Nymeria
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Post by Nymeria on Feb 17, 2019 21:39:25 GMT -6
Hope everyone had a good weekend!
Struggling with some mom guilt right now. I have tomorrow off for President's Day. DS1 is headed to daycare, which I don't feel bad about, he loves it there. DS2 is still heading to my MILs house - I feel like I should want to keep him home with me but a day alone sounds nice too. I don't think I've been alone for more than an hour or so since my concert back in September but I feel guilty choosing that over a day with just me and DS2 that isn't a work from home day.
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 17, 2019 21:53:05 GMT -6
Try not to feel guilty Nymeria! Enjoy some time for yourself. You'll be more refreshed to spend a nice evening with your boys 😊 At least take half the day for yourself - you can always arrange to pick up DS2 a little early to spend some time with him too! |
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 17, 2019 22:55:05 GMT -6
thankfully my parents have a bucket seat for dd2 and I almost want to get a Graco 4-ever and just ship it there because with my sister's two kids and our two I'm sure it will get used many times for many years. We are going to send some other stuff with my parents when they go down in a few weeks so hopefully that will make things more manageable. If it will get enough use that's a great idea to keep a carseat like that there! We bought diapers and stuff on Amazon and had them delivered to family when we went to FL with just DS. ETA - But your DD1 is 2 now, so she'll need her carseat on the plane, right? So the 4-ever being there wouldn't really help you this trip cause you'll still have to lug her seat on the plane. Then you'll have it with you anyways. do kids have to sit in a carseat on the plane? I thought it might be optional and that not all carseats even fit in plane seats. We might still bring it on the plane to keep DD contained though. |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 17, 2019 23:01:50 GMT -6
If it will get enough use that's a great idea to keep a carseat like that there! We bought diapers and stuff on Amazon and had them delivered to family when we went to FL with just DS. ETA - But your DD1 is 2 now, so she'll need her carseat on the plane, right? So the 4-ever being there wouldn't really help you this trip cause you'll still have to lug her seat on the plane. Then you'll have it with you anyways. do kids have to sit in a carseat on the plane? I thought it might be optional and that not all carseats even fit in plane seats. We might still bring it on the plane to keep DD contained though. I kind of assumed they did need to sit in the carseat until a certain age or something because people always talk about installing their carseats on airplanes! But I'm not 100% sure! I know up until 2 years old they don't need a seat and can sit in your lap (of course the safety of doing that is controversial). |
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 17, 2019 23:13:05 GMT -6
do kids have to sit in a carseat on the plane? I thought it might be optional and that not all carseats even fit in plane seats. We might still bring it on the plane to keep DD contained though. I kind of assumed they did need to sit in the carseat until a certain age or something because people always talk about installing their carseats on airplanes! But I'm not 100% sure! I know up until 2 years old they don't need a seat and can sit in your lap (of course the safety of doing that is controversial). just looked it up, you are not required to use a car seat but it is obviously recommended. I'm thinking we may buy a cheaper, lighter carseat (Cosco scenera is the recommended seat for flying) and is 10 pounds vs our 28 pound seat. Keeping dd1 contained actually sounds very nice and of course it will be safer so it will be worth buying a different seat I think. |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 17, 2019 23:42:05 GMT -6
I kind of assumed they did need to sit in the carseat until a certain age or something because people always talk about installing their carseats on airplanes! But I'm not 100% sure! I know up until 2 years old they don't need a seat and can sit in your lap (of course the safety of doing that is controversial). just looked it up, you are not required to use a car seat but it is obviously recommended. I'm thinking we may buy a cheaper, lighter carseat (Cosco scenera is the recommended seat for flying) and is 10 pounds vs our 28 pound seat. Keeping dd1 contained actually sounds very nice and of course it will be safer so it will be worth buying a different seat I think. We bought the Cosco Scenera Next for DS to use on a trip when he was 15 months. Double check the height/weight limits of that seat before you buy one - I think the CPST we worked with before DD was born mentioned that my DS had outgrown it at his height at 2.5? I could be way off but I feel like remember something along those lines. Also, if you do buy one, it doesn't come with any shoulder pads. But the straps dug into my DS's neck. If you call the manufacturer they'll send you shoulder pads that are made/tested for that seat for free (or maybe just for shipping). It was very helpful! |
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akwild
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Post by akwild on Feb 18, 2019 0:27:30 GMT -6
When I took M and P on a trip in December i checked both of their car seats. (Which I know is also controversial.) M has always done well with sitting and sleeping in her own seat, or on me. I highly recommend renting one of those luggage carts. It helped SSOOOOOO much. We have car seat bags with wheels and backpack straps. I could manage stroller, suitcase, car seat traveling alone with M. I’m sure I was a sight. Many people commented on my skills....... but with 2 seats it’s impossible. If I had the option to have car seats at my destination I would totally go that route.
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 6:58:44 GMT -6
akwild I also always think of the luggage carts first thing. But I can never remember if they're available past security after you check your big luggage!
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Nymeria
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Post by Nymeria on Feb 18, 2019 7:30:47 GMT -6
I've never traveled with the littles and probably would have considered doing a lap child until those recent flight turbulence pictures were released. After seeing the beverage cart on its side I would have to put my kids in car seats, whether that meant our Chiccos or buying something smaller and cheaper for the flight, until they were bigger to safely sit in the regular plane seat.
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Post by Dramaphile on Feb 18, 2019 7:39:34 GMT -6
Ugh, I think DS is getting yet another cold. Little dude is sounding congested.
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Post by Dramaphile on Feb 18, 2019 7:44:23 GMT -6
I have a CARES airplane harness for my 3 year old and it works really well. We don't lug the carseat for her when we visit my parents because my sister has extras we can use while we're there. The harness attaches onto the seat and has shoulder straps to turn the existing lapbelt into a 4 point harness (no crotch strap) that will keep her in place if there is turbulance. We started using it when she was 2 (she's not very big, just hit 30 lbs at age 3).
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Post by pixiepink24 on Feb 18, 2019 7:47:29 GMT -6
Speaking of traveling, I've actually been in discussion about flying with my two alone and trying to figure out the details.
But when I traveled with DD alone, it was great having one of those car seat carts. You just strap the car seat onto the metal folding cart thing (so small and light) and can push your kid around on it like it's a stroller and it will help you get through the family line since it's like a stroller. Then when you get to the gate, you check the car seat if you want and the little cart folds up and can go in overhead or sometimes they can take it for you with the car seat. I was able to pull my luggage behind me and push her in front of me. Worked great!! Oh and she even napped in it.
Babywearing is great too but if you don't have any kids in a stroller like thing, they won't let you in the family line. I learned that the hard way and almost missed my flight waiting an hour in security with a screaming baby on my chest.
Another option is having the place where you are going get the things you need and they can always sell them after on the Facebook market or swap pages. I have to look it up, but I know there is some website that actually lets you borrow things when out of town.
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Post by pixiepink24 on Feb 18, 2019 7:58:59 GMT -6
This is what the cart thing looks like that we borrowed.  I've heard great things about the CARES harness but it wouldn't work for my DD because it maxes at 40 inches tall. I have such a hard time with the idea of traveling and all the new rules because there is no way I could afford to buy a seat for all three of us. But then at the same time, I want my kids to be safe so then I just can't fly. And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. |
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Nymeria
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Post by Nymeria on Feb 18, 2019 8:16:26 GMT -6
And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. This is still airline dependent, right? I haven't flown in over 3 years but I cannot imagine paying so much extra per person just to make sure I was sitting with my kids. |
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Post by pixiepink24 on Feb 18, 2019 8:21:09 GMT -6
And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. This is still airline dependent, right? I haven't flown in over 3 years but I cannot imagine paying so much extra per person just to make sure I was sitting with my kids. I believe so. Like, I know Delta does it and I know South West doesn't charge. And OMG with the prices for luggage and carry-ons. Supposedly, most airlines reserve the back two rows to be sure that families can sit together, but they cannot guarantee it. And we've all seen those viral moments when the family is asked to move or leave flight... |
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Post by Dramaphile on Feb 18, 2019 8:24:42 GMT -6
And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. This is still airline dependent, right? I haven't flown in over 3 years but I cannot imagine paying so much extra per person just to make sure I was sitting with my kids. This is why I fly Southwest whenever I can. No seat picking fees and family boarding is after group A so you're guaranteed seats together, and no luggage fees. Avoid the discount carriers like Spirit and Frontier, they nickel and dime you until you end up paying the same as other carriers. They're fine for someone single flying a short distance with no luggage, but would be a nightmare with kids. |
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Nymeria
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Post by Nymeria on Feb 18, 2019 8:35:19 GMT -6
This is still airline dependent, right? I haven't flown in over 3 years but I cannot imagine paying so much extra per person just to make sure I was sitting with my kids. This is why I fly Southwest whenever I can. No seat picking fees and family boarding is after group A so you're guaranteed seats together, and no luggage fees. Avoid the discount carriers like Spirit and Frontier, they nickel and dime you until you end up paying the same as other carriers. They're fine for someone single flying a short distance with no luggage, but would be a nightmare with kids. I'm in New England so JetBlue is my go-to whenever possible. Followed by Southwest and I've always paid the extra for auto check-in to get as good a boarding priority as possible. Good to know families are Group A. That's even better. |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 10:03:03 GMT -6
Dramaphile I hope it's just some morning congestion and not a cold 🤞🏻
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Post by Dramaphile on Feb 18, 2019 10:04:50 GMT -6
This is why I fly Southwest whenever I can. No seat picking fees and family boarding is after group A so you're guaranteed seats together, and no luggage fees. Avoid the discount carriers like Spirit and Frontier, they nickel and dime you until you end up paying the same as other carriers. They're fine for someone single flying a short distance with no luggage, but would be a nightmare with kids. I'm in New England so JetBlue is my go-to whenever possible. Followed by Southwest and I've always paid the extra for auto check-in to get as good a boarding priority as possible. Good to know families are Group A. That's even better. It's like the one good thing about flying with small children! |
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 10:29:07 GMT -6
just looked it up, you are not required to use a car seat but it is obviously recommended. I'm thinking we may buy a cheaper, lighter carseat (Cosco scenera is the recommended seat for flying) and is 10 pounds vs our 28 pound seat. Keeping dd1 contained actually sounds very nice and of course it will be safer so it will be worth buying a different seat I think. We bought the Cosco Scenera Next for DS to use on a trip when he was 15 months. Double check the height/weight limits of that seat before you buy one - I think the CPST we worked with before DD was born mentioned that my DS had outgrown it at his height at 2.5? I could be way off but I feel like remember something along those lines. Also, if you do buy one, it doesn't come with any shoulder pads. But the straps dug into my DS's neck. If you call the manufacturer they'll send you shoulder pads that are made/tested for that seat for free (or maybe just for shipping). It was very helpful! good to know! I'll look into it! |
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 10:29:53 GMT -6
When I took M and P on a trip in December i checked both of their car seats. (Which I know is also controversial.) M has always done well with sitting and sleeping in her own seat, or on me. I highly recommend renting one of those luggage carts. It helped SSOOOOOO much. We have car seat bags with wheels and backpack straps. I could manage stroller, suitcase, car seat traveling alone with M. I’m sure I was a sight. Many people commented on my skills....... but with 2 seats it’s impossible. If I had the option to have car seats at my destination I would totally go that route. we might check the car seat. It's a straight flight that's not super long... |
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 10:31:00 GMT -6
This is what the cart thing looks like that we borrowed. I've heard great things about the CARES harness but it wouldn't work for my DD because it maxes at 40 inches tall. I have such a hard time with the idea of traveling and all the new rules because there is no way I could afford to buy a seat for all three of us. But then at the same time, I want my kids to be safe so then I just can't fly. And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. we joked that we hope they split dd1 away from us and someone else can sit next to our crazy toddler 😁 it is ridiculous that it costs so much more to pick your seats! |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 10:32:43 GMT -6
When did all this stuff about not getting seats together start??!? We flew with DS about 1.5 years ago and had ZERO issues sitting together. Also, I thought there was ALWAYS priority boarding for families traveling with small children. I don't ever remember flying and not hearing a family/disability boarding call after 1st class and stuff.
I'm also so torn on the baby in lap thing. It's seems so expensive to buy a ticket for an infant when you're not technically "required" to do so. But after joining CSFTL during our pregnancies I feel like I'm a bad or neglectful parent if I DON'T buy a seat... I even talked to our pediatrician about it at our last appointment as we're considering traveling.
When we flew with DS he was in my lap. Most everyone I know had traveled that way with young kids so I didn't really think too much about it at the time. If it wasn't considered to be safe I figured that they wouldn't allow it in the first place. But I remember feeling kinda weird about it when we were actually on board the plane. I think I even said out loud "I don't like this..." to MH. It was nice to nurse during takeoff and landing - the swallowing helps with the pressure - and then he passed out and just slept in my arms the entire flight, but there's always the big 'what-if' factor....
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 10:35:35 GMT -6
This is what the cart thing looks like that we borrowed. I've heard great things about the CARES harness but it wouldn't work for my DD because it maxes at 40 inches tall. I have such a hard time with the idea of traveling and all the new rules because there is no way I could afford to buy a seat for all three of us. But then at the same time, I want my kids to be safe so then I just can't fly. And then those stupid rules about not picking out your seat unless You pay $100 more a seat. Traveling sucks. Period. we joked that we hope they split dd1 away from us and someone else can sit next to our crazy toddler 😁 it is ridiculous that it costs so much more to pick your seats! Haha! 😂 |
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Post by pixiepink24 on Feb 18, 2019 10:47:51 GMT -6
tbirdloveTo make airfare more "affordable" many airlines now offer a basic economy class. Basically, you get what you get kind of seat, which is why it's cheaper. So while they try to accommodate families with sitting together (specifically if under 13), there is no guarantee. And yes, many people will be kind on the flight and switch with you, but is that really fair considering that they picked the cheaper version because they aren't with a family(no reserving seats) and shouldn't have to move? But I agree, it's all insane. Especially with all the other fees too.
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 10:57:05 GMT -6
When did all this stuff about not getting seats together start??!? We flew with DS about 1.5 years ago and had ZERO issues sitting together. Also, I thought there was ALWAYS priority boarding for families traveling with small children. I don't ever remember flying and not hearing a family/disability boarding call after 1st class and stuff. I'm also so torn on the baby in lap thing. It's seems so expensive to buy a ticket for an infant when you're not technically "required" to do so. But after joining CSFTL during our pregnancies I feel like I'm a bad or neglectful parent if I DON'T buy a seat... I even talked to our pediatrician about it at our last appointment as we're considering traveling. When we flew with DS he was in my lap. Most everyone I know had traveled that way with young kids so I didn't really think too much about it at the time. If it wasn't considered to be safe I figured that they wouldn't allow it in the first place. But I remember feeling kinda weird about it when we were actually on board the plane. I think I even said out loud "I don't like this..." to MH. It was nice to nurse during takeoff and landing - the swallowing helps with the pressure - and then he passed out and just slept in my arms the entire flight, but there's always the big 'what-if' factor.... we've never bought dd1 a seat and we didn't buy dd2 a seat for this upcoming trip. We probably wouldn't go if we had to spend an extra $500+ just for a plane ticket for dd2 so 🤷♀️ |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 10:59:14 GMT -6
I don't care about "picking" my seats, but I can't imagine them not seating families with small children together. That would be a nightmare for EVERYONE involved! No one wants that! Crazy. Airlines are out of control with all their extra fees and shit.
MH and I have been assigned separate seating at check-in before, but they've most always been able to move us together at the gate. There was one time that we weren't able to sit together and, funny enough, it was one way of our honeymoon 😂 Haha! As an adult I don't really care if I sit alone.
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 11:05:15 GMT -6
I don't care about "picking" my seats, but I can't imagine them not seating families with small children together. That would be a nightmare for EVERYONE involved! No one wants that! Crazy. Airlines are out of control with all their extra fees and shit. MH and I have been assigned separate seating at check-in before, but they've most always been able to move us together at the gate. There was one time that we weren't able to sit together and, funny enough, it was one way of our honeymoon 😂 Haha! As an adult I don't really care if I sit alone. on our honeymoon we had a red eye flight and DH got upgraded to first class and I didn't. However I had an entire row of seats to myself so we sat separately. We slept most of the way anyways and we both agreed that I actually had the better set up. 😀 |
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Post by tbirdlove on Feb 18, 2019 11:18:22 GMT -6
DD is in that raking phase where she's dragging her nails on e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. It's driving me nuts!! I can't have any exposed skin within reach of her hands!
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brenna
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Post by brenna on Feb 18, 2019 11:34:09 GMT -6
DD is in that raking phase where she's dragging her nails on e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. It's driving me nuts!! I can't have any exposed skin within reach of her hands! I have to hold dd's hands while she's eating or else she is scratching the heck out of my boobs! |
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