How do you clean the inside of a backpack?

best backpack for baby stuff image

Swaggy McS

Before Spring Break, I brought baby carrots and ranch to eat for lunch, in separate sandwich bags. Anyways, I didn't finish them so I put them in my backpack in one of the front compartments. I forgot about it entirely. I noticed that my stuff in my backpack was damp this morning, then I solved the mystery. I have wiped the compartment with a dry paper towel but there is still a residue and smell, and it has spread to the other compartments. What should I do?

Answer
Try handwashing it in the sink.
Or wiping it out with a wet cloth.

Any natural ways to get my boobs to grow?

Emily S.

Natural ways like eating healthy and stuff? Im only 13 and i know they will grow, all the woman in my family have C's and D's by high school anyway but still i want my breast to grow faster. Any ideas?

Answer
Please, please take my advice. I went through the same thing when I was your age. I was so flat-chested my freshman year I didn't need to wear a bra. I made my boobs grow by squishing them together. I have regretted it ever since. Half-way through my freshman year puberty kicked in and my breasts started growing on their own. I went from almost a C cup to a DD in less than a month. I have suffered teasing at my chest size and humiliation at not being able to find a decent bra or clothes that fit well. I had to give up running because even with a sports bra it hurt too much. That caused me to gain weight which made my breasts even bigger. Most of all was the excrutiating back pain I had to deal with constantly. If you want to know what that's like then take a backpack, put a gallon jug of water in it (approximately 8 pounds), then put the backpack on backwards and wear it for a few hours.
The weight of my breasts ultimately caused so much stress on my back that it literally pulled the top of my spine forward. I had to have breast reduction surgery (NOT fun) and months of chiropractic and physical therapy. The worst part for me was that the surgery prevented me from being able to breast feed my baby, and I will always regret that.

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How would I sanitize a used baby backpack carrier?

best baby backpack carriers image

Sergeant_w

I am picking up a used backpack carrier tomorrow. Its the nylon material kind on a metal frame. I want to clean and sanitize it before I put my baby in it. Any suggestions on the best way to clean it?

Answer
Clorox wipes first...over anything you can. After it dries completely, go over it with a baby-safe cleaner, like baby wipes.

Any suggestions for a backpack baby carrier?

jveryrad

I have a very active 15month old daughter. She likes to grab objects and destroy them. She is difficult to bring to a store. Yesterday, I had to hold her while shopping in hardware stores because she insisted on opening packages or bottles if I let her down. The shopping carts can be very dirty in a hardware store.

Does anyone use a backpack baby carrier for their toddlers for shopping? I don't do much hiking, and I use a stroller to take her on walks. So I would just use it to take her where I don't want her to run around.

Is it safe to get into? Is there a risk of dropping her while putting the backpack on? Any other uses for this? Any suggestions for brands? I heard Tough Traveler is good. Thanks.

Answer
I love my backpack for shopping, and I can still carry my soon to be 3 year old. This is the one I have http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776409&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302735239&bmUID=1160421939450 . We bought it almost 5 years ago when our oldest was the right size for it. It still looks brand new. I used it for shopping and long walks, my husband uses it for hiking. Have fun!

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what to buy for my baby?

baby carrier backpack sale image

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

4 Month Old Starts Crying When Not Held?

sfhc21

As soon as you pick her up and start walking around, everything is fine. She smiles, laughs. But as soon as you put her down, she starts crying and won't stop till you pick her up. From what I've seen, there are two answers:

1. You can't spoil a child. Keep holding her..
2. You are spoling her too much. Set her down and let her cry.

Both sides are extreme...To me, it seems there needs to be a balance. So what's the solution from some of you in the middle. How did you get through this time?

Answer
Well the middle ground is to a) use a baby carrier so you have your hands free or b) find something to amuse the baby such as a jolly jumper, swing, bouncer, exersaucer, gym, arch, toys, or even yes if it is a choice between this and your sanity TV/videos.

And I know it is cliche but this will pass soon. Soon she will be crawling/scooting/rolling/more easily grab things and able to entertain herself for short periods of time.

If she has good head control which usually happens at 4 months then you can use a backpack carrier and things like the jolly jumper (or whatever it's called in the US jumperoo?)

And it isn't true that if you don't force them to be independent they will be clingy. Lots of studies have proven that attachment parenting where you do carry them around almost all the time, and co sleep until they choose not to causes kids to be more independent. I know I rarely put my son down and now that he can walk and crawl he wants nothing to do with me. *lol* Except when it's time to feed.

Think about it this way:

If you are on a diet and you tell yourself no more chocolate (or whatever your favourite food is). And you don't have it in the house and you go without it for weeks how often do you think about chocolate. How often do you want it. Then one day you have some, how much do you eat?

Then let's say a different time you go to the day after Valentine's Day sale and you buy more chocolate than you could reasonably eat. It's in your closet for gifts, there is an open box or two. Sure at first you may eat a fair bit, but quickly you stop thinking about it all the time, you eat less of it, you may even get sick of it and not want it all together.

If you "fill up" your daughter's need for contact now then she won't need as much later. She won't feel that she has to test all the time to make sure you are there and will hold her. She knows you will. She knows every time she needs you there you are, so why test it? Does this mean you have to make yourself miserable NO. You need to find a balance that works for BOTH of you. Balance YOUR needs vs HER needs. Can I tell you what that balance is? Nope. I'm not you and I have never met your daughter.

Find the balance, find what works and you won't have a clingy child because of it. Can I guarantee at 9 months she'll walk away and rarely look back, no. Because she is her and my son is himself. But I do promise she will learn Independence and self-soothing in her own time, just as she learned to smile, and laugh, blow kisses and clap. Yes you need to provide opportunities to learn. Some AP mommas go too far and will never put their kids down even when their child wants to learn to crawl or play with that neat toy when they are 8, 9, or sometimes a year old. But if you take a balanced approach filling her up without wearing you out that will be the optimal thing for her and you and she will get there at the right time for her, rather than be clingy because of over-indulgence or under-attention.

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what are some items (food, liquer, toys, etc) that are prominent in the US but uncommon in Peru?

ebay baby backpack image

<3 & =

I will be traveling to Cusco, Peru in ten days to volunteer at an orphanage. I will be staying with a host family and commuting through the city to get to my workplace on a day to day basis. Does anyone have any information on what types of items we have here in the US that they don't have access to in Peru?

Answer
Pens, pencils (including mechanical), and notepads/journals are always welcomed.

As far as toys are concerned, pretty much anything that seems appropriate to you would be appreciated. Little puzzles are nice, as are stuffed animals. If you go the stuffed animal route, try Beanie Babies as they are fairly small with lots of different animal figures at good prices. You can buy them "used" as long as they are in good condition. Even the small ones that McDonald's came out with can be found for really cheap prices (eBay) where sets come with about 27 figures, more than enough to go around. Really the toy part is up to you. Barbies or Bratz are fairly costly in Peru, but that could end up being expensive on your end, too.

OK, whenever I go to Peru I start to get cravings for US chocolates after a few months. Although I personally think some of the Peruvian chocolates I have had are incredible, sometimes I miss the comfort foods of home. Hershey's or Mars chocolates are pricey there compared with the cheap prices we can find them for in the US, so for most people it's considered a treat to have a Hershey's bar. The last time I went back I actually filled my carry-on backpack with Snickers, Milky Way, York Peppermint Patties, Hershey's Kisses, etc. Once I got there I stored some away for me and gave the rest to friends and family who were very pleased to have them. So one idea is US chocolates.

Other food items... let's see, Planter's Peanuts (or other nuts), Combos, Packaged Popcorn, or anything else you see fit. Peruvians tend to eat a healthy diet that does not usually include all of the packaged items we eat in the US. So when you go, don't be surprised to see that a lot of what you're used to eating isn't there. There are lots of great alternatives, though. :)

I do not drink much alcohol, so perhaps someone wiser can give you a better idea about what liquer to bring. My suggestion from what I have seen/heard is perhaps bringing a bottle of whiskey (try Jack Daniel's) to share with people there.

Now, if you are looking for gifts for the family you will be staying with, name-brand items like Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Calvin Klein can be good ideas. Sometimes you can find these items on sale here for a fraction of what their price would be in Peru. If you are just looking for less expensive things to pick up, just sweaters, socks, pants, hats, from any brand are great.

Remember to pack warm clothes for yourself, too. I hope to have helped! Have a great trip. :)

how to wash a kelty baby backpack?

Grandma200

I bought a kelty backpack off ebay. Its in great condition except for needing a good washing. Anyone know anything about these packs? Thanks

Answer
best bet is to wash by hand in cold water (in bath tub) using mild powdered soap or something like NikWax Tech Wash
http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=268&activityid=1&itemid=3&fabricid=36

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What will I need for the new baby?

baby backpack for nursery image

Jennifer D

Experienced moms, I need your help please! I am getting ready to register for baby shower gifts. Besides the big stuff like nursery furniture, car seats, strollers, etc., what are/were the things you wanted/needed/used the most? There are so many products out there that it's hard to distinguish between what's necessary and what's just going to sit in the closet unused. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Answer
i was 19 and just shy of homeless when i became a mother. ths is the absolute survival kit, no nonsense list.

a bassinet or playpin- wont sleep in the crib for a few months anyway
lots of recieving blankets-u can slso use cloth diaper theyre cheaper and dont stain as easy
2 good heavy duty diaper bags- none of that cheap plastic stuff. you could use a messenger bag or backpack you already own, keep one on stand by, trust me itll come in handy
diapers-dont buy too many nb size you probably wont use them all
wipes get huggies they are thick so you use less they cost more than the cheap brands but you save money cause you dont need as many
CARSEAT!!!!!!!not negotiable, if you can buy new if not get one that hasnt been in an accident-muy importante
towels and cloths
medicine kit- rash ointment tylenol, thermometer, aspirator, humidifier, pain meds for you
witch hazel pads- for ur sore bottom
bathing supplies-it wont kill your kids if you dotn buy johnsons
xtra blankets
lots of socks-warm feet warm baby
bottles for formula or to store milk if you pump
flashlight and landline phone- incase power outage or emergency cell/cordless might not work
snugli is nice - sturdy cost effective and keeps the kid close
that damn boppy pillow- helps baby sit up and gives nursing support-easier on moms back
if u got more than 1 car 2seats
swing- my kids loved this thing- i believe it saved me from a nervous breakdown
lip balm
hard candy
pjs, onsies,
lots of laundry detergent
a good book
tissue- yes tissue
plastic baggies- put wipes and cotton swabs in them, pacifiers if you use one, theyre generally useful
nice stuff for you-shampoo soap anything.the first few weeks can be kinda rough a nice treat just for you can be i little pick me up.
hope you find this useful, goodluck!

Top five must have and wish you didn't waste $$$ on for newborn nursery?

M k

We are expecting our first child in a few months and are wondering what are the top five things your child (and you) couldn't live without the first 6 mos and the five things you wish you (or someone else) didn't waste money on? Obviously the basics of a crib, etc are a given...Thanks in advance!

Answer
My top 4 would be....
1.a nursing pillow
2.bouncy chair
3.DH/SO helping out
4.Breast pump
Those things I could have not made to 6 months without

Since I never had a baby shower, I had to buy everything myself. I don't really have anything that was a waste of money, but I have things that I didn't need right away.
1. crib, I co-sleep, and only now does my son sleep in it. I made it into a big co-sleeper
2.change table, never got one. I change my son on the floor in the bathroom or on my bed.
3.diaper bag, over priced and too small. School backpacks work better.

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Peg Perego? Has anyone tried or know the difference (aside from price) between a peg and graco stroller?

baby backpack amazon image

bunny

I was sold on getting a graco travel system but my friend insists a peg perego one is worth it. Just want to know what you think, it just seems like its way too much money (but then again, it might be really good)! Money i may spend on other baby stuff. What strollers do you recommend and why?
Thanks everyone!!!

Answer
Hey Bunny! The Graco is nice. The Peg Perego is also very nice. Kind of similar to buying cars, ie a Toyota vs a Lexus. (Sort of). I think that the best advice I could give you is to think about when/where you will use it. I live in the sticks, and primarily use mine for the Mall, brief walks, as well as special outdoor events. Other than that, we used to carry (sling, backpack, etc). My son is 2 now, and I can hardly keep him in it. My daughter who is 7 would still ride if we let her (LOL).
I found that investing in a stroller that isn't gi-normous, but has the durability of a larger stroller was key for me and my needs.
Basically I went on the hunt for a really "suped up" umbrella stroller. I found the Combi and although it's exactly what I was looking for, it did have some limitations: I had to buy an extra cup holder, it wasn't meant for teeny tiny infants (again I wore mine), and the basket underneath is too small to my liking. Mine was easier to schlepp in and out of the car with a baby in arm, etc. Plus my car didn't have the storage space for a stroller system.

Now if you live in the city and plan on using it everyday, all the time, definitely invest in a sturdier, bigger model. Especially if you plan on walking with the baby in the stroller a lot.
Try and pick a model that will grow with you child, so you don't have to buy another one later.
I will say that I LOVED the Snugride carseat (even though we used it for only 4 months) it was a lifesaver when my son had GERD, and he used to sleep well in it!
BTW, if you can still find them, Britax made carseats for Fisher Price at a fraction of the sticker price. (I last saw it on Albeebaby.com, you may only find them in secondary markets now- such as ebay and amazon)
Good luck...
Boy or girl?????
:)

where can i print iron on letters for a tshirt I am making?

Dawn

I am making tshirts for my children's football and cheerleading. I am looking for a website that I can use to print the lettering on to iron on transfers. Please help

Answer
There are some of the local craft stores that have what what you want. You may also want to check Joann.com

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How do I handle all the baggage and my child when flying alone?

baby backpack for 1 year old image

Amanda R

I am going to be flying non-stop to Colorado from St. Louis in a couple weeks. I will be flying alone with my one year old. I need to take his carseat(checking) and stroller(would like to keep it so I can use it in the airport so I guess it is like a carryon but it will be held at the front of the plane), and a suitcase (will be checking), and a diaperbag that I will be carrying on. My question is how am I going to handle all of this stuff when I pick it up at baggage claim and until I check it through? Will there be people that can help me get my bags or not?
Will they let me check the stroller so I can have it plane side?

Answer
I'm an ex-F/A who flies now alone with my three between Europe and California about every six months since each was about 4 months old. We also take shorter trips a lot.

1. I don't take a purse. I take a small fanny pack or long strapped small bag with my essentials and a backpack. It's a bit bigger than the standard size (I have one just for flying) and fits the onboard limits. With just one child, consider leaving or packing the diaper bag.

2. Attach the carseat to the stroller. Use bungee cords and perhaps try them back-to-back. Another option is to check/leave the stroller and put the carseat on "wheelie" cart. Make sure it's all metal and there is a gadget sold that fits several carseats. http://www.amazon.com/Gogo-Kidz-Travelmate/dp/B000MWZWV8 It's available on other sites too but that's just to show you what it is. I've done fine with an *all metal* cart and extra bungee cords. My old wheelie from my first airline found a second life by carting carseats!

3. Make sure you have a good carrier for your baby. Forget those fiddly Bjorns and use a wrap, sling or pouch. A Mei Tai or something like an Ergo carrier works well too. Carriers should last to at least 2 years. My 3 year old can still go in her sling. Great for calming babies onboard or getting sleeping children off the aircraft. Check out http://www.peppermint.com or http://www.kangarookorner.com for ideas (I don't work for those sites-they actually represent multiple companies).

4. In baggage claim, load the bags, put the carseat on the top along with any hand luggage and the stroller and push it *all* while the baby goes in the carrier. I've managed alone through customs and two other children this way.

For the record, I've never used a skycap. They're not used for international but use one if available. Tip well so that they'll be nice to the next family ;)

What I do with the backpack is that I wrap diapers, extra clothes, etc. and rubber band them to make room. I bring a cloth bag (the kind you buy in grocery stores as an alternative to plastic and paper) and use that onboard for diaper changes, etc. (so I'm not hauling the whole backpack around). I simply put what I need for each trip to the lav.

I have an article on flying with children that I put on a blog to share with other parents. It's totally non-commercial and sort of my own personal Mitvah. Feel free to check out;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com for more details on carseats, packing, booking and other tips.

Otherwise, have a good trip (and be grateful you don't have to face Customs!)

What kind of double stroller is better?

mamaof2

i have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. i've been looking at double strollers, but i don't know what to get. i really like the sit and stand strollers, but i don"t know if it would be better to have a side by side stroller so that my kids can see each other. any advice?

Answer
Go to a store and try them out. Look at weights and weight-limits. Consider the ages of your kids. My son was 18 months before I decided I needed a double-stroller... until then he rode in an Ergo on me, and then my daughter wanted to ride on my back so he would ride in the stroller and she would walk until tired, then I'd put her in the Ergo on the backpack position. Tiring for me, but she liked it and would jabber nonstop in my ear since I was so close I could hear every little word from her.

When my son turned 2 and I found out I was pregnant that was it. Need a double-stroller. I tried them out and found that I liked the Baby Trend "Navigator" double stroller, but the cost ($200+) was a lot. Oddly enough I found one at a secondhand store a few months later, $100. What I didn't check was the weight of the stroller... I really didn't think this one through enough. I love the cushioning in it for them, love the design, but it doesn't go through doorways, weighs 40+lbs (note, the light-weight double-strollers weigh only 10lbs less...) on it's own (add in my daughter at 31lbs and my son at 28lbs and you're pushing 100lbs!), and because of the weight it's holding the bar in the middle looks like it will eventually sag and give way. :( The problem with side-by-sides (I'm learning by experience here) is that the instructions say that the kids need to be of close to equal weight too, or else you'll have problems. Not an issue with my small daughter and average son, they're pretty close in weight even though there's a 2 year difference, but your kids may have a greater difference. Once they're seated, they're not going to be looking at one another anyway.

Honestly if I was to do it again I'd look at something more like this. It runs $400-500 though, but you can put a seat in the lower-position as well as a running-board (so you can have it be a stand-alone for your toddler as she gets older, or she can climb into a lower seat.) But to me it looks far more maneuverable as far as what your options are and when your 3 year old is ready to walk all the time you can leave the second seat at home. I'm not sure what I'll have to do with Monstro when I'm down to one rider.

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What should I do to begin my backpacking trip to Europe?

cheap baby backpack image

jman89

I plan on backpacking europe next summer and don't even know where to start. How much should I save? Which country is best to start? How do I avoid tourist areas?

Answer
First thing, research. Try hostel.com for the hostels. Frommers.com for travel tips and to connect with other travelers.

For the budget airlines, there are so many...aer lingus, wizz air, bmi baby, german wings, ryan air, easy jet, thomsonfly, flybe...just look it up in the internet. Fact is, there are numerous budget airlines flying to the UK. Buy your tickets now and it will be so cheap. Cheaper than buying the Euro Railpass. In fact, there are several on sale now for travel next year.

First country - UK. I suggest the UK because for the language convenience. I gather that you are a native English speaker and people there speak English. While you are getting started backpacking, at least language will not be your problem.

You can make London your base and just go to other countries for a few days or a week.

As for your budget, $80 a day should be enough, including bus fare and minimal entrance fees, if you really can stay on the cheap. I have in mind that 1GBP=2USD.

Oh, one last thing, the fantastic museums in London are free!!! But you will thoroughly appreciate them enough though to donate.

Anyone know how to make a regular backpack into a roller backpack?

Monica Sar

Strange question, but I need to find a way to convert regular backpacks into roller backpacks. Our school store sells our school logo-ed backpacks, and we need to convert some into roller backpacks. Does anyone out there know of a company that sells a kit to add the rollers and the handle yourself? Many thanks for any assistance!!!

Answer
Cleveland 06/11/09

This should be an easy task. you will need a round shaft around 5
inches longer than the Backpack be wide...

If you are able to find an old baby stroller or a similar object - just remove the wheels w / shaft (thats with ) If the shaft be longer than
the five inches longer than the,..you,..understand,.?! Naturally, the shaft must be rounded. Make holes in the backpack on the downside that would be positioned on your back,..reinforce / strengthen the
holes area. Put the wheels on. they ought be around 3 - 4 inches.

What do you do for a handle,.? Aaahhaa,.?! You may use an
old handle from a handbag or large purse - use rope material -
make same long enough so as to not lean, or hunch over. Reinforce
the the area around the holes you made,..Would it not be better to buy a cheaper roller Backpack,..?

Anyway, you may find a stiff - or, mildly stiff piece of thicker wire
run same through the handle, or grip,..you're set. You've made a roller backpack,..

Eliasis Yahwehei ( The Main Man )

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How to be a classroom mom while still having an infant at home? How do I go about volunteering, any suggestion?

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the shinin

I love to participate in my child's school, and her teacher wants me (and I also want) to be room mom, but I explained how I am "limited" on what I can do since I have an 8 month old as well to take care of, (I breastfeed to, so having him on a schedule isn't an option). My child's also in 1st grade..Any suggestions to be really involved? thanks!

Answer
Bring your baby along in a sling.

My breastfed babies have been so portable! When they're that young, they're not yet into things. I have taken them everywhere with me at that age, either in my sling or in my Ergo backpack carrier. When they fussed, I simply nursed them.

There's no need to pub your baby on a schedule. You are wise to realize this. (Can an 8-month-old tell time? No. They need what they need when they need it.) There's also no need to express milk and leave the baby.

I'm a bit of a germ freak. Someone mentioned not taking your baby at all because of germs, but there are things you can do. Hold your baby in your arms or a carrier. Set a ground rule about children not touching your baby's hands or mouth, and you're all set. Besides, if there's something out there, your older child is bringing it home from school anyway. And what a bonus that your milk is protecting your baby with your immunities!

How old is too old for a child to ride in a exercise stroller?

Angel

My son is eight and he is with me almost always. I need to exercise walk but he cannot go as far as I need to go or as fast. Is he too big to ride in a exercise stroller part of the way on our walks?
It would hurt my back to carry him. I am a 42 year old woman who is not strong enough to carry him on my back.

Answer
I'd say 8 is too old. My daughter will be two this summer and I have no problem having her and my almost 4 year old son in a double jog stroller when I run more than 2 miles. I just ran a half marathon and so I understand the lack of babysitters and the need for long training runs, however at 8 your son should be getting exercise of his own. My son is 3 and I have him ride his trike along while I run. If he's not used to doing it, it'll be a lot harder at first than if he's always gone with you. But 8 is an age when you can reason with him and say, "Mommy needs to get healthy in order to... I want you to be healthy with me."

Our family are big hikers: We follow the "a mile for every year starting at 2" rule: we believe it's reasonable to expect our kids to join us on hikes and that's part of our fun together. Last summer, my son climbed Sentinal Dome in Yosemite with us (daughter in a backpack carrier) and this summer we hope to do another similar hike. When hiking with kids, just remember to keep the terrain in mind - it shouldn't be someplace they could easily fall or where there's a lot of poison oak. Plan 2/3 of their max distance because kids never hike in a straight line - for example, a 3 mile loop for my son might be too much because of all the deer trails he explores along the way and all the running up to look at something ahead and running back to me it would be more like 4 or 5 miles for him. It does take longer to hike with kids, but you have great bonding time to talk and get to really explore the world around you. Make it about the journey, not the destination, my daughter loves to collect pinecones and my son loves to make tracks with sticks in the dirt. Geocaching also allows for discoveries along the way to make it more fun for them.

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What stroller would you recommend?

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Kaydi

I just found out that I am expecting my 4th. I have a 2 1/2 year old that'll be 3 shortly before the baby is due.

What kind of stroller would you recommend for the infant & toddler?
Obviously, I know a double stroller.... which one?

Answer
My two year old hates strollers always had so I hadn't bothered with a double stroller. I kept playing with the idea of a sit 'n' stand but if the toddler is in the stroller its either because he's sleeping OR he is misbehaving.

Then I finally had to go grocery shopping without my hubby or car and I wasn't up to putting my 10 month old in the backpack carrier so I dragged the double stroller I got for free up from the basement. It was a death trap (jolly jumper) but my toddler *loved* being in a stroller with is brother. And of course winter is coming.

I hear great things about the BOB strollers but they just aren't in the budget. So it came down to the Graco DuoGlider or the Graco Quattro. The Quattro is a bit nicer and it is a bit less long when folder (but I think the 20% claim is pretty far wrong) but its thicker when folded). The Quattro has shocks and a couple of extra cup holders but no tray for the front seat (two cup holder OR a thin padded bar but not both). The DuoGilder was on sale and the Quattro was just not "twice the price" nicer.

The only complaint to so far with the DuoGlider is that the handle is a tiny bit high but then again I'm 5'2". Some people prefer the quattro because the handle dips in the middle so you can sort of pick your handle height (then again you can't lean on it). Oh and the quattro is 10lbs heavier (29 lbs vs 19 I think)

The Quattro gets slightly better review but some reviews who have had both prefer the DuoGlider.

Anyway in the US the DuoGlider is I think about $100 normal price and I don't think you can beat that for a double stroller with a cup holder for everyone and lots of other neat features.

What do i do about this terrible back pain!?!?

Q. Well according to the doctors i am two months (which i do not know how because i am already showing?) but anyways i have terrible back pain it hurts so bad... i am still in school so i can not go home and relax during the day like i should be... and the nurses will not let me go home they tell me to basically suck it up... but this pain is terrible i cannot move the slightest bit with out having a back spasm its so bad to even move my legs hurts my back... what can i do to get rid of this back pain?!?

Answer
You should look into Prenatal Massages.
Also, walking will help a little bit, make sure you aren't carrying a backpack or purse around on one shoulder all the time as that throws your spine out of line.
Invest in a pregnancy pillow. I have one by Boppy, but I really wanted one made by Snoogle cause it had better reviews. You can get them at Babies"R"us or at Target.
Also, you can take Tylenol, but try to limit how much you take, and I know it won't help much, but its what is safe for the baby.
Warm showers or baths help a little bit (be sure it's not hot baths/showers as when your body heats up, so does the amniotic fluid and it takes 45 minutes for the amniotic fluid to cool down AFTER you have cooled down).

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what is the best baby carrier for a 9month old baby?

baby carrier backpack used image

Carla

I am thinking buying A BABY carrier for my 9 month old, thinking of using it for awhile. What is the best one out there?

Answer
Ergo.

it's a soft front or back pack...the newer model can also be used on the hip.

it is ergonomically designed for the wearer and the rider.

wearer - wears like a back pack, sternum belt, wide shoulder straps, thick lumbar supportive waist strap.

rider - baby sits in a more natural position where his/her weight is distributed across the butt and thighs... does not hang by the crotch like bjorns/snuggli type carriers

it goes up to 40lbs... though that recommendation is for the comfort of the adult, not because the straps, fabric, buckles can't hold anymore... one picture on their website is a 100lb woman in it!! I still use mine for my 44lb 4 yr old on odd occassions like when we've been at the zoo or the flea market for too long and she's tired, it folds down pretty well and I tuck it at the bottom of my backpack when we're having a big excursion like that.
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

ETA... for kelty fans - I can't tell, does the child sit in it - like in a real sitting position like the Ergo??

What baby backpack carrier have you used?

oceanxstas

I need to purchase a baby backpack type carrier for our upcoming vacation. My little one will be 14 months old by then. She currently weighs around 25 pounds. Suggestions, critiques needed. Thanks

Answer
We have a Patapum baby carrier - which can be both front and back carry.
It's a soft carrier, very comfortable for both myself and my partner to wear our 11.5 month old daughter (approx 24lbs.)

We have used snugglys and slings, and have tried wraps, but the carrier is our favourite (for an older baby especially) - as it positions their weight perfectly, and you can easily walk around for 2+ hours with no twinges or aches.

Comes in blue, black and khaki - we have the khaki.
http://www.attachedtobaby.com/Patapum-Baby-Carrier-P5.aspx

Couldn't recommend it enough.

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where are the backpack air jets?

baby jet backpack image

emcee lexi

with all of the reasons to hate a car (environmental damage, cost, maintenance, etc) why haven't we invented backpack air jets yet?... wouldn't it be great to just strap on a backpack, pop out a couple of handlebars, lift off, and fly?!? it would be perfect for commuting to work, saving the vehicles for trips to the grocery store for bulk shopping...

I don't know... It just seems like we're way behind our potential...

Answer
Could you imagine getting a DUI on one of those babies. LOL, the thought of getting pulled over for swerving your jetpack just makes me laugh.

Usually never remember dreams, now I'm having really violent ones..why?

Slumper B

30 yr old male, for the longest time I could never remember my dreams very well but I always new that I had them, just couldnt remember the details the next day-but i know they werent violent. I'm a new dad of a 4 month old which is basically the only thing different in my life right now, all other stressors are still ticking.. I'm typically laid back with a painfully aggressive angry side but like i said my dreams have never been violent. Within the last 2 weeks I've had 3 dreams I can remember clearly. First was a woman flying around on her jet backpack, she got too close to a helicopter and got shredded into pieces and landed in a giant pool of blood near my feet in a public setting, the people were horrified but in the dream it didnt seem to bother me? 2nd was a weird one where a woman was driving my car with my wife and baby in the back seat, the woman all of a sudden got weird and or possessed and ran the car into a guard rail, everyone seemed okay, even baby but I was obviously pissed and started punching her in the face repeatedly, then we appeared in her apt and I continued to go everywhere she went and just kept pounding her in the her face non stop, my wife was there and my friends sister was there out of nowhere whom I'm havent seen or talked to in years and nobody seemed to really mind? My most recent dream involves a young teenage male being at the same house as my wife and I and baby hanging out with a younger sister of ours. I asked him a question, he was a smart ass, took my baby outside without my permission, I went after him, brought him back inside, he pulled a gun, I took it and pushed him onto the couch, shot him in the chest, he drooled, didnt seem dead, shot him higher in the chest and then in the neck and then he seemed slowed down and then I think i woke up? I guess I'm not really bothered just really curious. Is it really because I have a relatively new baby? I've never hit a woman, never shot a gun and never had any strange run ins with helicopters. I havent watched SAW lately although i do enjoy them...Any ideas?

Answer
First of all, congratulations on your newborn. Second of all, relax!!!!!!!

It's all in your head because as of recent, you have this sprout of life in your own life that quite literally is the branch of life. The most amount of love you as a father can have is towards your kids and our mind takes advantage of that sometimes. You have bad dreams about good people because it's simply the underlying terror that we all have; bad things happening to good people, especially the people closest to us whom we know are good.

It sounds weird but then all dreams are. They never mean anything literally (sometimes they do). You're being told by your own mind you love your kid and you're scared of trouble coming down that kids life.

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4 Month Old Starts Crying When Not Held?

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sfhc21

As soon as you pick her up and start walking around, everything is fine. She smiles, laughs. But as soon as you put her down, she starts crying and won't stop till you pick her up. From what I've seen, there are two answers:

1. You can't spoil a child. Keep holding her..
2. You are spoling her too much. Set her down and let her cry.

Both sides are extreme...To me, it seems there needs to be a balance. So what's the solution from some of you in the middle. How did you get through this time?

Answer
Well the middle ground is to a) use a baby carrier so you have your hands free or b) find something to amuse the baby such as a jolly jumper, swing, bouncer, exersaucer, gym, arch, toys, or even yes if it is a choice between this and your sanity TV/videos.

And I know it is cliche but this will pass soon. Soon she will be crawling/scooting/rolling/more easily grab things and able to entertain herself for short periods of time.

If she has good head control which usually happens at 4 months then you can use a backpack carrier and things like the jolly jumper (or whatever it's called in the US jumperoo?)

And it isn't true that if you don't force them to be independent they will be clingy. Lots of studies have proven that attachment parenting where you do carry them around almost all the time, and co sleep until they choose not to causes kids to be more independent. I know I rarely put my son down and now that he can walk and crawl he wants nothing to do with me. *lol* Except when it's time to feed.

Think about it this way:

If you are on a diet and you tell yourself no more chocolate (or whatever your favourite food is). And you don't have it in the house and you go without it for weeks how often do you think about chocolate. How often do you want it. Then one day you have some, how much do you eat?

Then let's say a different time you go to the day after Valentine's Day sale and you buy more chocolate than you could reasonably eat. It's in your closet for gifts, there is an open box or two. Sure at first you may eat a fair bit, but quickly you stop thinking about it all the time, you eat less of it, you may even get sick of it and not want it all together.

If you "fill up" your daughter's need for contact now then she won't need as much later. She won't feel that she has to test all the time to make sure you are there and will hold her. She knows you will. She knows every time she needs you there you are, so why test it? Does this mean you have to make yourself miserable NO. You need to find a balance that works for BOTH of you. Balance YOUR needs vs HER needs. Can I tell you what that balance is? Nope. I'm not you and I have never met your daughter.

Find the balance, find what works and you won't have a clingy child because of it. Can I guarantee at 9 months she'll walk away and rarely look back, no. Because she is her and my son is himself. But I do promise she will learn Independence and self-soothing in her own time, just as she learned to smile, and laugh, blow kisses and clap. Yes you need to provide opportunities to learn. Some AP mommas go too far and will never put their kids down even when their child wants to learn to crawl or play with that neat toy when they are 8, 9, or sometimes a year old. But if you take a balanced approach filling her up without wearing you out that will be the optimal thing for her and you and she will get there at the right time for her, rather than be clingy because of over-indulgence or under-attention.

what to buy for my baby?

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

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Does anyone have any more feedback on car seats and strollers?

baby hiking backpack kelty image

K

Kelty Kids has a backpack convertable stroller that is nice to use if you encounter stairs. My combi drags behind from my right hand, with my child flexed tightly in my left arm whenever there is no elevator around. The Kelty is 8lbs and around $125 -200 depending on the model you get from Sportsman Warehouse. There are businesses that will match prices in the area, such as Alpine Experience. I'm ready to advance to this type of system since I'm more active now six months post childbirth and this will allow me to go hiking. My Combi stroller/car seat was about $300, but came with a well-constructed car seat that easily came in and out of the base, which remained stationary in the car. This could easily be removed from the car and placed in my stroller in minutes.

Answer
If you can use it as a car seat and a stroller you are saving time and money.
Consider some other models that you can find in this article about the best baby strollers.

What is your favorite "baby-wearing" sling?

Elliott's

I am looking into getting a new one, my son is almost 1. I have gone through three different slings/carriers, he outgrew some of them, the others were hard on my back. Had a front carrier sling when he was an infant, then switched to the backpack styles (like Bjorn), but now I am looking at maybe a Moby, Peanut Shell, K'Tan, Kangaroo Carrier, etc...

I am kind of sick of wasting money on ones that don't work/hurt.

Advice, tips, especially for older babies? Which carrier do you prefer?

Answer
We had some issues with hating carriers after a short time (especially since our son, born tiny, has ended up being rather large.) It's only recently that I figured out that if you GO to Baby's R Us and ask a manager, they will send someone over to the carrier aisle to unpack and let you try any carrier they sell. It takes a while, obviously, but we brought our son and really took our time over it this last time.

We were looking for a backpack and ended up buying the Kelty TC 2.1 and could not be happier with it - I know you're not looking for a backpack style carrier, but if your baby is getting over 20-22 pounds, it's worth checking out. It is very adjustable, and acts basically exactly like a hiking pack, except with a space for a baby.

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Is an infant harness horrible?

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Twins Moth

I've read quite a few opionions on this subject, and every single one seems to be negative. I have active 1 year twins, one who is walking and one who's not quite there yet. They don't mind the stroller most of the time, but when we're at the park or a similar place, my walker wants to walk.. which is a good thing, except that when he runs I have to chase him. I can't carry my non-walker while chasing the walker, so this means I have to either leave her sitting on a blanket and hope no one walks by and snatches her while I'm chasing the other one, or it means I'll carry her and may not be fast enough to catch the walker before he hits a danger zone. While I'm not overly interested in whether or not I get dirty looks, I'd like a solution that's not going to make my fellow mothers assume I must be a horrible mother. Plus I'm starting to wonder what I'm going to do when they're both walking and take off in opposite directions? It's bound to happen no matter how carefully I watch & hold.

Answer
I have used a harness on our 3rd baby, mostly because with 2 other children, I wanted to make sure they were ALL safe. It only takes one second for something really bad to happen. Don't worry about anyone's disapproving looks- they are usually either from people who have no children, or they are the parents who think that they are perfect, but who really never supervise their own children, and wait for all the other moms and dads to do it for them. The harness we have for our son is used mostly when we go places like Disney, and he gets tired of sitting in the stroller all day long. It is actually really cute because it is really soft and it is a puppy dog. His paws wrap around my son and that is where the harness part connects. The back of the puppy is a backpack. He has never tried to get out of it because he thinks he's big like his sisters, with a backpack on! You can get them at Target (I paid $9.95) and I have seen them at several other stores like Walmart, Toys R Us, etc... There are several different styles.

What are some upbeat songs?

Stephanie

What are some good, upbeat dance songs? they can be from this year, or from years ago. Thanks!

Answer
Paparazzi, Poker Face, and Just Dance by Lady Gaga... Tik Tok, Your Love Is My Drug, Take It Off, Dinosaur, Boots & Boys, Sleazy, Crazy Beautiful Life, Grow A Pear, Party at a Rich Dude's House, Blow, Cannibal, We R Who We R, Blah Blah Blah by Ke$ha, The Prayer by Bloc Party, The Time by The Black Eyed Peas, Any song by Brokencyde, Any song by InnerPartySystem, any song by Black Kids, Any song by Breathe Carolina, An Honest Mistake by The Bravery, I disappear by the faint, anything by family force 5 especially from their cd Dance or Die, only happy when it rains, cherry lips by garbage, I'm In Love (With A Killer) by Jeffree Star.. Pretty much anything with Jeffree Star whether it's his song or not.. If he's featured on it chances are you can shake your booty to it... Justin Timbelake, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz, Day N Nite, Up Up & Away, Make Her Say, Pursuit Of Happiness, by Kid Cudi, Lips Like Morhine by Kill Hannah, Somebody Told Me by The Killers, Finding Out True Love Is Blind by Louis XIV, Heart-Shaped Glasses by Marilyn Manson, So Rich So Pretty, Jane Fonda by Mickey Avalon, Bitches, Faggot, Shut Me Up, Almost every song on the cd If by Mindless Self Indulgence, Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, The Sharpest Lives, House of Wolves, mama, by My Chemical Romance, Blazin by Nicki Minaj, All Of The Lights, Power, Goldigga, by Kanye West, Every You Every Me, Meds by Placebo, Let's Go Crazy, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Baby I'm A Star, 1999, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Little Red Corvette, Rasberry Beret by Prince, Pon de Replay, Umbrella, Push Up On Me, Don't Stop The Music, Breakin' Dishes, Shut Up And Drive, Disturbia, S&M, Cheers(Drink To That), Only Girl(In The World), What's My Name by Rihanna, Love The Way You Lie by Eminem feat. Rihanna, I Got Your Money by Say Anything, Bottoms Up byTrey Songz, I Don't Wanna Fall In Love, Tear You Apart by She Wants Revenge, Le Disko, You Are The One, Don't Cry Out, Rainy Monday, Jackie Will Save Us by Shiny Toy Guns, Riot Rythm, Kids by Sleigh Bells, Manatee by Talons, Sick Little Suicide, Little Maggots by The Matches, AllThe World Is Mad (Remix) by Thrice, We Still Dance by Tickle Me Pink, Kissing You Goodbye by The Used, DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love, There Goes My Baby by Usher, We Can Talk by Two Door Cinema Club, Untouched, Hook Me Up, This Is How It Feels, Take Me On The Floor, Popular, AllI Have by The Veronicas, Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt, The Scene Is Dead, Can't Lose, It's A Hit, The Great Escape, by We Are Scientists, Don't Trust Me, Starstrukk, I'm Not Your Boyfriend Baby, Colorado Sunrise, Dance With Me, Don't Dance, Dragon Backpack, Hott, I'm Not Comin To Your Party Girl by 3oh!3, Toxic, Outrageous, Slave 4 U, I Love Rock N' Roll by Britney Spears

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Do I need a car seat for my 2yr old to be used in an airplane?

baby backpack harness image

EVEC

We will be flying to Texas and I wanted to know if we are required to take a car seat?

Answer
It is never required to use a carseat. That is up to the parents for all ages. Airline seatbelts are not designed for little children and don't hold them very well.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and spent 10 years seeing and helping other parents fly with their kids before I had my own. Little did I realize that I'd be travelling with mine between Europe and California twice a year, plus shorter flights inbetween, virturally all alone. I've been doing this since my 8 year old was 4 months old. Almost all flights were with them in carseats. The only time I haven't was when I was prevented from doing so by foreign carriers.

I assume you're already in the U.S. and you'll be flying an American carrier. That wont happen to you. Since your 2 year old has a seat, you have the right to use a FAA approved carseat.

Check the one you already have for a FAA "sticker" which now is usually simply on the side information bar. Usually there's a little airplane and it says "...has been approved for use on aircraft..." etc. Most U.S. carseats are FAA approved. If it's not, which is unlikely, consider borrowing (trading?) or simply buy another. Good ones go for as little as $40.

I recommend this option over using a CARES harness, which isn't as secure and can only be used inflight. At $75, it seems steep for such a one-purpose gizmo but it's your money to spend as you wish!

Having the carseat onboard guarentees that the it wont be damaged or lost in baggage and you can use it right away when you leave the airport in Texas, assuming you'll be doing so by car. I had a bad experience with a car company rental seat and most Carseat techs don't recommend you use them (wish I had that bit of advice!)

Here's a link for you which shows the FAA approval writing and, if you scroll down, a picture of the CARES harness.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

To get it through the airport, you have several options. There are carseat bags which you can wear like a backpack. These didn't appeal to me, since I usually fly alone with my three. There is also the pricey GogoKidz cart;
http://www.go-baby.com/Products/gogokidz.html

It doesn't fit all carseats and is expensive at $80-90.

I simply put my carseat on a all-metal luggage cart (a souvenir of the first airline I worked for) and strapped my rather heavy Radian on with extra bungee cords. Worked great and didn't cost anything, since I found the bungee cord but they certainly don't set you back much if you need to buy one.

I have to say that at work, I heard fewer complaints about children who were in carseats than those traveling without them. It does seem to keep children calmer, since it's the right size and familar. It also keeps their feet above the annoying soft zone in airline seats, that kids seem to instinctively kick...(Put your hands on either side of the bottom of your airline seatback and you'll feel what I mean).

Meanwhile, since I get a lot of questions on this subject, I wrote up an article for the local expat community on flying with children. It's entirely non-commerical and I put it on a blog so that I could add to it and edit it more easily (the latter being my weakness). I can also share it better. Instead of cluttering this post up with information you didn't specifically ask for, visit;
http://flyingwithchildren. blogspot. com

Have a good trip!

What is the best carrier/case for air travel with my Doxie?

lem9052

I am traveling with my DOXIE from NJ to FL, via JetBlue. I need help finding the best dog carrier for this trip. She has to remain in the carrier and under the seat for the flight duration. If anyone knows, or has experience with this, please help me get the best carrier so my doxie is comfortable and calm. THANKS!!!!

Answer
Sherpa makes a very nice soft-sided carrier; it was actually designed by a flight attendant! Can be a little costly. I would try to find a local store rather than just purchasing one online, due to the unique shape of a dachsie!
I say this because the first one I got for my dachshund was plenty tall but not long enough! We had a bit of a skinned nose after the initial trial fitting! We ended up getting a medium "original" sherpa bag for a 14# dachsie.
Be sure the airline knows in advance that you BOTH are coming as there are limits to the number of pets allowed in cabin on each flight. Arrive at the airport even earlier than if you were flying solo. You will probably have to take her out and carry her through the metal detector, while the carrier goes through the x-ray machine; have a leash handy. My dogs wear a harness rather than a collar when we travel - more secure. They have also been "wanded" on occasion so don't be surprised if that happens either! I make an extra copy of health records; one goes in the outer pocket of the bag and the other in my backpack or purse. It's a good idea to limit food and water prior to travel in case your pet is (unbeknownst to you) prone to motion sickness. Baby wipes (unscented) are handy for clean-ups and also you might put a piddle pad in the carrier "just in case".
Benadryl is not only good for motion sickness & ear-popping takeoffs but also makes them a little drowsy; check with your vet for dosages. Dogs can take a surprisingly large amount (for their size, in comparison with ours) because their gut is shorter and stuff passes through more quickly.
Happy travels!

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Would the Lesportsac Voyager Backpack be suitable for highschool?

best baby bag backpack image

Tiffany

I really love the style of the backpack and I've been told that it's roomy enough for books and binders but I want to know if it will last and if it's worth the price. I really need help with this before school starts In August. Thanks.

Answer
I think that backpack is fine for travel or even as a baby bag, but to use everyday and hauling textbooks and notebooks, I don't think it will last. The material is not that durable to withstand sharp corners of hardbound books and notebooks over time. I would stick to a backpack made with either a heavy weight canvas or denier cordura fabric.

How big are roxy sugar baby bags?

Zita

I might buy a roxy sugar baby backpack (16 l) for year 8 but i don't know if it will be big enough. I don't know how much homework i will get as this is going to be my first year at an english school. I have always used a jansport backpack with wheels but i think that might be kind of weird. Is it? Which should i use? Or should i get a messenger bag?

Answer
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go with the 30 l

extra room never hurts!!!!
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