Any suggestions on traveling with infant on a plane?

Q. I will be traveling ALONE with my 10 months old son for a 15 hours non-stop flight very soon. Any suggestions on how i can make it easier on myself and on him? I heard about the sucking bottle when take off and land to avoid his ear popping. The travel agent booked us the very last row. but then I heard that the best is the bulk head. I am not sure having a big screen in front of me and my baby though. He crawls everywhere. Not yet walking by himself. What do i do to entertain him? Can I bring a electronic toys on board? Is there any traveling gear that I should bring with me? I will have a travel system stroller and the car seat with me. I am afriaid it will be really tough when we get to the screening. Just a bit nervous since I will be going alone. That's a long flight too. Please help.

A. You have so many important questions! I found this site that is probably just what you need to read. It has information on everything listed below. I copied it from the site to give you an idea. Best wishes on your trip.

These baby and child air travel tips are from flying families worldwide
.
Get tips about:

Airlines

At the airport

Diaper changing

Meals on board

Entertainment and playing

Getting around

Health and hygiene

Packing

Safety

Sleeping on board

Staying sane

Travel planning

What happens on board

What to wear

Original Question

How to travel alone with a toddler an infant? By plane. Any advice?

Q. I would like to know how anyone here might have travelled alone by plane with a toddler (mine is almost 2) and a baby (mine is 10 months old). Please I am at a loss at how I will be able to visit my father with both babies. What gear is available, how can this be done? I will of course have help to get to and from the airports but in between with boarding, seating, and after arrival to get to baggage area. Thanks.

A. Okay well your one child (the older one) will have their own seat. but you will be holding the baby unless you purcahsed a separate seat. i highly suggest a double stroller and wheel the luggage behind you. You can use your stroller up until the very last second and then they will put it under the plane for you and then they will have it ready for you right when you get off...but that is going to SAVE you. Also make sure you have a backpack so that you can keep a change of clothe, diapers, etc and pack some new toys and snacks so that your toddler will be interested and if you have a potable dvd player i would pack that in the bag as well. Also if they have a favorite binky or blanket or cup i would definately let them have that. Relax and take your time.
hope that helps...happy travels.

Original Question

When can infants fly on the airplane?

Q. My baby is 4 months and my husband and I are planning to take her on the plane in about a month. Is it ok for her to fly? Has anyone had any experience with taking a young infant on the plane and are there any tips I should know?

A. Mu husband and I took our daughter on her first flight when she was nearly 4 months old. Our doctor recommended Tylenol and a pacifier or bottle for take-off and landing--to help with pain and to help her ears pop when the pressure changes.

Skip the Benadryl--especially at that age. There are new studies out that say that Benadryl can make some children stay awake instead of get sleepy. Just try to book your flight for naptime instead.

Bring a bag stuffed with all of her favorite toys and blankets--anything that makes her feel at home.

The biggest issue we had were diaper changes. We only booked 2 seats so we could save money. We booked an aisle seat and the seat next to it so we could have easy access to the restroom; but, the restrooms are so small that we had to sort of balance her on the toilet cover to change her. The next flight we took, we booked the whole row. We still sat her on our laps, but we had a seat to hold the diaper bag while in the air and a spot to change her that was a little less uncomfortable.

Original Question

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Can you give me some ideas about my toy project?

Q. Can you give me some ideas about my toy project?
I have to design a children's toy. I have to choose an age group, such as infant, 2-5 years, 6-8 years, 8-12 years, 13-14 years etc.
I have to be sure the toy is safe. It has to be a toy that nobody invented yet. The has to be safe as well. I have to make a toy that is enjoyable and also the child has to gain knowledge out of that. For example: My teacher showed me others toys that designed other people. One people drew a bus and on the bus, he put the alphabets. His illistration was-- if you press the buttons with a, b, c, it will say a and it will like it will shine, like you will be able to see light .

Now can you give me an idea, what could I design and how?.
Please help. I know some of my writing you will not undersatnd thats because I am new and I am learning english.
Please help me!!

A. i interned at a preschool for 5 months. ages varied from 3-6
there was no plastic toys there everything came from nature.
and the kids enjoyed playing with them.
from what i know abou child development, you should never really give a child a plastic toy because i prevents them from developing touch because plastic always feels the same. children like to feel if things are smooth or sharp, or the grooves of tree bark.
maybe that doesnt help but try to make something that kids can feel and determine whats going on. it is educational and enjoyable.

Original Question

What kind of things do you add to your baby registry?

Q. I have no idea where to begin.. or end, for that matter.

A. I went to babies r us and Target. At first I wasn't going to go to babies r us, but it is amazing how much more they have than Target.

First do not register for any cute clothes. That is what most people will buy you so why register and get more outfits than you will know what to do with.

Here are some things for your registry

Bottles -even if you are breastfeeding put dowm some bottles just in case.
Bottle brush cleaner
Bottle drying rack
Swing
play mat
some toys
infant tub
hooded towels
washclothes
baby bath soap- johnsons or aveeno - I love aveeno
diapers- i wouldn't put tons of size 1 or 2 (maybe 2 boxes of each and I never bought newborn diapers)
wipes
stroller and carseat- put down for an extra base if you have more than one car
blankets- i got tons of these but you never know if you will get a lot or not
socks
sleepers, gowns
onesies ( 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months
high chair ( personally I love the Fisher Price Space Saver)
crib
changing table not a necessity but I love mine for changing and storage
thermometer
baby medicine like mylicon drops, fever reducer


That is all I can think of for now. Good luck

Original Question

I am pregnant and it is my first :) i honestly am having trouble knowing what all to go out and buy before the?

Q. baby is born. If you could just add something to my list that may be useful, i would really appreciate it:) Thanks.

A. -alot of onsies and sleepers. me personally i would buy 3-6 month. cause everything you get at ur shower will be Newborn size.

- diapers and wipes....i would buy these at Sams Club. They have them in bulk. you get more for your money and they last alot longer.

-bottles, a bottle warmer (one for car and a travel one for when u go places) a bottle sanitizer, bottle brush, nursery water...or some sort of sterlized bottled water.

-pacifiers.

-recieving blankets

-fleece blankets

-boppy pellow

-one of those J&J gift sets with the bath stuff in them...First Touch! its in a yellow bag.

-an infant tub, hooded towels, baby wash cloths, tub toys, a toy poutch, tub thermometer.

-a dresser or some kind of storage, those lil storage baskets, and a diaper stacker...some picture frames, baby monitor, and lil toys to put on the dresser.

-crib, the bedding, a matress pad, some kind of music box that attaches to the side, an infant positioner and a mobile

-some source of entertainment for baby....bouncer, playmat, swing.

-car seat and stroller combo...called a Travel System. an extra car seat base.

-baby health and grooming kit...contains. nasal asparitor, clippers, brish, thermometer, some have baby asprin, scratch mits...all depend on the brand. keep a close eye on the size of the nasal asparitor, alot of them are designed to big to fit in babys tiny nose. get you one that has a skinny end on it.

-diaper bag, travel formula despencer, travel size bath set. some wet ones for you and hand sanitizer.

-play yard if shes going from place to place...example sitters, home, grandparents house....they come in handy if you are on the go. AND they serve the same purpose as a bassinet and do more...ie they have music boxes, storage compartments, the bassinet cover, and a changing table all right there. and they last up to a yr.

im sure i forgot some things but those are your basic necissitys.!

I hope I helped.!

congrads and good luck with ur lil one.

Original Question

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How can I let my 3 month have tummy time without my 16 month old hurting him?

Q. I usually let my 3 month old do tummy time on our couch, but he looks like he'll be rolling over any minute.

When my first son was born I always let him play on a blanket on the floor, but now that I've got an infant and a toddler, I'm afraid my toddler will either fall on the baby or unintentionally hit him with a toy if the baby is on the floor. Any suggestions?

A. You really have to watch your 16 month old, that's all really. And if he gets near, tell him he has to watch out. After awhile, he'll realize it.

My son eventually would even crawl on the floor entertaining his brother. :)

Original Question

What Are Your Thoughts About Exposing Infants To Television?

Q. My baby is only 3 months old and already stares at the tv when she is being changed or what not. I was CONSIDERING buying her some baby einstein videos to watch or look at while she is in her bouncer and I cook dinner or try and get dressed. Is that bad? Obviously I would never let the tv babysit my kid, but she is too young to hold toys or or sit up yet and I know the einstein videos are all music, shapes and colors. THOUGHTS?

A. There are no benefits to any tv program for a 3 month old baby, but if the tv is on while you are cooking or cleaning or whatever it would probably be better to have some kind of baby video on instead of some violent adult show full of foul language.

Original Question

How do I get my pup to stop digging holes in my yard?

Q. Everytime I take him out to pee/poop he always digs holes. Ever since the snow melted. My landlord has told me its an issue and it needs to be stopped. I'm always outside with him, he's never left alone unless I'm the only one home and I'm nursing my infant. I've tried distracting him by playing fetch and with several other toys out there but he becomes not interested and starts digging. He's a 3 month old golden retriever/lab mix.

A. In the interests of not upsetting your landlord (and this is why so many rental properties exclude people with dogs!!) the moment he starts this, bring him in! Dogs usually dig because they have the opportunity, and are bored. More exercise now.

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should I be worried about flying 18 hours with a 9 month old?

Q. I'm going home to visit family and I won't have anyone else to help me. I've never taken him on a plane but I'm scared that he'll cry the whole way and I'll feel really bad for annoying others. Does breastfeeding work well for taking off/landing? I'm open to any suggestions!
I couldn't even afford my economy class ticket let alone business, my family paid for it so they can meet the baby. My husband has to stay home too.

A. For a trip that long, I would highly recommend paying the extra price and getting your baby his own seat in her carseat. That way you don't have to hold him the whole time. You CAN fly "infant in arms" and not pay for him to fly but would it be worth it? Just my two cents.....

Yes, breastfeeding or a pacifier helps with the differences of cabin pressure during take off and landing, just like chewing gum. Bring little toys and books to keep her from getting too bored. Bring a lot of healthy snack foods and pick her up and walk around occasionally. Try traveling mainly at night, may be your baby will sleep more.

Also, if your baby cries a lot, the seasoned travelers are used to it, and besides you won't see any one else on the plane again so don't feel bad. And a bad day or so of crying and the annoyance of the trip won't have any negative affect on a normally happy baby.

Original Question

Is it safe for a 6 month old to fly 18 hours?

Q. Im planning a trip to S. Korea to see my husband, hes in the Air Force, and we want our 6 month old daughter to come with me. Has anyone flown for that length of time with an infant? How did they do? Any tips/tricks i should know about for keeping her quite? And how did the child do during take off/landing??

A. Safe absolutely. I flew with my 1 month old last month across the US (from origin to destination about 9 hours including layovers). Most of the newer planes have better pressurization than the old ones, so I had no problems with take off/landing and ears. He actually ate just before take off, and slept for most of the flight. I did have both a bottle and a pacifier ready in case his ears bothered him.

If any of the airline or airport officials offer help, say yes. The hardest part for me was actually security, but a TSA official helped me carry my bins to a bench so I could carry the baby. Also, at the bench, I was able to lay my baby on a blanket in the bin which kept him safe and confined while I put my shoes on, put my laptop back, put my liquids back, etc. I also had a flight attendant offer to put my bags in the overhead bin. I was also able to board early which helped me get the baby situated without feeling the pressure of other people trying to board. However, if you have a wiggly baby who hates to be confined, board last so you can confine them at the last possible minute.

I requested an aisle seat so I could move up and down the aisle, and stand up when necessary. Definitely take your car seat - check with the airline and compare just buying a full fare discount seat vs. a discounted with the airline infant seat price. Sometimes, you'll find it cheaper to buy the seat online. If your plane has the 2 seat only on the side- take it. You have to put the car seat against the window.

You know your child. If she is wiggly or likes to move around, plan on spending any gate time moving around, and letting her down to stretch. I am a baby wearer, so I was able to wear my baby in the airport with no problems, and on the plane. When I fly with him again, I will buy a seat to give him his own space.

With toys, the more you can secure them (think of the toys that attach to car seats) the less time you will spend diving under seats, and asking neighbors if you can have them back. Also, only bring out one or two toys at a time, putting them away before you bring out a new one. That way, baby will think they are new each time and you can get away with only 6 - 8 rather than a ton.

Be patient, and be calm. If you are trying to calm your crying baby, then other passengers tend to be nicer. My baby falls asleep in the car, and the plane was the same motion for him so he slept for the entire flight, only waking for food. It was the following day that was harder for me with the baby and the time zones. On the way back because I flew red eye, baby had no time zone adjustment problems.

Original Question

What are somethings you look for for child care?

Q. I'm thinking about starting up a child care business. I'm planing on getting certified, but I was just wondering what one looks for when deciding on what child care service to go with? Just want to hear from people that have put their children into child care, so I know what I could exceed at. Thank you!

A. Okay, I have worked in the child are field for 10 years and I have a baby so I am extremely anal when looking for child care, so here goes:

1) Caregiver must be CPR and first aid certified (child and infant)
2) Caregiver must be trained in ECE OR have lots of experience with young children
3) Small group setting (max of 5 children)
4) lots of opportunity for outside time
5) Activities - Creative time such as fingerpainting and getting messy, songs, stories, outings, cooking, different things each day, emergent curriculum (go with interests of children, not set themes), science, nature, etc.
6) For infants and toddlers - communication books
7) No smoking household
8) Clean house
9) Quiet areas for children to sleep
10) Healthy home-made meals following the food guide (1 meal and at least two snacks per day)
11) Everyone in the house must have a recent police check
12) What would you do in an emergency?
13) Back-up care if you are sick
14) Policies around vacation and sick days - parents should get two weeks a year of vacation where they do not have to pay
15) Safe, large areas for play (large fenced-in backyard, adequate shade, no dangers)
16) Age appropriate toys and activities
17) Use of TV - a big no-no for me and one of the reasons I pulled my daughter out of home daycare and enrolled her in a centre
18) Interest caregiver shows in my child (do they want to hold them?) and how they interact with other children
19) Discipline method - obviously parents would be looking for positive discipline
Good luck!

Original Question

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When can infants fly on the airplane?

Q. My baby is 4 months and my husband and I are planning to take her on the plane in about a month. Is it ok for her to fly? Has anyone had any experience with taking a young infant on the plane and are there any tips I should know?

A. Mu husband and I took our daughter on her first flight when she was nearly 4 months old. Our doctor recommended Tylenol and a pacifier or bottle for take-off and landing--to help with pain and to help her ears pop when the pressure changes.

Skip the Benadryl--especially at that age. There are new studies out that say that Benadryl can make some children stay awake instead of get sleepy. Just try to book your flight for naptime instead.

Bring a bag stuffed with all of her favorite toys and blankets--anything that makes her feel at home.

The biggest issue we had were diaper changes. We only booked 2 seats so we could save money. We booked an aisle seat and the seat next to it so we could have easy access to the restroom; but, the restrooms are so small that we had to sort of balance her on the toilet cover to change her. The next flight we took, we booked the whole row. We still sat her on our laps, but we had a seat to hold the diaper bag while in the air and a spot to change her that was a little less uncomfortable.

Original Question

Moms what do you do to make your plane ride with your toddler easier?

Q. In about a week me and my 13 month old are flying back to my home town for the weekend. Any thoughts on how to make the plane ride easier for me and her both. Also .. do you think I should take a car seat or just hold her. My sister back home has a car seat we can use when we get there, but I don't know if it will be easier for her to just sit in her own car seat or in my lap. Any suggestions?

A. Most airlines allow children under 2 to ride in their parent's lap. So if money is an issue for you, upon checking in (or purchasing your tickets), note that you will be carrying an infant in your lap so you don't have to pay extra for another seat. Make sure you get an aisle seat so there is no struggle when you have to get up to use the rest room and there is room for your wiggler to wiggle. Our two hour trip from Orlando to Newark (and back) was a little tough the first time. So what did to make sure that this flight would be easier was use a large diaper bag as my carry-on and fill it with stuff to entertain him (amongst his diapers and other motherly necessities). I bought a coloring book, his favorite small toys and favorite books to read, some snacks and a portable dvd player w/ his favorite tv shows or movies. Make sure to pack a juice or water (3ozs or less... lol), so that they can be drinking and swallowing when the plane takes off, which helps the popping in their ears be less painful. You can also just purchase a juice or water on the flight, but sometimes they are a little pricey. If you are getting one, buy a juice or water so you can share.
I also scheduled the flight around the time I knew he'd be taking his nap so he could sleep some of the time. I had done the whole flight thing with him once w/o this stuff and w/o getting aisle seats. It was horrendous and I learned from that tremendously. After the flight with the baggage filled with goodies, I was actually comments from those seated beside me. He was so well behaved and they had initially been worried about their flight with a baby next to them. I actually had one of them tell me that I was a good mother, which is always good to hear! I hope this helps!

Original Question

What should I bring when traveling/flying with an 8 month old baby?

Q. We are flying to Ohio for a week (2 flights about 2 hours each). I am packing, but want to make sure I don't forget anything. I have diapers, wipes, clothes, a few toys, etc. How many bottles should I bring? I nurse and pump everyday, but will probably mostly pump while we are there. Any other suggestions would be great!
We are only bringing two small carry on suitcases and the diaper bag because luggage costs so much.

A. I just traveled with my son who was 10 months at the time...God bless you! haha....Anyway, Things I took on the plane with me 2 hour flight plus time in the airport....Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bib, 2 bottles, 1 can of formula, infant tylenol/motrin, orajel (hes teething pretty bad lately), Food (3 jars), spoons, snacks (cereal), sippy cup, toys (ones that don't make too much noise).

Things I brought in general for the trip....Clothes, PJs, stroller, car seat, toys, baby toiletries (soap, lotion, nail clippers, nasal aspirator, brush, diaper rash cream, baby monitors (we were staying with family, so I was able to put him down for a nap, and still go outside by the pool). Towel and washclothes, sunblock.

I bought food, formula, and diapers when I got there. My relatives also borrowed a lot of baby gear from a friend so I had things there (Pack n Play, walker, high chair).

Check your airlines policies. There usually isn't a charge for checking carseat, strollers, or bassinets (pack n play), even if the child is flying on your lap. You are also allowed to bring the diaper bag plus your carry ons...the diaper bag does not count as your carry on.

Best of luck. I hope you are not traveling alone, and will have help, my son was very good and slept the entire flight there, and if it weren't for my fiance and my mother traveling with us, I would have had a nervous break down.

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What are the best stores and brands for these baby items..?

Q. Also I would like you to consider price for what you are getting.. Stores where I would shop would be Walmart, Target, Kohls, Walgreens, Babys r us..
Diapers
Wipes
Bottles
Formula
Baby toys
Baby Furniture
Baby Clothes- Do Walmart baby clothes shrink when you wash them?

A. Diapers- I love Huggies. I loved Pampers Swaddlers for the newborn stage but haven't tried any other types of Pampers diapers so I can't really say whether I like them or not. I buy diapers and wipes at Costco but if I had to pick a store from your options, I would say Walmart or Target would be best and cheapest.

Wipes- I love Huggies wipes also. I do love Pampers Sensitive wipes for younger infants though. We used them on and off when my son was younger but as he got older, we needed a thicker wipe and I hated Pampers thicker wipes. I love Huggies wipes, they can come unscented and are very thick and durable. I buy them at Costco but I would go to Walmart or Target from your store prices.

Bottles- We love Dr. Brown bottles and for an older baby who's tummy isn't so sensitive anymore, we also love the Pampers Stage 2 bottles. I've also heard good things about Playtex Drop Ins but we've never tried those bottles. I bought my bottles at Walmart so that's where I would sugges you go. Again though, Target is usually pretty cheap too!

Formula- We have always loved Similac formula more then Enfamil and Gerber Good Start. My son is now on Similac Alimentum and we get most of our formula through WIC, but when I have to buy cans, I go to Walmart.

Baby Toys- We have tons and tons of toys! I love Walmart, Target, and Babies R Us for toys. Babies R Us is a little more expensive though.

Baby Furniture- We got all of our baby furniture and gear from www.walmart.com or at a Walmart store. We love all of our son's furniture and gear! Never had a problem with any of it.

Baby Clothes- I've never noticed any shrinking in Walmart baby clothes but we don't have a ton of clothes from Walmart. Out of your choices, I would shop for clothes at Walmart, Target, Kohls, and Babies R Us. Babies R Us and Kohls is going to be a tiny bit more expensive but they have good quality clothes! I also love Baby Gap, Macy's, Gymboree, and a lot of online stores (www.etsy.com, www.zulily.com, www.cafepress.com, etc).

*I didn't mention Walgreens at all because I've never shopped at Walgreens and have no idea how expensive their stuff is and what quality items they have.

Original Question

What do you know about babies toys with volume control?

Q. I have a little tykes play yard for my infant. She is supposed to lay under it for the infant setting, but it seems so loud.
I have heard to look for toys with volume control to prevent damage to developing ears. How do I know if it is too loud? The only volume options are on and off.

A. Toys with loud sounds are not good for babies and small children, because it can damage their hearing. Look for toys that have softer sounds or volume control buttons.

Original Question

What baby doll toys does your daughter have?

Q. I bought Sophie a $10 baby doll infant carrier... it sucks, I know why it was only $10 now! So, I'm looking to see what other mommas have and what your daughters liked. Add a link if you have one.

Thanks!

A. She has a variation of this set in pink: http://images.bizrate.com/resize?sq=500&uid=1085529364 We got it for her at Sam's Club last year. It's very cute. The stroller has held up very well... the swing is kind of a pain in the butt and falls off, but she loves it none the less. The crib is crap though... but she likes to sit in it herself, which i'm guessing is why it ripped so easily. Plus the bars move around so it's crooked a lot (which has to do with HER using it instead of the babies lol). I would love to get her a wooden crib, i've got my eyes out for that for her this year. I'm tempted to buy just the stroller in this set if I can find it... since it's bigger than the one she has now, she's starting to outgrow it a bit. But so far this set is a winner, she loves her, my nephew loves it, the kids who come to play love it.

EDIT: Found it. The set she has is the fisher price precious planet at Toys R us. :) We got the entire set for $45. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3546334

EDIT2: I think this is a pretty cute set too, and does look pretty durable. I'm tempted to get her part of this set too, since she is so tall for the stroller she has now lol http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2669620

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Living in a two story home with a toddler?

Q. My husband and I have just moved into our first two story home. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a baby on the way, so this is taking alot of getting used to. I have purchased baby gates to keep my toddler downstairs/and off of the stairs as I will not allow him to be upstairs by himself. I have moved most of his favorite toys downstairs into our living area so he can play throughout the day. So pretty much his room is for sleeping only. I am delivering my baby by planned cesarean, and I am worried about how the stairs are going to affect my getting around once I get home. I need some ideas on how I can keep our trips upstairs to a minimum. I know that we will have to go up atleast 2 times during the day for naps and getting dressed, and of course bedtime. So at bedtime, I am thinking of gating the top of the stairs / or my sons room until morning. Any other suggestions for living in a two story home with small children?

A. In addition to the safety precautions you are taking with baby gates and all, I would recommend some of these tips that I did when were living in a two-story with an infant.

1. Keep a stash of feeding supplies upstairs for nighttime feedings. Maybe a refrig and a bottlewarmer for breastmilk or liquid/pre-mixed formula. Or pre-measured bottles of water and pre-measured baggies of powdered formula and a funnel. Whatever you need upstairs to keep from having to go back downstairs during the night.

2. Keep an entire changing/dressing area downstairs. This would include a couple changes of clothes. Whatever you need during the day, keep a set downstairs as well as upstairs. I would even recommend trying to get the kids to nap downstairs in playpens or cribs if practicable for you.

As for gating the top of the stairs, for safety reasons I would suggest gating your older son's room instead of the top of the stairs. You would not want you or your husband falling over the gate and down the stairs if you had to evacuate the upstairs in an emergency. And be sure to use plenty of nightlights in the halls and baby's room!

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Any tips on travelling with a toddler on long flights?

Q. I have a long journey planned on my next vacation with my 1.5 year old. A fourteen hour flight followed by layover and then a 6-7 hour. We did not opt for an exclusive seat for him either. Any tips?

A. Here are a couple of tips from our own experience:

1. most importantly: call the airline and try to get a bassinette, and at least one seat next to it(that's the crib that attaches to the wall in front of the bulk head seats). the bassinette itself will probably be too small for your child to actually sleep in, but will hold all the extra stuff that comes along with a toddler. moreover, the extra leg room will give your toddler more space to play that is NOT your lap or the aisle...
note: bulk head seats are usually booked first because there's more leg room there, but parents with infants on-lap (younger than 2 years) have priority to these seats on most airlines. if you can't book the seat in advance, don't dispair - you can still get it upon check in: come in early and insist on it!
2. try to keep the child's routine as close to normal as possible. keep meal times and nap times as close as you can to your "home time". bring small packs of favorite foods and snacks with you, as plane food is not likely to top your kids list... you can heat up baby food by putting the container in a small cup filled with a half-inch to an inch of boiling water and stirring the contents. "Gerber" containers fit perfectly, or you could use the small, round, 4-oz disposable plastic containers (like "Glad" or such) which also fit in the coffee cups provided on airplanes.
3. of course, if your child has a favorite toy, stuffed animal, blankie etc., have it with you on board.
4. get a bunch of new, real-cheap little toys that you wouldn't mind losing / throwing away by the end of the trip. introduce a new one every hour or so -- it'll buy you precious time! i'd put under this category also some little arts & crafts items, like stickers and crayons.
5. have at least two full changes of baby clothes and lots of extra diapers with you, as well as a small "baby-bath travel kit", just in case your layover gets extended, your suitecases go astray, and so on... i'd also take an extra shirt for mom and dad, for any unfortunate accidents.
6. on the plane, don't be shy - let baby run up and down the isles. fighting it won't help anyway, and the excersize is good for you both ;-) plus, the more energy they spend, the more likely they are to fall asleep at some point...
7. talk to your pediatritian about baby-safe antihistamines - a small dosage may be all the help baby needs to get drowsy and sleep better when they're already over-tired, but the strange environment won't let them fall asleep...
8. take a deep breath, and remind yourself that, as hard as this one day may be, it's only one day of travel, and it, too, shall pass!

good luck! :)

Original Question

How do you disinfect toys and such with clorox?

Q. What's the mixture? How much of clorox and what else?
Do you need to rinse the toys off after the clorox?
I know these may sound like stupid questions for some people, but I honestly don't know. I have just been boiling water and sanitizing that way.

A. I have been a child care provider in my home for 20 years plus I organize toy cleaning sessions for the nursery, toddler, and preschool rooms at our church. If you are just wanting to keep the toys clean that typically just your child uses at your home then one of the best and easiest ways to do this is to put them on the top shelf of your dishwasher and run them through a cycle. For toys that are not dishwasher safe or too large than you can just keep them washed with warm soapy water and rinsed well afterwards. Disinfection for normal home use really isn't needed, but if your child has been ill (especially with anything stomach related) or has had a playmate over who has put toys in her mouth or showed signs of illness than you may feel better to disinfect them. This is the method I use for my daycare toys and what we do at our church: First, wash hard surfaced items in warm soapy water (we use regular dish soap - Dawn) either in a dishpan or with a cloth. Use a scrub brush for exceptionally dirty items and on toys with crevices. After washing, rinse with lots of clear water to thoroughly remove soap residue. In a large container (I use either a dishpan or a mop bucket), put 1 gallon warm tap water. Add 1 Tablespoon household bleach to the water than add the toys to cover. Allow to sit in the bleach water a few minutes than remove and let air dry at least overnight. Discard the bleach water after use. It is not toxic to drain systems and can be dumped down the sink or toilet. Many people are nervous about leaving the bleach water solution on the toys, but bleach breaks down very quickly and returns to it's original state of salt and water and the chlorine evaporates, leaving no residue. For large toys not able to be immersed, place some of the bleach water in a spray bottle and spray on then let air dry. Most infant chew toys are top rack dishwasher safe and I wash all my infant toys this way as well as bring home the infant toys from church to wash through my dishwasher. We keep an empty dishpan on the shelf in each of the rooms where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers have care and classes. After a child has used a toy or has put one in their mouth, the care givers/teachers place the toy in the dishpan. Someone comes through once a week and either takes them home to run through their dishwasher or we have the instructions and supplies to do cleaning and disinfecting with soap, water, and bleach. ETA: I would just like to add that while bleach does make a good disinfectant, as with everything, you can get too much of a good thing. Excessive use of products such as disinfectants, anti-bacterial products, and hand sanitizers has been strongly linked to the development of bacteria and viruses that are resistant to normal treatment. There are good germs and bad germs. These products do not know the difference and kill both the good and the bad. If you feel you must disinfect, do so with caution and in moderation.

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Is it safe to use super glue on infant toy?

Q. i just recieved a new musical toy for my 8 month old in the mail, it has a small piece that is broken off on top that i know i can fix with super glue, but i need to know if its safe..i know my mom used it on my toys way back, but..i don't know about if its toxic or not?..he is a teething and chews on everything!

A. No it is not safe! Send the toy back! The glu is toxic and if it doesn't hold he could choke on the piece.... Please don't do that!!

Original Question

Daughter is 8 months old, should she be using a sippy cup?

Q. My pediatrician reccomends introdcuing a cup at 6 months. My daughter is now 8 months and still doesn't seem to understand the sippy cup. All she will do is chew on the spout. I've shown her to tip it up like her bottle, but all she wants to do is chew and shake it and throw it around like a toy. Should I keep trying? Is there a certain cup that works better? My mom keeps telling me that she's too young. It's hard to have all the conflicting ideas.

A. If your daughter is breastfeeding there is no compelling reason for her to take a sippy cup, breastfed babies do not need water nor any other fluids under 1 year of age.

Formula fed babies may need water to help prevent constipation, however water can also be given in a bottle. I have seen no evidence that bottles, pacifiers, nor thumb sucking cause any problems for tooth and jaw development under 3-4 years of age. Both bottles and sippy cups deposit the liquid in about the same place in the mouth, and most sippy cups drip in the same ways bottles do.

Even if you were to follow the advice to get rid of bottles at one year, you should have an appointment with a pediatric dentist at 1 year (or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth whichever is FIRST). Then you could discuss the pros and cons of bottles vs sippy cups regarding proper tooth alignment and decay. There is little point discussing that topic with a pediatrician or family doctor -they really aren't trained in such things. And you should see a pediatric dentist in any case (and it is very important to see a dentist toddlers who do not get flouride sealant every 6 months are 4 times as likely to get cavities. If a toddler has cavities it generally requires general anesthetic to fix). Cavities in toddlers are rare but the prevalence is increasing.

Otherwise if you just want to teach her to use a sippy cup try the ones that aren't leak proof. Or try teaching her to drink through a straw. Some people recommend using the straw to drip liquid into the toddlers mouth a few times so they get the idea.

Best of luck.


http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=856
How old is too old?

According to the American Dental Association, thumb sucking does not cause permanent problems with the teeth or jaw line unless it is continued beyond 4 to 5 years of age. As it turns out, somewhere between 85% and 99% of children have finished thumb sucking spontaneously before this period.

Which children keep sucking their thumbs?

Many parents are concerned that thumb sucking at a late age is a sign of emotional immaturity or lack of self-confidence. When investigators have looked at late thumb suckers for common traits, they found only one thing in common that distinguished them from other children -- a prolonged history of a strong battle with thumb sucking at an earlier age. It is striking that many well-meaning parents have actually encouraged thumb sucking by trying to forcibly take the thumb out of their children's mouths.

http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/Infants/CanPacifiersBabyBottlesRuinMyBabysTeeth.cvsp
Are Pacifiers a Problem?
During a child's first few years, sucking habits are unlikely to cause significant damage to a child's mouth. But persistent and long-term sucking, especially after the permanent teeth begin to come into the mouth around age 6, can cause:

* The top front teeth to slant out.
* The bottom front teeth to tilt in.
* The upper and lower jaws to be misaligned.
* The roof of the mouth to be narrowed.


http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/Infants/CanPacifiersBabyBottlesRuinMyBabysTeeth.cvsp
Many children satisy their desire to suck by continuing to use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier or by breastfeeding long after these habits are no longer needed for nutrition. If the bottle or cup contains anything other than plain water, the frequent sucking or sipping may put the child at very high risk of developing early and extensive tooth decay.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/thumbsucking-pacifier
Can problems result from prolonged thumbsucking and finger sucking?

Yes, but not until the permanent front teeth come in (beginning about age six). After that, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It also can cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. When the thumb is removed from the mouths of active thumbsuckers, a "popping" sound often is heard. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child's primary teeth, consult your dentist.

Original Question

What does an 8-month old baby need on a visit to Grandma's?

Q. My baby is 2 months old, but he and I are visiting his grandma's house when he is 8 months old. Grandma wants to start buying things he will need when he visits such as a car seat, cradle, etc.

What things do 8 month old babies use?
We are flying to Grandma's house, so we won't have much with us other than clothes and a few toys.
And we'll be staying at Grandma's for at least two weeks and maybe as much as a month.

A. A car seat and a safe place to sleep are the most important things. Most 8 month olds sleep in a crib at home (or co-sleep with mom) but usually a pack'n'play is more practical for traveling. Grandma could then fold it up and store it away easily when you aren't there. If you expect to visit again in the next few years, I would tell her to get a convertible car seat (not an infant one) that can go rear facing or forward facing. An 8 month old will do just fine in one of those, and then it will still be usable for several more years. Most 4 year olds can still fit in a convertible seat. If she gets an infant seat, you'll only be able to use it for this visit and will need a different one the next time.

Otherwise, an exersaucer, walker, or other play equipment is nice, but not essential. Chances are he'll be playing with Grandma more than by himself, so it may not get much use. I wouldn't buy something like that for just one visit.

A high chair is convenient for meal times, but again not necessary. They also make booster seat/high chair combos that strap onto a regular chair, which is what my parents have for when we visit. It's small and stores away easily when we're not there and works as a high chair with tray for a baby or as a booster seat for a toddler/preschooler. Plastic bowls/plates and baby spoons if you choose to spoon feed, but those you can easily bring with you in your luggage.

You might want a stroller, if you plan to be taking baby out for walks or something a lot. I usually brought our stroller on the plane to have a place to for my daughter to sit while we were in the airport, and also so I had less to carry! You can check it at the gate and pick it up at the other end.

You'll need diapers, but you won't know what size until closer to when you visit, as it depends on your baby's body shape and weight at the time. Also wipes of course.

So much suggestions for Grandma would be: a convertible car seat, a pack'n'play, a high chair/booster seat combo, and a few plastic bowls/plates/spoons. If she has money to burn and really wants to, she could also get some sort of play equipment or toys.

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How do i travel comfortable and convenient on an airplane with a 1 yr old and an infant,?

Q. what can I do to keep a toddler occupied on an airplane and make the trip easy?

A. Do you have a separate seat for each of you, or are you planning on having a "lap baby"? Definitely bring the toddler's carseat on board; you will want the convenience of being able to keep the child in its seat! It is WELL worth the hassle of having to lug it around and carry it on the plane, get it installed, etc. Plus the crew can and should help you get it to your seat, and back off the plane when you land. Ideally the baby should have its own seat and carseat as well.

Bring some quiet activities along for the toddler. A few items that they are familiar with, and several that are new. Dollar stores have lots of fun stuff and you don't have to spend a lot that way. Just a bunch of things to keep the toddler occupied if they are bored or frustrated. I would bring 1 toy/activity per 30 min. of flight time, and an extra one or two in case of delays.

Bring lots of snacks (more than you think you'll need-- delays can wreak havoc on little ones' tummies), and notify the airline ahead of time if your toddler has allergies or any other issues that require specific beverages (I don't know what they do if a child must have a nutrition beverage or soy milk rather than cow's, or any of that). Then you won't be surprised and unprepared when it comes to drinks. If you are planning to breastfeed your new little one, do me a favor and ask the airline when you call, if they have any restrictions on bringing lactating breasts on board now with all of their no-liquids policies... LOL

Another thing-- expect that at some point your toddler, your baby, or both, are going to be unhappy while on the plane. Try not to stress over whether this is bothering the other passengers, and just focus on meeting your childrens' needs. You're not responsible for the comfort of the rest of the plane, only for your own two precious passengers! And you paid for your seats, just like the rest of them.

Good luck! Flying with children doesn't have to be a huge issue; it can even be an enjoyable experience! I've flown with my kiddos many times, at different ages and stages, and with up to 5 children, plus dog & cat, with no hubby to help (he's military) on some occasions. Some have been negative experiences, but most have been wonderful. And the negative ones were only because of unforeseeable problems (getting sick just before the flight, or just me letting myself get stressed over kids being kids). I hope it all goes well!

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How do I occupy a 14 month old boy on his first airplane flight?

Q. My 14 month old grandson will be flying for about 3 hours at a time. (roundtrip). I would like to put together a fun pak for him to have on the plane to help with fussiness. He will not have his own seat, so he will be on a parents lap. What kind of things would work best for this situation?
Thanks

A. Definately make sure that you have a bottle or dummy for your grandson for take off and landing as the sudden increase and decrease of altitude and cabin pressure is quite harsh on their little ears.

Perhaps pop together a little gift pack.. sticker books, crayons, paper, toys, snacks ect ect. And reward him every so often, if he start to get restless, let him know that he has been a good boy and if he keeps being a good boy then he may get another present.

This way you are keeping him entertained with one thing at a time, he wont get bored of everything so quickly if he is given each item separetly, it also encourages good behaviour.
Perhaps wrap the treats, so its more exciting for him to open!

Also, when you check in for your flight, with a smile kindly ask the ground staff if there is any possibility of being placed in a row of seats where there maybe a spare seat. Unless the flight is full, this should not be a problem. Even though you have not purchased a seat for the infant, as long as he is on the lap of a parent for take off and landing there is no reason as to why he cant be in a spare seat through out the flight!

One last thing, many airlines have inflight entertainment devices that can be hired for the flight, these generally have cartoons for children on them and movies for all ages - just incase he gets sick of it!!

Hope this helps a little!!

Happy and Safe flying!

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What should I do if my dog freaks out while we are on an airplane?

Q. I'm taking a trip across the country with my Shih Tzu and my vet suggested not giving her sedatives. What can I do to keep my dog calm?

A. The best thing we have found with our Shih-Poo was to keep her favorite toy with her in her carrier and hold her on your lap while in flight. You can then put your hand in with her and that will help keep her calm. You can also safely give a dog Benadryl and that will keep them calm and tranquil with absolutely no harm. My sister has a 12 pound Havanese and she needs to give her Benadryl each time they fly. Use a small dose about half the doe for an infant.

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Can you work at a Montessori school with a associate degree in early childcare education?

Q. I am currently getting a early childcare associate degree and for some reason Montessori learning really stuck out to me as fun. Can i work in it with just a associate degree?

A. The curriculum is actually very tedious/repetative and time consuming (a true montessori program has no time limits and wants kids to learn individually or in very small groups of 2 or 3 with hours at a time for one activity), and I think to teach Montessori at a center, preschool, or elementry school you need to go to a special montessori teaching school or get a special certificate/teaching credential (thats what one of my CD professors said).

Montessori also focus's too much on structered individual play with little to no unstructered group play- which is important too for building problem solving skills and creativity. I worked as a fieldtrip tour guide at an activity tourist property and I had different groups- FCC's with Infants/Toddlers, Preschools, Public schools, Private schools, and even 1 private Montessori school and those Montessori kids were the most out of control- they were hurting each other and running around chasing birds and the teachers didn't do much because I was on time schedual and had to transition kids to about 9 or 10 different activities in less than 2 hours. There are a few aspects of it I like, such as using natural materials (wooden toys/natural wool or cotton fabrics) and the child sized furnature. but not so much the long untimed projects (that was developed because the children she toughter were seen as "mentally retarded" by the public- but it is unrealistic in today's fast pace school and work environments; how will children adapt to middle school? High school? College? Workforce?) but I would say if you don't want to get a special certificate just try to adopt a play-based or Nature-based curriculum using the aspects of her teachings you like.

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Which dog breed is the best for families having children under ages 3?

Q. I got to know that the best dog for families having children under ages 3 are labrador retrievers! Is that correct? What is your opinion?

A. generally larger breeds are a better choice. Larger breeds tend to be less timid, less likely to be easily frightened and also less likely to be accidentally injured by a toddler falling on or over them. This is still highly dependent on the individual temperament of the dog however. The more dogs are socialized with very young children the more accepting they will be.

Some breeds of dogs that are known to have almost unlimited patience with very young children include the Bulldog group of breeds as well as the Mastiffs. These dogs as a group are more sedate, very calm and slow moving and seem to have a natural love of really small children. Kids still need to be carefully supervised around any type of dog but the Bulldogs and Mastiffs are universally known for their toddler friendly attitudes.

Another breed that is very good with children when raised with infants is the Akita Inu. This very large sized Japanese dog is a natural protector and will quickly see children in the family as its pack, meaning that the dog will keep the toddler close to the rest of the pack, gently steering the child back towards the parents as they move around in their space. In Japan it is often the case where the dogs are left to watch over children playing outdoors, working like a herding dog to keep the young children within their territory or area. The Akita is also a very docile dog, happy to let children climb on them and even involve them in their games with toys.

The Basset Hound, a solid yet low to the ground hunting type of dog is an excellent companion dog for young kids. They are slow moving, very affectionate dogs that seem to thrive on the attention that a toddler provides. They are solid dogs that are happy to just lie down and watch the child play but also have a good sense of play themselves for when the child gets a bit older. Often the Basset Hound that is raised with kids will be seen happily following the children about as they learn to crawl and walk. The Basset tends to not be easily alarmed by anything that a child does, especially when well socialized.

Standard Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Collies, English Setters, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs are all good matches for households with very young infants and toddlers. Choose a dog that has a calm temperament and that has been raised in a household with children for the best possible match.

Growing up, we had a great dane. She was an amazing dog and to this day one of my favorites!

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How do I cure an earache on a 4 year old?

Q. I think my son has water in his ear from swimming. He wont let me touch it and it getting red behind his ear. Is there a home remedy that I could use to ease his discomfort. I gave him Motrin and he is resting but how do I get him better?

A. Home Care Dos and Don'ts

Since ear infections can be quite uncomfortable, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and home remedies like a warm washcloth placed over the ear can ease the pain.

Be sure not to put drops in the ear, like sweet oil, deYbarrondo warns, because they can obscure or cloud the eardrum, making it difficult for the doctor to get a good look. They can also cause irritation.

And, best to hold off on Q-Tips: it just impacts the wax, and pushes it farther down. "Besides, wax is a good thing-it protects against swimmer's ear ( otitis externa ) and keeps the canal's natural acidity in balance, which prevents bacterial growth," de Ybarrondo says.

Infants who lie down while drinking from a bottle rather than propped up in Mother's arms are more prone to fluid backing up in the tubes. De Ybarrondo strongly discourages parents from leaving a baby alone with a baby bottle under any circumstances. And she reminds parents to hold their babies at some incline when feeding them, to let gravity do its work by letting fluid run downhill.

Secondhand smoke leaves its mark on the ears, as well. Children who live in homes where parents smoke are at risk for ear infection because the irritating smoke causes chronic inflammation of the eustachian tube.

If your child is in day care, please keep in mind that the more youngsters your child is exposed to, the more viral illnesses they will meet. "This is no reflection on the day care. No matter how many times the adults wash their hands between diapering or feeding, odds are still high that viruses are being passed around on toys and tabletops," de Ybarrondo says.

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Has anyone ever traveled really long distances with their infant?

Q. I am moving, and the drive is a total of 1300 miles. It's an 18 hour drive WITHOUT stops. I have a 6 month old boy. I am really nervous about the ride. Anybody have any advice or tips?
He is a really good boy, and sleeps most of the time in the car anyway, but I am so nervous.

A. Well I didn't go that far with mine, only 8 hours, but we just stopped every few hours or so & walked around for a few minutes so we could all get a break from the car. We fed her in her car seat then took her out to burp and as soon as she did, we put her right back in. (We stopped, didn't take her out while driving). I really didn't make that much of a difference stopping like that because it was only for a few minutes when she ate, which was every couple of hours. We also took alot of toys, light up ones, loud ones, etc. to keep her busy and one of us sat in the back with her. Really the only advice I can give is to stop & get out every now & then so your little boy can get some time out of his seat.

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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep a 4mth old happy while riding in a carseat?

Q. I have toys that hang from the infant seat handle. I have one of those mirrored/lightup toys. I've also just started putting stuffed animals in front of her so she can talk to them. This is helping a little. Is there anything else I can do?

A. Some good advice so far.

Re: infant seat handles being REQUIRED to be down in the car, not true. Some are required, some aren't. Read your manual to be sure. Graco allows you to keep it up if you want. At least one infant seat actually requires you to leave the handle UP in the car. So double-check those manuals!

Only soft toys or mirrors in the car. A one-pound object becomes a 30-pound object flying at you in a 30 mile an hour crash. If it's not something you would actually be okay with throwing at your head, don't bring it in the car.

Some babies are just really unhappy car riders, no matter what. As a previous poster said, angle can have a lot to do with it. If your baby has good head and neck control you can move him/her to a convertible carseat, still rear-facing, of course, and install it as upright as is comfortable for your baby, but no more than about a 30 degree angle. 45 degree angle is only required for infants without good head control.

Please don't think that turning baby around at 1 year old and 20 pounds is the "cure" for this. My daughter became a much unhappier car rider when she was 13 months old and 25 pounds and I turned forward. Her legs dangle when forward, putting strain on her back. When rear-facing she can rest her legs on the vehicle seatback, almost like a recliner chair. She also started getting carsick. :o(

Knowing what I know now, I'd have kept her rear-facing to the maximum limits of her convertible carseat, which was 35 pounds. All seats on the market in the US today rear-face to at least 30 pounds, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended for 5 years now to keep kids rear-facing to the maximum limits of a convertible seat for optimum safety. Too bad lots of pediatricians don't keep up-to-date with their own agency's policy statements, and still recommend the outdated policy.

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What does a decorated tree have to do with the Birth of Jesus The Christ?

Q. Do Christians know why they spend money on trees and the many decorations on them? Why do we buy our children guns, both real and toys, to celebrate the Birth of The Prince of Peace? Why do we lie. and say a morbidly obese man in a red suit and beard comes down the chimney with a bag of toys?

A. Christmas is nothing to do with either Christianity or Islam but it does have it's origins in the midwinter festival and many other basically pagan rites but since much of it is a celebration of nature rather than religion everyone should be able to enjoy it and be happy together despite religion!

The ancient European pagans celebrated the midwinter festival and a number of other festivals long before Christianity ever existed!

Babylonians celebrated the feast of the Son of Isis with gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift giving and the goddess of fertility, love, and war.

The Romans held a festival on 25 December called “Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, celebrating their own god Sol Invictas – PAGAN!

The Persian god Mithras, the Syrian sun god Elah Gabal, the German Sol, the Greek Helios and the Mesopotamian Shamash. But also Saturnalia, honouring Saturn, the God of Agriculture. The law courts and schools were closed. No public business could be transacted an this is where the holidays originated - ALL PAGAN!

Wax tapers were given by the more humble to their superiors. The origin of the Christmas candle - PAGAN!

In Rome groups of costumed went from house to house entertaining their people. And this was where the carolling Christmas tradition originated PAGAN!

Statues of the Mother and lover or Mother and son were paraded through the streets not only in Italy but also in Africa, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and Bulgaria. Thus, the symbolism of the Heavenly Virgin and the infant child paraded on a yearly basis are not of Christian origin. They stem from the Mother-goddess religion, which is very ancient ENTIRELY PAGAN!

Scandinavian countries celebrated Yule honouring Thor – PAGAN!

In Germania (not Germany) they celebrated midwinter night followed by 12 wild nights of eating and drinking. The 12 days of Christmas PAGAN!

The church under Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25 in 350 AD in order to try to hijack the PAGAN festivals but it was largely ignored. Christians did not really celebrate Christmas until 378 but it was then dropped in 381 and not resurrected until 400.

The Christmas tree stems from pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of holly boughs ivy and other foliage as an adaptation of pagan tree worship. Holly and ivy represented male and female. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual - all PAGAN!

Santa Claus came from the Dutch “Sinterklaas” and was a tall figure riding a white horse through the air and usually accompanied by Black Peter, an elf who punished disobedient children. Also the origin of the reindeer, sleigh and the elves ALL PAGAN!

The modern red coated Santa was brought about by coca cola!

AMERICA ACTUALLY BANNED CHRISTMAS several times and is the originator of the expression “Happy Holidays” which came about because of the pagan origins of Christmas to include all religions and traditions!

The Venerable Bede, an early Christian writer pointed out that the Christian church absorbed Pagan practices when it found the population unwilling to give up the festivals. Thus a lot of what Christians now see as Christians practices are in fact pagan!

Christmas is the time of year christians strive to prove just how pagan they have become

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How much bleach do you use to clean an infant bathtub?

Q. I want to get the infant tub super clean, but I've never used bleach before and have no clue how much to use. I know I'm supposed to dilute it in water, but what kind of bleach/water ratio do I need? Is bleach even safe? I saw a commercial for Clorox that said it's safe to use on baby toys and bottles, so I went ahead and bought some. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

A. I've never trusted bleach on my babies items, I've always been too paranoid that I wouldn't rinse it off well enough. I use the Clorox Everywhere spray. You can spray it & it's safe without rinsing it with water. I absolutely love it, and it cleans everything really well.

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When do you need toys for the baby?

Q. Hi. I'm 33 weeks along with my first, and while picking up some stuff at the store today, it occurred to me- when do you need baby toys? I read in the nursing book that, for the first couple months, the baby can only see a couple feet away... I mean, there are little hanging toys on the "infant swing" we've got, and a mobile for the crib. What else do I need, and when? Thank you so much!

A. "When do you need toys for the baby?"

Never? LOL. Just kidding, but really - my 2-year-old still finds non-toy items more fascinating than actual toys, even though she has loads and loads of stuff to play with. Not something I would invest in heavily. Check out garage sales and second-hand stores for very gently used items, and don't spend a lot if you buy things brand new. It is just not worth it. When my oldest daughter was 9 or 10 months old her favorite thing ever was this silly plastic tube my mom had lying around - it held a large spool of thread she used for one of her many sewing machines (she's a seamstress). She wouldn't put it down whenever we would visit.

Best of luck!

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Where can I find a doll with hair and eyes that open and close?

Q. Not the Barbie type and not an infant/baby doll type. The old fashioned type a little girl can play mommy with and put "little girl" type clothes and shoes and socks on. Do they still even make them? I don't care if it is caucasian or not.

A. Pullip dolls. They are very cute and can open and close their eyes and can wink. If u live in the u.s, I recomend buying from www.pullipstyle.com. They have reasonable prices and are very trusted. Pullip doll prices can range from $80-$2000 if u get a really rare one. Most are about $90 or $100. These prices are for the full sized doll (12 inch). There are also little pullips which are 4.5 inch and taeyangs (dunno if that is correctly spelled), which are the male version of pullips and dal, pullip's younger sister. Here are some pics:

http://www.jrtoys.net/sys_image/products/CatImage-19-C.jpg

this dolls name is rida

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/%5CAUTOIMAGES%5CJPF582lg.jpg

this dolls name is prunella

http://www.leo-toy.com/shop/l/leotoy/img-lib/spd_20081116150657_b.jpg

my personal fav, this dolls name is kirshe

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Having first baby, what should i buy?

Q. I know that sounds dumb, but seriously what are some things to buy for a baby.

A. You will need to buy:

An infant carseat

A stroller

Bottles (2oz or 4oz depending on how much the baby eats)

Bottle brushes

Diaper bag

Diapers (size Newborns, size 1's maybe size 2's)

Wipes

Either a bassinet or a crib (some people also use a pack n play)

A kit with a nasal aspirator, nail cutter, nail files, thermometer, hair brush and a teether

Baby body wash, lotion and baby powder

Baby towels and wash clothes

Bathtub

Clothes (size newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months), baby shoes, socks and mittens

Baby blankets


A bouncer chair

Anything that babies can play with (toys)

Original Question

list for everything i need for baby?

Q. so my baby is due october 3rd..n i just need help on a list for what all im gonna need for him and how much of it..i have his crib,cradle,bassinet,bouncer n changin table so i have most big things but need help on all the lil things i still need please and thank you.

A. · teething tablets - These are homeopathic and great for relieving teething pain. They can be found at Wal-mart.

· nail clippers - the scissor kind is worthless, get small clippers that look like adult ones

Changing Supplies

· small changing pads

· diapers - don't stock up on too many newborn diapers because most babies don't stay small for long. I love the White Cloud brand at Wal-mart. Buy the big box it's cheaper per diaper.

· wipes - I prefer Parents Choice wipes at Wal-mart. Buy one carton for the container then buy them by the box.

· changing table or countoured changing pad and a cover that can sit on top of a dresser

Bath Supplies

· bath towel - buy two with hoods

· bath toys - plus a plastic cup for rinsing and pouring

· washcloths

· baby soap and shampoo or body wash

· baby lotion

· desitin or corona (Which is for animals and sold at feed supply stores. It has lanolin, which heals diaper rash faster than anything I've ever found. A nurse recommended it to me.)

· soft brush

· infant bath tub or sling - I preferred the sling because the tubs are so hard to store

Feeding Supplies · bottles - 1 or 2 are nice even if you plan on breastfeeding

· binkie

· burp clothes - need 4 to 6 or more if your baby has reflux

· breast pads - actually for Mom. I recommend Lansinoh brand

· formula

· breast pump - I found hand pumps worked better than electric.

you can wait until your baby is four months old before buying these items · plastic bibs - get a small one that fits the baby's neck

· baby spoons - plastic coated ones are the best

· baby food and cereal also plain mashed potato flakes are easy to fix and cheap.

· sippy cup - I like the ones with handles for first time drinkers

Bring home from the hospital

· alcohol pads

· soft brush for scrubbing babies head while bathing - this prevents cradle-cap

· nose aspirator

Sleeping Essentials

· crib

· receiving blankets - buy 4 to 6 because babies need to be wrapped up when they are first born

· sheets - at least two for when your baby poops or throws up on one

Car Basics

· infant car seat

· sun screen for the car window

Clothing

· clothes - don't buy too many you will receive a lot of 0-3 month clothes at your baby shower. If you get too many which you probably will take them back and buy a bigger size. Figure out how old your child will be the next time the season comes around and buy that size.

· pajamas - buy lots of these, 4 to 6 pairs, because they are easy to change and keep your newborn warm

· onesies

· socks - keep those baby feet warm

Toys and Board Books

· teething rings

· toys with bright colors and music

· balls

· blocks

· rubber toys for chewing

· soft toys for cuddling

· board books - not paper

Great extras

· bounce chair - my son slept in his the first three months because he was elevated and it helped his acid reflux

· swing - some children love these and some don't

· baby carrier - I used to take mine to the grocery store and carry my baby in it so I had my hands free.

· stroller - I used to take my son on walks for exercise.

· bassinet - this is nice because you can keep the baby closer for the first month

· rocking chair - babies love the rocking motion

Original Question

Total cost estimate for baby's first year?

Q. So I'm 16 and pregnant. My due date is January 28th, 2014. My boyfriend and I are gonna take full responsibility for this baby and pay for everything he/she needs without relying on our parents or taking any government assistance. We'd like to see if anyone has a rough estimate on how much our baby will cost us for the first year? We understand we'll have to provide for him/her throughout their whole childhood, but for now we're wondering around how much it will cost for the first year. I have insurance through Tricare since my father is in the army, so all of our hospital fees are covered by that, including the birth. I am planning on breast feeding and using a breast pump which is also free with insurance, so we won't be needing to pay for formula either. I know eventually I'll have to total it up myself and I know it all depends on what brands of baby products we buy, but for now it'd be nice to have a rough estimate of how much it'll cost us. Include diapers & wipes (I know that's gonna be a lot! haha), clothing, baby food, the nursery set (crib, changing table, etc.), car seat and stroller, toys, baby care items (such as a baby tub, lotion, shampoo, etc.), and any additional items the baby will need. Thank you so much!!
@bby: Yes, we're getting a breast pump for free through my insurance. We aren't formula feeding.
Also, is that estimate with or without hospital and birthing fees? We won't have to pay for those because I have Tricare insurance free since my dad is in the army.

A. Sorry but the person above is so beyond wrong. Having a baby is no where near that cheap. $300 for diapers for a whole year? That's only $25 a month. One box of the cheapest diapers is $32 and you only get about 260 in them which isn't enough for a whole month. All of her calculations are so so wrong. she didn't even include wipes? A baby doesn't have to be super crazy expensive like $20,000, but no way in hell is it less than $2,000 a year.

Buying the cheapest diapers and wipes, its probably about $75 a month. That alone is $900.

You'll need clothes for a whole year, so newborn, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12. If you buy used like off of Craigslist, you could probably get by with $50 for newborn (they arent in them long) and $100 for each clothes size, so that's a total of $450.

You'll need Bibs ($75), burp rags ($100), towels ($200), and wash clothes. ($75) so $450

Shampoo, body wash, lotion, You'll probably need about 20 bottles of each for the whole year, so $180

With those things alone its $2,000. That's not even close to half the things you'll need.

I didn't even get into a crib, changing table, dresser, Bassinet, pack n play, swing, bouncer, stroller, infant car seat, baby car seat (yes they're different and you'll need both) high chair, exersaucer, ect. All of which is safe to say another $1,500 if bought cheapest possible.

There's also all the little things like bottles, nuks, diaper rash cream, bedding, blankets, toys, baby monitor, diaper genie, baby bath, sunscreen, baby grooming kit, ect. For a whole year I'd say at least $500

Breast feeding isn't free either. You'll need breast milk storage bags, breast pads, nipple cream, breast feeding cover ups, nursing bras, a nipple shield, special bottles for the breast pump. Easily another $1,000 breast feeding things are way more expensive than you'd think. You'll probably spend $600 alone on storage bags and breast pads.

There's so much more you need I didn't even come close to adding in here. Id say if you buy used and the cheapest stuff possible $7,000-$8,000 is a good estimate. If you buy new things, I'd say about $10,000-$12,000.

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Moms what do you do to make your plane ride with your toddler easier?

Q. In about a week me and my 13 month old are flying back to my home town for the weekend. Any thoughts on how to make the plane ride easier for me and her both. Also .. do you think I should take a car seat or just hold her. My sister back home has a car seat we can use when we get there, but I don't know if it will be easier for her to just sit in her own car seat or in my lap. Any suggestions?

A. Most airlines allow children under 2 to ride in their parent's lap. So if money is an issue for you, upon checking in (or purchasing your tickets), note that you will be carrying an infant in your lap so you don't have to pay extra for another seat. Make sure you get an aisle seat so there is no struggle when you have to get up to use the rest room and there is room for your wiggler to wiggle. Our two hour trip from Orlando to Newark (and back) was a little tough the first time. So what did to make sure that this flight would be easier was use a large diaper bag as my carry-on and fill it with stuff to entertain him (amongst his diapers and other motherly necessities). I bought a coloring book, his favorite small toys and favorite books to read, some snacks and a portable dvd player w/ his favorite tv shows or movies. Make sure to pack a juice or water (3ozs or less... lol), so that they can be drinking and swallowing when the plane takes off, which helps the popping in their ears be less painful. You can also just purchase a juice or water on the flight, but sometimes they are a little pricey. If you are getting one, buy a juice or water so you can share.
I also scheduled the flight around the time I knew he'd be taking his nap so he could sleep some of the time. I had done the whole flight thing with him once w/o this stuff and w/o getting aisle seats. It was horrendous and I learned from that tremendously. After the flight with the baggage filled with goodies, I was actually comments from those seated beside me. He was so well behaved and they had initially been worried about their flight with a baby next to them. I actually had one of them tell me that I was a good mother, which is always good to hear! I hope this helps!

Original Question

How do I occupy a 14 month old boy on his first airplane flight?

Q. My 14 month old grandson will be flying for about 3 hours at a time. (roundtrip). I would like to put together a fun pak for him to have on the plane to help with fussiness. He will not have his own seat, so he will be on a parents lap. What kind of things would work best for this situation?
Thanks

A. Definately make sure that you have a bottle or dummy for your grandson for take off and landing as the sudden increase and decrease of altitude and cabin pressure is quite harsh on their little ears.

Perhaps pop together a little gift pack.. sticker books, crayons, paper, toys, snacks ect ect. And reward him every so often, if he start to get restless, let him know that he has been a good boy and if he keeps being a good boy then he may get another present.

This way you are keeping him entertained with one thing at a time, he wont get bored of everything so quickly if he is given each item separetly, it also encourages good behaviour.
Perhaps wrap the treats, so its more exciting for him to open!

Also, when you check in for your flight, with a smile kindly ask the ground staff if there is any possibility of being placed in a row of seats where there maybe a spare seat. Unless the flight is full, this should not be a problem. Even though you have not purchased a seat for the infant, as long as he is on the lap of a parent for take off and landing there is no reason as to why he cant be in a spare seat through out the flight!

One last thing, many airlines have inflight entertainment devices that can be hired for the flight, these generally have cartoons for children on them and movies for all ages - just incase he gets sick of it!!

Hope this helps a little!!

Happy and Safe flying!

Original Question

what's the easiest way to fly with an infant and a toddler?

Q. The toddler will have his own seat, but I will be holding the baby. My questions are, should the toddler fly in his carseat, and if should we be taking a stroller to the gate (I have a double jogger).
Anyone who has gone through this, please give advice! This is not a vacation, it is for a cross country move so both carseats will need to go on the plane in some way.

A. Definitely strap the toddler into his seat and buckle him in. Don't get him out for any reason. Treat it like a car trip. Take a stroller to the gate, but I'd recommend just using a single stroller because they're easier to fold and deal with and get a sling or Bjorn for your infant. It'll be easier for everyone involved! Make sure to have new toys in a backpack for him. Think: a new box of crayons, coloring book and paper, play doh, little plastic animals and cars. One thing my grandmother did for me in a similar situation was to wrap little junky toys like the ones mentioned above and at certain time intervals I was allowed to open a new one. It made the trip go faster (according to my parents) and I only got them if I was behaving myself. Good luck!

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Want to talk to all you moms and dads out there with infants around six weeks old?

Q. I have a baby boy who is five and and half weeks old. All my friends have older kids and seem to have forgotten what it is like to have a baby. I am a first time mother and just want to talk to some folks with babies about the same age. Tell me about your baby. How do they sleep, eat, what is their schedule like if they have one... Just curious Maybe it will give me some new ideas.
Thanks!

A. Hello. Congrats, and welcome to the "Mommy club!" I have a beautiful baby boy, named Gabriel, who is about 14 weeks old.
Gabe didn't start really developing a schedule until around about last month. I'm a single mom, so I take him to daycare. We start our day at about 6-6:15a.m. I get myself ready, and then he wakes up to eat. I feed him a bottle, get him burped and dressed, I load the car, then we go to daycare. Thankfully for me, he doesn't sleep much at daycare, so he's tired when I pick him up, but in a good mood. He eats about 6 oz (with a teaspoon of cereal) every 4-5 hours. He's a very curious child already, and doesn't like to be left alone. He constantly craves attention, but is not fussy at all. He just seems to be really curious about the world around him, which I just love.
So, when I pick him up, I either take him home where we spend an hour playing, or we go to Grandma and Grandpa's house, where we play. We do a combination of "bouncy play" or belly time, or toy time, or all three. I talk and sing to him.
After that, at about 6:30p.m.-7p.m. I give him a bath, change him, spend another few minutes holding him, then I feed him. Once he's done with the bottle, I burp him, and put him down immediately in the crib. It usually doesn't take him long to fall asleep. He sleeps an average of about 8-10 hours a night, and we start our day over again.

I'm blessed b/c he's such a good, happy baby.... it took a while to establish the routine, and daycare's really good about keeping one up, and b/c he's so stimulated during the day, and interacting with so many kids and adults, he's exhausted by the time I get him, so he sleeps throught the night.
On the weekends, we just do whatever. I let up on the schedule during the day, but he still goes to bed no later than 7:30pm.-8p.m.

Good luck! Email me if you have anything you want to discuss!

Original Question

How can I decorate a nursery for a toddler boy and an infant girl?

Q. I know that the most obvious stuff is ocean/tropical, or barnyard/jungle themes, but my house is modern and my husband and I thrive on all things monochromatic and clean lines.. My baby boy's nursery is baby blue and brown. The childlike accent thrown in is a few fluffy sheep:). We are expecting a baby girl next year and only have one room available to serve as the nursery.. any ideas?

A. I am really attracted the the new baby colors of pink and brown. Since the boy's room is already blue and brown, could you put some accents on her side of the room that are pink and brown?


http://www.babybedding.com/pink-and-brown-zebra-crib-bedding

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7811386&findingMethod=rr

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Carter's-Baby-Fluffy-Friends-Pink-Sheep-Lamb-Toy_W0QQitemZ350170400452QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10191574&findingMethod=rr

Also, you could find a pink sheep, or tie a pink bow on a sheep.

http://www.thisplaceisazoo.com/products/sheep.html#H3450

Original Question

Has anyone ever traveled really long distances with their infant?

Q. I am moving, and the drive is a total of 1300 miles. It's an 18 hour drive WITHOUT stops. I have a 6 month old boy. I am really nervous about the ride. Anybody have any advice or tips?
He is a really good boy, and sleeps most of the time in the car anyway, but I am so nervous.

A. Well I didn't go that far with mine, only 8 hours, but we just stopped every few hours or so & walked around for a few minutes so we could all get a break from the car. We fed her in her car seat then took her out to burp and as soon as she did, we put her right back in. (We stopped, didn't take her out while driving). I really didn't make that much of a difference stopping like that because it was only for a few minutes when she ate, which was every couple of hours. We also took alot of toys, light up ones, loud ones, etc. to keep her busy and one of us sat in the back with her. Really the only advice I can give is to stop & get out every now & then so your little boy can get some time out of his seat.

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Could you offer any suggestions to make the trip smooth on traveling by airplane with a 10.5 month old?

Q. We are traveling via airplane with our 10.5 month old daughter for a 4 hour flight and I am looking for pointers to make the trip smooth. We have requested aisle seat. She is traveling in our lap.
Do you think giving a bottle with formula during take off and landing is wise or would you think juice/water is better? Also, I am going to pack finger food snacks and a few small toys for the trip. We are gate checking her stroller as well.

Thank You!

A. Well it sounds like you have it pretty much worked out so far. :)
Since this is only a four hour flight I'm assuming that you are taking a domestic flight which would rule out asking for a bulk head seat. Depending on the aircraft you are flying on you can still request it. Believe me. Everybody on that flight wants a happy baby too! :)
I would recommend feeding a formula bottle on take-off, especially if it will help her sleep. If you take a tired baby on a flight and get her tummy full on take-off chances are you'll be blessed and have a very smooth flight with a zonked out lap-infant.
Goodluck!

Original Question

What kind of toys worked when flying with kids(less than a year old) on long flights ?

Q. I have a 10 month old, will be flying to Asia, I have purchased a seat for her but she does not enjoy being strapped in the car seat for long. I am contemplating checking in the car seat, at the same time wondering if the airlines provides you with necessary things to secure a child this young ? My first time flying with her so want to do every bit of research so make the journey comfortable for her and other fellow passengers. Please feel free to pass on any tips as well. Thanks.

A. We’ve only flown with a really young child once, and it wasn’t as long of a flight as you’ll be taking. My son was 13 months old, so a little older than your baby.

We checked the car seat and did not bring it on the plane. We’d flown with our daughter once when she was a toddler and used the car seat on the plane. It was awful--the seats are so close together that she literally had nowhere to put her feet. The man sitting in front of her insisted on reclining his seat, which made it worse. If she bumped his seat (which she could not help doing every time she moved), he turned around and glared at us. He even made a few comments about it, and when I tried to explain that it wasn’t the poor kid’s fault, he got very huffy. We decided to never try to bring a car seat on the plane again. I don’t know why the airlines suggest it, when they don’t even fit onto those stupid seats!

To keep my son occupied--we brought along a few quiet toys, some small books, and LOTS of snacks. It’s not a tactic I normally use, but to keep him happy on the plane I pulled out something new each time he got restless. His favorite activity was searching for Cheerios in a small box. I’d put a few Cheerios at a time into the little box, and he’d dig around for them. We also brought some of those Crayola Color Wonder markers and paper. The markers only write on the paper, so don’t make a mess. Your baby might be a bit young for something like that, but if she is starting to enjoy scribbling on paper, the markers might keep her busy for a while.

I’d suggest getting some small, inexpensive, quiet toys that your daughter has never seen before. They will be new to her and more interesting than her own toys. Pull them out one at a time, as needed, whenever she gets restless. She’ll probably also like playing with your keys or your cell phone--my kids always liked those things more than they liked their toys! Bring along some picture books that are new to her as well. The novelty of everything will keep her occupied for longer.

Also, it’s a good idea to have something on hand for your child to drink during take-off and landing so her ears don’t hurt. I don’t know what the current regulations are for bring things like juice boxes or bottles onto an airplane, but make sure you check that on the airline’s website before you leave.

Here are some websites with more tips for traveling with children:

http://www. flyingwithkids .com/ best_travel_tips .htm
http://www. flyingwithkids .com/ travel_tips .htm
http:// parenting.ivillage .com/mom/travel/0,,45jl, 00 .html
http://www. faa .gov/passengers/fly_children/
http://www. onestepahead .com/custserv/ shop_smarter_article .jsp?pageName=Flying_Tips

This article lists restricted items on planes. It does say that formula, milk, and juice for infants and toddlers ARE allowed. http://www. tsa .gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/ permitted-prohibited-items .shtm

Have a safe and happy trip!

ps you might want to pack some Advil or Tylenol for yourself. :)

Original Question

How do i travel comfortable and convenient on an airplane with a 1 yr old and an infant,?

Q. what can I do to keep a toddler occupied on an airplane and make the trip easy?

A. Do you have a separate seat for each of you, or are you planning on having a "lap baby"? Definitely bring the toddler's carseat on board; you will want the convenience of being able to keep the child in its seat! It is WELL worth the hassle of having to lug it around and carry it on the plane, get it installed, etc. Plus the crew can and should help you get it to your seat, and back off the plane when you land. Ideally the baby should have its own seat and carseat as well.

Bring some quiet activities along for the toddler. A few items that they are familiar with, and several that are new. Dollar stores have lots of fun stuff and you don't have to spend a lot that way. Just a bunch of things to keep the toddler occupied if they are bored or frustrated. I would bring 1 toy/activity per 30 min. of flight time, and an extra one or two in case of delays.

Bring lots of snacks (more than you think you'll need-- delays can wreak havoc on little ones' tummies), and notify the airline ahead of time if your toddler has allergies or any other issues that require specific beverages (I don't know what they do if a child must have a nutrition beverage or soy milk rather than cow's, or any of that). Then you won't be surprised and unprepared when it comes to drinks. If you are planning to breastfeed your new little one, do me a favor and ask the airline when you call, if they have any restrictions on bringing lactating breasts on board now with all of their no-liquids policies... LOL

Another thing-- expect that at some point your toddler, your baby, or both, are going to be unhappy while on the plane. Try not to stress over whether this is bothering the other passengers, and just focus on meeting your childrens' needs. You're not responsible for the comfort of the rest of the plane, only for your own two precious passengers! And you paid for your seats, just like the rest of them.

Good luck! Flying with children doesn't have to be a huge issue; it can even be an enjoyable experience! I've flown with my kiddos many times, at different ages and stages, and with up to 5 children, plus dog & cat, with no hubby to help (he's military) on some occasions. Some have been negative experiences, but most have been wonderful. And the negative ones were only because of unforeseeable problems (getting sick just before the flight, or just me letting myself get stressed over kids being kids). I hope it all goes well!

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