THE KIDS TRAVEL STORE | Blog
Posts which don’t fit directly into any category
Why not visit our Christmas corner? We have put together a little list of some of our favourite Christmas goodies. All make great gifts and are perfect for holiday travel.
Little Gulliver is shipping twice daily right up until midday Christmas Eve…Christmas travel just got easier!
Little Gulliver – Christmas corner
I like the article which can be found here; Travel and holidays – Better Health Channel
It gives some smart tips for staying healthy and happy on the road. Some examples are
They suggest we should remember kids tire easily and that is OK to “plan for lazy afternoons too”. I also like the idea of “splitting the family into teams” and exploring attractions separately (swapping team members the next day).
I hope you find it useful too!
Here are the details of a website and some apps to allow you to find public toilets right where and when you need them. Great for travelling, especially with the young ones who often cannot wait.
The search option provides handy access to public toilets within direct proximity (and across Australia)!
Detailed information such as opening hours, whether showers or baby-changing facilities are available, accessibility features and much more are provided as available to help you make your choice.
Website
Apps
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/show-loo-only-toilets-in-australia/id299496509?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/national-public-toilet-map/id323279108?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dgsd.android.publicToiletFinder&hl=en
Then there’s the cost…but Project Gutenberg Australia has made many classic works available in the public domain. They’re available online to download or read from your browser. Once again, for free!
This link is for children’s literature, but there are titles available for the whole family.
http://gutenberg.net.au/children.html
Titles include;
Fantastic!
CHIKO said: May 22nd 2011 1:13 AM
I am going overseas with my two kids (1y.o and 3y.o). I know that most international flight allows you to use umbrella type stroller right up to the gate but not on domestic flights. Unfortunately, our domestic transfer flight is departing on 06:20AM so we have to be at airport around 3:00am. I guess I definitely need one.
I just noticed you mentioned about quicksmart stroller on your blog and am wondering if that size of stroller( briefcase size one) can go on board as a hand luggage. I am flying with Jetstar(domestic transfer and international flight. Melbourne-Goldcoast then to Japan).
It would be much appreciated if you could advise me.
Thank you!
Donna @ Travel Toddler said: May 24th 2011 12:48 PM
Strollers on planes, I wish it was so much less confusing!
According to the Jetstar website “a collapsible stroller is great for speedy flight transfers, an impromptu snooze and also serves as a baby seat in restaurants, and you can take it on-board Jetstar A330 flights if it’s compact enough. It must be under 100x25x23cm.” This rules out the Easyfold/Briefcase Quicksmart, even though it is way under a metre, it is wider and therefore doesn’t fit their criteria. And besides that, this only applies to the A330, which you may not be on for the domestic flight.
Looking at this stroller as domestic carry on baggage, it is still too wide to comply. 
Check here for more information on Strollers on Jetstar.
However, there is another option! Customers have told me they love the Back Pack style Quicksmart. They have used this in the overhead luggage compartments with no problem. I don’t have the exact dimensions of it folded (update: approx Backpack length 58cm, width 34cm, bottom depth 25cm, top depth 15cm – backpack narrows at the top), but it does appear to fit the Jetstar criteria. I also suggest that you keep the bag handy at check in – that way you can show how small it folds and won’t be forced to check it in! Here’s some reviews.
One more thing I’ll mention about the Quicksmart…we LOVE ours (as you mentioned, we have the Easyfold/Briefcase style) and use it every time we travel. However, two things; 1st have a good practise with the folding and unfolding before you travel. (In my baby brain days I found it REALLY confusing). And 2nd; don’t expect it to be as comfortable as your regular stroller, it won’t be. But as a handy travel companion – we love ours and couldn’t have done without it!
Thanks for your question, I hope the trip goes well. I’d love to hear what you decide.
Regards,
Donna
Little Gulliver and Bubs About Town have a great giveaway for November – win one of two Aquadoodle Travel n Doodles!
To win one of these fantastic products visit Bubs About Town and tell them (in 50 words or less) your best way to entertain your child on long plane or car trips. Entries close 30th November and the winner will be chosen on the 1st December. And while you’re there, check out their Aquadoodle Travel n Doodle product review..
Bubs About Town started after some mums met at their local Mothers Group – now its Newcastles no 1 Parenting website! Their aim is to inform “parents about all things relating to babies and children, and for families to experience and use the great services in Newcastle.” Visit them for some play ideas, savings or even a good park if you live in or are planning on visiting the beautiful Hunter Valley.
For more information on visiting Newcastle, seeing what’s on and even booking some accommodation, visit the tourism website here.
Gullivers Travels – the novel by Jonathon Swift was the inspiration for our business name, Little Gulliver – Travel Essentials for Kids.
We have been eagerly anticipating the new movie, being released in the US in 3D, December this year. Its starring Jack Black and also has Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly…
This article is courtesy of Baby Banz USA. Baby Banz are available here in Australia at Little Gulliver.
How to teach infants and toddlers to wear Baby BanZ sunglasses
Wearing Baby BanZ sunglasses, just like wearing sunscreen or fastening a seat belt, is a learned behavior. Kids learn fast, but if you don’t teach them to wear sunglasses as children, they may never learn. Here are some of our suggestions on how you can get your child to love wearing Baby BanZ sunglasses. We recommend starting your infant at 4-6 months of age so they are as used to wearing sunglasses as they are a hat, coat or socks!
1) When you first put Baby BanZ Shades on your child they should be in the sun – not indoors. Many parents try to “get the baby used to the sunglasses” inside, but due to the darkness of the lenses, this can be scary as the child’s world has just gone dim!
2) Make sure the polycarbonate lenses on the Baby BanZ sunglasses are clean. If not, clean them with a lens cleaner and soft cloth. If you don’t have lens cleaner, soap and water will do. Just don’t dry them with an abrasive paper towel.
3) Centre the Baby BanZ sunglasses so the nosepiece rests on the tiny bridge of the nose and the straps are above the ears. Adjust the neoprene strap to be just tight enough so that they don’t slip down, but not tighter. If they are too snug will not want to wear them.
4) It is normal, especially for older infants, to try to pull the Baby BanZ sunglasses off at first. But the more you put them back on and encourage them to wear them, the easier it gets. Start your child as young as possible. Remember that wearing. Baby BanZ sunglasses for 5 minutes the first time is wonderful. It’s a new experience so build the time up gradually.
5) Set a good example by wearing your sunglasses, too! When mum/dad put on their sunnies, it’s time for baby to do so as well! You can make a game out of this by playing peek-a-boo or Simon Says as well so that baby copies your actions.
We hope these tips will help you get your child comfortable with Baby BanZ sunglasses for babies and kids.
Baby Banz are available here at Little Gulliver.
At Little Gulliver, we appreciate that our customers are travelling for all sorts of reasons.
Some are catching up with family and friends, others have ailing loved ones abroad, while some are treating themselves and the kids to a much needed break. All are really good reasons to visit Little Gulliver for some help in getting the kids organised and making your life a little easier.
One memorable customer this week is Tamara. We would like to wish her all the best as she heads off to Italy to get married! We hope you and your loved ones have a really memorable time.
All the best for the future,
Donna
Considering Taxi travel with kids creates a number of different concerns and questions for us all. This post is a brief outline of some things to look at.
Taxi travel with kids creates a number of different concerns and questions for us all. Below is a brief outline of things which may be worth considering;
Where possible, it is best if you can supply your own car seat when intending to travel in a taxi to ensure that your child is safe. All taxis should have the correct anchor point for fitting the restraint, but it is always advisable to call the taxi company in advance to check.
Taxi companies may be able to provide child restraints if they are given sufficient notice. A surcharge is the norm for the hire of the child seat and you will often have to pay for the taxi to collect the seat from a depot or taxi company’s headquarters. Your journey will be metered from the car seat collection point, to wherever you are picked up and then onto your final destination. Check all charges with your taxi company in advance and ensure that you book your vehicle well in advance (at least an hour).
Older children (up to age 7 years) must use a child restraint if one is available. If there isn’t one available, the child must wear a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.
The rules for travelling in taxis with very young children do vary from state to state within Australia. It is advisable to check with taxi companies when booking and to order a child seat in advance. Customer service desks at airports (both within Australia and internationally) should be able to assist you with booking taxis with child seats if you are not able to pre-book a taxi prior to your arrival.
Other options
and help to lift the seat belt away from the child’s neck. Also look at “seat belt adjuster’s”. I believe this is a better option than nothing at all, as per current taxi regulations. (Of course a high back booster and harness is preferable, when possible).Interesting reading
Here is a recent newspaper article explaining one Dad’s frustrations Fare Go for Kids in Cabs.
More to come
We are asked regularly about this topic and I have certainly found it to be a big area with many issues and alternatives to consider. I will be posting more on this in the future. Any questions or comments please let me know.
