Travel

Wanderlust Must: SUITE by Skip Hop 6-in-1 Diaper Backpack Set

This week we are so excited to be featuring amazing products ideal for traveling with baby. Today we’re highlighting the Skip Hop 6-in-1 Diaper Backpack Set, a parent’s perfect travel companion!

Have it all—and then some—with this chic diaper bag and accessory set from Skip Hop! Skip Hop has given the standard diaper bag an upgrade by packing it with a complete range of coordinating accessories. Featuring lightweight, wipe-clean fabric and luxe details, this bag will make you feel effortlessly pulled-together—and fully equipped—for any moment that comes your way. Choose from three different diaper bags in the Suite by Skip Hop collection—Backpack, Tote or Satchel. If you’re traveling with baby, you’re not only going to need your regular, daily items, but also extra, extra stuff – changes of clothes, snacks, toys, even a change of clothes for mama! Skip Hop ensures that there is room for it all in this gorgeous diaper bag set.

The 6 Piece Diaper Backpack Set comes with a paci pocket, so no more scrounging around the bottom of your bag for a paci as the baby is screaming. It also comes with a soft changing pad, and even a packing cube, perfect for those extra clothes. Stroller straps are also included, so you can easily hook this diaper bag to your stroller for a day of sightseeing. And, it even comes with a matching bottle bag to keep your bottles fresh while you’re out playing tourist.

The bag is super lightweight, so if you’re babywearing around a city, this backpack will be easy for you to tote around. Baby food explosion inside the bag? No worries, just wipe it down (with your baby wipes) for easy on the go cleaning. It features 9 (!) pockets for ultimate organization, and has sleek metal hardware and faux leather trim. You will feel stylish, chic, and very organized using this diaper bag wherever you go!

You can follow Skip Hop on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Wanderlust Must: BabyZen YOYO+

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This week we are so excited to be featuring amazing products ideal for traveling with baby. There’s no need to sit at home when there is a world to see, and we rounded up our favorite products for indulging in your wanderlust with baby in tow! Each day this week we will be spotlighting our favorite products for traveling and we’re kicking it off with the BABYZEN YOYO+.

If you’re looking for the ideal stroller for travel, look no further than the BABYZEN YOYO+! This stroller has has revolutionized the stroller category with a multipurpose stroller travel system engineered to deliver safety, versatility and design for the modern, on-the-go parent. Whether you’re frolicking in a city or stomping around the country, the YOYO+ is engineered to take you from city streets and rural roads to jet-ways and boardwalks with ease and style. The soft-drive system allows parents to stroll along with just a single hand; the YOYO+ is today’s travel stroller for everyday.

No longer do you have to worry about having to carry a big and small stroller on every vacation, the BABYZEN YOYO+ is compact, yet durable making it ideal for daily use and travel, eliminating the need and expense of multiple strollers. The BABYZEN YOYO+ can be used from infancy to toddlerhood, with just a few easy swaps. From birth, baby lies parent-facing and never leaves your sight. BABYZEN YOYO+ comes with a totally flat carry cot for infants and a 5-point harness, a 3-position pop up canopy, a foot cover and a headrest. From 6 months and using the same frame, simply swap 0+ newborn fabrics to 6+ fabrics, and sit baby up to face the road. The YOYO+ backrest can be inclined to 145° in several positions, and features comfortable padding with a 5-point harness. Another reason this stroller is a must have for travel is the throw-up factor! Kids and babies get carsick, or sick eating new foods, and this stroller washes like a dream.

But, the coolest thing of all is that the BABYZEN YOYO+ is perfect for airline travel, as it can be stored in the airplane overhead compartment making child travel a little bit easier. BABYZEN YOYO+ easily converts with a single hand. It weighs just 13 lbs and is compact at approximately 20x17x7 inches when folded making it ideal for small spaces. Plus, car seat adapters provide easy adjustment for compatible car seats with just one click making it less disruptive for baby and parent. Ideal for travel for both parent and baby!

You can find BABYZEN YOYO on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Travel Tips for Flying Domestically with the Littles

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So… you’re about to take an airplane trip with your baby and/or toddler? It’s one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences for parents to face, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little prior planning and preparation, you can sail through the travel trenches like a pro! These tips have been cultivated over the past few years after my husband, an aviation executive, was asked to give a series of interviews to a mom advice segment that occurs on our nightly news. We asked countless other parents in person and in various mama groups online to get the best advice and boiled it all down just for you. Read on to learn how to survive plane trips with your littles – all without needing to pay for alcoholic beverages on the plane (unless you want to, of course). I’ll break this down by age of child (infant vs. toddler) so you can pick and choose what applies to your situation.

FOR ALL AGES:
1) Bring some type of disinfectant wipe for the seat tray. You never know what other babies or germy people have touched it or (ew) had a diaper changed there. Wipe down the armrests, the window shades and the overhead buttons/air vents for added disinfecting fun. This is especially important if your child is immune-compromised for any reason (prematurity, chronic illness, etc.) or if your kiddo is a lap baby… they like to explore their environment.
2) Parents traveling with babies and toddlers do not need to conform to the 3oz rule for liquids if they are transporting breastmilk, formula, juice, water in a bottle or cup, or medication. This also goes for baby food or pouches. Separate any baby-feeding items from the rest of your liquids and put them in their own bin for screening. The TSA will inspect them for you. They will ask you to open the bottle/sippy cup and potentially one pouch so they can pass a strip over it that detects whatever bad things they’re looking for (explosives?)
3) Ask your airline for assistance if you are connecting flights. They will often provide assistance to families with young children. You can call and request this ahead of time, but frankly, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing in many cases so you can also ask a gate agent directly on the day of travel.
4) You will likely be allowed to pre-board… listen for announcements at the gate for “family boarding” or anyone needing extra time to get down the jetway. There is one major US carrier which does not do this (ahem… think legacy carrier beginning with an “A” ) but everyone else does. When I travel with my hubby, we do the family boarding if allowed and then I get on the plane first with the car seat so I can buckle it in. My husband waits a minute in the jet bridge and then follows with my son. The car seat must be placed in the seat closest to the window and they cannot rear-face if doing so would impair the ability of other people to get in/out of seats or recline. However, for an infant seat, the directions on the seat say to rear-face, so you should be able to do this. If traveling alone, I send my son down in front of me and use my voice to guide him to the seat. This obviously only works if you have a child that can walk; otherwise, I would wear him. It’s a sweaty and exhausting prospect to guide a child and install a seat at the same time but it can be done! Plus, most flight attendants or even other passengers are willing to help.

FOR INFANTS AND YOUNGER TODDLERS (mostly):
5) Many parents find that using a baby carrier is beneficial in the airport. You may wear your child when going through security, and you will not have to unbuckle them until you are seated on the plane. This is a great way to transport your child, especially if you are flying direct. If you are connecting, be aware that you could potentially have a long layover if your second flight is delayed. In that case, wearing your child becomes very heavy. Even if your child is a lap baby, they will not allow you to wear the baby during take-off and landing for safety reasons… just FYI.
6) Carry any items you will need for yourself and your baby in a backpack so that you are hands-free to manage your kiddo. Bring a change of clothes for yourself and your child in the event of illness while flying. Bring at least one diaper for every hour of travel. Most airplanes have changing tables in their bathrooms, but check with your carrier. I literally do not bring anything for myself in the carryon bag… it’s all for my son. Each of your children is entitled to his/her own carryon, though, so technically you could have two diaper bags/backpacks. Older children like to carry on their own little bags or backpacks containing their toys, which frees up space in your backpack.
7) If you choose to use a stroller and/or a car seat in the terminal, you will have to put them through the screening machine and carry the child through the metal detector with you. They will not send you through the newer detector where you have to raise your hands up (you know, the one that sees you naked under your clothes…); you’ll go through the older-fashioned kind. You will also have to gate-check your stroller and the car seat, unless your child is a ticketed passenger and you plan to seat him/her in a seat on the plane. If you are planning to seat your child under the age of 2 on your lap, you may ask the gate agent if the flight is undersold. If so, you will likely be allowed to carry on your car seat so that your child may ride just as s/he would in the car. Strollers and car seats are checked for free. It is not recommended to check your car seat at the ticket counter with the rest of your luggage as you want to keep an eye on it for as long as possible… but truly, once your items are stowed in the cargo area of the plane you won’t know whether the integrity of the seat has been compromised anyway.
8) If you plan to pump or nurse on the plane, check with your carrier regarding their regulations. You will be permitted to feed your child, but you may be asked to be discrete or to use a nursing cover. You are within your rights to refuse to use a cover, but many airline employees are woefully uninformed where this is concerned and unfortunately, nursing mothers have been removed from flights in the past for refusing to cover themselves. That being said, and whether you’re nursing or not, many parents recommend feeding your child on take-off and landing, as it helps the child’s ears adjust to changing pressure.

FOR OLDER TODDLERS/PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN:
9) Bring things like stickers, post-it notes, Play-Doh, books, videos/tablet, and LOTS of favorite snacks (obviously not something s/he is too young for). You might also bring a toy or two your child has never seen before so they will have something novel to occupy their attention. If the airport has a child play area, let your child play and run as much as possible before you get on the plane. I actually gift wrap a few of my son’s regular old toys because it adds a layer of something to do.

AND LASTLY…
10) Try to be relaxed and flexible; children can sense your stress! This seems easier said than done, I know, but it’s true. I always envision that a flight will be the worst experience imaginable… and then it often turns out to be pleasant and no big deal. Probably not a wonderful psychological strategy but it works for me!
Best of luck to you on your air travels and safe trip!

About Jessica Gallagher

Jessica Gallagher is a former English teacher turned stay-at-home mom. Her husband works in the aviation industry, and they have (some times more successfully than others) flown across the country numerous times with their three-year-old son Mikey. They look forward to experiencing the madness of traveling with two littles in June 2017 with the addition of a new baby.

Going Skiing With the Littles

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Today’s post is brought to you from travel editor Julie who has wise words on skiing with your little ones! (Pictured here: Ski Patrol Romper from Hatley.)

It’s a big deal to think about a ski trip with a baby.

Yes, this skiing installment is dedicated to slope style. I have be honest, if you are heading to the mountains for the first time with a baby under a year old, the chances that you, mom, are actually going to get on skis, is VERY remote. That is why I am dedicating this blog post to the mamas who want to raise a skier and be part of a skiing family, but are completely overwhelmed by the challenge. This is for the first timers. Start em’ young baby snow bunny.

When it’s just the three of you, a hotel is usually much more affordable than a condo for the weekend or longer. Baby is still probably in a crib, your bed or pack and play and you can spend the extra money on activities or spa. Don’t even plan on skiing, snowboarding, rather look into options for you and baby. With my first couple kiddos, I let my husband ski and enjoyed the snow with the little ones.

Altitude, Adjustment, and Must Haves

In December the five of us traveled to the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa for a weekend of skiing for the big kids and my husband, and mountain adjustment for baby and I. Even though we live at 5280, a mile above sea level, it’s still an adjustment for everyone, especially when the air is icy and crisp. Babies, children, and even you, might not sleep well at altitudes of ski towns. Research altitude adjustment before going, it’s easily overcome.

However, my go-to products always include a nasal mist for baby to keep the nose from bleeding, big kids, and even husbands as well. Good lip balm (we suggest Lippy Lovey Lip Balm which has jojoba oil and shea butter and comes in delicious flavors like wedding cake and blueberry muffin – plus, the heart shaped packaging is adorbs), that is both a repellent and sunblock. And, additional sunblock. You are a mile up, you and baby will fry in the sun, especially with the reflection off the snow, you will read more later. Also note, most hotels and condos provide a humidifier for your bedroom if you request free of charge. One more trick of the trade, coconut water (we suggest INVO Coconut Water, it’s packed with electrolytes!). It’s loaded with electrolytes and is a good replenishment at high altitudes without colors or dyes for you and baby. Nursing moms should stock up on this stuff. All the stores carry it, you can grab it when you arrive as well.

But, if I can empower a few quick gear tips for traveling moms to the ski slopes, here is my top list for 2017.

Gear

This, to me, is the most overwhelming part of skiing. For many moms, this is the deterrent to the sport all together. I don’t have enough blogs in a year to document the gear we bring, but here are a few essentials.

Bjorn, Ergo: Whatever carrier you use for baby—bring it. I bring both! Strollers are extremely hard to maneuver in snow. Many restaurants and shops are located on second levels or walk downs with limited access for strollers, if any, so bring the carrier for baby while walking around the ski village.

Winter Clothes: No, I’m not giving you a list of baby clothes. Rather, bring all the cute snow clothes for photos. Babies grow tremendously fast so get he or she into that outfit or snowsuit and get the picture. This is why everyone purchased those darling snowsuits for baby and gifted them to you, that bright red sled, the fleece onesie—bring it! You will regret it if you don’t. Tears or smiles, it’s all good. Baby Boden or Patagonia, it’s the snow and face everyone wants to see.

Mitz Accessories: They make very popular boot and mitten clips. Trust me, the kids are going to lose something on the slopes—gator, goggles, mittens, helmet, it’s a lot to remember. However, the clips will hopefully prevent your child from losing everything and it’s much more clothes-friendly then what they do in ski school if your kiddo shows up without a set of clips or attachment for his or her belongings.

Sunblock: The first thing EVERY Coloradan does before going outside in the winter, yes, the winter, is put sunblock on any exposed parts. The sun reflects upon the snow and intensifies the rays on skin. Burns can be much worse in winter then summer. This is no joke when it comes to baby. This stuff is invaluable to your trip. Don’t leave your house without a sunblock you know does not irritate your child or cause a fuss.

I’ve been using No Ad since I life guarded in Illinois as a teen. Not much has changed. I am a huge fan of the sunblock now, and obviously they have a much larger and expansive line. I suppose that happens over two decades. Baby, kids, me, husband, we all use it year-round, we aren’t the skin cancer capital of America for no reason. Take precaution and reapply often.

Gift Guide for Traveling Mamas

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As your infant quickly grows, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore the world more and more. Eventually, you’ll even want to go on a vacation and stay someplace overnight! If you’re going to be bringing baby along, we have some handy travel items you don’t want to forget. These make wonderful baby shower gifts or add them to your registry.

Sponsored Post

Smockingbirds Pajamas: Anytime you go on vacation, it’s always fun to have a new set of pajamas to rock in a hotel room. We’re big fans of Smockingbird’s pajamas because not only are they super soft, but incredibly personalized! The pajamas can be personalized and you get to pick the color of the thread and which font you like (they have 16 to choose from). Not only are these pajamas super adorable, but the long sleeves will keep your little one (the smallest size is 3 months) warm in cool hotel rooms – or a cool house in summertime. They make a wonderful baby shower gift for second or third time mamas, because you can get baby’s name on it!

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586b943859841f2d4e37a13e

Babymel’s Robyn Diaper Bag Backpack: If you’re thinking about traveling with baby, we highly recommend the Robyn bag from Babymel. It’s an incredibly versatile bag and can be worn four different ways – wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, cross body or hand held with our easy to use convertible strap. The Robyn bag is both lightweight and durable, and features plenty of pockets to organize all baby’s essentials. The Robyn includes an Easy-Wipes pocket which has a dispenser slot for pulling wipes through, so you can easily grab a wipe without having to undo zips or dig through your bag – perfect for quick clean- ups on the go, especially while traveling. It’s a very roomy bag, so there is enough space for a change of clothes and snack for mama – plus, it also comes with an insulated bottle bag for baby. If you’re looking for utility and lots of style, this Babymel Robyn bag is the way to go.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586ec6300452725f5ce5c562

Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs: If you’re a traveling mama who also breastfeeds, you need to check out Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs. Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs are the only FDA-cleared moist-heat and cooling relief packs that conveniently slip into any bra and can help increase milk supply, and relieve and prevent mastitis, clogged ducts, nipple pain, engorgement and more. Moist heat is one of the most highly recommended and effective ways to help increase milk supply and relieve common breastfeeding discomforts. No more dripping wet washcloths! Now women can get relief effectively, conveniently and discreetly. Rachel’s Remedy helps moms reach their breastfeeding goals. If you’re heading on a trip, make sure to throw some of the packs in your luggage!

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 5840121a59841f110c45d742

Chewbeads Baby Gramercy Stroller Toy/Car Seat Attachment: When traveling, it’s always best to have something to distract baby! Chewbeads are 100% silicone and safe for your teething baby. The soft and flexible design adds a great distraction for curious babies who like to touch, tug, and chew on the go. This is small enough so you can easily throw in your diaper bag and use on the stroller, on a plane, in the carseat, or in a highchair! The bright colors are stimulating for little eyes and this toy is a great way to teach dexterity and grabbing objects as well.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586b97190452725f5ae5bdce

Thank you to Babymel, Chewbeads, Rachel’s Remedy and Smockingbird for making this sponsored post possible.

Have Baby Will Travel: We’re Going to Do It, How to Travel with Baby

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Gugu Guru’s wonderful travel editor Julie Bielenberg is back today with an overview of where she’ll be traveling this year. Every month Julie will be taking us on a new adventure in her “Have Baby Will Travel” series, and showing us her tips for traveling with kids and babies. Stay tuned for her first travel adventure this January!

Holidays and Winter Travel with Baby

So, where are we going? Everywhere and nowhere. Don’t you find going out to eat or a day out at the museum can be as exhausting as a weekend jaunt with you and hubby to wine country or the Poconos? Nonetheless, we are going to wine country and skiing upstate New York, and baby will be in tow, and it’s not going to be a disaster, but a journey.

A photo from last weekend in Vail, Colorado, as my 5 and 7-year olds head out to ski school and baby gets ready for his first snowshoe excursion with mom. [Pictured: Baby Bjorn Carrier]

As I sit down to write some thoughts on 2017, I can’t help but be truthful, I’m nervous to take our 1 year old on a 20-plus hour airplane jaunt to Israel for a family wedding. I finally feel like my 5 and 7 year old could tackle the flight without too much whining, lack of space to expend energy, and non necessary bathroom trips to play with the back of the plane. However, I’m going to do it, and try and remember the small things and not be overwhelmed by the packing, luggage, prescription medications, formula and the oodles of other daunting items that might occupy my mind at midnight hours.

I’m excited to share my travels with Gugu Guru, I’m ambitious this year! In January we are going skiing in Vail, Colorado (pending arrival of much delayed snow), February we’re going to the Islands, in March, we honor green Mother Earth and introduce you to Eco travel and eco-baby goodies. We will reveal the late spring and summer lineup shortly, but until then, it’s time to prep for the holidays. We’ve passed the first major precursors to the holiday season, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Now onto the big ones! Many of you have already packed up and took to the skies and highways to visit family last month, for many, this month it’s time for your adventure.

As you will begin to become addicted to this blog (ha, ha) and learn that each month we’ve selected the most popular vacationing spots, travel experiences and challenges that families with babies will encounter. Don’t fret; there will always be a month dedicated to seasonal travel and family experiences. Please send me any funny stories or input that you have or wonderful little anecdotes you have picked up along the way. Don’t forget to hashtag #havebabywilltravel and #guguguru. I have plenty from our years of family holidays, but somehow, I feel that this Christmas, Chanukah and New Years in Israel is going to provide a wealth of knowledge in traveling with baby—everywhere.

Dora at 6 months old at The Broadmoor for a work trip and some fun holiday celebrations. The resort had a photographer come in to take pictures of the family for their magazine, but Dora was not having any of it. They used another family.

Now, for the holidays, I do have some things on my own personal wish list. We pretty much love anything from MilkBarn Kids—the patterns, woodland creatures and whimsical characters always make my family smile. Stasher Bags, which I had only just discovered at Sprout in Mill Valley, has fast become a Bielenberg go-to for trips. Jaq Jaq Bird is rolling out an entire new art line and we’re already nearly decade-old customers of their pouches.

MilkBarn Kids; Stasher Bags; JaqJaq Bird Bibs

Don’t forget a registry site is the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts and procure really needed items for your loved ones. Sometimes all the times aren’t purchased for the showers or first birthdays and seasonal gifts. Happy Holidays families and see you on the slopes next month!

Need some travel ideas? We rounded up the best travel tips and products for breastfeeding and traveling; why we love the BABYZEN YOYO Stroller for traveling; why you need a travel humidifier; sleek and chic travel accessories with guzzie + Guss and Skip Hop; Gugu picks for the best travel baby gear.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Danielle Cohen of Easy Baby

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We’re big fans of any product that helps keep mama organized, especially while traveling during the holiday season. When we came across the genius Portable Diaper Bag Organizer Inserts from Easy Baby, we knew we wanted to share them with our readers. Today, founder Danielle Cohen is here to talk about creating a business and her oh so helpful bags for mamas.

GG: How and why did you start your Easy Baby?

DC: Having a baby (now toddler) is a beautiful gift that I am thankful for every day. What I was not thankful for was the abundance of “stuff” that was necessary to pack in my diaper bag to take my son out of the house. You had the diapers, wipes, creams, formula, snacks, back-up clothes… the list went on and on. I found that I would remember to pack everything on my list, only to not be able to find it during crunch time. My son would start wailing, but my meticulously packed diaper bag became a tornado and I became frantic to find ANYTHING I needed. I refused to use plastic bags as recommended by some veteran mothers because it didn’t help me find things faster. I still needed to pull each bag out to see what they contained. I then created Easy Baby, a color-coded organization set to help me find everything I needed in a flash while I was on my second week of maternity leave. It started with the basics: a green “Change Me” tote for the diapering needs, a purple “Feed Me” tote for feeding and burping needs, an orange insulated “Feed Me” tote to store freshly pumped milk or cups of yogurt and a blue “Dress Me” tote for back-up clothes in situations of diaper blowouts or messy eating. When some ladies in my mommy group saw the set they thought it was genius. They encouraged me to mass-produce, and I did. As my son grew, our needs changed and I have kept adding to the line to address those needs with “Change Me” changing pads, “Entertain Me” for toy storage, a water resistant “Clean Me” tote for dirty clothes and a red “Comfort Me” medicine bag, all color-coded and all easy to find.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

DC: Balancing work life and a family is a challenge that I am sure a lot of parents face. I am happy to be mother to a beautiful boy, Phineas, who is an energetic and amazing toddler. During the week when Phin is home we are sure to have computers and phones away to give him the attention he deserves.

I am extremely lucky to have unconditional support from my husband, Jason, to create and build this brand and also co-parent like champions. The whole endeavor is truly a family affair. Jason serves as my product photographer and is constantly teaching me the ropes of building a company. He is extremely knowledgeable in the tech world. Phin even helps out and serves as the CMO-in-Training! He likes to take our phones and will take selfies which we feature on our Instagram as #SelfieSunday.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

DC: The best part of being a Mompreneur is creating something that can truly make a routine just a little bit easier when navigating the new world of parenthood. I have a great platform that I am able to constantly grow as my son grows. This is also a great opportunity to teach Phin that he too can take an idea and run with it. With hard work and determination he can do anything!

How to: Be a Touring Musician and Mama with Priscilla Ahn

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The gorgeous songbird Priscilla Ahn is known for her folky acoustic sound, and has had a powerful music career playing alongside the likes of Willie Nelson, Amos Lee and Joshua Radin. Her music has been featured in top television shows, movies, and even Dancing With the Stars. However, her most important role to date is that of mama; Priscilla tours around the globe and totes her adorable son wherever she goes. She’s here today to give us a rundown on some tips for touring the world with baby in tow – or, for us regular folk – tips for having a great time traveling with a baby!

You can follow Priscilla’s adventures on Instagram.

The first time I traveled with my son, he was 6 months old and we were flying to Japan where I was to do 4 shows in 2 cities with daily promotion. Sans baby, this tour would be a breeze, a blip in the radar. But as a first time mom, traveling and working with baby in tow, I was downright scared.

My biggest mistake was not being open to giving our son formula while I was working. Up until this point, he had been solely breastfed. (We were about to start him on solids as soon as the tour ended.) I brought my breast pump so that my husband could give our baby a bottle while I was away. But because of the huge time difference, my milk supply was confused and all turned around, which led to a decreased supply! So even when I tried to pump, I just wasn’t getting enough for him. And leaving my husband to watch our baby without a bottle, even for just an hour, led to a few emotional breakdowns for all of us. If you have formula on hand as a backup, you’ll be doing a kindness to yourself, as well as your baby and caretaker while you’re away. (We rounded up some nursing mama travel essentials, if you’re looking!)

Two items that were super convenient life-savers:

Babyzen YOYO Stroller – It’s super light weight, you can fold and unfold it with one hand, and the best part is that it’s carry-on size! Which means no waiting in the jetway for your stroller to show up, and no risk of any damage being done to it. (Psst – we just sang the praises of the Babyzen YOYO last week!)

Ergobaby Carrier – I highly recommend having one of these, or something like this, wherever you go. You can wear your baby in it while walking through security, which leaves you with two free hands to remove shoes and place baggage on the belt. (We agree! The Ergobaby Carrier is one of our registry essentials, especially for traveling mamas).

Some travel essential items from Gugu Guru: The DockATot baby lounger, The TwelveLittle Diaper Bag, and the Crane Travel Humidifier for keeping baby’s air fresh and clean.

All in all, traveling with an infant before they can walk is pretty painless. Throwing a work schedule into the mix makes everything a little more challenging, but it’s worth it! You can do it! Happy and safe travels!

Priscilla recently released her first children’s album, La La La – be on the lookout for an Instagram giveaway of the album soon!

Travel Essential: BABYZEN YOYO+ Stroller

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When Gugu Guru’s editor in chief, Olivia, was heading on a road trip to North Carolina for Thanksgiving, she quickly realized that with two carseats, a husband, and luggage, there was no room for a stroller in the car too. She decided it was the perfect time to whip out her BABYZEN YOYO+ stroller and give it a whirl. She’s here to share why she thinks every single parent should add this stroller to their registry!

When my husband and I decided to drive down south for Thanksgiving, I was super excited because I thought, “awesome, we’ll have a car and can bring as much baby stuff as we need!” Boy, was I wrong. Between the carseats, guitar case, luggage, toys, extra clothes, and food, there was not one inch of the Subaru to spare. However, BABYZEN heard my woes and was kind enough to let me try the BABYZEN YOYO+ stroller out for our trip to North Carolina. Off the bat, I loved the idea that the stroller would work for both my kids; my infant is tall for his age, so even at 5 months old, he fit in the stroller just fine.

So, what’s all the fuss about the BABYZEN YOYO+ stroller? This stroller is like a superhero: it folds up in a flash! With most strollers I’ve tried, you have to dissemble the stroller and place the large parts in the back of your car or garage; there’s really no easy way to travel with most strollers. However, the YOYO+ folds up to hand luggage size (!); seriously, there were a few times we had the stroller out with us and my toddler wanted to walk, so we folded the stroller up and used the shoulder strap to carry it like a large bag. We didn’t have to go back to the hotel or car, we simply just kept walking since the stroller is so lightweight and easy to carry folded up. There is also a good sized storage basket on the bottom, so as we shopped, we could add items to the stroller instead of carry them. The few times my toddler was tired, he would ride in the stroller, while I wore the baby in the carrier, and my diaper bag would go under the stroller.

The BABYZEN YOYO+ can be used from infancy to toddlerhood, with just a few easy swaps. From birth, baby lies parent-facing and never leaves your sight. BABYZEN YOYO+ comes with a totally flat carry cot for infants and a 5-point harness, a 3-position pop up canopy, a foot cover and a headrest. From 6 months and using the same frame, simply swap 0+ newborn fabrics to 6+ fabrics, and sit baby up to face the road. The YOYO+ backrest can be inclined to 145° in several positions, and features comfortable padding with a 5-point harness. Another reason this stroller is a must have for travel is the throw-up factor! Kids and babies get carsick, or sick eating new foods, and this stroller washes like a dream. All the fabrics come off and can be thrown in the washing machine, at home or the hotel (trust me, it happens).

I’ve learned a few things in my last years of parenting, and one of them is that when you’re traveling, often times you don’t need to overpack because there are pharmacies, supermarkets, and Buy Buy Baby stores all over America – however, trust me when I say this – you cannot take another trip without this stroller. Not only is it lightweight, compact, and folds up in a flash, but the stroller is sturdy, safe, and also really nice looking! Both the toddler and baby took their turns in it, and they were comfy, even rolling over the hills of Carolina. If you’re pregnant, I highly recommend adding this to your registry today – and if you already have a stroller, I highly recommend asking Santa for this one too!

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DIY Baby Headbands With See Kate Sew

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? Adorable and easy to make headbands for the little ones in your life.

I’m excited to be back at Gugu Guru this week sharing a knit headband tutorial! If there is one thing about bringing another baby into the house, it’s older child backlash! Whew, we’ve been dealing with some serious jealousy and behavioral issues with my older daughter but have found a few strategies to keep the attention equally divided!

The UppaBaby Vista Stroller is one of them! We love this stroller and it is pretty special that my 3-year-old gets the front seat. She loves peeking on her little sister and I think it makes her feel good that this stroller is really for both of them! I take this stroller everywhere, including the grocery store and walks. It’s super easy to set up, everything clicks into place! And the basket underneath is big enough for a whole load of groceries (I never get carts anymore!) It’s such a great single stroller and an amazing double! I recommend it to everyone!

The attachment options for this stroller are amazing! We love the cup holder, sometimes I use it and sometimes it’s a little snack shelf. And the Piggy Back Stroller board transforms this into a stroller for THREE. An older child can hop on and ride when she gets tired. The brake is super easy to engage and all of the features are just so functional. Each seat has a window flap that closes with magnets (no velcro!) and a bar in front. It’s so well thought-out!

I have lots more to say about using the Vista as a double, read my full review over at See Kate Sew!

Let’s make some knit headbands! Matching accessories is another way we are fighting the new baby jealousy. This project is super easy and only requires a scrap of knit fabric. I made this pattern in two sizes for little babies and larger toddlers/children. Since you tie the knot, it’s adjustable for lots of head sizes!

Materials:

-1/4 yard stretchy knit fabric

-Matching thread

–pattern pieces download

Instructions:

1. Print the pattern pieces and cut them out. Tape together where indicated on pattern pieces.

2. Cut out the pattern and pin it to a piece of fabric. The arrows on the pattern will butt up against a fold. Cut 2 pieces.

3. Sew together with right sides together 1/4″ from the edges. Leave a 1.5″ opening on one of the straight sides.

4. Press the headband and stitch the opening closed.

And you’re done!

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