Chicco’s 360 rotating hook on high chair features a seat rotates 360 degrees and locks in 6 positions. Baby can face mom or dad for feeding times or face outwards to interact with others. This high chair comes with a dishwasher safe snap on serving tray which provides for a clean surface for meals and comes off easily to keep clean.  The fabric seat is machine washable for easy cleaning.  Rubber grips clamp to tables up to 5.5″ thick, is easy to install and adjust.  There is a three point harness to keep baby safe.  The Chicco 360 high chair comes with a travel bag so baby always has a place to sit.

Why I Like It
Traditional high chairs have a large footprint.  They are also bulky to store and move.  I like that Chicco’s 360 rotating hook on high chair does not take up any floor space which makes it a breeze to clean under and around the high chair.  The rotating feature is also nice so that baby can be facing virtually any direction with one simple turn of the chair.  The rotating lock is also helps to keep baby from turning herself around during feedings.  Cleaning the chair is also quick and easy.  Unlike traditional high chairs which take some time to disassemble and wash, Chicco’s fabric seat comes off easily as does the food tray.

Because the Chicco rotating high chair folds down folds and comes with a travel bag it is easy to carry along to a friend’s house and provide a seat for baby.  The seat comes in several colors and patterns.

Where to Buy
Amazon.com
BabiesRUs.com
Walmart.com

Product Overview

Why I Like It
When my eldest was old enough to sit in an umbrella stroller I purchased the cheapest one I could find, but after several uses I realized problems with these cheap umbrella strollers.  The handles were really low (even for me and I’m short), there was no basket, the fabric seat could not be removed from the frame which was a major problem when she threw up in the stroller.

After the throw up incident I tossed the cheap stroller since I couldn’t get the stench out and set out to find an umbrella stroller with a basket and removable seat.  The Maclaren Volo fit the bill, but was pricier than my $15 stroller.  This stroller sells for around $100, however if you’re like me, you will use an umbrella stroller more often than a travel system stroller or any other heavy and bulky stroller.

The Maclaren Volo weighs only 8.8 pounds making it comparable to the cheaper umbrella strollers in terms of weight.  It also features a one hand, compact fold with a carrying strap making it easier to travel with. Add a universal cup holder to this stroller and you’re good to go!

Check Prices

Product Overview:

Why I Like It:
One night my husband, daughter and I were invited to a friend’s house for dinner.  Since our friends didn’t have children, there wasn’t a high chair available to us.  We tried to sit our daughter on cushions with a chair so she could eat at the table with us, but she ended up squirming her way off the chair.  I ended up chasing her around instead of eating dinner!

My Little Seat is a compact little device that I keep it in the car so that I can strap my daughter in at friend’s homes or restaurants where high chairs are not available. Just recently I used it at my parent’s house, in addition to phone books, she was able to eat at the table with the rest of us.  I also plan on packing My Little Seat for my next trip.  After all it only takes up a few inches of space once it’s folded.

Check Prices

Product Overview:

Why I Like It:
Even though my daughter is still under the age of 2 and does not technically require a seat on her own, she will not sit on my lap during plane rides.  She does much better in a seat on her own.  However the task of traveling with her by myself and lugging a car seat, stroller and diaper bag through the airport seemed impossible.  I noticed one dad using this restraint system on his two toddler girls and it seemed so easy to install and carry with me!  Now I can travel with just an umbrella stroller and diaper bag.  I bag check the massive car seat so that I have it when I arrive at my destination.  This is definitely a lighter, easier and safer way to travel.

Check Prices

• One checked bag per ticketed passenger
• Checked bag must not exceed 62 inches when height, width and length are combined
• Maximum weight limit of 50 pounds
• Passengers may be charged up to 3 times for baggage fees (Oversized, Overweight and Additional Baggage)

Please check with each airline for specifics on baggage policies and fees.

Tips for traveling with baby gear
For parents traveling with an infant, you will soon realize that this new checked baggage policy will make it difficult to bring all the necessary gear for your child. Here is some information and tips on how to travel with your infant.

1. You can purchase an infant ticket at a fraction of the cost of an adult ticket which will allow you to check one additional bag and provide an extra seat on the plane for your child.
2. Strollers are not considered part of a checked baggage allowance and can be gate checked for free.
3. Car seats or booster seats can be carried on as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, however these seats must be securely fastened with a seatbelt when stored on the plane.
4. Instead of checking or carrying on a pack-and-play as a portable crib, consider purchasing an infant travel bed which will fold small enough to pack in your checked luggage.
5. Using a wrap or sling with no metal parts while traveling will make going through airport security easier and eliminate the need for a stroller, and also provide a “hands-free” place for your baby to travel in if traveling without a ticket.
6. Rent a car seat when you reach your final destination to eliminate the need to bring your own. You can also rent a stroller if necessary.

Tips for infant comfort on an airplane
The change in altitude can cause pressure in your infants ears which can be uncomfortable and painful. To help ease this pain try some of the following tips.

1. During take off and landing, nurse or bottle feed.
2. Take an eyedropper and puff small amounts of air into your baby’s mouth which will cause her to swallow and ease the pressure in her ears.
3. Bring a couple packets of sugar and a small bottle. If all else fails, put one packet of sugar and 2 oz of water in a bottle and mix. Then offer the sugar water to your infant.

Using a wrap or a sling when traveling with your baby provides a secure and comfortable place for your baby to sleep on the plane. This eliminates the need for an infant ticket and carrying on a car seat or booster seat.