Wee Travel’s Baby Travel Gear Blog

Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals now rents the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto) is now renting the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light. The great alternative to a pack n play and crib is super light, sets up in seconds in one quick motion. It has a very supportive mattress and is designed with inward sloping sides to make your child feel cozy and secure. Rent it today for $9/day or $54/week.

April 30th, 2011

Best carseats to use on planes: Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria: Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals

Airplane seats and car seats come in different sizes. While the trend towards carseats with special safety features continues to grow, so too does the width of the carseats. Unfortunately, the width of airplane seats is not following this same trend, and many travelers are finding their carseats are wider than the airplane seat.  One of the narrowest and lightest seats around is the Cosco Scenera. This convertible car seat can be used rear-facing from 5-30 lbs, and forward facing from 22-40 lbs. Weighing in at around 10 lbs, this seat is lightweight and bulk-free. With a width of 17.5 inches, it fits nicely into the average airplane seat (the narrowest Air Canada seat is 17.83”). Don’t have a Cosco Scenera? You can rent them from Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals (Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria) for just $35/week.

12 comments June 13th, 2010

10 Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

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.

1. 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.
2. 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! 
3. 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!
4. 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!
   
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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! 
9. 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.
10. 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!

50 comments May 30th, 2010

Vancouver Vacation Rental - Special deal for the holidays from Wee Travel

Over the years Wee Travel has sought out new products and innovative ways to make it safer, easier and less stressful for families to fly with small children. Over and over again we’ve heard from our customers how difficult it is to stay in hotels with small children, due to the lack of amenities. As such we are very excited to tell you about our latest acquisition – a stunning rental accommodation in Vancouver called The Modage.

We converted this 1300 sq foot townhouse to a furnished vacation rental in August 2009. It’s fully equipped with top quality furnishings and amenities, and we welcome kids and pets! It comes complete with a crib and highchair if required, and a full range of baby gear can be provided for minimal cost. With 2 bedrooms, a den and 2.5 bathrooms, The Modage can easily accommodate six guests. Best of all, it’s located right in the heart of Kitsilano, one of the most desirable areas ofVancouver.

If you or your friends are planning to come to Vancouver in December 2009 or January 2010 and would like to stay at The Modage, please mention this offer and we will discount the rate by 15%.

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season,

 Shana, Lesley and Jennifer

38 comments November 25th, 2009

The Modage Vancouver Vacation Rental in Kitsilano - Perfectly situated for 2010 Olympics

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.

2 comments November 6th, 2009

Traveling with kids to the 2010 Olympics? Lighten your load and rent baby gear

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, here’s a great tip….pack light and enjoy the convenience of renting top-of-the-line baby gear from Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals. Have your rental item delivered to the location of your choice, or pick-up from the airport or our Kitsilano location.

Everything is in brand-new condition and meticulously cleaned.  We are always worried about germs and this flu season we are washing anything that can’t go in the dishwasher or washing machine first with bleach and then with an antibacterial soap.

Contact shanac@weetravel.ca or 604.222.4722 to book your Olympic rentals.

2 comments November 3rd, 2009

Milk Factory Bucket Hat

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.

Add comment May 27th, 2009

Canadian Car Seat Safety Regulations

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:

Add comment May 20th, 2009

Traveling to Vancouver? Check out the Family Book For Great Savings

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!

Add comment May 11th, 2009

Milk Factory Tees

If you’re heading off to the sun or just want to get ready for summer, here’s a product that Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals thinks is a perfect blend of fashion and function. Milk Factory has combined forces and designed some funky, retro kids shirts that offer excellent sun protection in the summer (UPF 40), and provide a layer of warmth in the winter, like thermal underwear.

Made from 100% polyester, this high-performance CoolBest® fabric wicks moisture away from sensitive skin. Drool, sweat, spit-up and water dry fast,  keeping your precious ones cool, dry and comfortable.

Sized Newborn to 5 years. Made in Canada. $29 CAD

1 comment March 25th, 2009