Archive for the ‘Travelling with Infants or Baby’ Category

Review of Travel Potty Seats (Which Potties are Best for Vacations)

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Fisher Price Potty on the Go Gray

A Review of Kids’ / Toddlers’ Travel Potties

One thing that I hate about potty training a toddler is that it then becomes way too difficult to go anywhere without worrying about potential wetting accidents. I love the idea of getting a travel potty for my 2 year old toddler, so I am writing this article while I am researching products for my little girl. I have heard very good things about the Caboose, but the Potty-on-the-Go might be the way to go because I think that it looks like it would stay the most clean / sanitary. What are your thoughts everyone?

Travel Potty ($23.19)

Travel Potty for Travel

A travel potty that is great for toddlers and young children to take along on long car trips or camping. The nice thing is that it easily folds to briefcase size. Attach the disposable bag, and this potty goes anywhere. The two large storage compartments provide room for supplies, and it comes with 4 zip lock disposable gallon bags. Uses standard gallon size storage bags. Ages 18 mos. and up to 70 lbs.

PROS: The seat is light and it has adequate storage for underwear, baby wipes, and extra storage bags. One parent said that they can fit about six-eight pullups, fifteen bags, and half a pack of baby wipes in both compartments with additional space left. Another positive is that you can just buy the generic brand of gallon bags and they work just fine…so you don’t have to waste money on buying special bags.

CONS: A few parents complained about the small circumference of the potty seat for their little boys, so if you have a little boy who stands up while they pee, they will have to sit when using this potty seat.

Fisher-Price Potty On-the-Go … Also Comes in Other Colors ($69.99)

Fisher Price Potty on the Go Gray

The base is sturdy and folds flat to fit in the snazzy tote. The tote is discreet and includes pockets for wipes, toilet paper, etc. When the time comes, simply attach a garbage bag, throw in a nursing pad, and dispose. It potty is easily wiped clean, and the tote keeps it from getting dirty when transporting. The Potty On-the-Go includes five disposable bags and absorbent pads, but the nice thing is that they recommend replacing these with generic four-gallon bags and nursing pads–couldn’t be easier. Designed for comfort, cleanliness and convenience, with smooth, easy-to-wipe-clean surfaces and a mess-free, disposable bag and absorbent pad waste containment system. Just tie it, and toss it! Potty folds flat for compact carry in a machine-washable, take-along tote with organizer pockets that keep your personal care supplies handy, like your wipes and hand sanitizer. Includes 5 disposable bags and 5 absorbent pads. Replace with standard 4-gallon garbage bags and any type of absorbent pads (nursing pads, sanitary pads, etc.).

PROS: Very easy to put together and take apart. The bag has room for toilet paper or whatever. The bag makes it very portable and easy to use for travel.

CONS: It is a bit bulky. The hole is a bit small so your child might have to be a pro at aiming.

Caboose Travel Diaper Potty ($18.99)

Caboose Travel Diaper Potty

The Caboose Travel Diaper Potty is an inexpensive travel potty that uses a diaper as a liner, giving your toddler the ability to go anywhere, anytime, with easy cleanup for you! It’s Compact! So small, it fits on a standard sheet of paper. The top fits in the base for even more compact storage. It can fit in your diaper bag, or under the stroller, or on the floorboard of the car. It’s Convenient! With our patented diaper-catching design, give your toddler a clean , real potty that works. Because when you gotta go, you gotta go!

PROS: The major positive is the price. This Caboose uses a diaper, what a unique idea. The carrying case is easy to open, and setting up the potty with a diaper is really easy. When done, you just roll up the diaper and throw it away, no worrying about leaks or anyone seeing what is inside.

CONS: One mom did mention that she loves it but that she wishes that the two pieces would snap or latch together as the top and bottom of the potty just sit on top of each other. If there is much movement it slides apart.

Kalencom POTETTE - On the Go Potty ($10)

Kalencom POTETTE - On the Go Potty

A must for kids “on the go”. Now there’s always a clean restroom close by! Our take-along potty is comfortable, sturdy, and folds flat in its carry tote for easy travel. Sets up in seconds; just unfold the legs. Very sanitary, too: its clever disposable liner has a scented pad that absorbs contents and odors. Three liners included; additional liners sold separately. Ideal for the car, boat, and camper. Supports kids up to 50 lbs.

PROS: One mother mentioned that she had the Fisher Price Travel Potty and that she liked the On the Go Potty much better for travel because it is much less bulky. It is small and lightweight, so it fits in your purse or pack, sets up quick and stays clean. disposal of the used bags is easy because they have absorbent pads inside and you can tie them securely so that they won’t make any messes until you find a trash can. The potette has a thick plastic bag it comes in, so you can even stick the used bag inside that with the potette till you find a trash.

CONS: A few parents complained that the potty is much too small for children over 3 years old.

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Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Friday, August 1st, 2008

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

Family Vacations and Handling Stress When Traveling with Kids Better

 

Yes family vacations are suppose to be fun and stress free, but they rarely work out to be that way. The kids argue amongst themselves or don’t pay attention to what you tell them to do, and even you and your spouse get into those little fights. You know the ones that I’m talking about, the ones that are about nothing at all. Maybe the fight is that you made the peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the wrong kind of jelly. It happens to families that are new, and families who have been together for years.

You know what I always think about when I think of a family vacation? Yes, you guessed it, I think of National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald, and Beverly D’Angelo as his wife, and of course they had the two teenage kids. That movie has got to be the epitome of the worst vacation someone could ever have. I mean think about it, what else could have gone wrong? Nothing really. I laugh now just picturing scenes from that movie and how Clark seemed to stumble and bumble through the whole trip. I mean couldn’t the guy just get a bit of a break?

I know none of our own vacations are that bad (hopefully). If family vacations were really like that, I don’t think that anyone would ever take one. There are a number of ways that you can cut down on the stress of a family vacation, number one being don’t put too much pressure on timelines. If you’re rushing because you only have five minutes to get to a certain location, but your 30 minutes away, the stress will escalate past the point of good. Go a long with a pace that is leisurely and never schedule something at a specific time, unless it is utterly unavoidable. Don’t try to fit too much sightseeing in one day, again you will only be rushing your family and causing a sure fight as everyone gets upset and tired. On the same note, you want to make sure that you don’t schedule too little to do in a day. Bored kids are unhappy kids and may cause a problem with another family member. It is a happy medium you have to reach for your family in making sure that you have the right amount of activities planned.

Also make sure that the places you are choosing are oriented towards a children as well as the proper age of your kids. A child will become grumpy and moody if they are bored. So don’t pick a place like Las Vegas where there isn’t a whole bunch of things that are targeted towards kids. Not saying they don’t have children’s stuff to do, heck Circus Circus is a great place for kids, but if you are going to be there a week this might become old hat for you kids. Instead, pick an amusement park, like Six Flags or something along those lines, the kids are guaranteed to be busy and happy campers. Like I said it just takes some proper planning as a family and you should have a relatively stress free time.

Something else to think of is how are you going to get to your destination? Are you going to be driving a car, taking your RV, or are you going to catch a flight? All of these are good choices, but some can cause more stress than others. Not that everything will be stress or problem free. So choose wisely when you decide how you are going to get to your destination. Every child is different, and you know best as to what your kids will tolerate.

A good idea for planning a family vacation is to gather everyone around to talk things over. You might want to speak with your spouse or partner first and then gather the kids around to discuss details. Either way, kids will feel better about the vacation if you include them in the decision making. Maybe what you should do is make schedule a family meeting. Discuss the itinerary and whether or not everyone feels that the pace will be okay with them. Vacations are short, but don’t try to pack everything into one day. Nobody will think that is fun so it’s always a good idea to discuss these things as a family … it is everyone’s vacation after all. Try to make it a peaceful relaxing time with no mishaps like the Griswalds.

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Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Good Car Food for Kids on Long Family Summer Road Trips

Family road trips take place many times throughout the year but especially so during the summertime. In addition to finding good car activities to entertain the little ones during the trip another consideration to keep in mind is what food to bring along for snacking on during the journey.

Individual Bags of Crackers

100 calorie crackers packs is great and to eat for kids in the car

When packing up a snack bag for the family summer road trip, one of the staples which should be included is individual bags of crackers. Things such as Goldfish, Wheat Thins or Cheez-Its provide somewhat healthy cracker snacks for the family. These items provide good ingredients and are packaged so that everyone can have their own individual bag and eat it at their own pace.

Bottled Water

Bottled Water is great and to eat for kids in the car

Bottled water is another necessity to have on hand during the road trip. It is extremely important to be well hydrated and water is the best way to do so. Bottled water provides a good way for everyone to have individual drinks and this item can be consumed cold or at room temperature.

Dried Fruit and Trail Mixes

Dried Fruit and Trail Mixes are great and to eat for kids in the car

For those who like fruit with a kick, dried fruit provides a good car snack for the road trip. These fruit products come in a variety of styles and one can choose regular dried fruit or a combination of fruit, nuts and granola. This healthy and delicious snack is good road trip food for all.

Apples, Grapes, and Pears

Apples, Pears, and Grapes are great and to eat for kids in the car

Three other types of fruit which you can take in the car and not have to worry about keeping it cold are apples, grapes, and pears. These items are good car food since they are healthy snacks and won’t create a big mess while being eaten in the car.

Juice Boxes are Great for Car Travel

Juice Boxes are great and neat for the car

For those who like something other than water, juice boxes provide a good alternative. Juice boxes are available in a variety of flavors and they are usually healthier than soda would be. Plus, kids love the straw effect of the juice boxes.

Snack Pack Cookies or Cookies in a Plastic Baggie

100 Calorie Pack Cookies are a good car food

It’s also a wise idea to bring along some sweet food items as well. Cookies are a good option as they are easily portable and most people like to eat these tasty treats.

Little Boxed Raisins are Easy to Eat and Yummy

Little Raisin Boxes are a good car food

Little raisin boxes are a favorite in my family. The kids love to eat the raisins out of the box and then blow into the empty box because it makes a whistling sound. Just make sure to tell your kids not to blow into the boxes if it will annoy you.

Cereal Bars are Another Good Choice

Cereal Bars are a good car food

Cereal bars are filling as well as pretty neat to eat. Younger kids might decide to smush it into a ball and then eat it. So, if you have younger kids, I don’t suggest cereal bars in the car. My one year old tends to do this and then smushes it into everything. Smushed cereal bars are very sticky so I would say if your child is 3 or 4 and older, cereal bars are a good car option.

Bagel Chips Make Very Few Crumbs

Bagel Chips are a good car food

I like bagel chips for the car because they make almost no crumbs. Younger kids might find these 2 hard to eat, but older kids can eat away without making a mess.

Granola Bars are an Easy Car Food for Your Kids to Eat

Granola Bars are a good car food

Granola bars are very tasty and since they are pre-packaged they are very easy to just throw to your kids on a long road trip. Granola bars also should fill your kids’ bellies up.

String Cheese

String Cheese are a good car food

String cheese is very neat to eat with literally no crumbs. On short trips, they don’t need to be refrigerated, and on longer trips, you can just place them in a cooler.

Cereal Bowls, Mini Cereal Boxes, and Baggies of Cereal

Cereal boxes and cereal bowls are a good car food

Miniature cereal boxes, mini cereal bowls, and baggies of mixed cereal are all a great car treat for long roadtrips. My family buys mini cereal bowls on Amazon. You can buy them bulk on Amazon for much cheaper than you ever would at a local store AND they make a great snack or breakfast when you are on a trip.

Fruit Roll Ups are Easy to Eat in the Car

Fruit Roll Ups are a good car food

Fruit Roll-Ups are very easy to eat when on the road. Plus, as a benefit, your kids will love eating them. Kids have a natural attraction to Fruit Roll-Ups. I don’t normally let my kids eat these because my Dentist advised me not to give them Fruit Roll-ups because it sticks to the teeth. However, once or twice a year is fine, just remember to have them brush their teeth when they get to the hotel.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are a good car food

If you are searching for something other than snacks and need something a bit more filling, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a good choice. They are easily transported and are a good source of energy for all family members to take advantage of.

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How to Make Sure That Your Family and Kids Get Through Airport Security

Monday, May 5th, 2008

How to Make Sure That You and Your Kids Get Through Airport Security

How to Make Sure That You, Your Family, and Your Kids Get Through Airport Security

Airport security is at a heightened level these days. Ever since the attacks of September 11th, airports throughout the world have been doing their part to ensure safe travel for all who take to the friendly skies to get to their destinations. With the increased security at these airports, there are new rules and regulations in place as well. The following will provide some tips to help you and your kids get through airport security in an easier manner.

Consult the Airport Safety Regulations Before Traveling

Consult the Airport Safety Regulations Before Traveling

Before traveling by air it is a good idea to consult the airport website if they have one. This will provide information with regard to airport security requirements at that particular airport in addition to federal TSA rules and regulations which you must be aware of as well. This way both you and your kids will be prepared as you step up to the front of the security line.

Don’t Pack Liquids - Airport Security Won’t Let You Through

Don't Pack Liquids - Airport Security Won't Let You Through

There is also a relatively new requirement where liquids are forbidden in carry on items. Therefore, check your items and make sure that the liquids are packed in the checked luggage. If you have to bring some type of liquid in your carry on bags or purse make sure that it is in a Ziploc bag to prevent it from leaking.

What if I have a Baby or Toddler That Needs a Cup or a Bottle on the Plane?

I would say that you then bring an empty bottle or baby cup and then buy apple juice or milk on the plane. I would also bring powdered formula and then fill up with bottled water or tap water (if they are older than 6 months old). As soon as you get on the plane, explain to the flight attendant your situation and ask if you can buy water, milk,  or apple juice before the flight begins so that you can comfort your baby. I am sure that the last thing that the flight attendant will want is a crying baby on the plane and they will assist you.

Shoes Off and Ready to Go to Get Through Airport Security

Shoes Off and Ready to Go to Get Through Airport Security

Another way in which you and your kids can not only get through airport security but do so in a speedy fashion is to have your shoes off and ready to go when you are at the front of the security line. Just make sure that the shoes off requirement is still in effect at your airport. You will be able to tell simply by watching the people already at the front of the line.

Keep Your Kids Quiet and Attentive When Approaching the Front of the Airport Security Line

Keep Your Kids Quiet and Attentive When Approaching the Front of the Airport Security Line

It is also a good idea to try and have your kids standing as quietly as possible when you are approaching the front of the line. TSA agents do not like rowdy kids as they can often slow down the movement of the line. Try to pay attention to not only what your children are doing but also what is going on at the front of the line. Being quiet and attentive will help to move things along a bit and get you through airport security.

Identification and Airplane Tickets in Hand - Keep TSA Agents Happy

Identification and Airplane Tickets in Hand - Keep TSA Agents Happy

An additional way to ensure that you get through airport security is to have your tickets and identification in your hand as you approach security. You should also have your children’s tickets ready and waiting as well. This will make the TSA agent pleased as they don’t have to wait for you to fumble around for the necessary documentation.

Have Everything in the Conveyor Belt Boxes to Go Through the Metal Detectors

Have Everything in the Conveyor Belt Boxes to Go Through the Metal Detectorsu

You should also try to have everything in the boxes which go through the metal detectors. Having this done in an orderly fashion will help to ensure that the metal detector portion of the security area is undertaken in a quick manner.

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Top 10 Most Dangerous Places That You Should Never Travel to with Kids

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

Top 10 Places That You Should Never Visit With Your Kids - Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Children in the World



Top 10 Most Dangerous Places That You Should Never Travel to with Your Kids

Although it is hard to limit the places which you should never visit with kids to 10 locations, there are 10 spots which should currently be avoided at all costs, especially when traveling with children. These locations are just a few of the various destinations cited by the State Department of the United States as being places to steer clear of.

Iraq

Perhaps the number one destination to avoid traveling to with children is Iraq. Due to the past years of war and violence throughout this country, it is a wise idea to stay out of Iraq altogether as the country is still unstable.

Afghanistan

This country is also plagued with violence due to the incidents throughout the past five to ten years. Troops still have a firm place within the country and it is advisable to not travel there at all, especially if you are traveling with kids.

Iran

If you are an American citizen you may also find that travel to Iran should be avoided. There have been incidents of hostilities occurring to Americans within this region and recent issues between Iran and neighboring countries have caused need for worry. Therefore, traveling here with children is not advisable.

Haiti

Travel to and from Haiti is restricted in nature. However, those who are able to visit the country should avoid doing so if with children. In 2007, there were 29 kidnappings of Americans and 13 in 2008 as of the month of April. Therefore, traveling here with children should not be undertaken.

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza

Since the early 2000’s, the West Bank and Gaza Strip areas have been in turmoil. Israel itself proves to be dangerous to those who visit the region. Therefore, you should choose not to visit this area when you have children with you.

Colombia

Colombia is another place you should not visit with your kids at the moment. This country sees its share of kidnappings, especially involving those individuals who are from outside of the country. The State Department of the United States warns individuals of the dangers with regard to visiting Colombia.

Various Regions throughout Africa

Africa is a continent which sees its share of political and social unrest. Civil war rages in various nations throughout Africa. Some of the locales to avoid when traveling with children include the Congo, Algeria, Chad, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Kenya, Sudan, Cote D’ Ivoire, Somalia and Nigeria. These areas have seen war torn conditions and various locations are plagued with various disease-related issues. For the health and safety of the children, it is best to avoid areas known for unsafe conditions such as these.

Nepal

In the past few years, Nepal has seen increasingly dangerous conditions. Visitors to the area have experienced issues regarding violence against women, acts of terrorism and have been the victims of other violent crimes. Traveling here with children should be advised against.

Yemen

Yemen is another location to avoid when traveling with children. Terrorist acts have occurred here recently and the overall atmosphere of the area is one which is unsafe for tourists, especially those with children.

Syria

Syria has also been experiencing turmoil and visitors to this country have been known to be the victims of various criminal acts. In addition, terrorism acts have occurred which make the area unsafe for a good amount of visitors. Therefore, traveling to Syria with children may not be a wise thing to do.

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Using an Infant / Child Car Seat on Airplanes

Saturday, April 14th, 2007
Using baby carseats on airplanes Every time that you go to get into the car with your babies or young children, you go through the routine of putting them into their car seats. It’s not something that you even think twice about; it’s just what you do. It’s the law, and it’s the law because it’s what keeps kids safe in the car. So, have you ever thought about the fact that this routine, which is so second nature to you, isn’t something that you do when engaging in other kinds of travel besides car travel? Don’t you think it’s just a little bit odd? More and more parents are realizing the oddity of this and taking action, making sure to bring airplane-compatible car seats with them on their flights.

 

For many, strapping their children into car seats on the plane has become as routine as strapping the kids into their car seats before getting in to the car. For others, use of car seats on the plane is a new thing. If you fall in to the latter category, you might have some questions about using car seats on the plane. Here are some of the basics things that you need to know about car seat use for your flights:
  • Neither airlines nor the law require parents to use car seats during plane travel. However, use of them has been recommended by child safety experts.
  • Children weighing forty pounds or more can safely use plane seatbelts. Children under forty pounds are much safer if they are in a car seat. As with your car seat in your car, you can choose to use a rear-facing car seat or forward-facing car seat, with the latter being better for kids who weigh under twenty pounds.
  • There are car seats which are made specifically to be used in both cars and on planes. These are called airplane-compatible and should be something that you look for when purchasing your normal car seats if you think that you will be doing any plane travel with your children.
  • Most airlines will let an adult board the airplane at the start of boarding in order to secure the car seat in place before the plane begins to get filled up. You should ask about this when you are waiting for boarding to begin. Note that car seats should be placed in the seat closest to the window.
  • The purpose of car seat use in planes is safety for your child. Some parents worry that trying to get a child out of a car seat in the rare case of an airline emergency could be problematic. This is an unwarranted fear; removing your child from the car seat is no more dangerous in a plane than in a car and keeping your children appropriately strapped in during flight could help save them if there are problems in the air.

It may not be the most common thing in the world to see parents strapping their children in to car seats on the plane. And you might think that it’s not necessary or that the hassles of carrying a car seat on board with you as you travel are not worth the effort. But it really is recommended that you use a car seat on the plane for your children and if you get used to the idea, it will soon just be second nature. Having your child’s safety be second nature is always a good thing!

…………………………………………….. SIMILAR PAGES …………………………………………….. Air Plane Travel with Baby or Toddler Air Plane Travel and Car Seats for Baby or Toddler Air Plane Travel with Kids ……………………………………………..

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How to Travel With Your Infant in an Airplane

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

Advice for Traveling on an Airplane with Your Baby: How to Keep Your Baby Happy On Flight

 

 

Baby in Car Seat - Infant Traveling by Airplane

 

 

Baby in Car Seat - Infant Traveling by Airplane

The new airline regulations which keep getting more and more stringent as the years go on can be trying for even the more practiced and calm of travelers. They can be absolutely harrowing for new parents who are already overwhelmed with taking their infant on a plane. On top of worrying about how well your infant will do in the air, whether or not you’ve packed all that you need for your infant during the trip and what you are going to do if everyone starts glaring at you because your infant is the one crying throughout the flight, you now have to worry about what you can and can’t pack for your infant to have on the plane. Take a deep breath, get your mind settled and get ready to learn the latest news in airline travel with your infant.

Food for your infant

The number one concern for most new parents traveling by air with an infant is the consideration of bringing baby formula or breast milk on the plane. With the rules about bringing liquids on your flight getting tighter and tighter, you might be wondering if you’re going to be able to bring what your baby needs to drink on the plane. And if you’re like most new parents, you’ve thought ahead to concerns about delays and long layovers and you want to make sure that you’ve over-packed the formula, not under-packed it, in case something goes wrong and your infant needs to eat.

Don’t worry; the creators of airline regulations may be tough but nobody wants to hear your infant cry throughout a flight so they accept that baby formula is coming on board. Here are the rules you need to know:

  • Baby formula and breast milk can be packed in your carry-on luggage but only if you are traveling with your infant. If you are meeting your partner and infant en route, you will not be able to carry the milk on board.
  • You are allowed to bring any amount of milk or formula that your baby might need. As long as it fits in your allotted carry-on luggage, you’re good to over-pack the formula as much as you see fit.
  • Your packed breast milk may be checked by security. Packing formula or milk in amounts smaller than three ounces each makes the security check of them go much more smoothly.
Medical concerns

Food is the primary concern for most people traveling with an infant, but running a close second is the concern about the safety of taking an infant on a plane. The most common issue which affects infants on planes is the pain of pressure in the ears. Unfortunately, it happens and your infant might cry as a result, but the pain is not long-lasting and the baby’s ears will not be damaged. Pain of this kind can be reduced by making sure that the baby has a bottle to enjoy during the take-off and landing of the flight which are the times when the pressure will have the greatest effect on the ears.

The other medical concern which comes up for parents traveling with infants is that of already-sick kids. Can you travel with your infant on a plane if he or she is sick? Yes, but the flight itself is already going to be stressful so if you can change your plans until a time when your infant is healthy, you should do so. If you must travel with a sick infant, make sure that you check with security about the regulations of taking your infant’s medicine with you on the plane.

Secondary concerns

Food and medicine are the big issues to worry about when you travel with an infant. However, it is sometimes all of the other little things in life that can drive us craziest. Pack well in advance of your trip to be sure that you’ve covered all your bases and you’ll be better prepared to deal with these little concerns. Things to think about when packing include making sure that you have a blanket, any teeth items, changes of clothing, diapers and a toy or stuffed animal for your infant. If you travel frequently with your infant, you may consider having a baby bag packed at all times so you don’t have to worry about these things when it is actually time to do your travel.

Finally, you should remember that a calm parent makes for a happier baby. This is particularly true for when you are traveling with your infant. Don’t let the stress of travel get to you; accept that there will be ups and downs of traveling with your baby and just try to go with the flow. You will have a more relaxed flight and your baby will benefit from your patience.

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