page 191)
Aquadoodle (page 190)
CARES (page 189)
Heinz Disposable Bibs (page 188)

Where are you heading?

At Little Gulliver, we appreciate that our customers are travelling for all sorts of reasons.

lake como villa — Fancy a reception at Lake Como Villa?

Some are catching up with family and friends, others have ailing loved ones abroad, while some are treating themselves and the kids to a much needed break. All are really good reasons to visit Little Gulliver for some help in getting the kids organised and making your life a little easier.

One memorable customer this week is Tamara. We would like to wish her all the best as she heads off to Italy to get married! We hope you and your loved ones have a really memorable time.

All the best for the future,

Donna

Kids Fly Safe with the CARES Harness

The Cares Kids Fly Safe Harness seemed like the perfect solution to my concerns about flying for the first time with my four-year-old son.

This article was written by US parent Bostonmom for Trekaroo.com.

A link can be found here cares review.

The CARES harness (A$99.95 at Little Gulliver) seemed like the perfect solution to my concerns about flying for the first time with my four-year-old son. While my son loves riding in the car and has never complained about sitting in his car seat (thankfully!),this would be the first time he would spend several hours on a plane. In particular, I was nervous about whether he would sit still with just a lap belt restraining him.

Installing the harness was easy, but required an awkward moment of asking the person behind us to move her tray table down while we installed the wrap-around strap. If my son had been seated on the aisle, this may have been an easier installation, but he insisted on sitting by the window. Installing the Cares Harness while kneeling on the middle seat and trying not to hit my head on the overhead bins was tricky. If there were some way for the system to work without having to bother another passenger, that would make it better.

Once that part was done, though, strapping in our son was a breeze. From that point on, the 4-point harness made my son feel like he was in his car seat at home rather than in an airplane. Well, apart from the clouds passing by the window to show we were in the air. My son really does enjoy being in his car seat, so we did not experience any problems with him getting antsy from being restrained by the Cares Harness. It also may have helped that this was his first flight and he knew no other way of flying. I would imagine that children who do not like being strapped in a car seat or who are used to flying with fewer physical restrictions may not appreciate this product in quite the same manner.

For the two-plus hour flight from Orlando to Boston, I was not interrupted by my son complaining about being buckled in, and he was much more contented than other children I witnessed climbing all over the aircraft without any seat belt being used except for takeoff and landing. I was actually very close to offering up the harness to the family aside of us who probably could have gotten much better use out of it than we did!

The belts used to create this harness are very similar to those used for the lap belts, so the system looks like it belongs on the plane. One might almost wonder why the airlines do not make these available to all families flying with younger children. It is a great concept that keeps kids safer than just using a lap belt. We chose not to bring our car seat with us on the vacation and this product allowed us to keep our son safe without the hassle of lugging onboard a car seat. We saw one family with twins carrying their car seats onto the plane, installing them, and then having to carry them out of the plane with them. It looked like way too much for anyone to handle at the airport.

The only problem I encountered with the harness was my husband and his unwillingness to let me use it on the flight down to Florida, as he did not want to let me ask the person behind me if I could move his tray table to install the straps.

For families that travel frequently with young children over age two (or under age two and using an individual seat), this is a great product if you’re willing to bother the person behind you for a moment to install the Cares Harness. The price of $US 69.70 for the CARES harness is a little steep if you were planning to only use it once. With no visible expiration date, it certainly looks like it is made to last for a long time.

Here’s a quick summary:

Pros:

Only FAA certified alternative to a car seat
4-point harness that’s identical to your child’s car seat configuration
Durable material that’s made by the same company who makes airplane safety belts
Light (500 grams / 1 pound) and portable
You can check-in your 50 pound car seat instead of lugging it on board

Cons:

Simple to install, but requires an awkward moment when you ask the passenger behind your child to put their tray table down.
No straps between the legs (the 5th safety point), so the straps have to be very snug or else smaller kids may slide down or wiggle out
Red strap sometimes doesn’t align flush for curved back seats
A big price tag if you don’t fly often

This article was written by US parent Bostonmom for Trekaroo.com.

A link can be found here cares review.

Top Ten Travel Activities

Little Gulliver has launched a new ‘Travel Activities’ category. We have many of the above activities (and more still to come) for a flat rate $5 delivery, posting daily to your door.

What to take with us when travelling is a common question among parents. Having the right things with you can help keep everyone entertained and help pass the time with happy faces!

I try and think small, new and cheap. For babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in particular, it is easy to excite them with something new and fresh. This is why I like to present them with some new goodies on the plane.

I have included some of my favourite things, for plane travel in particular, in a list below. Just keep your child’s age and interests in mind when reading.

Etch-a-sketch, Doodle pro – some sort of magnetic drawing system. They will have fun drawing, erasing, thinking about how it works and looking at the pen.
Colouring books – choose a new one which may hold some interest for your child. A nice pencil case can also be entertaining (that zip). When it comes to your child, consider whether pencils or crayons would suit. For instance I prefer the twistable pencils for older kids, but younger children may just entertain themselves twisting the lead up and breaking it off (crayons only)!
Aquadoodle – I fell in love with the Aquadoodle at a Toy Fair last year. Its fun for parents! The travel Aquadoodle is such a simple device. The child can pick it up, carry it, it is its own tray and comes with its own pen. Just add water to the pen and you’re set to go. The great thing about this is you don’t have to worry about the plane seat being marked and unlike some markers – faces and hands don’t need cleaning later.
Color Wonder – a great colouring activity where only the book can be drawn on with the special color wonder texta’s. These are another great travel tool. I only bring them out for trips, so they are a bit new an exciting each time. Choose a favourite character.
Sticker books – they are a classic for travelling as they have some activities (the stickering) and often stories and colouring too. We have stickers stuck all over the house though, so consider the child in question when choosing. I’ll include some of the magnetic travel books and games here, but our pieces have tended to get lost or chewed on.
Books – great for long haul, but these can be bulky so choose carefully – try and keep them small and light. This is where something familiar may be comforting, especially before a “nap”. Make sure the topic is especially popular with both you and your child or you may not be that keen to read it over and over. It should also have enough interest that your child may be happy to look at it on their own. Consider board books or lift the flap books for the smaller ones and bright pictures and a fun story for the older kids.
Something with wheels – if it is something they already own and a favourite, be prepared to loose it. The problem about wheels is that they have a tendency to roll under things. (I had a brilliant plan and took some cars to a beach wedding – of course they got buried almost immediately)! I like the ‘Chubbies’ range – colourful and exciting, soft wheels they can’t do too much damage and we have used them as bath toys. Choose something like a plane or bulldozer as the moveable parts can add interest. They also come in a great range of colours.
Don’t discount what you can find around you. We often read the supplied In Flight magazine during take off and landing (while you have to have all your belongings stowed away). My son enjoys any car ads, while my daughter looks at the “neckalaces” and clothes. You can also play “spot this or that” either in cabin or out the window. A plastic pen and paper cup (nothing that can be broken easily or eaten) can make for a impromptu pretend tea party. In one desperate stuck-on-the-tarmic time my daughter and I played “shoes on and off” – more entertaining than you’d think!
Zoobies – if you’re travelling with a comfort toy then it’s hard to look past a zoobie. They are a cute toy to cuddle or role play with, a pillow and have a blanket concealed in them!
A kids magazine – There are some of these on the market which you may find suits your child. Bringing out a Dora, Pets or Cars magazine can be exciting. There are plenty of things to look at, read or colour in.

Put it all in a bag, drawstring bag or a backpack and you have your own Travel Activity Pack – custom made for your child’s interests. You may want to put it away when you reach your destination (to keep it fresh) or save something in your suitcase to add in for the trip home.

Little Gulliver has launched a new ‘Travel Activities’ category called ‘Play’. We have many of the above activities (and more still to come) for a flat rate $5 delivery, posting daily to your door Little Gulliver Play.

Any other activities you love? Share your suggestions!

Child Restraints and Taxis

Considering Taxi travel with kids creates a number of different concerns and questions for us all. This post is a brief outline of some things to look at.

Taxi travel with kids creates a number of different concerns and questions for us all. Below is a brief outline of things which may be worth considering;
Where possible, it is best if you can supply your own car seat when intending to travel in a taxi to ensure that your child is safe. All taxis should have the correct anchor point for fitting the restraint, but it is always advisable to call the taxi company in advance to check.

Taxi companies may be able to provide child restraints if they are given sufficient notice. A surcharge is the norm for the hire of the child seat and you will often have to pay for the taxi to collect the seat from a depot or taxi company’s headquarters. Your journey will be metered from the car seat collection point, to wherever you are picked up and then onto your final destination. Check all charges with your taxi company in advance and ensure that you book your vehicle well in advance (at least an hour).

Older children (up to age 7 years) must use a child restraint if one is available. If there isn’t one available, the child must wear a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.

The rules for travelling in taxis with very young children do vary from state to state within Australia. It is advisable to check with taxi companies when booking and to order a child seat in advance. Customer service desks at airports (both within Australia and internationally) should be able to assist you with booking taxis with child seats if you are not able to pre-book a taxi prior to your arrival.

Other options

One idea which may be useful for travel is to take a small booster seat or booster cushion, which sits on the taxi seat. This will lift the child up from the taxi seat and help to lift the seat belt away from the child’s neck. Also look at “seat belt adjuster’s”. I believe this is a better option than nothing at all, as per current taxi regulations. (Of course a high back booster and harness is preferable, when possible).

Consider hiring a car and driver. This can be an easier, though more costly option than a taxi. Here you can easily book ahead and the car seat will be installed with a friendly driver waiting for you at baggage claim on your arrival.

Unless you need more than 2 car seats installed, hiring a car may be a useful option (more on this coming in a separate post).

Interesting reading

Here is a recent newspaper article explaining one Dad’s frustrations Fare Go for Kids in Cabs.

More to come

We are asked regularly about this topic and I have certainly found it to be a big area with many issues and alternatives to consider. I will be posting more on this in the future. Any questions or comments please let me know.