HI Buddies,

I came across this article / list on Families on the Go Website and thought it was really useful; so thought it would be great to share with you. Some of the suggestions are for younger children but still it might help and we always like to share

By the Editors at FamiliesGo!

There’s no such thing as traveling light when you travel with kids. So we value anything that allows us to carry less, carry smaller, carry lighter or that keeps the kids comfortable longer. Here are 10 products (and 1 service) that get get high marks for cleverness in our book. Let us know what you think.

1. Bubble Bum’s inflatable booster seat is as portable as a booster seat can possibly be—and comes in two colors.

2. The first time we saw a Trunki suitcase from Melissa & Doug at the airport we knew we had to have it. Kids can pull it by themselves or ride on top. Pack clothes for a weekend trip or enough activities for a long flight or car trip.

3. The FlyeBaby infant hammock for airplanes is one of those baby items you use for only a short time, but while you need it, it’s a lifesaver. In addition to providing a place to eat, sleep or play on a play, it attaches it to a chair for an improvised high chair.

4. It was a sad day when Tiny Traveler outgrew her CARES harness. A simple strap that’s small enough to toss in your purse, it turns an airplane belt into a 5-point harness, eliminating the need to lug a car seat onboard for your toddler.

5. The Lay-n-Go toy tote comes in two sizes: the small one is ideal for bringing lose pieces like Legos or Doll accessories on a plane or to restaurants. The big one is ideal for the beach, Grandma’s or a vacation house. Throw a bunch of toys into it and open it up to create a clean play space.

6. The nylon BobaAir might not be quite as padded and cushy as other soft carriers but it’s easy to clean, weighs less than a pound and folds up into a tiny storage bag. For traveling with a small child it’s pretty darn handy.

7. If you like a carrier with a frame, the KoKoPax carrier has some handy features for travel. It folds up flat enough to fit in a carry on or even the right tote bag. And a kickstand makes it easy to put on even when you are traveling as a solo parent.

8. As city moms, we’ve always admired Quinny strollers for their clever compact designs. The Yezz takes clever a step further by collapsing into a bundle compact enough to carry over your shoulder. (And, we’re giving one away!)

9. We have yet to find the ideal portable high chair but this booster seat from A Parent Company comes close. It attaches to almost any chair, wipes clean and folds down to fit in its own carry case.

10. We love versatility. Natural mat is meant to be a clean, organic mat you can lay on top of whatever strange crib or playard you wind up using while traveling. But it can also be a comfy place to nap on the go, or a clean place to plop a baby down on the grass or floor.

Bonus tip: AAA membership: It might not be actual gear, but I highly recommend it for family travel, even if you don’t own a car. Membership gets you a free car seat and other discounts from Hertz, as well as discounts on hotels rooms, activities and attractions. Then there are the handy maps and trip planning services (oh yeah, and roadside assistance).

We’ve hit that crazy time of the year known as “the end of the school year”!

The calendar is filled with tests and papers that are due, spring sports, musical concerts at school, end of the year parties and more.  It feels like there are not enough hours in the day.  To save mom’s sanity, BubbleBum has come up with a few tips to ease the stress so the whole family can enjoy a smooth transition into summer.

End of School Year Tips

Don’t let it stress you out. Things will get done if you take the time to be organized and on top of schedules. Your child will take their cue from you. If you are stressed out, they will be too. If you remain calm and in control, they will as well.

Keep a white board or schedule with your child’s exam and final project due dates visible. This way things won’t sneak up on them and add stress. Although seeing it all laid out in front of them may cause initial stress, once they recognize that it is all do-able, the stress will subside.

Do not try to accomplish everything in one day. Spread the work out. Take breaks and enjoy the sunshine. Start early. Do not wait until the end of the school year to figure out what needs to be done.

Enjoy the parties. Remember that the end of the school year is a momentous occasion, whether it is 4^th grade of 12^th grade, it is an accomplishment that should be celebrated. Go to the graduation parties, grab ice cream after school – do whatever you need to do to commemorate their accomplishment.

Lower your expectations of yourself. You are not wonder woman. Create carpools, call on grandma and expect your husband to help with some of the driving as well. It is okay to ask for help.

Allow yourself to miss some of the activities. You don’t need to be at every soccer game or class party. Your kids are still going to love you if you miss something. Plan to hit the “one time” events (band concerts, graduation ceremonies) and be prepared to say “no” to those things you’ve done already this year (classroom parties, packing up library books or chaperoning a field trip.)

Take time for yourself. Moms often forget they need time as well. Make sure you still do your workout or have coffee with friends. Don’t book yourself so busy that you don’t have time for the activities that keep you going.

Summer Organization Tips

Summer registration deadlines arrive early, so you should be looking to register for summer activities soon if you haven’t already.

Create a summer calendar that you write all your activities on so you can see where there is overlap and empty spots.

Do something fun with your kids. Don’t just drop kids off or have them make their own fun. Plan activities together and enjoy summer as a family. Have a picnic in the park, go to the pool, go hiking or biking or out for ice cream together. You will enjoy summer more if you allow yourself to.

Make sure you build some “me time” into your day.

And don’t forget to pack your BubbleBum as you’re sure to be doing a bit of driving the kiddos around this summer!

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HOW TO BE A SAFE PARENT DRIVER

Parents are finding that getting behind the wheel presents a whole new set of challenges with a baby or young kids in tow. To help you stay focused and drive safely, BubbleBum has put together a list of a few handy tips:

Driving Distractions

As a new parent, you’re going to be tempted to try to tend to your crying baby from the front. Baby may have lost its pacifier, is cold/hot, hungry, tired etc., but for his/her as well as your own safety, resist the urge to reach back and try to find the pacifier or comfort baby. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself swerving or worse. Pull over at the next exit and tend to your baby without endangering your family or others.

Parents tend to take multi tasking to the extreme when behind the wheel. They’re breaking up arguments between the kids, opening snacks and juices, handing back tissues, looking up directions, making doctor appointments on their cell phones, and so much more. Keep in mind that when you are behind the wheel you should focus on driving and driving only. All the other stuff can, and should, wait.

Tired Mom

A few suggestions for tired mamas behind the wheel.

If you’re feeling exhausted and your eyes are starting to close, open the window, turn down the heat, chew a piece of peppermint gum. The fresh air, the mint scent and the activity of chewing wakes you up. You might also want to pick up a cup of caffeinated coffee, tea or bottle of soda.

Is It Ok To Use Cell Phone?

When your child is in the car, cell phones should not be in use, even hands free. Even the sheer act of talking on the phone distracts you from driving as your mind will be focused on the topic of conversation. If a phone call is imperative/urgent, pull over to a safe spot and have the conversation there.

Making Sure You Do Not Leave Your Child In The Car

A parent’s worst nightmare but sometimes it happens! A few ways to make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Add a safety check into your car exiting routine; meaning when you leave the car, always check the back seat by opening one of the back doors. Once you do it a few times, your mind will be programmed to automatically do it. Another option is to put your purse, handbag, cell phone or wallet in the back next to your baby. We’re used to grabbing those as we exit so it forces us to check the back seat.

DOES THE THOUGHT OF PACKING FOR YOUR FAMILY VACATION PUSH YOU INTO A PANIC ATTACK?

Relax, Take a Deep Breath and Follow These Simple Packing Tips

Your much anticipated family vacation is finally here! Now it’s time to start the packing process. Wait, did I hear you scream at the word ‘packing’? Are you ok? You’re looking a little pale. Now before you go and cradle yourself in the corner and sob, we’ve got some great tips to make the process flow like a day at the beach (well, better than your first night in a hotel with three kids or a 6-hour flight delay!).

Packing for a family vacation can be so stressful that you might think it’s easier to just stay home. But don’t go canceling your trip to Disney World just yet. Just get yourself organized and follow these easy tips for effortless packing (without hives or anxiety!). Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the dirty laundry you’ll be bringing back home.

10 Tips to Pack for Your Family Vacation

1. The Packing List. Before you pack one thing, create your own packing list or search for one online. It will give you a basic checklist to print off. These are incredibly helpful and remind you of the smaller stuff you might have forgotten otherwise
2. The Luggage. Your goal is to take the least amount of baggage possible without under-packing. Rolling clothes takes up less space and leaves them less wrinkly. Stick shoes into plastic bags so they don’t get your clothes dirty. Aim to take fewer bags than people.
3. The Important Stuff. You’ll need your flight itinerary or driving directions, a driver’s license, photocopies of everyone’s birth certificate and passport (in the event yours are lost or stolen), hotel and car rental confirmations and credit card contact information. It’s also helpful to have copies of things you plan to do and guidebooks.
4. Entertainment for All. For everyone’s sanity, leave the Legos and noisy toys at home. This is the perfect time for new drawing supplies and activity books, finger puppets and small toys, card games and books, portable DVD players and LeapPads (remember headphones and chargers!). Don’t underestimate the oldies like “I Spy”, Tick Tack Toe and Hangman or check out BubbleBum’s travel app for kids filled with fun games. And most important, don’t forget the blankie and lovey!
5. Clothing. Think comfort, layering and coordinating. Pack two pair of well-worn shoes for each person. Also pack enough outfits and underwear for each person per day plus two extra. Try and coordinate as best you can so they are interchangeable. If you’ll be swimming, pack two swimsuits per person and a cover-up. With the exception of babies, keep the pajamas to a minimum as they can easily be reused. Throw in an appropriate jacket for the climate you’ll be      going to. No matter where you’re going, remember comfort is key unless you’re meeting the Royal Family.
6. First Aid & Medications. Depending on where you’re headed, you may need more or less than some travelers. Pain relief  for adults and children, itch relief cream, allergy medicine such as Benadryl and asthma inhalers, sun screen, meds for diarrhea, constipation and motion sickness, as well as, basic first aid items such as Band-Aids and antibacterial cream, Just keep in mind that some of these items may not make it through bag check if you’re flying. In that case, you may need to pack some items in a zip lock bag and stash in your luggage or buy at your final destination.
7. Baby & Kids Gear. Plan on the essentials, car seat/booster seat, playard and stroller. If you’re staying at a hotel or friend’s home, try and borrow a playard and save yourself the hassle. Bringing a stroller along is helpful for so many reasons. It holds a sleeping baby if your flight is delayed and doubles as a bag carrier when walking through an airport or shopping. Don’t forget to to pack a Bubblebum for the road trip or the car rental.
8. The Emergency Bag. Don’t leave home without it! Fill it with must-haves you can grab in a jiffy. If you fly and your luggage is delayed, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief with emergency supplies close at hand. Include extra underwear for kids, diapers, wet wipes, Kleenex, prescriptions, pain relief meds, a small first aid kit,  large zip lock baggies (they come in handy for many things), a small container or bag of powdered laundry soap and snacks.
9. Pack One Extra Bag. Tuck a small duffel bag or backpack in your suitcase. This will come in very handy for dirty clothes or souvenirs.
10. The Misc. Stuff. Think cell phone chargers, keys and daily medications. Don’t forget to grab these items on your way out the door. These are some of the most important and most forgotten items. Also, if you have a family member who suffers from food allergies or has special needs, you’ll also need to account for this by packing extra food and needed items.

Hi BubbleBum Buddies,

Check out a recent review on Baby Loves to Travel

Car seat safety is a hot topic of conversation that crops up among mums when talking about travelling internationally with young kids. So much so that I’ve written a couple of posts before about my dilemma of ‘should I take my baby/toddler car seat with me or organise one at our destination’. I recently was given the privilege of trialling a BubbleBum car seat, which is a blow-up booster car seat for children from 15 – 36kg, it is super light weight and, even better, fits in a handbag (it really is that portable!)

When I know that we will be spending long periods of time in a car while on holiday, my children are still at an age where a five point harness is preferable. However, there have been numerous times where I have needed a car seat for short rides, such as travelling to the airport (especially if we are hiring at the other end), taxi rides around Dubai, short car trips when we are travelling abroad (such as our recent trips to Thailand and New York) and mini-bus rides (such as hotel transfers).  The BubbleBum booster car seat has been an extremely useful product to have with us on these occasions, plus it’s easy to inflate and deflate, simple to thread the seat belt through and comfortable for my daughter to use.  Most importantly it keeps her safe whilst travelling by car. I did originally have my doubts about the safety of the seat mainly because the seat is small, but BubbleBum appear to be serious about safety and this is what they have to say about safety standards: “The BubbleBum has been approved under the United Nations ECE Regulation R44/04 for safety for both Groups 2 and 3. It is designed for use with a standard 3 point adult seat belt that has been approved to ECE Regulation 16”.

Please click here for more information about the BubbleBum.

  

*Thank you to BubbleBum for providing me with a complimentary BubbleBum Booster seat for the purposes of this review. As always all opinions expressed are my own. 

Hi Buddies,

We came across this review on the Anti Mom Blog; a really great site so thanks to Amanda for the comments and review

BubbleBum Car Booster Seat + Giveaway!

I am a sucker for any products out there that help make mom’s lives a little more easier, and BubbleBum Car Booster seat is exactly one of those!

BubbleBum Car Booster Seat

Inflatable, foldable and easy to use; the BubbleBum Car Booster Seat will help make any busy mom’s day a little less stressful. Amen to that! BubbleBum Car Booster Seat was designed to help families who need an extra seat while traveling or even carpooling. Since child car safety is extremely important to all parents, having a BubbleBum in your back pocket is a huge plus and the developer of the seat is a Child Passenger Saftey Technician…double plus! The BubbleBum seat is made of durable material like that of life vests and other life saving devices so you know it will last.

So here’s the jist: Its super easy to use, just inflate and install! It comes with a matching draw string carry bag for easy storage. You simply inflate the BubbleBum seat, position your child and secure the seat belt in the fixed seat bell loop and boom! – You got yourself a booster seat. There is a weight requirement of 40-100 lbs, so this seat works great for kids 4 years old and up.

I know traveling with kids can turn into a circus – all the luggage, carry-ons, car seats, strollers…. and then if you are renting a car, having to worry about renting a secure booster seat for your child when they may not even have any available. That is the last thing you should be dealing with when traveling with your family. Well with the BubbleBum you can avoid all that added worry since you can fold it up, pop it in your suitcase and inflate when needed. I know this will come in handy for me with carpooling. When driving around my nephews, I usually don’t have a booster seat for them to sit in. With the BubbleBum these are issues that we don’t have to worry about anymore!

Best part about it-they are becoming readily available in a Target store near you! BubbleBum just launched in Target on January 12th, 2013. Search here to check to if BubbleBum is in a Target by you. If its not, simply  purchase one online right on their website. They are extremely reasonable too, only $39.99 and available in purple or black.

But for one lucky Anti Mom reader, you can win a BubbleBum right here! That’s right-giveaway time!!! Here is what you’ll need to do to win one of these fantastic seats:

1. Leave a comment below telling me what you would use the BubbleBum for – carpooling, backup seat, traveling, etc. (mandatory entry)
2. Follow @AntiMomBlog and @BubbleBumUSA on Twitter and tweet ‘I just entered @AntiMomBlog & @BubbleBumUSA Booster Seat #giveaway and you can too! http://wp.me/p1Ts3L-Dn‘ and leave a comment below stating you did (+1 extra entry)
3. Like AntiMomBlog and BubbleBum on Facebook and leave a comment below stating  you did (+1 extra entry)

Simple as that! You can earn a total of 3 entries and triple your chances of winning! The giveaway will run from January 25th, 2013 through January 31st, 2013 at 11:59 pm EST. 7 days to enter and one lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced February 1st, 2013.

Good luck everyone and be sure to check out BubbleBum Booster Seats at a Target near you!

- Amanda

Disclaimer: Although I was provided with a sample, all opinions were my own. BubbleBum provided me with a sample for the giveaway prize for one reader.

Source: http://antimomblog.com/2013/01/24/bubblebum-booster-car-seat-giveaway/