Flying with Children

A question came in from a friend of mine. Let her know what you all think. Has anyone had to experience this?

"In your opinion, how early would you fly with a baby? Would you buy another ticket for the baby to be safer? What suggestions do you have for flying with an infant?

I am going to be in my friend's wedding. Her wedding is March 29, 2009. My baby is due December 12, so the baby would be around 3 months old to fly with. My husband will be at school, so I wouldn't be able to leave the baby plus I plan on breast feeding.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated! 

Maryanne Nelson"

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If you have a product review you would like posted or a topic you would like to have discussed please email me at momblogclub@gmail.com. I will be updating the blog every week with new topics. Please email me so we can start talking about things that are important to you!!!

What to Wear

As I mentioned in response to a previous post, I've really gotten into wearing my new baby. I loved carrying my older son in a sling or Bjorn when he was a baby, but didn't do it very often because it quickly got uncomfortable. My second son, born in February, has been much more of a challenge. He was very colicky, has acid reflux, and loves to cuddle (which is not a challenge, but does take lots of time!). I found that the only thing that made him happy was being carried or worn. He, like his brother was, is a heavy baby (5 months, 19 lbs.) so the Bjorn and sling I had were not going to work. I also battle carpel tunnel in my wrists while I'm nursing, so just carrying him is very painful. I headed off to the Internet to see what else was out there and oh my goodness, there are a lot of options. I decided to get an ergo baby carrier, and a solarveil sling. I also had my mom make me a sling using some directions I found online. So for I'm very happy with all the carriers I have. The ergo is great for long walks and chores around the house. It can also be worn on my back if I'm willing to let the baby spit up all over my back. I love my solarveil sling for hot days. It keeps both of us cool and protects the baby from the sun. Now that the fabric in my homemade sling is starting to soften I really like it. It is a pretty color and works great at church.

I guess I'm sharing all this because I've found what started as a challenge with my son, has led me to some very enjoyable moments with him. I love that he so close I can kiss his little head all the time. I love that I can quickly get him to sleep if nothing else is working. I love how easy the 3 hour block at church has become when the baby can sleep in the sling and I don't have to wake him up to go to the next class. Mostly I love that I can still get out and do the things my toddler wants to do, even if his brother needs to be held.

If you would like more information on different ways to wear your baby, check out The Baby Wearer website. While I'm pretty new to babywearing, I can try to answer any questions you have as well.

Also I recently came across a contest to win a "stash" of 5 baby carriers. Maybe you'll win, but I'm secretly hoping I will. I'd love to try something new, like a pouch, mei tai or wrap!
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
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If you have a product review you would like posted or a topic you would like to have discussed please email me at momblogclub@gmail.com. I will be updating the blog every week with new topics. Please email me so we can start talking about things that are important to you!!!

Not sure if I'm over exaggerating...

Sorry for the delay in posts. I took advantage of the long weekend and got some much needed rest!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. It's totally a new experience sharing it with a little one. I feel so blessed to have my family with me!!!

I have another question for you guys. I've noticed over the last little bit that my little girl has started pulling on her ears. I'm slightly worried because my experience says that when a baby toughs on their ears there's usually something going on with them (i.e. ear infections) however, she doesn't fuss anymore than usual (needing to eat, getting tired, or wanting a diaper change). Is she just at that age where she's realized she's got something growing out of the side of her head and she's curious about them or should I make a point to ask the doctor about them when we go in this month? I'm thinking we're not at a ear infection just yet because there's no fever or fussy nature but growing up my little brother never got fevers with his ear infections and it's just making me wonder.

Am I over anxious because she's my first and I'm looking for something to be wrong or should I just be excited that my little baby has discovered a new body part and is excited to explore it through the miracle of touch?

Do any of you expert mothers have any advice? Is this something you've all noticed before?

Thank you for your help!!! I'm really grateful you're all so willing to openly share advice with me.

- Cheris Vreeken
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If you have a product review you would like posted or a topic you would like to have discussed please email me at momblogclub@gmail.com. I will be updating the blog every week with new topics. Please email me so we can start talking about things that are important to you!!!

Thoughts on reading

The last few weeks I've been thinking a lot about starting a "library" for my daughter who is only 4 months old. I've been slowly getting books from my mother who gets them from a program through the school that she teaches at and each time I get a new one we sit together and read it. I know that she can't yet comprehend what I'm saying or possibly even make you the pictures but it's fun to just sit together and hope that she's getting something out of it.

I'm wondering what other mom's think about reading to children, like when you started and what you looked for in a book. The books we have now are simple but they are probably more fit for a child that is a little older because it's all paper. I really want to get a few board books but I don't know exactly what to start looking for.

What do you guys think about reading to a baby? Is it too soon to start? Should I start in a specific place? Do any of your know of any good publishers for books in our age groups?

Thank you!!!

Cheris Vreeken


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If you have a product review you would like posted or a topic you would like to have discussed please email me at momblogclub@gmail.com. I will be updating the blog every week with new topics. Please email me so we can start talking about things that are important to you!!!