It’s the time of the year again where we are all looking forward to Spring & Summer holidays .

This year we will go to holidays to Austria and it will be great that my two toddlers will have their own seat in the plane. Quite expensive but hopefully easier and less stressful than when they were both babies. I remember how often we were flying where both I and my husband had one child on our lap because they were still below the age of 2 (and thus did not receive their own seat in the plane).

As frequent traveller here are my own 5 top tips how I “survived” previous flights with my two little ones:

1) Food is key:
It’s wonderful when they are still breastfeeding, as you don’t need anything else. As soon as you start weaning them, have enough water and food with you including their favourite snacks to “bribe” them (as a last resort when they dont’ want to sit still when the “Fasten seatbelt signs” are on). To help them with equalizing the pressure on their ears at take off and landing, ensure that they are drinking enough milk/water. Swallowing helps to equalize the pressure on their ears and they are fine. Insider tip: Don’t start too early with giving them the bottle. I remember my first flight with baby, when I started to feed her as soon as the pilot said “We are ready for take-off”. But then it took another 30min before we actually took off. By that time, the bottle was empty and my little one full! So avoid that by waiting to give them the bottle until your flight really starts to take off.

2) Take extra clothes and nappies:
It always happens when you need it least - their clothes get dirty and need to get changed. Also be prepared for very small changing rooms on planes - they are not bigger then a wardrobe and I always wonder how both Mum and Baby fit in there. If mothers were allowed to design the interior of planes, these would be twice the size!

3) Pre-book your baby’s basinette:

These little beds are a great thing for babies in the their first year and can be pre-booked with most airlines. First of all, your baby will sleep quite comfortable inside and you will also get some rest. Secondly, getting your little bed means that you will sit in the first row with the biggest space for your legs and all your baby stuff. So that’s quite a privilege which you only get while your baby is young - so make use of it.

4) Travel Toys:
As a mother I realized that there were no good travel toys out there for flights as most toys ended up on the floor within seconds. That’s one reason why I founded Yes! SuperBaby. We have a fantastic range of Miracle Scarves and Bands which you simply put on when your baby is in your arms. Baby can play away and the various musical animals and fantasy flowers/stars are lots of fun and keep your baby entertained. Plus the Scarf also has an internal pocket to hold the soother, teether, mobile and the velcro tabs allow you to attach other toys, books etc. - to keep your baby occupied during many hours. Something really useful, tested and tried by mothers and loved by babies. So that’s a hot tip - visit Yes! Superbaby to see all travel toys.

5) Relax:
Your attitude is key. The more relaxed you are, the more you look forward to this exciting new experience for your baby - the more you will both enjoy it. I remember I was a teenager when I flew for the first time and I was very excited about it. Isn’t it amazing that in today’s world our children can have these experiences already so young. So don’t forget the camera for many many family shots!

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season for you and your families.

Best,
Susanne Chishti
(Mum-Entrepreneur & Founder of Yes! SuperBaby)

We’re out of bed early on a Monday, because it’s the day we go to Hawthorn Family Support Centre.  (Erin is 6 months old and has Down’s Syndrome.  Hawthorn is a fantastic nursery run by Leeds Mencap).  I give Erin her breakfast, get us both dressed, make myself a sandwich, and ensure I’ve packed everything Erin needs in her changing bag. 

It takes about 20 minutes to drive there.  When we arrive I get Erin out of her car seat and carry her to the playroom, then if I’m lucky I can settle down in the parents’ room with a cup of tea.  Usually there are some other mums there to have a chat with, or I read a book.  Periodically I go and see what Erin’s doing – I may find her playing with toys in the playroom, or perhaps looking at the lights in the sensory room.  Of course she’s not alone – one of the lovely playroom ladies is looking after her.

Around mid-morning Erin will have some mashed banana, and then later on a pureed version of whatever the older children are having for lunch.  She usually only has a brief nap when she’s at Hawthorn, because there’s so much going on and she doesn’t want to miss anything.  It’s only later, when we get home, that she has a long sleep. 

That’s why Monday is my favourite day of the week, and I suspect Erin agrees with me. 

On Tuesdays I teach dancing while my Mum has Logan. He’s been a little off weather for the past few days, and when I collect him the first words I hear as I waslk through the door are “he’s been a miserable little monster today, I bet you don’t get much sleep tonight”, thanks Mum!

Before you ask, yes she was right it was the night from hell. Within an hour of putting him down to sleep he was up crying, and this is how it would continue throughout the night till I gave in at about 2am and bring him in with us.

Logan loves getting into bed with Mummy and Daddy, I’m sure he’s thinking ‘yeah it’s playtime’ however, this is definitely not what we were thinking.

Iain puts his head under the pillow and is completely oblivious to the noise and fidgeting of Logan, while I am wide-awake “dealing” with the situation. Finally a miracle happens and all three of us are snoozing.

A strong left hook and crying wake me at 6.15am. I am still very tired so let Logan play with toys on the floor for a little while until I noticed a horrendous pong. So up we get, change the nappy and do the milk and cereal.

It’s now 8am and Logan has now been asleep for 30 minutes. All I can say is I hope we have a better night tonight!

• a typical day in your life
• experiences with sleeping/feeding at night
• experiences with going out/travelling
• how to you bond with your baby/telll us about the lovely moments together
• anything else you would like to share with us

We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please also send a photo of your child/you both and we like to publish it together with your article. Email to info@yessuperbaby.com and put in the title: Parents Blog.

Best wishes,

Susanne

(MumEntrepreneur & Founder of Yes! SuperBaby)