Holiday Book Ideas!

December 9, 2019 / babyflyerblog

M Tree Holiday

We’re lucky that Baby Flyer is at a stage, and has been for awhile, where reading books is one of her favorite activities. Most nights, the most effective bribe for getting ready for bed is having time for at least five books. We live down the street from our local library, and try to keep up with seasonal books for her. Right now, understandably, she’s ALL about the holidays, which makes getting into the festive season that much easier for us adults.

Here are some of her current favorites. Books are always a welcome gift- they get plenty of use, last a long time, and equally great- they don’t take up much space in our house!

Bunny Slopes:

A really cute and interactive book in the theme of mix it up or press here. Help the bunny go skiing by reading, turning, and shaking the book.

The Night Before Christmas – With Included CD:

This is a beautiful edition of the well known story. The artwork is extremely detailed, and includes a DVD of the making of the book.

The Night Before Christmas On Sesame Street:

Your standard holiday fun for Elmo fans.

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker

This is a fun one. Baby Flyer is really into The Nutcracker this year, and this book has a page by page button to press to hear a few bars of the music. She likes it so well we had to get replacement batteries.

When Santa Was A Baby

A cute concept. Pretty much what it sounds like.

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

If you have a Fancy Nancy fan for a kiddo, or one who appreciates dress up and comedy, this is a good one.

Pete The Cat Saves Christmas:

Pete the Cat’s addition to the holiday bookshelf. It’s alllll good….

Pick A Pine Tree:

The Polar Express:

The classic, takes us back to childhood too.

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas:

Cute counting-centric book of little blue dropping off Christmas trees to his friends. Also, the last page lights up. Need we say more?

Olivia Helps With Christmas:

Olivia’s Christmas. We’ve recently graduated to Olivia-length books as favorites.

Dream Snow:

We love Eric Carle in our family, and we could recommend plenty more.

Presents Through The Window:

For any kiddo who finds peek-a-boo and comedy go along well together. A confused Santa tries to guess who’s in the houses by just seeing part of the picture.

Happy Reading!!

~Baby Flyer Blog

Baby Flyer’s 2018 Gift Guide

November 29, 2018 / babyflyerblog

Baby Flyer this Summer in Prague – Showing off one of her favorites.

How is it almost the end of the year again?? And when did our little baby become an almost ‘threenager’?? The answer to both is- no idea, but it’s reality, so we better get ready.

We thought we’d share a few of our favorites from this year, both for travel and otherwise.

Boogie Board:

Boogie Board

This is a new addition to Baby Flyer’s carry-on, and it’s been an instant hit! The boogie board is nicely kid-sized, but also makes a great notepad for the front of the fridge for to do lists, shopping, etc. It comes with a pen, but can also be written on with a fingernail. Baby Flyer loves showing it off, drawing, and taking ‘orders’ on it. Even better – 100% mess free!

PlanetBox

We (and Baby Flyer) LOVE this, and use it almost every day. These stainless steel bento box-style lunch boxes are perfect for young kiddos because they keep everything organized, and the compartments are a great size for this age. It’s easy to clean up, and comes with accessories like cooler packs, a carry bag, utensils, custom magnets, and containers.

KicKee Pants Stroller Blanket:

Kikee Pants

For naps on the plane, in the car, or as a cover-up when nursing, this blanket now goes on all our trips. We love it because it’s lightweight and packs well. Plus we’ve washed it over and over again, and it’s holding up great.

Kids’ Kindle Fire

We’re the first to admit we’re not experts on this product, which is probably why we give it a mediocre review. We don’t do a lot of screen time at home, and make it a special thing for plane or car trips. We bought this highly discounted on Amazon Prime day, so for that value it’s worth it. It comes with a year of “free time” which gives a bunch of downloadable videos, games, and books, and you set your kid’s account up so they only have access to what you want. We did find some of her favorites included like Elmo, Pete the Cat, and Todd Parr’s World. There are a few glitches though, like having to hook it up to wifi before travel to re-download content, and the home screen navigation being hard to figure out. We wouldn’t have paid iPad prices for it, which thankfully we didn’t have to.

Menzo Case

It should be noted that the case that comes free with the Fire is pretty kid-proof for drops and whatnot, however, it doesn’t have a ‘kickstand’ feature so if you want it to stand up on a tray table, you’ll need to accessorize.

Nenos Headphones

To go along with the tablet, Baby Flyer has some of these kids’ headphones. They’re decibel limited for little ears, and are the right size for a large 2 yr old and up. She’s just lately really grown into them.

Books:

What’s also a fun addition to our carry-on this year, are some favorite books. Baby Flyer is really into them lately, and sometimes a good old fashioned book is what you need to get through cranky moments on a flight. Here are some of her current favorites, travel based and otherwise.

Maisy Goes on a Plane

Baby Flyer is currently loving this book. She likes Maisy in general, but this one is the most detailed and practical book about air travel we’ve found for this age. It follows Maisy through getting to the airport, checking in, and the like. It even talks about how small the bathroom is. Thorough. Especially if your kiddo has a first flight, or first flight in awhile coming up, this one could be a help.

Planes

Aptly titled, this is a simple picture book about all kinds of planes. It’s for younger kiddos, but it’s one she still picks out, and we find her quoting from when she sees planes in the air.

Go Go Go, Stop!

This was one of the earliest books that held Baby Flyer’s attention. Not entirely travel related, but a good first step in teaching road safety concepts, as well as some colors. We’ve read this MANY times, and have given it as gifts more than once.

Mix It Up

Not travel related, but this book is definitely a favorite of Baby Flyer’s, and one we also really enjoy reading. It’s fun and interactive, and really good for talking about colors in all different ways. It’s as close to a painting activity as you’d ever want to do in a plane or a car.

Red: A Crayon’s Story

This book about a crayon with a ‘Red’ label, who turns out to realize he’s blue. While talking about colors, is even more about teaching tolerance and acceptance for who you and others are. It’s a book that can grow with a child, and lead to several layers of understanding depending on their age.

Where’s Waldo Travel Edition

For those of us who were early “Waldo” fans, you probably remember those huge hardcover books. Well, Waldo’s still very much in print, and we found an easily packable travel edition that fits well in the carry on. At two, Baby Flyer is definitely just growing into these, but she does really enjoy them (and if we’re being honest, so do we from time to time). She was even ‘Wenda,” Waldo’s friend who appears on each page, for Halloween this year.

wenda

As always, travel safely & Happy Holidays to you all!

~CET, CAR & Baby Flyer

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We have received no compensation for reviews or content.

Summer 2018 Travel Gear Guide

July 17, 2018July 18, 2018 / babyflyerblog

Baby Flyer starts a flight off right!

In just a couple weeks, we’re heading out on a 4 city, 12 day, family adventure to Europe! We’ll be sightseeing through Lucerne, Switzerland on arrival, then Prague, Czechia, and on to Stockholm, Sweden, before finally one last night in Helsinki, Finland! So….. what to bring??

Last summer we went to Europe as well, that time with an 18 month old. When thinking this year’s trip through, we realized we needed to change up some of our gear. We’ll be leaving some things home, and taking some new things to try.

Here’s some of the current packing list:

When you’re doing a trip with this many stops, and this many chances for things to get lost, damaged, or even just cost more to check, what suitcases you want to take is the first important question.

The we’re each planning bringing on a simple rolling suitcase that can either be checked, or boarded with, depending on the best option for the flight. We’ve had several brands this size, but the Travelpro Crew 10 has stood up to the test the best, even when having other items tied on. Do keep in mind, though, if you’re going to be doing a lot of intra-Europe flying, you may be asked to check a bag much over 20,” and weight limits may be enforced.

Travelpro crew 10

A good companion bag to bring in the cabin, or to tuck in the seat in front is also key. For a lower price point we like the matching duffel to the Travelpro crew series, or if you’re looking for something that can be a small rolling bag, the Briggs & Riley rolling cabin bag is lovely.

Baby Flyer demonstrates how nicely the Briggs & Riley rolls.

What’s different this year is that Baby Flyer is two, and so she has her own ticket and her own baggage allowance. Keeping with family tradition, she has her own (pink, of course) Maxlite Travelpro roller. We decided to get her ‘real luggage’ instead of a kids-type bag, hoping that the quality and size will make it a long term purchase, while still being small enough for her to roll on her own when she’s in the mood.

pinksuitcase

Knowing that she won’t be in the mood yet to roll her own suitcase all the time, we ordered a simple attaching strap so we can clip hers onto one of ours for longer walks. This brand is universal, adjusts well, and fits most wheeled luggage models.

Best travel car seat ever- light and durable – Cosco Senecra

This is also the first major trip where we’re going to bring her car seat to install on the flights. We’ll update with how this goes, as well as some of the rules later, but keep in mind that not all airplane seats are compatible with car seats, especially in business or first class cabins. Check with your airline to make sure. Seats, even in economy, that are in bulkhead rows also may not work as they may have airbags in the seatbelts, and be narrower, so only some slim car seats will fit. As a general rule, most basic economy seats have a 17″ width, so that’s a good dimension to follow when measuring your car seat to see if it will fit.

Since we’re planning on taking the car seat through the airport, we’re trying out a harness that attaches it to a carry on size roller bag. It seems to work great, though takes a couple minutes to sort out at first. We recommend also packing a light gate check bag in case you decide to check it plane side to keep it clean.

car seat strap

This trip is also a first in that we’re leaving her well used traveller crib at home. She’s just recently gotten big enough that she rolls into the edges at night and wakes up. We’ve been experimenting with inflatable toddler beds like the Shrunks brand mattress. It looks great, sets up fast, and is a cut above other basic air mattresses. Baby Flyer really seems to like the idea and loved playing on it, but since she’s still in a crib at home, it’s just different enough that we’re not confident it’ll be worth it to drag around Europe. We’re keeping it for when she’s a bit older for travel, sleepovers, etc.

This bed really does seem to hold the air well, packs up small, and has separate air chambers for the inside and outside, so you can tuck blankets in. It also fits a standard size crib sheet.

Instead, we checked with our Airbnb hosts, and at each location there’s either a crib already there, a kid’s bed on the ground, or enough extra mattresses that we can make her a safe place to sleep without having to bring anything with us.

The Citi Mini Zip is a good option for a larger feeling stroller that packs away small.

We’re also not taking our own stroller this time around. Last year we brought our City Mini Zip and backpack, but didn’t use it as much as we thought we would. Baby Flyer likes to walk on her own, or be in a carrier. If she was a better stroller kid we would likely bring it again, even though it’s nice to downsize our luggage. Like the beds though, one of our Airbnbs has a stroller for us to use, and Stockholm has a convenient looking stroller rental option, so we’re more or less covered.

Tula

Plus, we finally admitted that she was getting too big for our Ergo 360, and upgraded to the Tula toddler carrier. It has a high weight limit – up to 60 (!!) pounds. This was one thing we didn’t take last summer that we really wish we did, so this is us living and learning.

We also are trading in our usual over the shoulder bag for an all purpose backpack to take on the plane, that should be easier to take around the cities when we get there.

Targus1

A big trip is also a good time to pick up some smaller necessities. Last summer we definitely wished we had some extra plugs, so we ordered a spare Targus Universal Adapter, and a bigger remote power bank since we lost one in an airport earlier this year.

When the stars align… even for just a while…

With all these things set, and our departure date getting close, we’re down to enjoying planning things to do and see! It’s the best feeling to be done with the nuts and bolts of a trip to get to the good stuff. There’s really no such thing as being totally prepared for an international family trip, but a little early organization can get you so much closer.

Travel well,

~CET

Baby Flyer Blog’s 2017 Gift Guide

December 11, 2017January 13, 2018 / babyflyerblog

Is it really that time of year again….really?? Spoiler alert- yes it really is.

The holidays are just about cleared for takeoff, so as we put together our lists, we thought we’d share a few of our favorite things currently, and from the past year. This time around, we’re combining ideas for any Baby Flyers in your life, both at home and on the go.

If you’re looking for ideas for baby’s first year, or your frequent flyers, check out last year’s gift guides:

2016 Gift Guide For The Baby Flyer

2016 Frequent Flyer Gift Guide

Sites and Services

As well as getting the baby, flyer, or friend in your life ‘things,’ sometimes it’s fun to think out of the box and get them (or yourself) services or memberships that they’ll appreciate.

Expert Flyer

Expert Flyer is a subscription site that allows you to crack open the airlines’ booking and award systems, and use them to your advantage. It allows you to find real time flight and seat availability, compare flights and schedules, and make informed choices about your flights. In addition, it allows you to quickly search many of the world’s major airlines for award and upgrade availability. You can specify dates, and types of awards. Also includes a fun feature that sends you automatic alerts when the flight or space you’re searching for becomes available, or when your upgrade clears! The best feeling is to get a text saying your seat back in coach has just gone vacant….meaning your new one is now up front!

Since it’s a detailed program that uses the airlines’ own codes, some learning is required to get the full benefits of a membership, but it’s time well spent. We’ll be doing a tutorial series on Cruising Altitude in the new year.

Basic features are available for free, but the real useful tools come with a premium subscription, which is billed annually or monthly. I don’t book flights without checking with Expert Flyer, and use it almost daily.

CLEAR

CLEAR lines are popping up in airports around the country, including LAX, SEA, DFW, and many more that we frequent. This service is a re-vamp of an earlier venture from several years ago. CLEAR members fill out an application, and then do a quick bio-metric data session (fingerprints and iris scans) at an enrollment center, located at their local airport. After that you not only are done pulling out your ID to go through TSA, but you will be escorted to the front of either the PreCheck or regular priority line, depending on what’s printed on your ticket, by a friendly CLEAR employee. This can save LOTS of time and hassle. We’ve given the program a detailed review HERE on Cruising Altitude. To get a discount, sign up with a Delta frequent flyer number (make one if you don’t have one, you don’t have to actually be flying Delta), and if you want to add family it’s only $50, and all minors traveling with you are always included free!

For the Baby Flyer on the go:

Kids’ Headphones

Kid Headphones

If you’re going to be traveling enough, getting a pair of these can make long haul flights and drives much quieter. They’re sized for little ears, and decibel-limited, so they stay in the safe range.

Color Wonder Pad and Pens

Color Wonder

This is a great product for keeping little ones occupied without the mess. The pens only color on the special paper, but the colors are bright and do the trick.

Pura Kiki Kids’ Water Bottle

Pura

Baby Flyer loves this cup. It comes with both the sippy cup top, and a straw. She’s never really liked most sippy cups or bottles, so the straw is perfect. It keeps water cold for a long time, and minimizes spills. Pro tip- take it on to the plane empty, and fill it from a regular water bottle, or ask the flight attendant to fill it once you’re at cruise. The spill-proof top seals well enough that the pressurization affects it.

Reusable Snack Bags

Snack Bags

The less plastic in the trash, the better! These bags are simple and useful, and can go in the dishwasher when needed. Great for travel, or just packing something for lunch.

EZPZ Travel Placemat

ezpz

We have both the regular and travel size of this place mat, and it’s a great idea. It sticks to most table surfaces, and keeps food (as much as possible) where it’s supposed to be. Easily goes in the dishwasher, or wipes down. The travel size comes with a carry bag.

Phil & Teds Travel Bed

We’ve recommended this product as part of other posts before, but in going over the items that we couldn’t travel without, this travel bed comes up every time. It’s light and easy, and extremely pack-able. We’ve taken it on quite a few trips, and it’s survived well being checked with our luggage in it’s included carry bag.

Cosco Senecra Car Seat

cosco-car-seat

Once again, this is an item we’ve mentioned before, but it remains one of our most used favorites. We’ve even started using it at home when we need to quickly take the baby in the ‘other car’ or in an Uber. It’s light, installs easily, and meets all safety standards for planes and regular installation. Plus, it’s extremely reasonable in price, so it makes it affordable to have a dedicated travel car seat.

Baby Flyer’s Other Favorites:

Learning Tower

This was our answer to the 5pm cranky toddler. The learning tower lets the little ones get up to counter height to hang out and “help” around the house. Baby Flyer loves it, and has mastered washing her hands….and making a pretty darn good kale salad.

Native Shoes

Ready to fly! Hanging in the Admrial’s Club.

Baby Flyer LOVES shoes, or as she says- ‘Shuuus!!’ She loves hers, ours, everyone’s. She can walk in heels as well as we can, even if it’s just shuffling around the house. These shoes, though, really are a favorite. They’re a good rubber material that is easy on/easy off, but stays secure. Even better, you can just rinse them off in the sink if they get dirty, and have been holding up well. She was so tickled with them when we got them, she refused to wear her old shoes anymore, and wore these out of the store even though they were a size too big.

Baby RayBans

On park patrol….

Okay, yes, we’ll be the first to admit this was a bit of an impulse purchase. However, these sunglasses are up to the same UV protection as adult sunglasses, which is good to have in LA. Plus, they’re completely adorable, and Baby Flyer seems to understand. Even though these are probably on the big side for her now, she’ll grow into them.

From all of us, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and an adventurous new year!

MPicLeaves

~CET, CAR, and Baby Flyer

2016 Gift Guide for the Frequent Flyer

December 6, 2016 / babyflyerblog

Believe it or not, the holidays are quickly approaching. I’ve already seen a few holiday lights and Christmas trees in our neighborhood, which means it’s time to get moving on the holiday planning- flights, and otherwise. With the off and on warm temps we typically have in SoCal, it always feels like the holidays sneak up.

We’ve already posted our ‘Gift Guide for Baby Traveler,’ so here’s the follow up holiday gift guide for the frequent traveler in your life, with or without a baby along for the ride. If you’re in the market for luggage, in addition to travel accessories, you can check out CET’s full rundown on her luggage picks over at Cruising Altitude.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

bose-headphones

These headphones don’t need much of an explanation or recommendation. They’ve been the gold standard in the noise-canceling industry for years, through several incarnations. They block a lot of the ambient cabin noise, making it easy to listen to music or hear your television. One downside is they can be bulky when trying to sleep, so luckily, they now also offer an earbud style.

Sockwell Compression Socks

compression-socks

Whether you ascribe to the idea that compression helps prevent DVT or not, these socks are great for flying! They aren’t as tight as some athletic compression socks which makes them comfortable to wear all day, and they provide support, as well as keep your feet comfortably warm. CET loves them for long flights and will typically pack a couple pairs if she is traveling for multiple days.

Barefoot Running Shoe

packable-running-shoe

What’s great about these shoes is that they are undeniably pack-able. They’re light, and flatten so they don’t take up much space in your suitcase. While they aren’t making the exact pair CET has anymore, these are the ‘new model.’

Cocoon Grid It Cord Organizer

cocoon-organizer

CET has used this for years, and finds it’s great for keeping all her cords organized. Her SmartCharger fits in it, as well as phone chargers, extra usb cords, power strips, converters, and anything else. If you don’t have enough electronics in your carry-on to need all the space, you can also pack just about anything you can think of in the elastic straps, and they’ll keep it organized and accessible for you. Fits easily in the seatback pocket.

SmartCharger

smart-charger

This little brick comes in handy all the time while traveling when you don’t have easy access to an outlet. It will charge any device with a USB cord, and has about enough in it to charge up your phone. We’ve used it to charge our phones and CET’s wireless headphones, among other things. It also works as a back up charger in the stroller at home when you forget to plug in your phone before a long walk.

Power Strip/Surge Protector

power-strip

Once again, we use this on just about every trip. It’s great for when we want to charge both our phones at the same time and there is only one free outlet, both in the airport, and hotels. It charges plenty of things at once, since it has 3 regular plugs, and two USBs in addition.

Packing Cubes

packing-cubes

We love them! At first I was skeptical when CET started using them, but after seeing how organized her suitcase stayed and how easy it was for her to unpack at our destination, I asked for a set for myself. We’re planning on giving a few sets of these as presents this year.

Ginger candy

gin-gins

Last and maybe least in price, but not popularity, Ginger candy is a sweet treat when flying. They can help sooth an upset stomach and even warm you up if you get a tad chilly on the plane. We usually have a bag of it in our carry-on.

Happy Shopping & Safe Travels!

~CR