What to Pack: Going to Daycare

Sending your kids off to daycare is a pretty emotional thing. You feel scared at the thought of someone else watching your child, nervous about how they handle it, and sentimental about how big they are, even though they are still so small. I frankly found the whole thing a little overwhelming. How can you possibly prepare enough stuff to prepare for a full day away from home without knowing what they will be eating, playing with, doing outside… Well, the good news is, you don’t have to. Whether your baby is at a home daycare or a licensed center, there’s a list of “musts” and a list of “please.”

“Musts” include really just the basics that will help care for your child as you would at home. This means things like your preferred brand of diapers and wipes, a change of clothes, and a blanket for nap time. You might have a cubby or a bag you can stock weekly to ensure you’re on top of the inventory. Other things to consider, which may be a must for your care giver or for your own peace of mind, include things like a labeled sippy cup, sunscreen, and additional attire for flexible play. Things like an extra outside layer, a hat, and a change of shoes are a good starting point.

This list is really all you need to do all the things you would do at home. At the daycare there will be toys to play with, meals prepared, and other items like art supplies are provided by your caregiver. 

“Please” items are something a little extra that might apply to you, but not other kids. It’s at the discretion of you caregiver and your best judgment. If your little one attends a special centre, or you have some personal items you feel will make the transition easier, feel free to over-prepare for the first couple of weeks. Here are some examples:

• If you drop off your child sleeping or very early in the morning, you may want to send them with breakfast. Most sitters would only include lunch and two small snacks.
• For infants and toddlers, an attachment item may help, especially for sick days and nap time. Things like a pacifier with a strap, or a well identified stuffy. Be prepared for these things to be occasionally be used by other children or to mysteriously go missing. Kids are quick, it happens even with the best scrutiny.
• Any medication your child needs for daily or emergency use should be sent ahead with clear dosing instructions. Be sure you talk to your caregiver about your expectations for pain/ fever medication, bum cream application, as well as their comfort level with things like Epipens.

A daycare environment doesn’t have to be just like home – it’s not home – but it can and should be a comfortable place for your child to learn and have fun in your absence. It's going to be an adjustment for everyone involved. Consider scheduling a one-month sit down with your care giver to ask how things are going. Look for ways you can all learn from and benefit each other.

What to Pack: Fireworks and Big Summer Events

Ah, the return of summer! These few short months are filled with all sorts of activities that you can only really do when the weather is nice. Beach days, camping, BBQing, and those fantastic family events like fairs and street festivals! As great as these parties can be, they really do need a little advanced preparation, especially with little ones in tow. Will you plan a picnic or grab food there? Do you need your swim suits, towels, or blankets? How late does the event run, and will you have space for diaper changes or pottying? Let us help you plan ahead so that your local shindig goes off without a hitch!

Pack for your environment

Whether its fireworks at the community centre or camping in the conservation area, you may not have the comforts of home at your disposal. Plan ahead of time to ensure the proximity of necessities such as washrooms, water sources, shady rest spots, and parking. Err on the side of caution and pack a few supplies you wouldn't want to be without:

• Hand sanitizer and emergency “pit stop” supplies (diapers, wipes, toilet paper) 
• A few portable snacks such as apples, bananas, granola bars, or crackers 
• Equipment for a change in weather such as a blanket, jackets, or an umbrella 

Pack for your time frame

Celebrations that can go all day might mean your family routine gets thrown off schedule. Waking up early might mean the parents need an extra coffee, and the kids need a spot for a nap! Will you need to prepare bottles, or make accommodations to breastfeed? Will you need to reapply your sun block or bug spray? Don’t forget:

• A travel play pen, picnic blanket, or other down time things you need to rest little legs 
• Fresh water, a thermos of cold milk, or whatever feeding supplies you might need 
• Sun glasses, hats, sun screen, and other hot weather protection 

Pack for your audience

As interesting as you think the petting zoo might be, or how much you loved carnival rides as a kid, your offspring may vehemently disagree. Having a few extra dollars, some back up entertainment, or even an escape plan might save everyone a little aggravation! Try: 

• Beach toys, bubbles, and playing cards or other travel games 
• A map of the area or some notes on other local attractions 
• Earmuffs like these or other sound protection for fireworks and loud music 

Big summer events are so much fun, but they can be stressful too. Consider packing a small first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and pain reliever. Based on your family's needs, you might also want medication for an allergic reaction, or upset stomach. Remember to talk to your family about a game plan in case someone gets lost. Have a meeting point, and consider an identification sticker or tag for older kids. Planning for the unpleasant stuff makes it no big deal, and you can get back to the good stuff a lot sooner!

What to Pack?: Healthy "Food-tainment"

When mommy or daddy need a little break, or to get something done, there are lots of little tricks to keep junior occupied. Some are great, but not always possible, like getting the baby to nap. Some are always possible, but maybe not ideal, like putting on a kids' show. Then there's that middle ground. It's sneaky, practical, and also very effective - a snack. Knowing what we know about childhood obesity and emotional eating, this crutch can be a worrisome tool as well. Since I can't always remember to have fresh cut bananas with me, I decided to look in to some of the most common baby snacks on the market for children under 2. I'll rate them in terms of virtues (like nutritional value and portability), vices (like added sugar or salt) and cost effectiveness.

Puffs (ie Gerber) 

A modern classic for any snacking age baby is the "puff"; a whole grain puffed rice treat with added flavours ranging from savoury (like veggie or cheesy) to sweet variations (like banana or vanilla blueberry). Kids love them, and seem to be able to detect another baby partaking from miles away. While a fairly healthy treat, being mostly air and all, these are flavoured. They contain sugar, and are certainly meant only for occasional consumption. Ranging anywhere from $1.99 to over $5.00 for a can containing 42g, that's probably for the best. Remember, they are great for practising the fine art of the pincer grasp, but half will end up on your floor.

Cheerios

Before there were puffs, there were Cheerios. A whole grain breakfast cereal for toddlers and adults alike. While not marketed directly as a first food, the ingredient list is a lot more lengthy that your average baby food item, but no worse. They are slightly higher in sodium and lower in sugar than puffs, and much cheaper! A 595g family size box is only $3.98! If that's not enough of a selling feature, think about this - Cheerios can be strung like a necklace! It's a great afternoon activity for older kids and a perfect distraction accessory for grocery shopping!

Yogurt Drops

For a snack with less (or even no) grains, yogurt drops might be right for your baby. Packed with pro-biotics, these fruit filled treats are more chewy than their cereal counterparts. I feel that this presents the same choking hazard as raisins, for a much higher price. While careful supervision has made these little guys a hit with some mommies, raisins were a better value for my son. He just didn't dig the texture. Another thing to consider is the higher sodium and the presence of dairy, which might not be right until a little later on.

Rice Rusks (ie Mum-Mums)

These crunchy, melt-able treats are always a winner with my son. Low in salt, sugar, and calories, you don't have to worry about keeping these individually packed wonders as a snack on the go. While recommended for 6+ months, a well-supervised beginner could manage these, and they continue to be a hit well past a year. Although they're still edible, they do seem to get pulverized when stored in the wrong pocket of your diaper bag, so be aware of that when you're packing! With a huge assortment of flavours and an inexpensive price tag, they are my go to portable treat.

What's your little one's favourite snack? Got tips for entertainment on the go? We want to hear about it! Comment here or on Facebook!

What to Pack: A Baby Kit for Grandma's House

Before kids, an early summer's day had so much freedom. No need for a jacket, throw on some flips flops and the world is yours. Fast forward to today, and even the nicest weather calls for lots of organizing and packing. I have to think about my diaper bag, I usually have a bottle cooler bag, if I'm going grocery shopping I have a bag of bags... Even with the best possible planning, life happens and you forget something. For me, that usually happens at my mom's. We maybe planned to pop in to say hi, which turns in to several hours, and possibly dinner. I decided a long time ago that my mom needed her own diaper bag of sorts. A back up bag of commonly forgotten or used up items for longer visits. Here's a few things to consider if you are building your own "Nana Kit."

Let's start with the obvious - diapers and wipes. I mean, for a child under two that's just a given. Those are really hard to do without, and are super easy to store in a little bag or bin. Start with a 20-pack of wipes and 5 diapers to see how often you're forgetting. No granny has storage for a Costco pack of Huggies just because you're forgetful! Along the same line, a mini bum cream isn't a bad idea. If your little one is prone to a surprise accident, you might want to keep a travel body wash. Both my son and my niece have needed impromptu sink baths, so it's nice to have handy.

If you have a habit of after dinner cards, or chats over tea that extend past bedtime, a pair of pajamas is also a good idea. I used to keep a set in my diaper bag when my son was smaller, but as his size got bigger, it's something that rarely makes the cut these days. The benefit is huge, however. If your little one is getting tired, you can do that bum change and jammie thing ahead of time to make a sleepy transition from car seat to crib that much easier. You won't likely need to keep any other clothes, as they won't see enough use. An emergency change, even at 2 in the afternoon, can be in to those pj's. Why not? You may want a bib or two, though. Whether its dinner or just a quick snack, covering up is a good idea. We keep a package of disposable ones at my mom's out of convenience.

Undoubtedly there are towels and blankets at your parents' or in-laws', so don't store bulky items like this. You can keep a receiving blanket or a couple of wash cloths for ease, but no more than strictly necessary. A play mat, books, or toys are a nice idea, so long as you keep it reasonable. Most moms would want that available, and might already have some from your childhood! If you are concerned about smoking or pets, storage of your baby's items wouldn't really help anyways. You will just have to bring them with you when you pack up your normal tote.

Some final things to consider:

• Your baby is growing - check your Nana kit monthly to ensure there are still diapers and pajamas that fit.
• Your mother is not a storage depot - your kit shouldn't exceed the size of a bread box, if it can be avoided. 
• Babies are flexible - you don't have to have matching outfits and 40 toys at all times. My son loves measuring cups and wooden spoons.

What to Pack: Going to the Library

New Year's Resolution: Read more books.

If you think about it, the library is actually the key to many of your New Year's Resolutions beyond the (ever noble) goal to read more books. If you're looking to spend more quality time with your children, the library throws events and story times you can attend. If your goal is to save money, the library is the best place to borrow movies, current magazines, and books-free of charge! If your goal is to eat better, the library offers hundreds of cookbooks and popular diet and fitness books to inspire you. If your goal is to learn a new skill, you can head to the library to a class on a new technology, or to a knitting circle. I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point. It's in the best interest of your whole family to get to know your local library better. It's there to improve your quality of life! (Yes, I admit, as a librarian I am biased, but I speak the truth.)

Now that you're convinced of the many merits of your public library, you may be wondering how to get the most out of your visit. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Wear comfortable clothes.

While the library is a haven of acceptance and equality, you'd seriously regret wearing a tight pencil skirt and stiletto heals on a family visit. First of all, you'll probably be there a while, reading to your child, browsing the shelves, or sitting in on a story time. Add to that low shelves or sitting on the floor in a semi-circle, and you'll be glad you're wearing a nice pair of jeans and a sweater. Dressing your child in layers is a good idea (no matter the season), because you never know how active a sing-a-long will get and extended time in an air conditioned space may require a sweater.

Be in the know.

Pick up a calendar of events for your local branch to really take advantage of what's on offer. Some programs require registration or have age specifications, so it's best to get informed about which programs and services are catered to you and your family. It's always fun to head over to the library to simply browse the stacks and take a few titles home to enjoy, but there's is so much more to the library than that. 

Prepare in advance.

If your library has multiple branches, you can use the online catalogue (or a friendly librarian) to request things from other branches. This saves you time, and seriously expands your options. You can also place a hold on books or movies you really want, so that you don't have to be disappointed at your next visit when someone beat you to the punch. This comes in handy if your 7 year old is reading a series of books and needs number 13 next, or if you want to read one of the season's hottest books that just never stays on the shelf.

Pack a snack.

Promoting a love of reading requires positive associations to books (and libraries). You don't want to undermine the activity with a hunger induced grump storm. The library is no place for take-out dinners but most branches are now more lax about food rules so you can bring in your coffee (with a lid) and small dry snacks like granola bars.

A trip to the library isn't a big event, but it is very special. Taking the time to visit your community branch monthly (or weekly) connects you with your neighbours, expands your horizons, and, simply put, is a fun thing to do.

What to Pack: Holiday Visiting

Whether near or far, most of us will do some form of holiday get together in the next week. Along with pinched cheeks and a mountain of presents, one of the most stressful things on your mind might be all those seasonal snapshots, made ever so easy with that smart phone even the grandparents have.  Then there is the sheer weight of travelling with holiday gear in tow. Carrying so many gifts, side dishes, and baby stuff already, no one would fault you if the kids arrived covered in chocolate, but let's face it, it's not ideal. You want to make a good impression and you want to feel organized. For this reason, we've put together some tips for packing for parties and looking your best with Santa, grandpa, or even simply tucked in to bed.

Family Photos or Mall Shots with Santa

Creating memories for albums or walls is a major part of this time of year. Candid shots of moments unwrapping presents and the like are always nice, buy you may also want to create a card or a collectible that requires a more formal shoot of your family.  At the mall Santa, for example, if your baby is like mine, he'll make a mess right before your turn with the big guy. I had a change of clothes, but nothing that read Christmas like I had hoped.  Since then, I have a couple holiday options in my diaper bag just in case. I bought a two-pack of seasonal onesies for $3 (bargain!) and pair them with an inexpensive pair of neutral emergency pants. A plain shirt and holiday bib would do as well. I found at least 4 options on offer at the dollar store of my local mall. Older kids might need to dress in layers. Cute matching sweaters would be nice, but be sure the t-shirt underneath is decent just in case.

Family Dinners and Meetings with Friends

More lengthy visits and overnight stays means a number outfits and accessories for sometimes days at a time. For these occasions, don't go crazy. Your children do not need to deck the halls at all times of the day and night. If you manage to buy quite a few outfits for cheap, or receive a bunch as gifts, go nuts. Otherwise, save your money. Seasons change, kids grow, and their bright little faces are the real show the grandparents want to see. Pack light, but pack smart. 

• Extra bibs will prevent some unnecessary shirt changes. 
• Plain sweaters can be worn on multiple days. 
• Make sure the pieces you pack are interchangeable with one another for quick dressing.

Jammies Chic

Arguably, no other day of the year involves as many photos of happy folks in their nightwear. Cuddling in for a story or setting out cookies in the evening, then running downstairs in the morning to gleefully eat and open presents. If you arrive to stay with family early, you don't need to showcase different seasonal sleepwear every night. Save the snowmen or the elves for the big night. Many people make a new pair of pajamas part of their Christmas tradition. It doubles as a gift and reassurance that your little ones will be looking their best. This goes for the whole family, so treat yourself to something (as well as maybe 2 minutes to throw up your hair and wash your face pre-photos). If you're not buying new, a lovingly pre-worn, family pair might be the ticket. Something that adds to the sentimentality of the day. 

The bottom line is, what you are wearing is not as important as the company you keep. A little mess and chaos is a real part of family life. You are not in a catalog after all. You can think ahead, but airlines lose luggage, babies get sick, and cookies make crumbs. Be flexible and remember to live the moment as it happens.

What to Pack - Winter Weather Walks

As the chill hits the air, the Canadian heart sinks a little.  Gone are the days when you can throw on your flip flops and leave the house.  No more will the driveway be clear and your front hallway dry.  It's time for those frosty mornings, early nights, and all the clothing that accompanies. That goes for baby as well, and dressing a little one can be tricky.  You don't want them to be cold; they won't be able to express to you their discomfort fast enough if it is far south of zero.  You don't want them to be too hot; car travel and mall walking can mean overheating and chaffing. You also don't want them to be unsafe; bulky layers may mean restraints are under tightened! With that in mind; here are some things to consider when you decide to face the outdoors this winter.

Baby's skin is far more sensitive than yours, so any exposed skin needs to be tended to as best as possible.  While it may not always be necessary or practical to have that elaborate, overstuffed snow suit on, your little one does need at least one extra layer than you do.  This could mean as little as a nice, fluffy blanket to top of his or her sweater and long pants, or a full ensemble of coat, gloves, hat, boots, and more.  A quick front door check won't cut it - check the weather and pack for both eventualities (a change for the worse or the better).

Keeping warm:

• Make sure all exposed skin (within reason) is covered. Focus on the extremities (head, hands, and feet) where heat is lost most rapidly.
• Remember to keep baby's face and body well moisturized to prevent dryness and chapping. Multiple changes from the crisp air to warmer environments can leave baby feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable.

Image borrowed from Walmart.ca

Keeping cool:

• Dress in layers that can be added or removed as your surroundings change.  Hats and mitts should be removed and coats unzipped as a minimum when riding on buses, driving in heated cars, or walking indoors.
• Consider a stroller/car seat warmth system. It works like a sleeping bag installed on your child's seat, adding warmth when needed and easily unzipped when not required. It has the added advantage of being easily washable and transferable to multiple seats.  See example pictured here.

Keeping safe:

• Double check that car seat, stroller, and other restraints are secured tightly enough to serve their purpose per the manufacturers instructions.  This might mean removing baby's jacket while in the car.
• If the weather gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit/ -7 degrees Celsius, avoid going outside unless you have too.  Frostbite can occur very quickly.

What to Pack: Go Bag Edition

For some of us, preparing for baby starts as soon as we see the two blue lines on the stick. Making space for baby, buying all the necessities, decorating a nursery, picking out a name...there's a lot to do and we're excited (and sometimes overwhelmed) to do it. When it comes to preparation, one thing you definitely do not want to forget is to pack a hospital go bag with plenty of time before you go into labour. Running around the house grabbing things while counting the time between contractions and starting the car is a nightmare that can be avoided if you do have that bag waiting by the door early.

Your due date is set at 40 weeks from conception, but your baby is considered full term at 36 weeks, so aim to have your go bag packed and situated right by the front door by 35 weeks—even if you don’t plan to have a hospital birth. You can never be sure what’s going to happen, so give yourself peace of mind by preparing for the possibility early. One very important thing to slip into an accessible outside pocket of your go bag is your maternity notes. If you’ve taken the time to make a birth plan, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve written it out and packed it. Even if you’ve discussed it in advance with your partner or other support person (which you should do) the hustle and bustle of delivery day can leave everyone a little bit frazzled.

With that being said, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure are in your go bag, and others that are nice to have if the hospital allows them. Here are some suggestions of what to pack for that all important trip to the hospital!

For you:

Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, brush, toothbrush, deodorant, etc)

Hair elastic

Lip balm

Slippers and/or socks

Night gown or baggy pajama pants (It'll be nice to wear your own, comfortable pjs)

Camera with memory stick

Cell phone charger (Plus, a list of phone numbers of those you want to call)

Clothes to go home in

Nursing bra and breast pads (If you plan on breast feeding)

Cheap, comfortable underwear

Magazine (For light, easy reading)

Sanitary pads

Change of clothes and some toiletries for your partner

                    You may also want:
                     A towel
                     A pillow and/or a nursing pillow
                     Change for the hospital vending machines
                     Small snacks
                     Sugar free candies to suck on
                     A water spray

For baby:

Blanket. (The hospital will be temperature controlled, but it’s always nice to wrap baby in a blanket for extra warmth, especially when leaving the hospital in cooler weather. )

A few onesies.

Coming home outfit. (Choose a special outfit for the baby to make his or her grand arrival in, but don’t go too crazy. No need for sequins or 3 piece suits. Pick out a nice onesie in a cute pattern and maybe a homemade knit sweater. Something easy to wear that is meaningful.)

Car seat. (If you want to bring your baby home in a car, you’ll need to have a car seat with you. Safety first!)

Jacket or snow suit (If it’s late fall or winter.)

Newborn sized diapers and sensitive wipes.

2 or 3 burp cloths and receiving blankets.

A hat and booties.

Tip: If you have pets at home, have your partner bring a receiving blanket that has been wrapped around the baby for the pets to smell before you bring your little one home. It will prepare them for the new family member.

What must haves do you recommend for the go bag? Share with us in the comments or on Facebook! [www.facebook.com/wiydb?]

What to Pack: Medicine Cabinet

The 24 hour drug store is a wonderful thing, but when its the middle of the night and your baby is crying because of gas or teething pain, the last thing you want to do is get into the car and drive to the store. Do future you a big favour and pick up this list of baby medicine cabinet essentials then breathe easy knowing you're prepared for almost any discomfort your baby may experience. Add in a nice basket or box, and this would make a thoughtful (and practical) baby shower gift for a new mother just starting out.

*The items in red are helpful to keep in the diaper bag as well as the home medicine kit.

20 Essential Items for your Infant Medicine Cabinet

1. Digital Thermometer
2. Baby liquid acetaminophen like Tylenol and dosing chart (ibuprofen only if baby is 6 months or older)
3. Saline drops (to loosen mucus) and a nasal aspirator (also known as a “bulb syringe”) for stuffy noses.
4. Tweezers (for splinters)
5. Gripe water / anti-gas drops
6. Electrolyte solution / rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte (for after vomiting or      diarrhea)
7. Diaper rash cream
8. Medicine dropper or syringe
9. Cotton balls (for applying lotions and for disinfecting supplies with rubbing alcohol)
10. Humidifier
11. Baby nail clippers or a small nail file
12. Topical calamine lotion or hydro-cortisone cream (for bug bites)
13. Antibacterial ointment such as Polysporin or Neosporin (for cuts and scratches)
14. Cold compress (for bumps and bruises) / heating pad (for aches)
15. Vicks VapoRub
16. Baby safe sunscreen / insect repellent (after 6 months)
17. Baby Anbesol or Oragel and a teething ring in the freezer
18. Vasoline or baby oil (for sore dry skin)
19. Mild soap without perfumes or irritants (for cleaning skins around scrapes and scratches)
20. First aid manual / phone numbers for emergency help and poison control centres (FYI: Ontario Poison Control = 1-800-268-9017)

Keep in mind that the bathroom is not the most ideal place to keep your baby first aid kit, because of the moisture in the air. Aim to keep these items in a place that is easily accessible to you (to deal with 2 am fevers or stuffy noses) but is completely out of reach of your baby. For example, in a clearly labelled basket on the top shelf of your linen closet. Also, since the goal is to have everything at hand, buy replacement jars of lotions etc, before you run out of the current jar.

As a final note: Trust your instincts, you can prepare for almost any eventuality, but if you feel like something isn't right, or a symptom is severe, contact your doctor immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What to Pack: Long Distance Travel

Leaving the house with a baby is inevitable, however, most excursions won't require more than your trusty diaper bag in tow. Unfortunately for us, with an 8 week old and no notice, we had to fly across Canada to mourn the loss of a near and dear friend.  Both money and time were tight and I did not relish the thought of a plane ride with my son. Whether you have family to visit, a wedding to attend, or a vacation ahead, travel may be in your future sooner than you might like.

Packing for any longer trip requires forethought and pre-planning and it can seem that much more stressful with junior along.  There are basics, additional things that you'll need for the circumstances, and those essentials that you can't live without.  Traveling with baby is no different.  So why does flying with baby seem so undesirable?  Largely due to the stigma!  Be calm, be prepared and your visit can be more pleasant that you would have thought.

Before you go:

Take a deep breath and think about what you are going to be doing while you are there.  How many outfits do you and baby really need?  Will you have access to laundry?  Would it be a big deal if baby is in a white onesie rather than that frilly tutu? Minimizing any additional weight is key, for your wallet and your muscles, so take that in to consideration.  We made a point of packing the smallest amount of diapers and formula we felt comfortable to travel with, knowing we could purchase more at our destination. You might consider checking with your airline about quantities of baby extras (strollers, etc), "babe in lap" age restrictions, and liquid exemptions.  We had no trouble with security in regards to the volume we had packed.

On route:

Take care of the basics; make sure that both you and baby are fed and comfortable.  A pee break and a diaper change are a must before you are cramped up in the cabin for an extended period. Having had to change a messy diaper in a pinch on one of those horrendous excuses for an in-flight diaper stations, I assure you any alternative is preferable.

I also kept it light in the airport with my baby carrier and a small bag as much as possible. I took time to walk around and stretch my legs.  This would be a good time to keep an older little one engaged with the sights available and activities you have packed. The ideal situation, once in motion, is a sleeping little traveller.  Infants might need a small feeding or a pacifier to deal with cabin pressure changes.  My son coped admirably, but best to be ready.

Arrival:

Stuff happens - and it might throw a major wrench in your plans.  Our airline didn't put our car seat and stroller on the same flight we were on, so trust me: I know stress.  This is where forethought is key.  Have a change of clothes for both yourself and your little one in your carry on in case of missing luggage.  Have a family member available for contact, if not picking you up directly.  Perhaps contact the hotel ahead of time to see if rental strollers are available. The airport also has these items available for use.

Don't worry if you have the crying baby, the restless toddler, or the barfing youth.  The airport and flight attendants have seen it all and fellow travellers will feel worse for you than upset. Also keep in mind, the reason for your visit might not be fun, as was the case with our family, but assuming it will be miserable from the outset will only ensure that it is.  Make the most of every adventure and you will come home with lots of memories-and probably great stories-to share for years to come!

What to Pack: Books

As a librarian and an avid reader, I already planned to bombard my baby with a litany of literacy boosters right away. In our household, reading is a shared value and we spend many an hour listening to a Songza 90’s music playlist while getting lost in a book or magazine. So, it neither surprised nor intimidated me to hear that the American Academy of Pediatrics is prescribing reading aloud to children from infancy. In their policy paper published in June of this year, they summarized that “[r]eading regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime.”

We all want to give our children the best possible start in life and this seems to me like a fun and easy way to do it. I realize that not everyone is comfortable reading aloud to very young children as it can feel silly, especially when they’re too young to fully grasp what’s going on. Here are some tips to fit reading into your baby’s life:

·      Read aloud to your infant from whichever book you are currently reading. The sound of your voice, the varied vocabulary, and the visual appearance of you reading a book will do wonders for encouraging literacy all through life, even if it's not a children's book.

×         Choose board books for babies that are illustrated versions of songs or nursery rhymes you are already familiar with. It may feel less odd to sing a song or recite a rhyme than it feels to read a story to your very little one.

·      Take your baby to the library for baby time a few times a week. These programs are specifically tailored for babies 0-18 months, and incorporate songs, stories, and movement based on child development research. Let the librarian make a fool of herself while your baby reaps all the benefits!

·      Make up stories while you go on a walk or make up a song while you are preparing a bottle. The language benefits associated with storytelling are immense. If you don’t feel comfortable sitting down with your infant and a book (since they can’t focus like a toddler or older child) you can still talk to them constantly during the day.

Before you go out, throw a few board books into your diaper bag. They’re an easy go-to distraction for grocery store line-ups or a nice post-picnic activity to enjoy together in the shade. Send us an e-mail if you’d like a recommendation for a great book to engage your child.

What To Pack: Baby Sun Care

With the long, cold, "polar vortexy" winter behind us and the late April arrival of my son, I was excited to finally get out and enjoy some sunshine!  The summer is the ideal time to get in some baby-weight-losing power walks and those much needed trips for free baby entertainment at the library.  Being the type to skip the golden goddess step and go straight to lobster chic, I make sure to at least wear my SPF and some shades when I leave the house.  Naturally I wanted baby to have the same protection (if not more) but a trip to the pharmacy raised a problem - so called "baby sunblock" is only indicated for use in children over the age of 6 months.  I didn't realize this.  Upon mentioning this story to my Aunt, she recalled a similar trip of her own.  When she asked a pharmacist what brand she should buy, he answered: "long sleeves."  Harsh - and not the only time I've heard this type of response.

But it gets worse; we all know a burn is bad for adult skin, but Skincancer.org states that "Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life."  Great, more guilt to add to the ever increasing list of ways we can ruin our child's life!

So what's a mommy to do?  It's hot. For the baby's health—and your own sanity—you can't stay cooped up all the time. Well, stick to the basics:

• A cute baseball cap, wide brimmed bucket hat, or adorable bonnet is now your constant accessory (so make sure it's in your diaper bag if not on baby's head)!  Stocking caps keep baby warm but don't do much to keep the rays off of a little one's face.  Save these for cooler weather and photo ops.

• While we're talking fashion, sleeves aren't such a bad idea.  Light weight and lightly coloured outfits are best to keep as much of the skin protected as possible.  Absolutely have to dress baby in that watermelon sundress or sleeveless shark romper?  Pimp your ride instead!  Use a mesh protective cover for your stroller or sunshade for your baby carrier (Snuggly, Baby Bjorn, etc).

• Stay out of the harshest sun of the day. While it might be impossible to run all your errands before 10am or after 4pm (seriously?), take breaks in air conditioned buildings or stay at the shady side of the park.

Enjoy the warmth and freedom of the summer while you can!  It's a great time to be off and spending time together.