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Tag Archives: Travel
Product Review: Brica Roll n Go Car Seat Transporter
So, we just returned from sunny Florida (sigh) and even though I forgot this travel item this trip, I’ve been meaning to review it for a bit. We’ve been traveling with Aria since she was only a few months old, and on our last big trip (Switzerland, Dubai, Milan) this item came in super handy.
Dragging a car seat through the airport is never fun, and the Brica Roll N Go allows you to strap the car seat to it and essentially roll your child through the airports. It eliminates the need to have a stroller along (side-note– in Dubai airport Emirates has courtesy Maclarens available for passengers which I think is genius), and avoids you having to carry the car seat separately. We found it VERY handy in large international airports when we had long walks and customs lines (and one jet lagged toddler). Aria basically went back to sleep in her seat and we pulled her along.
It’s relatively easy to hook up the car seat to The Brica Roll-n-Go, although I will say that the base is somewhat small and at times I felt like the seat might be more secure on a larger base like the Britax version. It’s also lightweight enough and packs easily into the overhead compartment on board.
I bought mine last minute at Babies-R-Us here in the city, but was also looking for the GoGo BabyZ Seat Luggage Strap option (which I couldn’t find in store). It’s cheaper and may be more convenient (although I can’t attest to it’s sturdiness & security) since it’s a single strap to store away. I also just saw this Kids Luggage Travel Chair product on Shark Tank last night and am thinking it will be a good option as she gets older and loses the car seat all together. Happy Travels!
New York Snow Over Florida Sunshine: My toddler made me do it.
This morning we were supposed to head out on a flight to Florida. Ah, yes, the warm Florida Keys where 80 degree temps and flip flop wearing days await. Instead, I sit at our lake house, watching snowflakes swirl — grateful for warm socks and good decision making. You see, back in the day (pre-Aria) a little snow (or talk of it) wouldn’t have had me rescheduling flights. I would have grabbed my carry-on and headed to the airport, trusting that our early flight out would beat the first flakes in. However, with a little one in tow, everything changes. All the time.
I have to laugh at how the carefree traveler in me has been totally replaced by Miss. Play-it-Safe. For there is no easy delay with a toddler in tow. And hopping in a cab home (if said delay turns into cancellation) is not easy breezy with a two year old, car seat, stroller, suitcase, etc. etc. (and forget getting them all back up our 6 floor walk up in the city). Gone are the days of chancing it to make sure I get in as much sun as possible. These days I choose to watch the snow fall with a little one toddler napping in her crib, knowing that Florida isn’t going anywhere (and neither is my sanity).
Holidays Here & Gone (and here, there and everywhere)
The holidays flew by for us. Actually, I guess you could say we flew by (or so it seemed) since this holiday season we traveled half way around the world, and back. Yes, Aria already has more stamps in her passport than most kids get their whole childhood. Our main destination was her Uncle Hayden’s wedding in Dubai, but we had a few stops between here and there (both going and coming). Here are a few pictures from our holiday adventures.
First stop was visiting a few friends in Switzerland (a night in Zurich and then off to the beautiful Alps). We stayed in their house in the charming little village of Samedan (just next door to St. Moritz). Aria and little Sammy were in love at first sight, and it was incredibly sweet to see how they interacted.
Next, was the main event in Dubai. A beach wedding and time to relax and enjoy a little sightseeing and warm weather. Not to mention, some well needed family time with Mimi & Dada (who came all the way from New Zealand) and, of course, Uncle Hayde & his beautiful new bride, Glaucia.
Finally, just to round it all out, we stopped in Milan on the way back. In actuality, we made what could have been a painful 7 hour layover into a mini-milanes vk. A quick train ride to the Duomo and Galleria to check out some highlights and history, and then a long and delicious afternoon, eating and drinking (as it should be when in Italy).
All in all we racked up a whole lot of miles, and even more good memories.
Here’s to an equally adventurous 2014…
Road Trip: 7 Essentials For Baby In The Car
So, riding in the car with baby/toddler is not always the easiest of experiences. Unlike a lot of NYC dwellers, we actually are in the car quite often. Our recent road trip to Saratoga (a 3+hour ride) made me realize some things that were downright essential!
1) The Perfect Car Seat: Ok, so there may not be a perfect seat, but some are better than others. For our infant car seat, I went with the Graco Snug Ride. It is safe, lightweight, versatile (fits in the snap and go travel system which is key for travel) and has an adjustable shade (essential). I didn’t like it’s infant insert, and definitely recommend buying one like this to keep baby snug and comfortable. When it was time, we also bought Aria a convertible (front facing) seat. She actually has a couple different ones but by far her favorite is the Britax she has in Oma’s car. It’s extra cushy and she sits higher which allows her to see out the window better.
2) Window shades: I can’t tell you how essential these are to keep the sun out of the baby’s eyes and off baby’s face. UV rays can still filter through window so these shades protect and keep your baby comfortable. I first bought the White Hot Safety Shade by Munchkin, but they totally don’t stick well or cover as much window area as my second (and much better) purchase by Safety1st.
3) A Mirror (when still rear facing): A mirror allows you to look into your rear view and see you little one’s face. Some argue it can be a distraction, but I think a quick glance is much better than trying to bend behind the seat to check in on baby.
4) Tunes: Baby’s love music. One mom friend gave me a baby’s CD as a gift and said it’s “like crack”, meaning her baby was totally addicted and instantly gratified. Aria too chills out when her tunes get on (not to mention now she asks for “Muffin Man” the second she gets in the car). My mom gave me CD of baby songs early on and I was like, “hells no, we’re not listening to that all trip,” but that quickly changed when I realized Hickory, Dickory, Dock is much better than a screaming baby.
5) Entertainment: Small books, stuffed animals and even soft little dangling toys for infants do make a difference. Now that Aria’s a toddler (and obsessed with Barney) I’ve also been guilty of passing back the iPhone when super desperate for a peaceful ride.
6) Snacks: Again, some people would say this was a big no no (choking hazards), but, if you choose the right snacks (bottles, pureed fruit pouches, puffs that dissolve in their mouth, etc), I can attest that it makes for a much easier time.
7) Pacifier: Again, a “love em or hate em” for many parents. For us they’re a lifesaver quite often (and I’ve cursed myself the times I’ve realized I’ve left the house without one). Aria def prefers Avent.
Related articles
- 5 Must-Have Baby Products For NYC Living (mommyhoodtake1.wordpress.com)
Last Days Of Summer: Sand & Serenity
A few short days left until the unofficial end of summer. Where does the time go? A last minute city escape to seize the day…alone, with only the surf, sand, and sun.
Baby free. A rarity. Traveling with one bag filled only with my needs and one agenda– to have none. A long walk through the dunes to my private paradise. No one in sight, just a long stretch of sand, a big sky and deep blue sea.
Mommyhood: Take 1 