Travel Tips

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If you are about to embark on the 1st trip with your 1st child, or your 10th trip with your 3rd child, traveling with kids will always be daunting. There is so much to think about. What to pack? How to get there? It’s a mind boggle with so many potential worries.

These are some tips that I believe will help parents from going insane.

Some are for babies, some are for older children, some for you but one thing is for sure, preparation is key and once you arrive at your destination it will all be worth it!

 

Take it slow

You do not need to be the first on the plane nor do you have to be the first to get off the plane. Sit back and let everyone else rush around you. Take deep breaths and move when you are ready.

 

Don’t over pack https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/skip-hop-forma-backpack-online-only

Remember that almost everything can be bought abroad. It might not be the same brand, but you’ll manage. Your nappy bag will count as your carry on, so make sure you’ve got everything. Baby wipes in abundance, Nappies, Baby food/Snacks, For bigger kids chewy sweets to avoid sore ears on takeoff and landing, change of clothes for all, one plastic bag to store anything that may get destroyed, headphones and a little bag with medicines you might need.

 

Brand your little

This may sound awful. How could you lose your child? Honestly – It happens. You are busy and they are distracted and airports are bright and shiny! A friend told me that she started writing her number across her child’s arm for such events and I really thought this was clever.

 

Baby wearing or a travel stroller for the win!

https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/ergobaby-omni-360-baby-carrier-online-only

https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/babyzen-yoyo-6-months-plus-online-only

This is of course a personal choice. I am the crazy person that loves a sling and also a Yo-Yo. The sling for going through all the security points and also I can feed her in the sling and she would happily sleep in it. The Yo-Yo for when I am in need of my own space and she is happy to sit and watch everything around her. The one thing she loves about airports – People watching!

 

Small gifts https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/toys/books-puzzles/melissa-doug-3d-coloring-book-animals

https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/skip-hop-silver-lining-jitter-stroller-toy-online-only

https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/toys/soft-toys/melissa-doug-picnic-basket-fill-and-spill

When you really feel like you need a break -new toys wrapped up make for a great distraction. It may only give you 15minutes but any 15minutes is a win in my eyes.

 

Tablets

All screen time rules should go out the window for a bit of peace! Who’s with me? In all honesty though, Netflix allows you to download their favorite shows on to your device and it has saved me on so many occasions. Remembering that a lot of planes don’t allow the on flight entertainment to start until up in the air and sometimes there is a big wait from boarding to that point. You can also get kid friendly and educational games that they haven’t played yet to hold their attention.

 

Snacks  https://www.justkidding-me.com/ae/skip-hop-zoo-snack-cup-online-only

If in doubt, no amount of food is an issue. Keep feeding. Hopefully not all sugary treats (just so you have some hope of a nap) but my little’s love food so it is a great distraction.

Timing is everything – I like to plan my flights around bedtime if at all possible. Evening flights can be more expensive, but a sleeping child is good for my sanity and of course everyone else’s ears. Give yourself a couple of hours if connecting on to another flight to stretch legs, visit bathrooms, eat, talk, play, and get ready for the next flight.

 

Where to sit?

The middle of the plane gives you the option of using the bulkhead seats. Not only would you get more legroom and more floor space for play – it also means the possibility of a baby cot. However, it also means that you wont have any storage under the seat in front of you. Sitting at the front is similar to the back, except the kitchen area is typically smaller, and busier. One other thing to consider that really depends on the child’s age is, window or aisle seat? You need to decide is it better to be tucked away or have space to move.

 

Check in online

One of the biggest blessings the internet brought to us was online check in! Minimize your time once you arrive at the airport. One of the easiest things to do is online check in. All you have to do is drop the bag and go through security. All about the easy, stress free options.

 

Arrive Early

You may have checked in online but it is still far easier to do the queues of visa control and bag drop at your own ease. Get through it calmly and try to let the kids run about and use up all of their energy closer to your departure gate.

 

Keep calm

What is the worse that could happen? Yes your child could scream or make you feel like all eyes are on you but who really cares. It is a moment in time that you will have survived. Sit back and enjoy whatever moments are enjoyable. Remember that YOU will be FINE!

When you get there treat yourself to something you like.

Happy Holidays!!

 

Author: Helly O’Brien

Ramadan as a mum of two toddlers

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Ramadan, a blessed month, something I was looking forward to until it finally arrived.
I am scared now, how I will manage with two little kids? Two boys aged 3 and 1, then summer heat to deal with on top of it all.

A typical Ramadan evening before children used to be sitting down and reading the Quran and listening to some amazing lectures from the scholars.
Now with two boys to care for I suppose it will be bath and bedtime as usual.
By the time I will sit down to read the Quran I doubt I will manage a chapter before I am knocked out.

Suhoors are going to be very tricky for me. I am so confused of how I will sneak out in the kitchen to actually enjoy some food without waking them up.

My worst nightmare would be to start the day with the boys awake at Fajr, which will be around 4:15 am.
If I am lucky that they are still asleep, how will I manage to get back into bed knowing I have to be up again at 6:30-7 am for when the boys will start their day?

Spending a pre-kid Ramadan day used to be so relaxing and peaceful.
I would wake up at noon having had a good rest and then I would perform Salah etc.
I am so scared of being awfully tired (especially without coffee) and having to keep the two boys entertained for the whole day, especially when my older one doesn’t nap during the day.
How will I manage the boys until Iftar without actually taking a nap?
Park times are going to be pure torture for the poor mum.
Let’s cross our fingers for me to actually be engaged enough in the day for my boys and also to work on myself spiritually.

This Ramadan I will be taking the challenge to be more patient and peaceful inside, to be a better human. I am sure to be an improved mother after this Holy month leaves us.

Author: Saba Shoaib – Thebeautybarbysaba.com

Top 5 baby essentials on baby number 3

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Baby Number 3 made me realise that you really don’t need ALL THE THINGS. Granted there are so many beautiful pieces you could choose for your baby but this time round I just want the essentials. When I say essentials I am not talking about nappies and wipes, I mean simple things that I’ve found make life just that little bit easier in the first few days, weeks and months with your new bundle.

Bedtime Bliss = Baby Bay Original https://www.justkidding-me.com/jk-babybay-original-12939

A bedside crib. When we had the first two girls they were in a traditional moses basket and because I was breastfeeding I’d be up and down all night like a yoyo, both to feed and check on them. Then I discovered this bedside crib, which fixes to the edge of your bed so if you’re breastfeeding or just want to check on them there’s no need to get up at all. Because their mattress is level with yours, so you can see them at all times. Therefore when it comes to feeding you simply pull them over, latch them on, sit up to burp them and put them back. I can’t stress enough how much of a game changer this is.

Comfort = Sleepyhead Deluxe

The Bay Bay crib is also exactly the right size to hold a sleephead deluxe which is essentially a nest for your baby. Just place them inside it when they are due a sleep. They feel safer, snug and secure. I put my Sleepyhead inside the Baby Bay (above) at night time and during the day I either put it on the sofa (before she was able to roll) and when we travelled I used it in a travel cot or if the bed was big enough I would put the sleepy head in between us.

Baby wearing = Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap https://www.justkidding-me.com/ergobaby-aura-baby-wrap-online-only

Because, as much as you’d like to sit around on the sofa all day with your baby sleeping on you, it’s not always practical. This Ergobaby carrier I loved!! You can wear it in so many different ways – inward, hip or back – and you can do all sorts while wearing it from cooking a meal to breastfeeding on the go. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.

Room Safety = Gro-Egg https://www.justkidding-me.com/groegg-2-thermometer

At a simple glance, this Gro-Egg will show you whether your baby’s room is at the right temperature, using a colour coded system of blue, amber or red. This product gives such reassurance to new parents who are paranoid about everything, so I would really recommend it to them. Even after 3 kids it gives me peace of mind that Fiadh-Belle is sleeping well in the right conditions. I really did struggle to know what temperature she should be in. Hot outside in Dubai and Cool inside due to air-conditioning, so this was a great device for me. The Gro-Egg is such a simple, easy to use product.  Plug it in (in a sensible location) and you’re done. No need to change batteries or re-charge it. I have been using it for almost two months now. I installed it in our bedroom where she is still sleeping – When she sleeps. I also bought a cover for it in Just Kidding; you can get an owl, a lamb, or a penguin to put over the egg, making it look like a gorgeous, glowing animal friend. I invested in an owl and I love it.

Getting a break = Babybjorn Bouncer

I used the Babybjorn Bouncer since Fiadh-Belle was about two weeks old and was still finding it as useful at ten months as back then. A completely adaptable bouncer that’s simple, brilliant and provides a comfortable, safe place to put your baby down when you need the use of your arms… Which is all the time! The BabyBjorn Bliss to me is an updated version of those classic bouncers that they had in the eighties (Hello! I am an 80’s baby) – the bouncer that many of my own baby pictures were taken in. It has a fabric seat that moulds to the baby’s body and supports their head and neck. The baby’s weight is evenly distributed so that even the smallest baby is properly held. No little heads bobbing forward or necks dropping into awkward an position which is incredibly important in the first few months. Yes! There are no inbuilt “tunes” or vibrating seats or dangling plastic crap or gimmicks with the BabyBjorn, but this bouncer just does what it says on the box… bounces. It was my go to when I needed to put Fiadh-Belle down and was super easy to transport when I went to visit friends.

So that’s it, my top 5 newborn essentials. Have you used any of these items? What would make your list of top 5 newborn essentials? I’d love to know!

 

Author: Helly O’Brien

The three-nager

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Before becoming a parent, I often found myself rolling my eyes at parents discussing the “terrible two’s” and then of course followed by the “terrible threes,” and so on. I found myself thinking, “how terrible could they really be?”

And then, like an almighty slap in the face, I discovered just how terrible they could be.

In fairness to the child currently in question, she more or less skipped over the “terrible twos.” Generally speaking, her twos were a happy, energetic, fun filled year. Well, for her at least. For me, although rewarding and cheerful in many ways, it was an exhausting period of having just past parenting a helpless little baby, but also not quite at the point of having a reasonably self-sufficient toddler. And to add insult to injury, I fell pregnant with our second child during this stage, so my energy levels were mostly at a low, while my daughter’s energy levels were at an all-time high. That said, the terrible twos have nothing on the “terrible threes.” Or as I like to call it “the three-nager” stage.

The three-nager stage is when you realise you have a three-year-old teenager. A three-year-old that is mentally convinced that he/she is in fact 13 years old and has all of life’s answers in their growing, albeit currently tiny, little brains.

Don’t get me wrong- I adore my three-nager. And on many, if not most occasions, she has brought me immense amounts of amusement with her sassy, vivacious personality. But, if I thought having a two-year-old was exhausting, having a three-year-old is near knocking me out.

I live in constant fear of cutting her toast in the incorrect manner. Does she want triangles, rectangles or squares today? Getting it wrong can be deadly, so best to ask and hope that once you’ve adhered to her request, she doesn’t change her mind.

I have to plan to leave at least 10 minutes early whenever  we’re heading out together, because Miss Independent can do everything by her “own self.” Until of course she can’t and that leaves me scrambling with new baby, children’s bags and stroller in arms, trying to assist said three-nager in doing up the shoes that she insisted she could do up on her own, followed by deep breaths, waiting for another 10 minutes while she also buckles herself into the car seat on her own.

But my favorite (or not so favorite) trait is my three-nager’s newfound negotiation skills. She can literally negotiate her way out of a time out and I then find myself somewhat impressed of her skill level instead of angry about the reason she was meant to be in a time out in the first place.

I also feel like I was completely ill-prepared for the speed at which a three-nager can go from happy-go-lucky playing and laughing child, to 1988 Chucky and then back again. I’m told this is completely normal, but I most certainly have my doubts!

Three-nagers are tough to parent, make us weary, and zap us of all of our patience and energy. But on the flip side, this time can be so rewarding. As our threenagers’ independence blooms so does their vocabularies, and sometimes we hear lovely things like, “You’re my best friend Mummy, I love you soooo much!” And those moments are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Author: Kat Lebrasse

How I weaned my kids on to solids?

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Weaning to solids is one of the most exciting milestones that your baby can reach, however it can also come with a lot of apprehension, especially if it’s your first time. The key thing here is to ensure your baby is ready for solids, physically. Your child should be able to support themselves and sit up on their own. Once they start showing you cues of their readiness, for example snatching food from your hands, you know it is time to make the introduction to solid food. But where do you begin?

There are two methods. The first being Purée food and the second is Baby Led Weaning. I did a combination of both with my two boys.

When to wean? (https://www.justkidding-me.com/tommee-tippee-explora-baby-food-steamer-blender-online-only)

As soon as they were showing signs of readiness at the age of 6 months, I began by making purees of single vegetables and fruits at a time. Beginning with one meal time per day for a week and increasing this as you go on. The time you choose is also crucial, as they should be hungry. Therefore not straight after a milk feed, but alert enough, so not right before a nap.

There were definitely some flavours of first tastes that my children preferred over others but don’t worry, simply try that flavour again after some time. Kids have to taste a new flavour at least 10 times before they decide they like it, so don’t feel like your efforts are in vain.

Best First Food Purée Suggestions: https://www.justkidding-me.com/mealtime/cooking/beaba-babycook-book-my-first-meal-22424

Carrot, Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, Apple, Pear, Banana, Papaya, Peach, Mango, Avocado.

At the same time as introducing purees, I also began BLW by placing food morsels in front of my kids for them to explore. Be warned, it is a messy process and it may seem like your child isn’t actually swallowing any of it. But it is crucial in ensuring your child begins to have a good relationship with food, and encouraging them to experience new tastes and textures to play with.

Best First Food BLW Suggestions: https://www.justkidding-me.com/mealtime/bib-sets/skip-hop-zoo-fold-go-silicone-bib-16988

Soft ripe fruits like peach, pear, mango and banana, steamed vegetables like carrot sticks and broccoli florets, toast sticks, cooked pasta, fish.

Tip: Put a washable table cloth below the highchair so that any mess can be scooped up in a jiffy. Use bibs with catcher compartments or bibs with full sleeves. Better yet, if it’s Spaghetti Bolognese on the menu, have them only in their nappies and there will be much less washing up to do!  

Safety Measures:

During meal times, regardless of whether it is BLW or puree, adult supervision at all times is crucial. Your full attention needs to be on that child and it is good to read up on first aid infographics, especially for choking, so you are confident in yourself and know how to act in the case of any such emergency. There are also some potentially high-risk foods that you may want to take extra caution when introducing it to your child in case of allergies or family history; such as milk and dairy products, eggs, peanuts and other tree nuts.

Also, make sure to have a sippy cup with water at hand and keep offering it to them between bites. This will reduce the chances of constipation as their stomachs get used to solid food for the first couple of weeks.

After First Tastes: https://www.justkidding-me.com/beaba-babycook-duo-online-only

Once your child is confident with the initial tastes and smooth textures, mix up a combination of fruits and veg and increase the size of lumps in their food gradually. From there, you can begin to start offering smaller portions or more child-friendly options of your own adult meals for them to enjoy alongside with you. If possible, do try to have at least one meal in a day where you eat together as a family, as this will encourage your child to eat more and taste new flavours in because they are seeing you do the same.

I hope this was a comprehensive and helpful introduction to how to wean your child onto solids, and has given you the confidence to begin this exciting journey with your child as they discover new flavours. Do share if you have any tips that you’d like to give or you feel I have missed out that may be beneficial to other Mamas going through this stage.

Disclaimer: Reader discretion is advised when following the above depending on your child and please consult a doctor or a paediatric dietician for any medical support.

Author: Zeyna Sanjania

Digital Detox

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For me this is one of the MUST DOs in modern life, every few months. Having two toddlers, managing a home and on top of it all doing Blogging is just not an easy task.

Don’t get me wrong, I am blessed to be living this life but I do get my lows and when that happens I have to take a BREAK.
My style of digital detox is not only just my phone, for me it is cutting out any kind of screen time and instead I focus mainly on spending quality time with family, and even just on my own.

Doing a digital detox really helps me to focus and reflect on work and it always makes me realize all the positives that I have in my life, but because I am overwhelmed, have been ignoring.

It can be work related or personal.

I strongly believe that if you are mentally clear on whatever you want in life, it comes to you.

The “blogging world” brings with it a lot of pressure: How good should my blog look? How much am I putting into it? Always thinking that someone else is doing better than me, etc.
It can really get into your head and that’s when I seriously think of having a little break.

A Digital Detox doesn’t really need to be a week; sometimes for me it is only a day or a weekend. I have even taken 2 months off too because of my health and I don’t regret it.


It’s all about shutting yourself away from all the outside influences of social media, screens and the constant updating, and just focus on what you are living or going through at that very moment. It highlights all the small things I usually miss out or probably just ignore because I am so occupied.

After doing one I find myself more motivated to restart the work/life. So don’t just take my word to it, I highly recommend you to try it and make it part of your life.

Author: Saba Shoaib, Mummy and Blogger @thebeautybarbysaba

Must have baby essentials for a second-time mom

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Do I Really Need More Stuff?

Oh, I bet the first time around you took the time to read and invest in all the baby stuff/gear you thought you’d need, but some items you never used..

The second time around you are more likely to invest in things that are essential must-haves and made your life easier during your first-born.
All those things you actually put to good use.

Granted, once you’ve had a child, you don’t need quite as much the second time around, that’s if you actually had additional space to save it all.
In my case I got rid of everything because of lack of space, also being an expat means additional load when moving homes.

On the other hand, if you have all the basics taken care of, now may be a great time to invest in some of those “extra” things that you know will make life easier as a mother of more than one child.
Here’s my list of top 5 must haves for a second-time mum:

#1 Baby Carrier or Wrap

First time around it was easier with just having to take care of one. Now with two in tow you’ve got to care for a new born and take care of a toddler/preschooler that means trying to get school pick-ups, lunches, homework and playtime all with a new born in hand.
I Recommend Ergobaby aura wrap or Ergobaby 360

#2 Bedside crib

This helps make those late-night feeds easier especially when you’re going to be sleep deprived most of the time. For my first born I had a crib and realized I kept waking up for feeds and in between to check if he was ok. Finally, we removed one railing and joined it to our bed.
I Recommend chicco next to me or https://www.justkidding-me.com/childhome-bedside-crib This will also help keep your baby safe when your first born decides to climb into your bed or needs additional attention when sick.

 

#3 High-Quality Breast Pump

If for some reason you don’t have one already it’s worth the investment especially if your planning to breastfeed your little one and go back to work or you’re a stay at home mum.

I Recommend Madela freestyler it comes fully loaded with everything you’ll need for double/single pumping, whether you’re at home or on the go. Its adjustable suction strength, backlit digital display and rechargeable battery are a winner.

#4 Car seat

Ah yes now you’re going to have not one but two car seats. My first born had a Britax first class car seat that we used right up till he was 2yrs and had to invest in another car seat. I would recommend getting one that grows with your child, it is more economical and avoids the hassle of having to buy another one in a year.
I Recommend Chicco nextfit ix zip you can unzip and clean the cover and it grows with your baby.

#5 Swaddle wraps, nursing cover and burp cloths

Swaddle wraps makes swaddling so much easier especially when you have a wriggly one. First time around we used swaddle cloths and within seconds my little one had wrestled and freed his tiny self. The stretch light fabric and Velcro flaps makes it easier to use. I recommend investing in a swaddle that can be used as the baby grows, has an easy access to change diaper while the baby is sleeping and extra legs space.
I Recommend Ergo swaddle or Swaddle me

Author: Amanda Dias

The Bond That Breastfeeding Created

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I am a nursing mother of two young children, my eldest daughter has just turned two and my youngest is two months old. My journey to this point has been full of joy, determination, sleepless nights and long warm milky cuddles.
When you fall pregnant for the first time, there are so many things that you think about. Boy or girl, breast or bottle, natural or c-section. It’s a lot to take in, it is overwhelming and as moms it is us and only us that can decide on what we feel is best for our children. I chose to breastfeed, no one forced me, and it is a decision I made after doing tons of research and asking other moms what worked for them.
When Leila, my eldest daughter was born, she latched onto my breast just a few minutes after birth. It was a special moment and I knew from the very beginning that I had made the right choice. Within the first two weeks I endured cracked, bleeding nipples, mastitis and horrible fevers. So many times I just wanted to give up and give her a bottle. I experienced low milk supply and had to take supplements to increase it so that I could maintain enough milk to keep her fed. Although, there are breast pumps available in the market to produce more milk, I was determined to continue and as time went on, it got easier and the bond between me and my daughter was unbreakable.


I was told by so many people that I should not be nursing my toddler while I was pregnant with my second daughter, but I chose to listen to by body and continued under the supervision of my doctor. In fact, because I continued breastfeeding during my pregnancy I did not have any problems with feeding my newborn; it was a smooth and easy transition. It was my plan to stop breastfeeding Leila when Luna was born because I was scared that I would not produce enough, or the right consistency of milk for my newborn, but a very wise lactation consultant assured me that I would still be able to continue feeding both girls and that my body would provide for each of their needs individually.
I truly believe that breastfeeding is nature’s way of showing us how amazing a mom really is. It is truly wonderful to know that my body has the ability to create life, give life and nourish life. Wherever your journey with your children takes you, may it be magical.

How to make lunchboxes less of a chore…

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However enthusiastic you are about food the daily lunchbox can break even the brightest of spirits. Life as a parent is already too busy to cook elaborate lunchbox fillings but that doesn’t mean they need to be dull and boring. I look to achieve just three things in my daughters’ lunchboxes: colour, freshness and simplicity. Once you focus on this ethos the daily lunchbox won’t feel like such a chore and you might even get a bit creative.
Firstly, what needs to go in your lunchbox?

1. start with carbs.

Carbohydrates such as bread or pasta should make up the back bone of the lunchbox. Don’t stress too much about this being boring or ‘samey’, children need fuel and energy to make sure they can concentrate and enjoy school or nursery. I like to add a little bit of fun by cutting sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters as in this pink Monbento box or making cheesy quesadillas into little men (see my step-by-step in pictures below).

 

You’ll be amazed by how much your children will respond to something just cut, folded or arranged into a different shape and the Monbento range adds an extra element of discovery too with the different layers and boxes which my children love exploring.

 

2. add protein.

I aim to provide 2-3 different forms of protein per week. Make life easy though and boil eggs in advance at the weekend, use leftovers, use cured meats and fish (and remember protein can also come from pulses so hummus sprinkled with a few chickpeas also counts). I often serve hummus with the cheesy quesadilla men above and a ‘rainbow pot’ of fruit and veg to dip.)
My daughters also love leftover patties (meat, fish, veggie, whatever you have!) in ‘tacos’- just cut out a couple of small circles from a tortilla and fold them neatly into you box- top with the patties with avocado, tomato, sweetcorn + cheese (in the image below I’ve packed them with a popcorn snack and strawberry infused water in a Skiphop insulated bottle).

 

3. add 2-3 portions of fruit + veg.

Eating the rainbow is my number one mantra. No-one likes all fruits and vegetables but by looking to consume a variety of ‘colours’ from the rainbow you ensure that your family are getting as many vitamins and minerals into their bodies as possible.

The fruit and vegetable wheels below include my favourite lunchbox fillers and on a daily basis I make sure that my daughters’ lunchboxes capture at least 2-3 ‘colours’ and that they have around 2 handfuls of fruit and vegetables.

 

4. and a little something extra…..

Once you’ve covered the carbohydrate, protein, fruit and veg I generally add in an extra snack which provides additional nutrients and minerals and supports one of the main food groups already discussed. Our favourites include hummus, popcorn, dried fruit, fruit smoothies (or infused water) and homemade flapjacks or nut free energy balls.
With all the food groups covered all you need to do now is aid yourself with a few simple methods to help encourage your children to get involved.


Empower them

Getting your children involved in the daily lunchbox not only helps you out but also makes them feel empowered in choosing what you are adding. If you don’t want them to actually choose the specific foods that go in then just let them put it in the containers or choose what ‘colours’ they want that day. My daughters love getting involved with their fortnightly pasta salad- just cook some extra pasta and drizzle with olive oil. After dinner put a variety of toppings on the table and ask them to choose 2-3 to go with their pasta. Let them sprinkle it over or put it in pots so they can assemble at school. Our favourite toppings are: tomatoes, roasted peppers, peas, leftover roasted squash, sweetcorn, broccoli, cheddar cheese and mini mozzarella but anything goes!

 

DIY lunches

 

Children love to feel in control so try just putting the separate components of their lunch in the box and let them discover how they want to eat them together- this allows them to get involved and experiment with food. For children cautious about mixing food the Yumbox is great at separating the components but allowing them to see how they work together. The box below has all the components of a chicken + apricot couscous salad with watermelon + yoghurt drizzled with honey for dessert but by separating them out it seems less scary and enables them to identify each separate ingredient and explore it in their own time.


Be Adventurous

Children’s behaviour changes vastly in different environments so lunch boxes are a great way to expose them to new foods that they don’t normally try at home. Don’t go too far out of their comfort zone but present new foods in fun ways alongside foods they already enjoy.
Don’t stress

Children are largely sensory driven and respond to textures, colours and shapes in different ways at different times in their development so don’t stress or take it personally if they don’t eat something at first- its not the end of the world- try that food in a different way in a few weeks and you may be surprised by the result.

Please get in contact with any questions or even some fun lunchbox ideas!

Lyndsay@ieatmypeas.com

Essential Gear for Travelling with Babies and Toddlers

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With the Eid break over, it’s now time to get ready for summer and the annual summer exodus, when many families resident in the Middle East take the opportunity to escape the heat and travel home to see loved ones or head off on adventures in cooler climes. Travelling with babies and toddlers can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time travelling with children or your first time travelling with multiple children, or the scariest of all – travelling alone with multiple children!!  Being prepared both mentally and practically makes all the difference and having the right gear to hand can make or break your travel experience.

I’m Harkee, a British expat mother of two and parenting blogger at AS they grow. I’m delighted to have been invited by Just Kidding to share with you the travel essentials that I’ve relied on over the last 6 years of traveling with my young family (including 14 hour flights from Australia alone with two young ones that don’t sleep much!)  Many of these items can be used over a number of years so are a very worthwhile investment into both your travel experience and your sanity!

Baby Zen Yoyo

I will start with what I consider to have been one of the best travel investments I have ever made and that is a compact collapsable buggy that will fit in the airplane overhead baggage storage. Do not underestimate the value of being able to push your child through a busy airport right up to the airplane door and having that buggy right to hand the minute you step off the plane to make the dash to passport control and the luggage belt. No more waiting around with a tired, cranky toddler for your buggy to come off the luggage belt and wondering if it survived the journey. Babies might seem small but, when you have to carry them while trying to juggle multiple passports and lift suitcases off a moving belt, suddenly such small beings can pose a big difficulty. It’s much easier to have a safe place to strap them in where they can easily nap if they want to.  The Baby Zen Yoyo is one of the most well know airplane approved buggies and can also be used as a compact stroller throughout your whole trip. There are also various handy accessories available for it such as a ride on board for a toddler or child, car seat adapters and an insect shield perfect for those tropical holidays.

Mountain Buggy Bagrider

I also love the look of the new Mountain Buggy Bagrider which is suitable for babies from when they can sit confidently unassisted to around age 3, if that had been around when my kids were younger I’m pretty sure I would have bought it for transporting them through the airport and they would have loved it. I showed it to one of my friends and she bought it straight away so I’m looking forward to seeing it in action this summer – I have always found Mountain Buggy products to be sturdy and easy to manouvre and this seems to be the same.

Ergo

Another essential bit of kit for getting a baby or young toddler around an airport is a baby carrier and I always travelled with my Ergo. When travelling alone with a newborn and a toddler it was a god send to be able to strap my baby to me and push my toddler in the compact buggy. Airports and airplanes can be busy, scary, overwhelming places for babies and toddlers and baby carriers allow a child to feel comforted by close physical contact with a parent while allowing the parent to keep their hands free to deal with everything that needs to be dealt with. Thick, comfy, adjustable straps, a head support for a sleeping baby and handy little pockets as well as different options for carrying position makes the Ergo carrier a safe comfortable ride for both the child and the parent. I used mine right into toddlerhood throughout airports, onboard planes for hours of walking up and down the aisles bouncing an unsettled child and of course at my destination as well. A baby carrier is particularly handy if you are travelling somewhere where you will be using public transport a lot as it can be more difficult hopping on and off buses and trains with a buggy.

Swaddle Designs 4 pack

The most multi-functional item I always travel with is a set of large muslin cloths. These have so many uses, from nursing cover to buggy shade, light shade, bed sheet or blanket, to mop cloth, burp cloth, changing mat and more besides. Airplane seats and blankets are usually cleaned with harsh detergents that aren’t particularly kind to babies’ soft skin. The one time I didn’t place a muslin underneath him, my son reacted to the seats and since then I’ve made sure to place the protective barrier over the seat or bassinet. The Swaddle Designs 4 pack of large muslins would be perfect for this.

Skip Hop Suite Diaper Back Pack

For my carry-on bag I always forgo a handbag or shoulder bag and opt for a backpack for both comfort and convenience. Ideally one with lots of pockets to separate the things you need, like the Skip Hop Suite Diaper Back Pack which not only looks stylish but also comes with a travel change mat, paci pocket, stroller straps, bottle bag and packing cube, all handy accessories for travel. As soon as the kids were old enough to carry their own little backpacks I got them one each for travelling and going out and about at our destination. They can fill these with their toys and entertainment for the flight and maybe a few snacks – just don’t forget to check what they packed – I remember wondering why my son’s bag was so heavy one trip only to discover he’d filled it full of wooden train toys!! Just kidding has a wide range of back packs so you can pick one suitable to the size of your child and their likes. My pick would be the backpacks from A Lovely Little Company for the many pockets, especially the side ones perfect for a water bottle, not to mention their cuteness!

 A Lovely Little Company Backpack

One of the things I get most anxious about when travelling with the kids is food. It was easier when they were nursing newborns but as fussy eating toddlers I always needed to make sure I had plenty of their favourite things to hand. Stacking pots like the Skip Hop Food Storage Tower are perfect for packing a variety of foods but also practical for snacking on the go. Pack some snacks for you as well – inevitably the baby will need all your attention just as the onboard meals are about to be served and you might miss out!

Skip Hop Food Storage Tower

As well as the gear there is also the basics you need to pack like wipes (I always packed an already open pack that was half used so it wasn’t so heavy to carry), nappies (I split these out into a few in the nappy pouch (or just a ziplock bag) which I can just grab and take to the loo and a back up stash in the bag to refill) and nappy sacks which can be handy not only for nappies but also any soiled or wet clothing. Talking of soiled or wet clothing, don’t forget to pack a change of clothing for you and your partner as well as the little ones as you are likely to be caught in the line of any fire!

Of course the most important thing to be sure to take with you is a bucket full of patience, a sense of humour and the knowledge that no matter how difficult the journey, you will get to your destination eventually and the family time out of the summer desert heat will all be worth it!!

Have a great summer everyone and safe travels!

Harkee x