We just completed our ski vacation challenge for our 12 travel challenges in 2012 and we had such a blast! We spent the weekend at Snowbird in one of their awesome condos at the Cliff Lodge (more on that later). Because snowboarding and skiing works up a big appetite, especially for sweets, I decided to make some treats to bring up with us. ToddlerTravels had a blast helping to make these blondies and her favorite part was putting the M&M’s on top.  Make these for your next get-away!

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I love to nurse my baby. It’s a special time just for her and me. I always try to retreat to a private more intimate space when it comes time to feed my baby, away from others. It’s not that I’m ashamed or think it’s weird when others choose to breastfeed their baby in public- I just understand that it can (unfortunately) make other’s feel uncomfortable and when other people feel uncomfortable I reciprocate those feelings. The last thing I want to do is associate my special bond with my baby is uncomfortable awkwardness. So imagine my horror as I am preparing for my first flight with my baby and realizing I am going to have to nurse her on the airplane. The smallest most cramped quarters where you are practically sitting on your neighbors lap. And me being the ultra modest person that I am- I cringed thinking about it. Now looking back where I have taken more than 35 flights with BabyTravels (to date)- in which I have nursed her on every single one of those flights, I don’t even think twice about it.

My goal is to offer you all of my nursing tips that I have accumulated to make it a more enjoyable flight for your little one and you- making sure that your baby is fed and you feel comfortable.

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Make surprise packages for your next road trip

Taking a toddler on a road trip can be exhausting, frustrating and stressful. But it really doesn’t have to be. Try some of these tips the next time you take your two or three year old on the open road and you will be surprised how it can turn a rocky ride into a smooth and even relaxing one!

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This is my second pregnancy and when they say that every pregnancy is different they are not joking. These two pregnancies can’t be anymore different. The first pregnancy I traveled like crazy. That may even be an understatement. The first thing I asked at my first doctor’s appointment was when I had to stop flying. My midwife told me 34 weeks. I remember being super bummed because most airlines will let you fly till 37 weeks (they all have different criteria so check with them before you book your ticket). I think during that pregnancy alone I went on over 50 flights. It was awesome.

This pregnancy however, I have only flown a handful of times. And when I was about 23 weeks things were going great, I was feeling pretty good so we went ahead and booked two trips for when I would be 32 and 33 weeks knowing full well that those would be the last times I would fly before having a baby. Then at 28 weeks I found out I had placenta previa and was at-risk for bleeding and having a premature baby. I was sad and then the doctor told me to not travel. It wasn’t like I was going on a vacation, these were once in a lifetime family events. But I understood that my health and the health of the baby came first.

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Being pregnant is a wonderful time in any woman’s life. It’s a time of miracles and growth (both belly and mind) and is so fulfilling. Unfortunately it also is a time of discomfort and trials as well.

With my first pregnancy I probably flew on an airplane close to thirty times. This is my second time being pregnant and while I haven’t flown as many as the last time (probably around 7-10 times) I feel I am able to know what to expect and how to make an already uncomfortable situation (being pregnant and flying or just flying in general) a little more tolerable. Here are the tips I have learned over the years to a better flying experience overall while pregnant.

Avoid flying in your first trimester if at all possible. Especially if you are sick. Flying will just make it worse; you will be in for a miserable experience. Also, the first trimester is just so unpredictable. If you do fly, make sure you have enough snacks, ginger ale, and an aisle seat for quick escapes.

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I love to nurse my baby. It’s a special time just for her and me. I always try to retreat to a private more intimate space when it comes time to feed my baby, away from others. It’s not that I’m ashamed or think it’s weird when others choose to breastfeed their baby in public- I just understand that it can (unfortunately) make other’s feel uncomfortable and when other people feel uncomfortable I reciprocate those feelings. The last thing I want to do is associate my special bond with my baby is uncomfortable awkwardness. So imagine my horror as I am preparing for my first flight with my baby and realizing I am going to have to nurse her on the airplane. The smallest most cramped quarters where you are practically sitting on your neighbors lap. And me being the ultra modest person that I am- I cringed thinking about it. Now looking back where I have taken more than 35 flights with BabyTravels (to date)- in which I have nursed her on every single one of those flights, I don’t even think twice about it.

My goal is to offer you all of my nursing tips that I have accumulated to make it a more enjoyable flight for your little one and you- making sure that your baby is fed and you feel comfortable.

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It’s that time of year again! The weather is finally beginning to tempt us with warmer days in promise of the summer that lays ahead. If you haven’t already started planning your summer vacations nows the time! Especially right now as airfare, hotels, rentals are not only available but are having major sales! Plus it’s a great way to get even more excited about summer and spending quality time with your family.

The first step to planning any family vacation or really any type of vacation is to prioritize destinations. Are you more in the mood for a relaxing beach vacation or a heavy sight-seeing trip in an urban setting? A great way to decide this is to hold a family meeting and get your kid’s suggestions and help them feel a part of the process. It’s fun to get them excited and hear the off-beat ideas they may suggest. You may learn something about them from this conversation you had no idea about!

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Hey guys! I know it’s been awhile and I apologize! Today I had the pleasure of going on KSL’s Studio 5 and doing a segment on traveling with young children. If you are really bored feel free to watch it here.I wanted to post all the tips I did here for your reading pleasure. They are general tips on traveling with children both in the car and on the plane.

When it comes to traveling with small children we have found out it pays off the more you involve them in the process of packing and getting ready for a trip.

Pack an activity bag together. This is great for both airplane and road trips. Let your child help you choose thier favorite books, stuffed animals and dvds and don’t forget their comfort items. Pack their absolute favorite snacks and take a trip to the dollar store and let them pick out a new coloring book and toy that they can only play with in the car or on the plane. This helps get them excited about their upcoming journey and a great way to ensure they will be occupied.

If it is your child’s first time flying or it has been awhile, it is helpful to start preparing them a few days before the trip. Read them books about airplanes, explain what the airport and the airplane will be like. Take the time to talk about behavior expectations and ease any fears they may have. Role playing is a great way to do this as well. The key is to make it exciting and sound like a fun expirience. It also helps to talk about the destination and what you will be doing once you arrive.

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BabyTravels and Hilarye in line for It's a small world

Disneyland is a great vacation option for those who are traveling with small children. As with any other vacation it can be stressful and exciting all at the same time. For some great tips on taking toddlers and babies to Disneyland click here.