9 Tips That Will Make Tot Travel Shockingly Easy

Nervous about traveling with your new infant? Take the edge off with some simple ideas to help your trip go as smoothly as possible. From choosing the right flight to what to pack for a plane ride, there are many ways to prepare for a good trip.

Traveling with an infant can be a stressful experience. It is intimidating to imagine the looks other passengers might give you when your little one cries or fusses. While there is no guarantee that traveling with a baby will be easy, there are many steps a parent can take to ensure smoother travels. Having a plan ahead of time is a great way to build confidence when traveling with an infant. Below is a list of ways you can prepare for the most successful trip with your little one.

Flight timing

Try to schedule your flight according to your baby's sleep pattern. Babies often sleep during travel, and choosing an early morning or late evening flight might allow baby to nap for the duration of the flight. Also, when choosing your flight, try to avoid layovers as much as possible.

Seating

Decide if you want to have your baby on your lap or if you want to purchase an extra seat. Many airlines allow children under 1 year old to fly for free if the baby is on a parent's lap. If you do decide to travel with your baby on your lap, try to get bulkhead seating so you have more space for your feet. Other things to keep in mind when choosing a seat is proximity to restroom, window or aisle seat, and sitting near other mothers with babies for conversation and support.

Arrive early

Try to get to the airport as early as possible so you are not rushed or already stressed before your board the plane. This will give you time to change your baby's diaper if needed, eat a meal and be prepared in case of any unforeseen dilemmas.

Carry your baby in a pouch

There are many comfortable baby carriers available today that allow you to have both hands free while traveling. Wearing your baby in a carrier through the airport can make it easy to get from point A to point B. If you do not use a baby carrier, consider taking a stroller where your baby can sit comfortably while you are walking through the airport. Most airlines allow you to check the stroller at the gate when you are boarding the plane and will drop the stroller off at the gate when you exit the plane at your destination.

Pack smart

Make sure you have plenty of wipes, diapers and snacks for the flight or in case of a delay. Choose a bag that allows you to be as hands free and comfortable as possible (such as a backpack), with easy access to pockets. Try to pack only a few toys that you know your baby loves rather than an entire assortment. Remember that your bag will get heavy as you carry it around with you. Store snacks in airtight containers that do not take up much room.

Baby entertainment

If baby is awake, toys make for great distractions should he or she get fussy. Board books, development toys, hand puppets, and even smart phone apps or cartoons can help a baby enjoy traveling.

Ear popping

Many parents fear takeoff and landing as some babies experience discomfort in their ears. Nursing during this time can be a source of relief for babies experiencing discomfort. Remember to bring a nursing cover if you feel nervous about breastfeeding near a stranger. If you are not nursing, have a bottle or a pacifier ready to give your baby to relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing.

Ask for help

If you need help, ask a flight attendant for assistance. In my experience, flight attendants and passengers have been extremely helpful and compassionate to me as I have traveled with my little one. Flight attendants are often happy to help you fill a bottle, reach for a bag, or provide you with extra water.

If you get dirty looks (and you will)

Remember, you are not alone. Besides, dirty looks never killed anyone. There are most likely other mothers and fathers traveling with their little ones. Take comfort in knowing that you are doing the best you can and the flight will not last forever. Smile back, start a conversation or make a light-hearted comment about how you hope the flight will go well. One of the ways I make light of the situation is to let people know as they sit near me, "Are you sure you want to commit?" They usually laugh and say they will be fine. I believe it communicates to them that I will do the best I can, but at the end of the day the way my baby reacts to the flight is out of my control. If all else fails, put in earplugs and turn your attention right back to your little one, who will be happy to receive the love and care you have to offer.

Source: Family Share

Theo And Beau - Too Much Cuteness

At first, Theo and Beau were just two new friends who liked to snuggle up together at naptime.

Before too long, though, the rescue puppy and his toddler brother were stars of the (very) small screen, with photos of their daily dream-sessions charming their mom'sInstagram followers. Then, they became a viral sensation here, there and everywhere -- and those Instagram photos went from collecting hundreds of likes to tens of thousands with fans anxiously awaiting new snaps. Now, they're bringing theirnaptime love story to the printed page.

Momma's Gone City blogger Jessica Shyba has signed a deal with Feiwel & Friends for two books featuring the duo. Bedtime for Theo and Beau, the first of the two volumes, is set to be published on February 4, 2015 -- and according to the publisher, the Santa Cruz SPCA, through which Shyba's family found Theo, will be involved with the project.

Jean Feiwel, senior vice president and director of the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (of which Feiwel & Friends is an imprint), called the photos "irresistible."

But of course, if you are one of Shyba's 230,00 (and counting) fans, you already know that. And if you haven't been privy to the cuteness yet, please allow us the pleasure of introducing you with some of the latest scenes from @MommasGoneCity...

Source: Huff Post

Pope Francis Takes a Stand on Public Breastfeeding and What He Says Will Definitely Surprise You

By: Kylie McConville

You can’t make this stuff up, y’all: Pope Francis supports public breastfeeding. In an interview with La Stompa, the Pope was asked about the state of hungry children in the world and he responded by saying (among other things) that breastfeeding mothers shouldn’t be ashamed to feed their babies when they’re hungry. (Three snaps for the Pope, you guys!)

He said, “At the Wednesday General Audience the other day there was a young mother behind one of the barriers with a baby that was just a few month s old. The child was crying its eyes out as I came past. The mother was caressing it. I said to her: Madam, I think the child’s hungry. ‘Yes, it’s probably time…’ she replied. ‘Please give it something to eat!’ I said. She was shy and didn’t want to breastfeed in public, while the Pope was passing. I wish to say the same to humanity: give people something to eat!”

When the Huffington Post reported the story, they spoke with Denene Milner, a Baptist and former breastfeeding mother. She said, “Honestly, I wish there was this level of deep thinking in my own Baptist church when my daughters were babies and I was breastfeeding,” she wrote. “On Sundays when I knew I’d be sitting in a church pew, I’d go out of my way to feed my daughters just before we walked in so that their bellies would be full for a good part of the service, and then I’d be all anxious when they’d start fidgeting.”

Not only is the Pope Time magazine’s Person of the Year, but it’s clear that the Pope is restoring the Church to a go-with-the-flow type of Catholicism that aims to include — not exclude — everyone. And to prove just how little he’s bothered by breastfeeding, take a look at this shot taken last March, while he was in Buenos Aires:

Source: The Bump

What to Expect From Your Baby’s Development

What Does The Fox Says... { Fox Baby Shower }

Ashley Dernick of Recollection Vintage Rentals is expecting a little boy in January, and her best friend Vargo happens to be expecting a little girl near the same time! They both hosted sweet showers for each other, and this darling fox themed baby shower was Vargo’s event held in honor of Ashley with some hosting help from Ashley’s mom and sister. The cutest little fox invitation set by Jessica’s Invites set the theme and look of the shower. They brought in fall elements and decor, making it a perfect fit for the season. Guests enjoyed a tasty menu that included sandwiches from Ashley’s favorite Houston market and her mom’s beloved Chicken Tortilla Soup. Guests also enjoyed a super cute coordinating cake by Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique. Everyone got to take a little sweetness home, too, from the fun popcorn bar. All of the lovely photos were captured by Kimberly Chau Photography.

Credits and Sources
Photography: Kimberly Chau Photography
Cake: Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique
Invitations: Jessica’s Invites
Flowers: Something Special

Source: On to Baby

15 Things Experienced Moms Really Want To Say To New Moms

Photo Credit: Windwardskies Photography

Becoming a mother is like walking into a high school cafeteria. The cool moms, women who manage to get dressed and brush their teeth on a daily basis, sit at their own table. The moms who breast feed sit together, while the formula moms sit elsewhere. The sleep trainers swap stories at their table. The co-sleepers eat their lunches alone, so they can finally stretch out. The attachment parents wear their babies at the corner table. And everyone waits for a new mom to drop her lunch tray, so they can gasp and point fingers and roll their eyes at her missteps.

Well, this is the picture perpetuated by the Mommy War mentality, an archaic notion that reduces grown women to catty school girls. This analogy falls flat for too many reasons to count. We’re all moms, so we haven’t been served a meal in years, and we don’t know when we’ve eaten food that’s still warm. And given an opportunity to complete a sentence, most of us wouldn’t waste it on passing judgement especially on new moms.

The us vs. them mind set is the exception not the rule. When an “experienced” mom sees a “newbie,” the look in her eye as fruit loops cascade from the open van door is not judgement; it’s nostalgia and camaraderie. We’ve been there, and if a child didn’t need our attention “now, Mommy! Please, Mommy, please! Mooooooooomeeeee!” we’d say…

1. It’s totally normal that the car you used to get detailed on the reg looks like the place Goldfish crackers go to die. Just yesterday we found the remains of a hot dog beneath our seats.

2. We’re truly impressed you prepare healthful, organic meals everyday from scratch, but don’t beat yourself up if when you lay in bed reviewing what your child actually ate, you discover his calories came from pickles and Nerds. It happens.

3. We agree that the hands-down best high (no matter what you did in college) is the one you get from your baby laying heavy in a heap on your chest. Thank you, oxytocin. And no judgment here if you forgo a night out to cash in on the opportunity to cuddle up.

4. Don’t worry if you consider purchasing a taxi cab because you heard the plastic partitions can be made in soundproof material. We already looked into that.

5. There is nothing wrong with you at all if while cleaning the nursery in a few months, you tear up throwing away the nasal aspirators because your big girl can blow her nose all by herself. These milestones come out of nowhere.

6. Don’t you dare think less of yourself if you do the sniff test to your clothes before you consider washing them. A little spit up on the shoulder? If you can scratch it off, it’s perfect for running errands. We applaud you for “Going Green”!

7. We get it if when you decide to return to the gym, you do it under the guise of getting your body back but know deep down it’s for the childcare room. We’ve seen them sanitize the baby swing. No harm. No foul.

8. We applaud your homemade cleaning products. Vinegar is magical! We didn’t notice at all that you turned to Clorox and Lysol when your little one got his first stomach virus. We thought “projectile” was hyperbole, too.

9. Don’t question your strength just because you can’t take the lollipop your precious little one has been licking for 45 minutes. There is nothing stronger than a baby holding candy. Nothing.

10. No judgement here if you consider asking your husband to celebrate your birthday or his birthday or next Tuesday with a vasectomy.

11. Please don’t underestimate your parenting prowess when your little one embraces Time Out as an opportunity to play quietly and use his imagination instead of reflecting on his bad behavior. Enjoy the minute of silence.

12. We still think you’re fashion forward after you spent the entire day with Cheerios tucked into the folds of your scarf and a chocolate kiss mark on your cheek.

13. We admire any answer you can muster (as long as it doesn’t include details about grooming shapes and vajazzling) when your cherub asks about pubic hair while you’re both squeezed into a public restroom stall.

14. It’s not lying to tell your babe that Caillou went on vacation with his Mommy and Daddy and won’t be back for a long time. We call it self preservation.

15. You’re still wearing a nursing bra but haven’t breastfed in months? There’s no statute of limitations on those things. We can’t blame you for avoiding a bra fitting. One change at a time.

We could go on and on because motherhood is the great equalizer, and we’re all just doing the best we can. Instead of passing judgement, we’re looking for strength in numbers. However, if you happen to come in contact with Judgey McJudginstuff herself, we fully support you thanking her for her insight while patting her shoulder with a hand that may or may not have poop under the fingernails.

Welcome to the club.

Source: Scary Mommy 

Emily

Emily was a career woman, "Mommy!" in the pedagogical conversation, "Mom!" hand on the pulse of culture and art. "MOOOOM!" Now she knows what's really important. "Wipe me!" Find her musings and DI(Why) attempts at Fourtuitous.com

You Asked... { Dealing with two babies }

After giving birth I found myself asking so many question for every day to day situation, and it was hard to find answers with doctors, they are not always available, so I started asking those questions to other moms, and trust me sometimes they know better than doctors, because in some situations those things are not written in a book.  So I decided to create this Q&A session where real moms can give their advice and support. I would love to see all you mamas out there sharing the love. And if you have any question that you would like to see it featured and answered here please send me an e-mail to sweetlittlenursery@gmail.com.

Q&A: Dealing with two babies?

Baby #2 is on the way! How will I manage to split my attention between two small children?

Answer:

Caring for one baby can certainly be a full-time job, but don't worry -- two kids doesn't necessarily mean double the work. Remember, your children will give each other attention too, even lifting a bit of the load from you at times. Let your older tot "help out" with the new baby (holding the diaper at changing time, helping with feedings), and they'll both get to be the center of attention.

Lots of repeat moms worry that they won't love the second child as much, or be able to offer as much attention, but fears are usually short-lived. Each baby is a totally different person, and will find their own special spot in the family.

More concerned with logistics? Invest in a good double stroller, interview babysitters, and work out a plan with your partner. Need more advice? Check out this tip from fellow user, goodhartedmommy:

"Get a really good sling or carrier. That way you can tend to both at the same time. Really, it's just second nature. You can read all the tips in the world, but once you're in the situation, it will come right to you naturally and you'll do great!"

> Have a good tip? Leave a comment below!

Erin van Vuuren

I have to say, the first few weeks of dealing with two were very difficult. DS at 2.5 yo really wanted to get a reaction from DD (newborn) and the only way he learned to do that was to make her cry. It took two months of coaching to get him to be gentle enough for me to have them in the same room. And my first few weeks of screaming "No!" and giving timeouts every time he hurt her did nothing to help him; he liked the reaction. Consistent praise for gentle touches and "big brother presents" after a good week were key.Now that DD is 5 months old, things are much easier. I can leave them alone in a room together while I go to the bathroom. I can put DD in a sling and go adventuring with my son- she loves to watch him doing swimming lessons or jumping around at the park; he can really make her smile.

 wakeham |

I struggle everyday dealing with 2, but I think I have finally found my rhythm! My 2 DD are exactly 54 weeks apart. So when my youngest was a newborn, my oldest was just learning to walk and becoming more independent. But at the same time she was more demanding of my attention because she is SO active! So dividing my attention and giving my youngest the attention she deserved(s) is sometimes very difficult. I try to give each of them some special Mommy time each day...even if it's just 15 minutes alone. It took me almost 1 year to get in a groove with the 2 of them!Now they are 2 and just about 1 and finally play together, eat together, and are really becoming sisters! It's so much fun to watch & experience. I sometimes wonder though if twins would be easier! ha ha ha!! At least they are on the same pace!!

 CheerCoach9948 |

Having had 2 newborns while juggling an 18 month old potty training toddler, I can truthfully say "Been there, done that!" The experience was grueling, DEFINITELY, but as a post-partum doula, I am thankful that I know all the tips and tricks so that I can help my mommas of twins who are struggling the same way I was! 2 best tips? #1- Try to nurse the babies together during the day (tandem nursing) but try to stagger their night feedings so that you can doze off while snuggling with just 1 baby, and then switch I found that nursing both girls at the same time took too much attention and I wasn't able to get any rest during their feedings! And #2- Wear the babies in a baby carrier!!! 1 Moby wrap will do the trick for 2 babies, or for more hands free options, how about a Beco Butterfly II ?? wearing your babies will give you a few minutes to get SOMETHING done other than gaze at your new precious bundles, and it will give them the chance to be close to you instead of being left in the crib or car seat!

 PAXbaby |

Dealing with two babies is sometimes difficult but the amazing feeling that you have when you see them makes you forget about all the difficulties. I have twins and they are very cute. It is very difficult for me to take care of them as I am studying for a special education teacher certificationbut I am trying to divide my time in order to do both things. When they are sleeping I am studying and doing the household work. Also I am lucky that I have a great husband who is helping me to take care of them.

 Ritarit |

My two babies aren't far apart! I honestly have no idea, I guess reading a lot of books for advice! My second baby was a surprise to the both of us! But I will always try to give them the same amount of attention.

 RachelChloe |