Jet With Kids

Every now and then I come across a product that is too good to be true. And every time I use the product, I feel compelled to write once again how great and valuable it is. (Hmmm.. CARES harness???)

In this case, I am referring to an amazing baby/child/toddler/preschooler carrier! The ERGObaby carrier is multi-functional and with the option to use it from birth to the school years - this carrier is a great investment.

Why? Well, if you have carried around a child for any length of time - you understand the strain that even a little bit of weight can put on your back and entire body.

I first found the ERGObaby carrier a couple years ago when looking for something to carry my son in (then 2 1/2 years old) during our Europe trip. Although I was bringing my stroller along, I knew that there would be times that a carrier would be ideal including the times we would be hopping on and off trains or walking up the many stairs (see photos below of stairs - at the Vatican and again on the island of Malta. Note the parents behind me that are carrying a very heavy large European stroller. They were NOT happy, sweating, and pretty much arguing with each other by the time they reached the top. I had left my carrier on the cruise ship by mistake and paid the price myself!) Also consider the cobblestone streets that are uneven enough to break a wheel on a stroller (see photo below), or just getting around town easier through narrow stores, crowded subways, or busy streets.

I admitted in my first review of this product that I was skeptical a carrier would easily handle my 30lb. child. I was even more skeptical that my back would not pay the price.

As you can see from these photos below, I used the carrier in London - and LOVED it! You will also notice that many of the photos were taken at night. And also many were of my husband wearing it as well as our “improve the ratio” friend.

The ERGObaby carrier allows you to carry a child on your hip, your front, and even on your back.

This photo is of my son and I in the Underground in the early morning hours as we headed by train to Heathrow airport. I was able to put him in the carrier with his pajamas on - still sleeping - and he comfortably slept on my chest. I put my coat on and it was added comfort and warmth for him as he was wrapped up close to me.

Now for the best features of the ERGObaby. Child comfort! We all know that if our child is not comfortable - the product is worthless.

ERGObaby was designed by a mom who was unable to find a carrier with all the features she wanted to carry her own child. So she designed ERGObaby!

First of all - notice how with some baby carriers the baby is suspended by his/her crotch. With the femoral artery/vein located in the groin - it is no surprised that it can be uncomfortable for little ones when their legs fall asleep from lack of circulation.

ERGObaby is ergonomically correct! I believe this to be a major reason the carrier is so effective in keeping kids happy. Note how the child is “sitting” as if in a chair. This supports proper development of the hips, legs, and spine as well.

The next problem I have found with carriers is when the child falls asleep, their head just dangles back or to the side uncomfortably over the edge of the carrier.

My husband and I didn’t realize that our son had fallen asleep until we took this photo! We then applied the ERGObaby’s head support and our son slept comfortably and snuggly while we explored London and had some time for ourselves.

So- now my son is older- and 41lbs. Does it still work? YES! I think you will not truly believe how well this carrier is made until you try it. ERGObaby recommends using the carrier up to 40lbs. However, it is has been tested up to 90lbs. (not that you would want to carry a 90lb. child on your back - but it does show how sturdy it is!)

My son is tall - and yet, he can sit in the carrier on my back and comfortably ride around and see the sites when his little legs are too tired to walk.

I have found this carrier to be a necessity for travel as well as an asset around town. Karin Frost, the inventor, also realized that a good carrier would have space to carry essentials-snacks, keys, diapers, etc.

She really got creative when she designed the ERGObaby backpack. This backpack can be hooked right onto the carrier and you have everything you need for a day trip! She even added the little front pouch that can either be attached to the front of the carrier or worn separately as a small purse. I have not reviewed these two products yet, but will let you know as soon as I get the chance to!

ERGObaby is a fantastic gift for friends who have small children or are expecting.

I wanted to include this in my blog today to give you a chance to order one before the price increases. ERGObaby has announced that they will be increasing the price of their carriers on July 1, 2008!

So take advantage of the advance notice and order your carrier now! Karin didn’t miss a beat - she made a carrier for everyone - check out the variety of fabrics and even organic carriers available.

ERGObaby is environmentally aware and offers an eco-friendly product in their organic carriers. Softer to a delicate baby’s skin these carriers are good for everyone and very popular items at ERGObaby!

And she designed accessories for all your baby needs! Check these out:

Sucking Pad - yes, my nephew needs a set of these. He has from day one drooled and sucked on anything in sight.

Backpack (attaches to carrier)

Pouch

Changing Pad

Infant Insert: This soft insert allows your newborn to fit comfortably and snuggly next to you in your carrier.

Waist extendors and replacement chest clips are also available.

This carrier can be used for newborns (infant insert required), toddlers, and preschoolers. That really covers all the years that you will be needing or wanting to carry your child. There are not many children’s products that last throughout these early childhood years.

These carriers are also sturdy enough to be passed on to friends/family when your child has outgrown them.

So you can see why I feel compelled to write about this carrier again. As we travel with my 4 year old son and my 4 month old nephew, I am always appreciative of products that can be used for them both as needed. For parents of multiple children - I would think this product is a necessity!

Photos property of ERGObaby.com and JetWithKids.com

We have been BUSY - actually busier than ever! Jet Seven, Inc. sponsored travel seminars were presented to various travel groups, mommy groups, travel stores, travel agents, preschools, etc. this Spring in preparation for summer travel. We created the site www.JetSevenTravel.com to address needs of many different niche travel groups. What I have found in my research these past 4 years, is that there is a great need for the “Traveler Advocate”. Working with the medical community and the travel industry on issues such as Ear Pain, Blood Clots, Sickness on Planes, Disabilities, Diabetics, etc. I have found some really great products and services to ease travel related issues for passengers of all ages!This summer, I will be working with several active adult communities here in California educating those who travel with my “Jet with Seniority” seminars - whether across the state or across the world. From lost passports to medical emergencies, these seminars are packing peace of mind as the foundation of travel. These seminars have been welcomed enthusiastically and are being scheduled for Summer and Fall 2008.

The “Jet with Kids” seminar will be presented to multiple mommy groups/travel groups/specialty stores in California in September, and Minnesota and Wisconsin in October. If you have a group who is interested in scheduling a seminar - please email us at info@jetseventravel.com Advance scheduling is required to accommodate our travel agenda.We have had some fantastic sponsors for these seminars. In addition to Jet Seven, Inc., some of the sponsors have included ERGObaby, Micromedics, Inc. (Ear Popper), PlaneComfort, IcyBag, Plane Sheets, Shae By Air DVD Toolkit, and CARES. Seminar attendees benefit from (besides the information) the many travel product/service discounts these sponsors offer to attendees as well as the incredible door prizes we have given out! Many parents and grandparents are amazed at the research we have done and the incredible amount of time, money, and energy we are saving them! One father was relieved when he realized they were able to leave the big bulky car seat at home because of the CARES harness.These seminars are a chance for me to meet my readers and directly impact their travel. My Power Point presentation features photos and video to back up my educational info - and even generates a few laughs about the challenges we face when traveling with young ones.

As I travel the country, we will be offering these seminars at various locations. If you have a great idea for hosting one or want us to contact someone in your area- let us know! info@jetseventravel.com or 916-853-9619I look forward to meeting you and contributing to your travel plans!

A significant part of the success of Jet With Kids is my wonderful son and his photogenic spirit! He has tolerated all the photos, the videos, product and service reviews and adapted well to life at 37,000 feet. I have observed him, analyzed his behavior, tried out new products with him, and have considered him to be a valuable member of my team.

Now my little boy is getting older - we celebrated his 4th birthday this month! As you can see from this photo, the most important members of the Jet with Kids team (my son and my 4 month old nephew) are great buddies.

In honor of my son’s 4th birthday (and all the fun summer travel), we are offering a discount on the essential tools for flying with kids- the book Jet with Kids, the Shae By Air DVD Toolkit and the CARES harness!

Summer Travel Special! Receive 20% OFF The Parent & Toddler Flight Kit when you purchase a CARES harness. Enter coupon code “CARES” at checkout.
Offer expires July 31, 2008.This is also a great baby shower gift or birthday present for the family traveler!Happy Birthday Sweetheart!
SHOP NOW

I was very surprised to discover that it was a bonus for me (a healthy, young traveler) to be traveling with the Swany 20″ Pocketbag suitcase. Rolling along smoothly, I barely had to touch this bag as it “glided” alongside me.

With 4 wheels and a solidly built base, this suitcase practically walked itself! Invented by a CEO and polio survivor who found dragging a piece of luggage to be difficult - this bag offers rolling pleasure to travelers of all ages!

I originally reviewed this bag for my active senior traveler seminars (www.JetSevenTravel.com) and anyone who suffered from a bad knee or hip or even a bad shoulder. Advertised to be 1/6th easier to roll than a regular bag which is “dragged” along, the contoured handle allows one to use it as a cane and lean heavily on it. Approved for up to 300lbs. of down force on the handle, this bag is like having an assistant along who guides you and is there for you to lean on!

I was completely surprised that this is a bag that ANY traveler should have! As a traveling mother and business traveler, it was AMAZING how much having this bag helped me overall. For instance, my son will help me with a suitcase if he is in the mood or it is fun. Other than that - I can’t counton him for long distance or heavy suitcase help. That was not the case with the Swany Walkin Bag! This bag is FUN and EASY to push! Since it rolls along on its own on 4 wheels, there was no strain on him. He simply got behind it and pushed it or barely touched it as it rolled alongside him! Taking the train to San Jose recently, I brought the Radian 80 car seat for use in the car once we were in San Jose.

I placed the Radian 80 on the Joovy Kooper stroller and asked my son if he would roll the Swany suitcase. Here are photos of my big helper. As you can see - it required very little effort from a 4 year old! (YES - my “baby” just turned 4!!)

The bag can easily be turned on its side for those times that rolling bags are not wanted (like when storing the bag on the shuttle bus storage area and the driver takes the corners wildly).

It is also approved for use as a chair when needed! (Up to 200lbs.) My son and I turned it on its side and sat on it while we waited at the train station for our ride in San Jose. It is ALWAYS nice to have a seat when needed when traveling-especially with kids!

This bag has deep insides and utilizes normally wasted space by providing zippered mesh pockets in the hollows opposite the handle grooves inside the bag.

Turn it on its side, change the black to quilted red and now you have the Ladies Getaway. Below you can see photos of this bag in the overhead compartment on our last flight.

Both bags are surprisingly well made and like-able. So after my actual flight review, I have chosen to place both bags on my site for those traveling with special needs, mature age, physical ailments, as well as with kids.

Basically if you want a bag that feels like a travel companion instead of a heavy brick you drag along- try the Swany Walkin Bag! Your luggage actually helps you!

And for the little ones? Well, no hesitation there - you gotta get a Trunki!

1.     Call ahead to confirm infant photos are taken. Some places are not equipped/willing to do infant photos. 

2.     Avoid busy times (and being rushed) if possible. Employees are less patient if busy. 

3.     Consider naptime.  A tired infant is going to be less cooperative. 

4.     Place a solid white sheet/blanket behind infant in car seat or drape adult with sheet and hold infant in adult’s lap. No print or color. Because of this white background, dress the child in darker colors for contrast.

8.     If traveling within 6 months, purchase two extra photos  (in case of lost/stolen passport when abroad). Carry separate from actual passport.

9.     Apply as early as possible for infant passport in case photo is not accepted and must be retaken.

10.      Consider asking if it is acceptable to add infant’s thumbprint to the signature line. Some custom officials have mentioned this is a good idea and proves identity.