do u think a duffel type bag will be too big as a nappy bag?

baby backpack nappy bag image

kat

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b152/kazkixass/bags/bagtartanskullssling.jpg
or would a size like this be more appropriate?
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/3/5/3/4/2/6/webimg/340074877_o.jpg

Answer
I think it will be big enough. I like using backpacks better though, there is no risk of it sliding down my arm while carrying a baby, a carseat, and getting my car keys out and ready.

Alan H: A nappy bag is the European way of saying diaper bag.

Tips on flying long haul with 14mth baby. Any advice?

Happy Fami

I will be flying from Melbourne, Australia to London UK with my baby daughter who will be 14 months. I have flown between the two cities before but never with baby. Will be flying Singapore Airlines (love them and apparently they are good for babies) and plan on going for three weeks (that's all the time off we can afford).


Things to consider:

1) Dont really want to give her sedatives
2) She is usually breastfed to sleep (which can be handy but also...tricky!)
3) I will be bringing portable DVD player, lots of nappies, plastic bags, small toys and get them out one at a time, will be using a baby carrier, books, wipes - that's all the advice I have so far...
Please share your experience and offer some helpful tips.

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.

I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.

Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)

Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.

Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.

The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.

Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.

Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp

If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.

Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.

This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html

Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.

Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.

For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.

Have a good visit to London!

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What to Pack in my babys nappy bag?

baby backpack nappy bag image

HelllloOoO

what do i pack in a 3 month old nappy bag when im going out to my friends house for the whole day??
:) xx

Answer
- diapers (I usually put around 5 in my diaper bag at all times but more wouldn't hurt especially if you have room for them =) )

- wipes

- a couple toys

- extra change of clothes or two

- blanket

- a small towel to change on (I use this for insurance because sometimes my baby has a poopy diaper and I don't want to get it on their floor or table if the diaper leaks)

That's it! That's all my baby needs anyway. We have a small black backpack we got from the pediatrician and it works perfectly. Unisex too so my husband doesn't feel stupid with it lol.

when baby carrying, what sort of bag do you use?

slub

and do you have different bags for different carrying positions etc. ?

i'm talking about being able to at least carry one nappy, jar of food, bib, muslin, slim pack of wipes, bottle and powder.


sorry i should have made myself clearer. i mean when you're carrying your baby in a sling or baby bjorn or whatever.

Answer
I will be getting a backpack type thing for my next baby. I had a super cute diaper bag with one strap and I HATED it. It wouldnt stay on my shoulder when i would carry my son and then it would through off my balance let alone shift where all the weight of the bag and my son were. Get something that will stay on your back or shoulder. Thats my advice

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Tips on flying long haul with 14mth baby. Any advice?

baby backpack nappy bag image

Happy Fami

I will be flying from Melbourne, Australia to London UK with my baby daughter who will be 14 months. I have flown between the two cities before but never with baby. Will be flying Singapore Airlines (love them and apparently they are good for babies) and plan on going for three weeks (that's all the time off we can afford).


Things to consider:

1) Dont really want to give her sedatives
2) She is usually breastfed to sleep (which can be handy but also...tricky!)
3) I will be bringing portable DVD player, lots of nappies, plastic bags, small toys and get them out one at a time, will be using a baby carrier, books, wipes - that's all the advice I have so far...
Please share your experience and offer some helpful tips.

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot of long-haul flights with my three children.

I have never used sedatives. I'm allergic to a lot of them myself so I can't risk it with my kids, especially at 30,000ft. without an emergency room nearby. These are not harmless drugs and while I don't diss parents who use them on long journeys, it's not something that systematically should be done. There can be side effects. I've survived without. You can too.

Besides, on such a long flight, she'll sleep at some points anyway (10 minutes before landing lol!)

Sounds like you have had some good advice. All three of mine were breastfed and this actually will make your trip easier (the oldest did have some bottles but they're harder to travel with). It's a great way to calm them down when they get overtired, which often happens in airports.

Remember that you do NOT have to breastfeed her or make her drink on take-off and landing. This is an common myth. If you are using a car seat, be sure she's strapped in during those times. Mine flew in car seats and didn't take pacifiers and they never had any problems with their ears. Please don't wake your child unnecessarily and/or force her to drink when she doesn't want to.

The best way to avoid ear problems is to schedule a "well baby" visit right before leaving. Her ears will be checked to be sure that she doesn't have an ear infection or other blockage. Flying with something like that is painful. No amount of sucking will help and it can actually be damaging to the ears. These are problems that are easy to avoid and fix.

Speaking of car seats, I really recommend using one at this age. It really wasn't a big deal to bring it on board on a wire foldable luggage cart. I saw both my passengers and my own children were calmer and more settled in their familiar seat. If she doesn't have a seat, ask nicely at check-in if it's possible to get an extra place. Take it to the gate regardless and if you are not success, have your seat "gate-checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs. This is no guarantee but better than checking it at the desk. NEVER check a car seat as luggage. Airlines lose and break checked car seats all the time.

Here's the children's page from Singapore Airlines;
http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/plan/specialneeds.jsp

If you don't need a car seat in London, you might want to look into the CARES harness, which is easy to bring and accepted on Singapore.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

Practice changing her standing up before leaving. You'll love this tip in London too where baby changers aren't that common. The changing tables on airplanes are really small and if you can change her in this position, you can use the roomier handicapped lav instead.

Don't forget to pack a couple of changes of clothes and be sure you have enough diapers. She'll go through more on this trip than she would in the same time frame at home. Often, you'll find yourself changing her when you can, rather than when it's necessary, such as right before boarding and landing. Wrap all this stuff in plastic and bind with rubber bands to make more room in your bag.

This is the bib I liked when travelling. It rinses out easily and dries quickly. I found taking this beat a bunch of disposable bibs, especially because it really kept mine clean. It really covers them up because kids get messy on planes. This company makes really bad baby carriers but this bib is great!
http://www.babycity.co.uk/baby-gifts/mealtimes-cutlery-highchairs-baby-bibs/baby-bjorn/baby-bjorn-eat-play-smock-pd-1155.html

Skip a purse and diaper bag and use a big backpack and a small purse around your neck with the essentials. Keep your hands free. I get a bigger backpack that goes up to my knee when placed on the floor. Both of you carry one, one with the extra supplies, and one with what you need. I also take a small cloth bag so that when I took them to change them, I didn't have to drag the whole bag along.

Are you sure she'll watch DVD's? Mine were way too active at that age to watch a screen and no way would they have worn the headsets. She absolutely has to wear them. Playing it over the speakers would be annoying to other passengers. Be really sure that she'll wear them before leaving. Otherwise, the new toys are a good idea. One right before the plane pushes back because that's a really bad time for toddlers to stay seated. Hopefully, it'll distract her and you can't use any electrical items during that time.

For more information, ten years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com

It's a tricky age and a long flight but if you're organized, it'll be much easier.

Have a good visit to London!

Travelling in Europe with a baby. What gear should I bring?

Mandi

I am going on a winter vacation around Europe for a couple weeks with a baby who will be almost two. I am looking for a stroller that works well on cobblestone, reclines, and is light. My son was born with a brain condition called Hydrocephalus and because of that his head is large and he is behind with his gross motor skills. He probably will still not be walking by this time. I am thinking about bringing a baby hiking backpack for times when we cannot use the stroller.

I would really appreciate advice on this from anyone who has ever travelled in Europe with a baby before! We will be going to about 5 different countries and travelling by metro and plane.

Answer
I think a light stroller is a good idea as it will be easy to fold up if you're in a restaurant or on public transport. If you're flying between countries consider a buggy bag to put it in before the flight.

Not all of Europe is covered in cobblestones(!) and most cities are fairly buggy friendly. If you're coming in winter then have a buggy with a foot muff to keep him warm. A back carrier is also a good idea for busier places or say certain sights like the coliseum where there are steps.

You can buy the other things you need here, nappies etc. Pampers and Huggies are both available across Europe (Pampers are called Dodots in Spain). There are a mix of facilities in terms of baby changing. In the UK and northern Europe, most places have change tables. In some mediteranean countries there can be less facilites in places like restaurants but if you head to big department stores or shopping centres most are well equipped.

If you plan to eat in restaurants, a fabric type fold away change seat is a good idea as some smaller may not have high chairs (most UK places will have high chairs).

good luck and have a great time here.

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Travelling in Europe with a baby. What gear should I bring?

baby backpack nappy bag image

Mandi

I am going on a winter vacation around Europe for a couple weeks with a baby who will be almost two. I am looking for a stroller that works well on cobblestone, reclines, and is light. My son was born with a brain condition called Hydrocephalus and because of that his head is large and he is behind with his gross motor skills. He probably will still not be walking by this time. I am thinking about bringing a baby hiking backpack for times when we cannot use the stroller.

I would really appreciate advice on this from anyone who has ever travelled in Europe with a baby before! We will be going to about 5 different countries and travelling by metro and plane.

Answer
I think a light stroller is a good idea as it will be easy to fold up if you're in a restaurant or on public transport. If you're flying between countries consider a buggy bag to put it in before the flight.

Not all of Europe is covered in cobblestones(!) and most cities are fairly buggy friendly. If you're coming in winter then have a buggy with a foot muff to keep him warm. A back carrier is also a good idea for busier places or say certain sights like the coliseum where there are steps.

You can buy the other things you need here, nappies etc. Pampers and Huggies are both available across Europe (Pampers are called Dodots in Spain). There are a mix of facilities in terms of baby changing. In the UK and northern Europe, most places have change tables. In some mediteranean countries there can be less facilites in places like restaurants but if you head to big department stores or shopping centres most are well equipped.

If you plan to eat in restaurants, a fabric type fold away change seat is a good idea as some smaller may not have high chairs (most UK places will have high chairs).

good luck and have a great time here.

How big should a diaper bag be?

BRITTLE

Hello all. I was wondering how necessary is a "diaper bag"? I have a large purse that measures 15X11X2 so I was wondering if I could fit all my baby's essentials in that? I don't want to have to carry a purse AND a diaper bag. I like the nooks and crannys of diaper bags, but I'm not a fan of the prints/sizes. So, are those dimensions big enough and does not having the bottle holders and thousands of pockets horribly necessary?

I also plan on buying a bigger bag for overnight visits to my parents and in-laws and for that I was thinking the SKIP HOP backpack...it's a child's backpack primarily designed for a preschooler age child and is so cute, but i was wondering if it could double as a overnight bag for baby and possibly his hospital bag?

What do you ladies use? And what do your husbands use? Do they mind carrying around a purse diaper bag or should he have his own bag, too? So many questions, but this our first...can you tell?! haha

Answer
Your purse will do fine. I have one nappy bag which I used for about 2 months. It was too big! All I've used since are large handbags. With my oldest son I did use a little bottle bag that I'd pop a bottle into and then into the handbag. Otherwise spare clothes, nappies, wipes etc all went into my handbag. If you are only going out for a short period of time a few nappies, small wipes etc fit fine in a handbag.

When we had our second son I did use a kids backpack for a little while but soon swapped back to a handbag. My husband usually used this if he was alone (rarely) with our oldest son. We do use it for overnight visits to see my parents. It should also be perfectly fine for a hospital bag for your son.

Edit- Also one little tip is to keep a couple of nappies, spare clothes etc in a box in your car. That way if you do need more they are still pretty handy but it saves you the trouble of lugging them around.

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What to Pack in my babys nappy bag?

baby backpack nappy bag image

HelllloOoO

what do i pack in a 3 month old nappy bag when im going out to my friends house for the whole day??
:) xx

Answer
- diapers (I usually put around 5 in my diaper bag at all times but more wouldn't hurt especially if you have room for them =) )

- wipes

- a couple toys

- extra change of clothes or two

- blanket

- a small towel to change on (I use this for insurance because sometimes my baby has a poopy diaper and I don't want to get it on their floor or table if the diaper leaks)

That's it! That's all my baby needs anyway. We have a small black backpack we got from the pediatrician and it works perfectly. Unisex too so my husband doesn't feel stupid with it lol.

when baby carrying, what sort of bag do you use?

slub

and do you have different bags for different carrying positions etc. ?

i'm talking about being able to at least carry one nappy, jar of food, bib, muslin, slim pack of wipes, bottle and powder.


sorry i should have made myself clearer. i mean when you're carrying your baby in a sling or baby bjorn or whatever.

Answer
I will be getting a backpack type thing for my next baby. I had a super cute diaper bag with one strap and I HATED it. It wouldnt stay on my shoulder when i would carry my son and then it would through off my balance let alone shift where all the weight of the bag and my son were. Get something that will stay on your back or shoulder. Thats my advice

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How big should a diaper bag be?

baby backpack nappy bag image

BRITTLE

Hello all. I was wondering how necessary is a "diaper bag"? I have a large purse that measures 15X11X2 so I was wondering if I could fit all my baby's essentials in that? I don't want to have to carry a purse AND a diaper bag. I like the nooks and crannys of diaper bags, but I'm not a fan of the prints/sizes. So, are those dimensions big enough and does not having the bottle holders and thousands of pockets horribly necessary?

I also plan on buying a bigger bag for overnight visits to my parents and in-laws and for that I was thinking the SKIP HOP backpack...it's a child's backpack primarily designed for a preschooler age child and is so cute, but i was wondering if it could double as a overnight bag for baby and possibly his hospital bag?

What do you ladies use? And what do your husbands use? Do they mind carrying around a purse diaper bag or should he have his own bag, too? So many questions, but this our first...can you tell?! haha

Answer
Your purse will do fine. I have one nappy bag which I used for about 2 months. It was too big! All I've used since are large handbags. With my oldest son I did use a little bottle bag that I'd pop a bottle into and then into the handbag. Otherwise spare clothes, nappies, wipes etc all went into my handbag. If you are only going out for a short period of time a few nappies, small wipes etc fit fine in a handbag.

When we had our second son I did use a kids backpack for a little while but soon swapped back to a handbag. My husband usually used this if he was alone (rarely) with our oldest son. We do use it for overnight visits to see my parents. It should also be perfectly fine for a hospital bag for your son.

Edit- Also one little tip is to keep a couple of nappies, spare clothes etc in a box in your car. That way if you do need more they are still pretty handy but it saves you the trouble of lugging them around.

Mums! Recommend me a nice diaper/nappy/changing bag?

Ms_S

Here are the requirements;
1) I live in Greece, so I have to be able to buy it online from a site that ships internationally
2) I want something pretty, I dont want to carry around something with Elmo or Minnie Mouse on it for the next year or so
3) I prefer the TOTE style
4) Something that is practical and has compartments and pockets.

Thanks ladies! If you can recommend me something with these requirements I salute you!!

Answer
Go to www.babiesrus.com.....They have a wide selection of diaper bags, from messenger/tote style like u wish, or even backpack style, which I have....I have the Eddie Bauer "Mercer Heritage" backpack diaper bag.....It is awesome, due to having many compartments, even bottle slots that are insulated on the inside, to keep bottles either cool or warm, has a changing pad,you name it!!! It comes in a neutral, khaki color (I am like u! Did not want any cartoon characters on it at all....Something that I could use for a very long time with my son*), and also, u can order it online......Now, since you prefer a tote style diaper bag, Eddie Bauer offers the "Weekender Bag".....It is stylish, streamlined, and definetily has lot's of storage, including a diaper changing pad! And it is great for the hubby too, since it is not feminine at all for him to carry!!!! Make sure to check out this site that I provided above....I am sure u will find something there that will fit ur needs, and those of ur baby!!!! This store has met most of my baby's needs, and I highly recommend it especially for diaper bags cuz they have such a WIDE selection of them!!! Have fun shopping!!!! =)

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