It makes everyone nervous! Flying with an infant. I will start by saying flying with an infant will be much easier than you probably expect. The key is to stay calm, leave yourself plenty of time, and to be prepared.
Stay Calm: I truly believe that babies can sense when their parents are stressed. They don't like it! So before you embark on your journey, say out loud that this will probably not be fun, but you will roll with the punches. My husband can get irritated by small things very easily. Our first time flying w/ our new baby, as soon as he parked the car, I looked at him and said, "Know this is not going to be fun, but try to stay calm, we'll get there." Sometimes hearing it, can help the stress a little.
The first time I flew alone w/ my 2.5 month old, there were all sorts of problems. Our connecting flight was hours late, and then our gate got changed last minute, and everyone had to take a shuttle to a different terminal. I luckily had my baby in a baby carrier (I was using the Moby Wrap at the time), and the carry-ons went in the stroller, so moving was fairly simple. Another mom, I felt bad for her, was trying to push a baby in a stroller while pulling luggage too. Why someone wouldn't offer to help, is beyond me!?
Leave Plenty of Time: This sort of goes without saying, but make sure you leave yourself plenty of time getting ready to leave the house, so you can get to the airport w/ plenty of time to park the car, check in, etc.
Be Prepared: If your ready to deal with situations, it will help your baby stay happy and you less stressed. A week or so before flying figure out your baby's favorite SMALL toys. Pick a few and take them away at least a week before your flight. That way, on the plane the toys will be new and lots of fun to play with. Most babies love playing with water bottles. Just BE AWARE OF THE COVER!!!! Either take the cover away, or make sure it's on REALLY tight. Covers can be a choking hazard!!!
Pack a travel size baby cornstarch (or just put some in a baggy). We were stuck on the runway once for an hour, and they were not running the A/C. It was HOT. I calmly stripped DS down and used the cornstarch to keep him comfortable. Crisis averted!
Put your baby in a cloth diaper cover and pack an extra. You want to put it on OVER the disposable diaper. Do this especially if your baby is exclusively breastfed! You don't need to deal with a diaper that has leaked poop and gotten all over baby's clothes, or possibly worse. A diaper cover will be sure to keep it all contained. I recommend a diaper cover that has leg gussets. Thirsties brand is great. They're about $10/each. Or if you know a cloth diapering mom, ask if you can borrow one or two. Also, you can always resell them on diaperswappers.com when you're done. Changing a poopy diaper on the plane is tough, so if you are landing soon, with a diaper cover you can just wait to change it There were two times flying I was very glad I had a cover on. Along this line, pack an extra 3 or 4 onesies, and plenty of diapers.
What to do with the car seat? Carry it on with you! Even if you are not paying for an extra seat (which I never did.) If there isn't a spare seat, then you can check it at the gate. If there IS a spare seat, then GREAT...use it. When you get on the plane, ask the attendant for a pillow. That way if you have to hold your baby the whole time, you have a little something to put under your arm if you need it.
Know that babies will most likely sleep on the plane. Keep them up in the airport if you can, then once those jets start, you baby will probably sleep. Concerned about air pressure? If your baby is awake, nurse during take off and landings. My son never seemed to have a pressure issue. If your baby doesn't sleep, you have those "new" toys you pack to keep him/her happily entertained!
When I flew alone with my baby, I used the combination stroller. I put the car seat in the stroller, and put 1 carry on in the car seat, and one under the stroller. I wore my baby in my Moby Wrap, so I could have my hands completely free. But know that you may have to take your baby out going through security. One person made me take him out, but others let me keep him in. You just have to go with the punches.
Control what you can. Let go what you can't.
Happy flying! Please share any tips that you have also!
Showing posts with label Newborn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newborn. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
How to Do Your Own Baby Photo Shoot!
Wondering how to photograph a baby? I am by no means a professional photography. I'm not even an amateur. But I'll tell you, when it comes to getting some nice shots of your baby, it's not as hard as you think. All you need is a camera that you can set to "portrait" mode. If your camera can be set to a "continuous" release mode, that is even better. By continuous release, I mean you press and hold the button, and it just keeps taking tons of pictures. You want continuous release, because you want to be able to get those great shots in between potential crying. I've gotten some amazing shots in the middle of a complete fit, because the camera can shoot so fast. Portrait mode will give a blur to the background, which will put focus on your beautiful baby. You will also want to make sure you turn your flash OFF. I can't set my camera to portrait AND no flash, so I set it to portrait, and before I press the button all the way done, I close the flash. A flash will not give you a natural looking photo, so it's better to choose No Flash over Portrait if you have to make a choice. If you don't have a camera like this, ask some friends, you're likely to find someone who would be willing to let you borrow it for a few days.
The great thing about taking your own photo shoot, is you can do it when your baby is happy and ready. Be sure to set up your background and props before your child wakes up. Be sure to set up your shoot near a bright window or door. If you don't have one, you can set it up outside or in a garage, just don't do it in direct sunlight if you can help it.
I have had the best luck in the morning or afternoon, depending on when the sun hits the window/door you want to use. 9AM or 3PM are good times to shoot for. (no pun intended.)
The key to taking a nice picture is GET CLOSE. Don't be afraid to GET CLOSE!
I have found for small babies/newborns, it's best to use a bouncy seat with a blanket over it. I bought a twin size white throw style blanket from TJ Maxx for $20 and have used it a lot. You want plenty of blanket behind the bouncy seat. You then want to use whatever you have to drape the left over blanket up. So I set a chair behind the bouncy seat and draped the white blanket over the chair and the seat. You then put the baby in the seat and you have a nice backdrop:
You can also drape a blanket on someone, and have them hold the baby. In this picture we had the blanket also draped on the couch behind the baby.
You can also put the blanket right on the floor (or couch if good lighting there.) to get some tummy time or back photos.
You can also put the blanket all around the face for a peek-a-boo look.
For older babies who can lift their head, you can put a cushy blanket on your coffee table, and put the table right next to the couch. Then drape the white/solid blanket over the coffee table and up the sofa back (over the cushy blanket so it's soft for baby.) Here is a picture using this technique:
Then you can get creative. Here is one of my favorite shots I've taken. It's got $1/yard black fabric that is draped on furniture near a bright window. I used a bucket and some pillow filling. Under the filling, I put some throw pillows to prop the boy up. I actually took this picture w/ a canon point & shoot!
If you having trouble getting a smile for your little one (6-18months or so), try a feather duster. "Dust" their face and pull the duster away. It's sure to make them smile!
If your shot is not quite right, you need to edit something out, or you want to blur out the background even more, download GIMP. It pretty much does what the WAY too expensive Photoshop does, but it is free. The above picture needs to be edited...see on the right where I didn't have enough black fabric? GIMP can easily fix that. There is a learning curve to this software, but I've found lots of tutorials online, which has helped me do what I want to do. With GIMP, you can even do some Anne Geddes style pictures (like a naked baby out on a tree limb or flower petal.) Some of my favorite tutorials are Here. Check out this one that I haven't tried, but think is pretty cool.
Here I used GIMP to blur out the background just a little. You can see the before and after:
The key is to not expect too much! If you want to try different setups or different outfits. Just do one thing a day. Otherwise, you and baby could get frustrated. This is a great way to save some money on newborn portraits. Will you get 50 great shots? Probably not. But you will get enough for announcements or to print into wallets, etc. DON'T FORGET TO GET CLOSE! :)
The great thing about taking your own photo shoot, is you can do it when your baby is happy and ready. Be sure to set up your background and props before your child wakes up. Be sure to set up your shoot near a bright window or door. If you don't have one, you can set it up outside or in a garage, just don't do it in direct sunlight if you can help it.
I have had the best luck in the morning or afternoon, depending on when the sun hits the window/door you want to use. 9AM or 3PM are good times to shoot for. (no pun intended.)
The key to taking a nice picture is GET CLOSE. Don't be afraid to GET CLOSE!
I have found for small babies/newborns, it's best to use a bouncy seat with a blanket over it. I bought a twin size white throw style blanket from TJ Maxx for $20 and have used it a lot. You want plenty of blanket behind the bouncy seat. You then want to use whatever you have to drape the left over blanket up. So I set a chair behind the bouncy seat and draped the white blanket over the chair and the seat. You then put the baby in the seat and you have a nice backdrop:
You can also drape a blanket on someone, and have them hold the baby. In this picture we had the blanket also draped on the couch behind the baby.
You can also put the blanket right on the floor (or couch if good lighting there.) to get some tummy time or back photos.
You can also put the blanket all around the face for a peek-a-boo look.
For older babies who can lift their head, you can put a cushy blanket on your coffee table, and put the table right next to the couch. Then drape the white/solid blanket over the coffee table and up the sofa back (over the cushy blanket so it's soft for baby.) Here is a picture using this technique:
Then you can get creative. Here is one of my favorite shots I've taken. It's got $1/yard black fabric that is draped on furniture near a bright window. I used a bucket and some pillow filling. Under the filling, I put some throw pillows to prop the boy up. I actually took this picture w/ a canon point & shoot!
If you having trouble getting a smile for your little one (6-18months or so), try a feather duster. "Dust" their face and pull the duster away. It's sure to make them smile!
If your shot is not quite right, you need to edit something out, or you want to blur out the background even more, download GIMP. It pretty much does what the WAY too expensive Photoshop does, but it is free. The above picture needs to be edited...see on the right where I didn't have enough black fabric? GIMP can easily fix that. There is a learning curve to this software, but I've found lots of tutorials online, which has helped me do what I want to do. With GIMP, you can even do some Anne Geddes style pictures (like a naked baby out on a tree limb or flower petal.) Some of my favorite tutorials are Here. Check out this one that I haven't tried, but think is pretty cool.
Here I used GIMP to blur out the background just a little. You can see the before and after:
The key is to not expect too much! If you want to try different setups or different outfits. Just do one thing a day. Otherwise, you and baby could get frustrated. This is a great way to save some money on newborn portraits. Will you get 50 great shots? Probably not. But you will get enough for announcements or to print into wallets, etc. DON'T FORGET TO GET CLOSE! :)
Saturday, July 9, 2011
My Favorite Newborn Gifts/Items
So everyone wants to know what to buy for a baby shower. I can tell you not to buy baby blankets. It seems I got about 10 and used only 1 or 2. Also pacifiers. We got a ton, and none of my kids took them, so what a waste. Here is a list of what I think are the best baby gifts.
Happiest Baby on the Block - I got the DVD from our local library for births. DH and I wanted a refresher when our twins were born. This DVD will show you how to sooth a fussy baby. The tricks take some practice, but they work. The DVD is by Dr. Harvey Karp, a well known pediatrician.
The Miracle Blanket - We swaddled DS1 for 4.5 months. DS2 for 5 months and DD for 3 months. I have tried 3 or 4 different swaddling blankets. This is the best one hands down. Babies will find their way out of other types leaving parents to believe "my baby just doesn't like being swaddled." Well, get the Miracle Blanket, and this will work wonders for your baby's sleep! Note: The first month I just used a regular blanket from the hospital to swaddle. That seemed to work then best. We used a very different method than what is taught by most nurses. We had one nurse who showed us a different way, and it was MUCH easier. I will try to get a video w/ a doll to show you that method. Swaddling is something Dr. Karp says is ESSENTIAL in the first 3 months, or "the fourth trimester."
Sound Machine - We like the one we have from Brookstone. You could also get a CD like "Infant Calm" and just play one of the sounds on repeat. Babies are soothed by constant white noise. But make sure it isn't too loud or right on the baby's ear. We don't want to hurt those little eardrums! White noise is another tip from Dr. Karp.
Triple Paste and Aquaphor - Two types of diaper rash creams. Aquaphor is cheaper and great for a daily ointment for those little red spots that come up every now and then. Triple Paste is THE BOMB when it comes to the bad rashes that won't go away. If Triple Paste doesn't clear it up in a day or two, check w/ your doctor to make sure your baby doesn't have a yeast or other type of rash that would require a prescription. Triple Paste is EXPENSIVE, but worth it. Sometimes you can find a coupon for it on coupons.com.
The Moby Wrap - May not be the best if your baby is born in the summer months in the south, but otherwise, The Moby Wrap is a wonderful wrap to hold your baby. It truly is hands free. Surf the web, do laundry, but DON'T cook, while you cuddle your baby. I would often take my shirt off and undress the baby down to their diaper and wear them like that, so we could have some "skin-to-skin" time. DS1 often napped while I wore him. I also found baby wearing to be a great alternative grocery shopping. Screw putting the baby in the cart!
Ear Plugs and Sleep Mask - You're probably laughing at this, but I'm not joking! Let's face it, if our baby is crying, we aren't sleeping. So, when another person is on baby duty, like your husband, a grandparent, or friend, put some earplugs in, put on a sleep mask, and go take a nap. The first time I did this was around 6pm, when DH was handling the baby. I woke up w/ drool down my chin and my DH shaking my shoulder waking me up and telling me it was time to breastfeed the baby. It was AWESOME. Please DO NOT use ear plugs, if you are needing to hear the baby.
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child - This book, written by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, has been a godsend to me and my family. I won't talk much about it here, as I will talk about it plenty in the future. But if you read nothing else, read the first 2 chapters during your last month or two of pregnancy. If you follow this book from the beginning, your child will have wonderful sleep habits, and you will be well rested to be the best mommy you can be. If you follow this book from the start, you will not have to deal with "Crying It Out." (You may have some what I call "fussing it out") This book is right on the money as to the sleep cycles from infancy to 6/7 years of age. It even worked for my twins. (I also have a copy of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Twins" too.) My DD was sleeping thru the night 1 month of age, and my DS2 was sleeping thru at 5.5 months of age, and they haven't looked back. 10-12 hours of sleep at night, and 2-3 hours of napping during the day. The best part of keeping a good sleep schedule is that it eliminates "The Witching Hours" in the evening. I had those w/ my first DS (before I knew about this book.) and trust me...you don't want to deal w/ The Witching Hours. They're awful! And it's nice to have a child wake up from a nap happy, instead of screaming...you know they're well rested.
So there are my favorite newborn items. Hope you enjoyed the post.
Happiest Baby on the Block - I got the DVD from our local library for births. DH and I wanted a refresher when our twins were born. This DVD will show you how to sooth a fussy baby. The tricks take some practice, but they work. The DVD is by Dr. Harvey Karp, a well known pediatrician.
The Miracle Blanket - We swaddled DS1 for 4.5 months. DS2 for 5 months and DD for 3 months. I have tried 3 or 4 different swaddling blankets. This is the best one hands down. Babies will find their way out of other types leaving parents to believe "my baby just doesn't like being swaddled." Well, get the Miracle Blanket, and this will work wonders for your baby's sleep! Note: The first month I just used a regular blanket from the hospital to swaddle. That seemed to work then best. We used a very different method than what is taught by most nurses. We had one nurse who showed us a different way, and it was MUCH easier. I will try to get a video w/ a doll to show you that method. Swaddling is something Dr. Karp says is ESSENTIAL in the first 3 months, or "the fourth trimester."
Sound Machine - We like the one we have from Brookstone. You could also get a CD like "Infant Calm" and just play one of the sounds on repeat. Babies are soothed by constant white noise. But make sure it isn't too loud or right on the baby's ear. We don't want to hurt those little eardrums! White noise is another tip from Dr. Karp.
Triple Paste and Aquaphor - Two types of diaper rash creams. Aquaphor is cheaper and great for a daily ointment for those little red spots that come up every now and then. Triple Paste is THE BOMB when it comes to the bad rashes that won't go away. If Triple Paste doesn't clear it up in a day or two, check w/ your doctor to make sure your baby doesn't have a yeast or other type of rash that would require a prescription. Triple Paste is EXPENSIVE, but worth it. Sometimes you can find a coupon for it on coupons.com.
The Moby Wrap - May not be the best if your baby is born in the summer months in the south, but otherwise, The Moby Wrap is a wonderful wrap to hold your baby. It truly is hands free. Surf the web, do laundry, but DON'T cook, while you cuddle your baby. I would often take my shirt off and undress the baby down to their diaper and wear them like that, so we could have some "skin-to-skin" time. DS1 often napped while I wore him. I also found baby wearing to be a great alternative grocery shopping. Screw putting the baby in the cart!
Ear Plugs and Sleep Mask - You're probably laughing at this, but I'm not joking! Let's face it, if our baby is crying, we aren't sleeping. So, when another person is on baby duty, like your husband, a grandparent, or friend, put some earplugs in, put on a sleep mask, and go take a nap. The first time I did this was around 6pm, when DH was handling the baby. I woke up w/ drool down my chin and my DH shaking my shoulder waking me up and telling me it was time to breastfeed the baby. It was AWESOME. Please DO NOT use ear plugs, if you are needing to hear the baby.
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child - This book, written by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, has been a godsend to me and my family. I won't talk much about it here, as I will talk about it plenty in the future. But if you read nothing else, read the first 2 chapters during your last month or two of pregnancy. If you follow this book from the beginning, your child will have wonderful sleep habits, and you will be well rested to be the best mommy you can be. If you follow this book from the start, you will not have to deal with "Crying It Out." (You may have some what I call "fussing it out") This book is right on the money as to the sleep cycles from infancy to 6/7 years of age. It even worked for my twins. (I also have a copy of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Twins" too.) My DD was sleeping thru the night 1 month of age, and my DS2 was sleeping thru at 5.5 months of age, and they haven't looked back. 10-12 hours of sleep at night, and 2-3 hours of napping during the day. The best part of keeping a good sleep schedule is that it eliminates "The Witching Hours" in the evening. I had those w/ my first DS (before I knew about this book.) and trust me...you don't want to deal w/ The Witching Hours. They're awful! And it's nice to have a child wake up from a nap happy, instead of screaming...you know they're well rested.
So there are my favorite newborn items. Hope you enjoyed the post.
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