Posts filed under 'babies'
Whether this is your first family vacation and you don’t know what to expect, or you’ve done this before and it’s memorable for all the wrong reasons, we’re sure you’ll find these travel tips useful. After 6 years in the baby equipment rental business and contact with thousands of families, we’ve come up with some tips that address the questions we’re most often asked.
- How can I change a diaper in that teeny weeny not-so-clean airplane bathroom?
We’re sure you’ve thought about using the big clean airport bathroom before you board. While on the airplane, try using the Business Class bathrooms. They are generally bigger and cleaner as they are used by fewer people. Not only will you get sympathy smiles instead of the glares you might otherwise encounter if you tried sneaking in solo, but you can also use this bathroom yourself!. If you
plan to travel a lot, you might want to invest in a diaper bag that also functions as a changing station. There are a number of them out on the market, such as the gr8x Baby Traveller Deluxe Diaper Bag.
- I really don’t want to bring my carseat on the airplane, but how else can I keep my two year old safe (and contained?) Airplane seat belts are designed for adults, but we’ve got good news. Consider purchasing or renting a CARES Aviation Restraint for your trip
. CARES is a device that attaches to the airplane seatbelt, turning it into a 5-point harness. It is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on all planes, weighs less than 1 lb, and is designed for children 22-44 lbs. Best of all you can fit it in your purse!
- I’m afraid my baby will cry for the entire flight! This is a common concern. But worry not. Most babies do not cry for the ENTIRE flight! Give your baby a soother or something to drink during take-off and landing so their ears won’t get plugged. If your baby cries during the flight, go for a walk, or even let them watch TV. Sometimes the colours and movement will mesmerize babies. You could also be plan ahead and stock up on a few dozen sets of earplugs. Pass them out to nearby passengers. It’s a great ice breaker and they’ll appreciate your sense of humour!
- How will I keep my toddler entertained during the flight? Bring a small DVD player with a new DVD. Although most planes now have personal screen in the seats, you can’t always find a show that will interest your child. Colouring books, Lego, puzzles and books are
also life savers…so is the red-eye flight!
- My baby has just started sleeping through the night. Is the time change going to mean a big step back?Try taking an evening flight, or overlap the flight with your child’s nap time. Your kids will sleep better if it’s their natural circadian rhythm…and you won’t have to worry about entertaining them.
- I’m traveling on my own with my baby. How am I going to manage a carseat, stroller, pack n play, luggage,
carry-on and my baby?There is no need to haul your nursery along for the trip. Most cities have baby equipment rental companies
where you will be able to get top-of-the-line baby gear delivered right to your door, all safety checked and sanitized. This will also save you from having to pay the excess baggage fees that most airlines have implemented.
- Do a stroller and car seat count towards my baggage allowance? Different airlines have different policies. Generally each paying flyer is allowed 2 pieces of baggage. Some flights will let you take a carseat or stroller on in addition to this at no cost. Visit your airlines’ website well before your flight and search for the section on traveling with children. It will tell you stroller restrictions, weight limits and special seat bookings. Most airlines allow you to take your stroller right to the airplane gate, which makes getting around the airport easier.
- We have a two hour stop-over. How do I entertain my child? It’s not easy to entertain a child. But get your child a boredom busting Trunki and they’ll stop asking you “how much longer?”. The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is just that - a suitcase that your child can ride
on, pull, and pack with all their own special things. They can ride it around the airport while you’re waiting for the plane or sit on it to rest their tired legs. It comes with a handy strap so you can pull them too (if they’re lucky). You can also bring a balloon for entertainment- let them bat it around and chase after it. it will give them a focus for their running and tire them out for the next leg of your journey!
- It’s a long flight for a small child. I just know he’s going to get bored and cranky. Bring snacks! It’s amazing how much latitude you can get by presenting your child with his or her favourite treat! Make sure they drink lots. Planes are dehydrating and a dehydrated child is often a cranky child. When booking your flight, check to make sure it has seat back televisions. This is one time when you can treat them by letting them watch as long as they like.
- I’m traveling alone. What do I do with my baby when I need to go to the bathroom?Ask a flight attendant to watch your child. Better yet, hope Barbara Walters is on your flight. She recently commented that she always loves to hold babies when she is on the plane! If your child doesn’t want to let you out of their site, just bring them with you…but make sure they don’t play with the door handle…we’ve learned from experience!
May 30th, 2010
The Modage, a beautiful 1300 square foot townhouse in Kitsilano, is offering a summer special. Book your summer vacation by May 31, 2010, and you will receive a 5% discount on your stay during June, July or August.The Modage offers a fabulous combination of style and comfort. Spread over 2 floors, this Vancouver vacation rental features vivid colours, gallery-quality art and an eclectic mix of funky modern and vintage furniture. With 2 bedrooms, a den and 2.5 bathrooms, this Vancouver vacation home can easily sleep five to six guests. If you are traveling to Vancouver with kids, The Modage offers a full line of baby equipment at very reasonable rates through its affiliate, Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals.
March 26th, 2010
We love the Trunki. You’ll love the Trunki and your kids will most definately love the Trunki. The Trunki is the world’s first ride-on suitcase. Your kids can pack it, sit on and ride it around the airport. Never again will you hear “my feet hurt, carry me”.
Specifically designed for kids 3-6 years old, this suitcase is made from the same durable plastic as adult suitcases. It’s roomy (18″x 7.9″ x 12″) and light, weighing under 4 lbs (sans toys, games and treats). It has an 18 litre capacity and easily stores in the overhead luggage compartment, or under the seat making it ideal hand-luggage for kids.
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) is one of the few Canadian retailers of the Trunki, carrying the original Trunki in Pink and the new upgraded version in blue, green, cow and tiger print.
Wee Travel will ship anywhere in Canada. Price: $70
November 24th, 2009
If you are planning on visiting Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics (or any other time of the year) you might want to consider nixing the hotel and staying instead at The Modage, Wee Travel’s gorgeous Kitsilano townhouse.
This bright 2 bedroom + den, 2.5 bathroom 1300 square foot townhouse offers a luxurious combination of style and comfort. Spread over 2 floors, this suite features gallery-quality art and an eclectic mix of funky modern and vintage furniture.
On the main level find heated wide-plank pine floors; an office/den with a sofa that converts into a daybed, a queen-sized bed, or two twin beds; a stunning powder room and an open-concept kitchen (stainless appliances) and living room with 37″ flat screen TV. Upstairs you’ll find private laundry facilities; a spacious master bedroom with queen bed, skylight, 26″ flat screen TV, walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom with tile shower and heated floor; a second bedroom with queen bed; and bathroom with shower/tub and heated floors.
If required, a crib or pack n play, and a highchair or booster seat are provided free of charge, subject to availability. A full range of baby equipment can be provided for minimal cost from Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals.
November 6th, 2009
Organizers of the 2010 Olympics have indicated that there will be major road and bridge closures during the Olympics. The new Canada Line, running between the airport and downtown Vancouver, is certainly one way to avoid traffic congestion. However, if the thought of taking public transit with your kids and all your luggage in tow actually makes traffic congestion appealing, Wee Travel has some great news.
A great service has recently opened up at Vancouver International Airport. CDS Baggage Services will come to your home, pick up your luggage and bring it to the airport. Your bags will be waiting for you at one of their baggage storage counters - either in the Domestic or International terminal - depending on where you are traveling.
This means you can hop on the Canada Line with your kids and your keys and arrive at the airport bag free, relaxed and ready to fly. Stop by the baggage storage counter, pick up your luggage and check in. It’s that simple. Price is $15 for 1-4 bags, plus the cost of storage. In most cases it’s cheaper than a taxi (especially with the meter running in traffic) and much more fun! Call CDS for more information and make sure to book the service a day before your flight. 604-303-4500.
If you need a carseat or a stroller during your visit, Wee Travel will be happy to deliver these items to CDS Baggage Services for you. And if you need a place to stay in Vancouver, be sure to check out our gorgeous rental accommodation right in the heart of Kitsilano.
October 29th, 2009
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto) has found some great CANADIAN handmade blankets, bibs and burp cloths for the babies in your life. Thanks to Boomers Baby, you and your wee ones will look hip and stylish toting these about. The patterns are gorgeous and the blankets come in two weights - there are winter ones for the colder nights and summer ones for those hot summer nights (that we have been so lucky to have this summer in Vancouver)! Best of all, the material is organic cotton and bamboo fleece and the filling is made from a corn based material. Prices start at $40 for the blankets and $12 for burp cloths. Watch for bibs coming soon.
August 31st, 2009
The sun is here, hopefully to stay, and Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals is getting ready for our summer travelers. Chances are last summers’ sun hat will no longer fit your child, so if you’re in the market for a new one, make sure to check out the bucket hat by Milk Factory. We love them because they are lightweight, quick drying, have UPF 40 sun protection and their wide brim will throw shade around your toddlers’ shoulders. They come in a great array of colours (we love the kiwi with orange piping), fit sizes 18 mos+ (and if you’re a small headed adult, they’ll even fit you) and retail for $22 Cdn.
May 27th, 2009
The other day I was walking by a parked car and something caught my attention. A kitchen booster (yes, the plastic ones you use for eating) was strapped into the back seat with the seat belt and was being used as the car seat. I waited around a while for the owner to come back but eventually gave up and continued down the street completely stunned and appalled. I’ve also seen a bouncy chair being used as a car seat. Different countries and even Canadian provinces have different car seat regulations. While some may balk at them, the regulations are there for good reason, and there is good reason to NEVER use a kitchen booster or bouncy chair in replace of a car seat. After all, isn’t your child the most precious of all cargo?
Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals has certified car seat installers on staff. Here are a couple of key things to remember to insure the safest, secure attachment of a car or booster seat:
- Know the age and weight of your child. The height is important as well but as long as your child’s head remains at least 1 inch below the top of the seat, that is suitable.
- ALWAYS, refer to the car seat manual and your car’s manual. Read both before installing the seat. All cars have been tested with child seats and they will tell you the best position to install the seat, where the anchor bolt is, etc. Don’t guess. When in doubt, whatever you do, don’t make up some system that “appears” safe. It won’t be.
- Do NOT use both a seatbelt and latch system to secure your car or booster seat. Cars have NOT been tested using both a seatbelt and the UAS system at the same time. You may think it’s safer but that may not be the case.
- Some cities have locations where you can go to have your installation reviewed. Check with your automobile association for more information.
DON’T DO THIS:
May 20th, 2009
So here’s to the traveling baby from a whole different perspective. You know how kids travel like crazy crawling across the floor- cold tiles, hard wood, scratchy carpet. Here’s the perfect solution to protect those rolly polly little legs - Leg Huggers. Agoo children’s wear has designed a fantastic line made from Bamboo so they are oh so soft and comfy. There are new boys’ designs coming out next month and a pretty line currently available for your little princess. For $10/pair that’s priced from the 80’s! Best of all, you don’t have to take any pants off when the diaper needs changing!!
May 12th, 2009
Do you have friends coming to Vancouver this summer? If so, check out the Family Book for tons of money saving coupons you can pass along to them- things to do, things to buy, places to go. All are family-friendly and best of all they can save money when they rent equipment from Wee Travel as we’re in the book!! And if you’re traveling to Toronto, take the Wee Travel coupon with you and save on your equipment there. Just make sure to book well in advance for your summer vacation!
May 11th, 2009
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