Little Traveller

Excitement in the Rockies

2010-06-11T22:55:00.000-06:00

The truth is that ever since three railway workers stumbled upon a hot spring near the town of Banff in 1883, people have been falling hard for Canada’s first national park. Nowhere else in Canada can you do so much oohing and aahing in one place – over our sawtoothed mountains, our sweeping meadows, alpine lakes, backcountry tea houses, glaciers galore and hundreds of hiking trails. Now is the perfect time for Albertans to rediscover Banff National Park and enjoy the special events and anniversay specials being offered to celebrate the park's 125th anniversary. Check out some of these great events:
June 19th: Banff 125 birthday Launch: 4-5 p.m Banff Avenue Square
July 1st: Parks Canada annual Canada Day pancake breakfast: 9-10:30 a.m Parks Administration Building Canada Day Festivities: 12 p.m Central Park Fireworks Finale: 11:00 p.m. Central Park
July 2nd: CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car: 2-4 p.m. Banff Train Station
July 3rd: CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car: 10 a.m - 2 p.m. Banff Train Station History Stinks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site: 9-6 p.m Street Theatre: 12 - 6 p.m Banff Avenue Square, Bison Courtyard, Central Park, Banff Park Museum, Masonic Hall Cascade #5 Performnace in the Park: 4:30 - 9:30 p.m Cascade Gardens Parks Administration Building grounds
July 4th: History Stinks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site: 9-6 p.m
July 17th: Parks Day - free admission to the park Various guided walks and heritage activities throughout the day
July 26th: RCMP Musical Ride: 1-6 p.m. School grounds
August 12th: CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car: Lake Louise Train Station
August: Great Canadian Campout
September 6th: Retro Swim Event: 10 - 4 p.m. Banff Upper Hot Springs
September: Opening of the Banff Legacy Trail

Healthy eating tips when travelling

2010-05-19T14:59:00.000-06:00

May is a time when we see flowers bloom, the sun shines longer and we tend to indulge a bit more with barbecues and when family and friends get together. Below is a list of things to do to keep your health and weight in check when we go on vacations or just a day out with the family.

Healthy eating in the carDriving all day cuts your average daily calorie burn by 400. Follow these healthy eating tips to help readjust your intake (from your normal 1,800 calories to 1,400, for example) and bypass the thousands of junk-food-filled rest stop.
Drink up"The recirculated air in a car can make you thirsty, which you might mistake for hunger," says Charles Stuart Platkin, M.P.H., founder of diet detective.com. Keep plenty of water on hand.
Seek fresh foodAlthough a handful of drive-thrus sit right off the highway, a grocery store—with many more good-for-you options—is probably only a few minutes further; there you can get a healthy meal—turkey on whole wheat from the deli, an apple, and fat-free yogurt—for less than 350 calories.
Pack healthy snacksLoad a cooler with low-cal, protein-rich foods, such as apple slices and peanut butter—the protein keeps you fuller longer.

so cool!

2010-05-07T13:42:00.003-06:00

Well i stumbled upon the coolest thing for babies. PopATOT. The same concept as an exersaucer i guess, but its easily portable. I could not help but to become a retailer. I remember when my kids were at the pre walking age and it was difficult when we went somewhere and i could not put them down. We would go camping, to grandmas, over to friends etc. and i always lugged this huge exersaucer to keep them entertained. Well PopATOT folds up into a sinch sack about 5 inches around and 30 inches long. You could take it ANYWHERE with ease. They come in red & purple, pink, and camo. How great this is would be when you are travelling.

We are back

2010-05-07T13:37:00.002-06:00

Well its been long time since there was a post on here. Thats because Kara has retired from the baby equipment rental business. She is going to be busy enough with her little ones. My name is Cheryl and i took over. I could not wait to jump in with two feet. I love to help people and what better way. I will provide exceptional service to all. I wish Kara the best of luck for the future.

Car seat safety

2010-04-22T20:53:00.004-06:00

This article from Baby Center is a useful refresher on car seat safety. Have a read through to be sure that you are not making any of "the biggest mistakes parents make." If in doubt, have a certified car seat technician check the installation of your car seat. There are several here in Calgary.

This is my last blog posting before handing over the reins of Little Traveller to Cheryl Stankewich -- a mom of three and a seasoned traveller herself.

Baby Milo

2010-04-20T13:05:00.004-06:00

I haven't posted anything for a while because I've been busy with my new baby boy born March 18. He's a great sleeper but with three little ones in the house, I've had my hands full! Here's a photo of the little guy sound asleep.

We've just booked our first trip for August when he'll be 4 months old. With 3 little ones under 6, we decided to play it safe and head to Tofino again for our summer getaway. We've been there before and we know the score. Some sand, sea and (fingers crossed) sun should help recharge our batteries!

It's snow time

2010-02-17T19:57:00.004-07:00

My 5 year old regularly goes cross-country skiing. I think she enjoys the time with dad more than the act of skiing itself, but either way she's out enjoying the sunshine and snow on a regular basis. And because she's familiar with the sport, she's loving the Olympic skiing coverage (although she insists on cheering for the person wearing her favourite coloured outfit.)

If Olympic fever has hit your home, check out the Everything Mom Olympics page which features links to everything you ever wanted to know about the Olympics.

If your family is not that into the Olympics but you still love to get out and ski, then the ski savvy info on the Savvy Mom website will come in useful. They have compiled a guide to ski lessons and daycare options at four ski areas close to Calgary.

And if neither the Olympics nor skiing float your boat, then head to the new interactive dinosaur display at the Calgary Zoo. Until October, the Prehistoric Park features 20 roaring, moving dinosaurs sure to thrill kids of any age.

And if you are travelling to Calgary for any reason this spring and need to rent baby equipment -- including snowsuits -- contact Little Travelller baby equipment rentals.

Flying with toddlers: going the distance

2010-01-29T10:39:00.008-07:00

Guest blogger Emma Folz recently returned from a trip to Perth, Australia with her easy-going (lucky her!) 11 month old. Here are some of her insights in to flying around the globe with little ones.

The Journey

* Planning is everything. We booked our flights early and were able to get bulk head seats on all our long-haul flights. Having that extra space in front of you is very helpful for both you and your young ones.
* Break up the flight. Don’t try to do it all in one trip. Stay for 1-2 days at each connection point or after the long haul portion to have some time off the plane and get some decent sleep. We had a 15 hour flight from Vancouver to Sydney and then a 4 hour flight to Perth. Having 2 days in Sydney helped get us adjusted and made it easier on 11-month-old Joah
* Pack a sling and a baby carrier in your carry on. Also, a small umbrella stroller can be checked at the gate on most airlines. I used them all at different times for different reasons
* Sleep Training. Teach your baby to go to sleep in your arms with a trusted nursery rhyme before the trip. It will pay off on the plane
* Safety. We took both the Baby B'Air and CARES harness
* Toys and books. We packed a set of stacking cups and some plastic blocks which turned into many play combinations and doubled up as bath toys. We also packed a hand puppet. The plastic emergency instructions and paper bag in the airplane seat pocket were also a big hit. Lift-the-flap and pop-up books gave hours of delight
* Carry on what you need, but not more. Take a good-sized carry on for your baby items: food, toys, diapers, wipes, creams, medications, clothes and books are critical. Don’t feel like you have to fill the bag right up, this will come in handy when you are looking for items quickly. Pack similar items in separate mesh or plastic bags within your carry on. Take lots of plastic shopping bags or ziplock bags for garbage etc.

Jet-lag

Sleep before! We didn’t keep our son up late in the nights leading up to the flight. Let them get as much sleep and rest as they can prior to the journey.
Have a good sleep routine. I truly believe in a good sleep routine at home, which translates in to a good sleep routine when you are away. After bath, milk, teeth and storytime, it was clearly evident to our son that it was bedtime… time to sleep all night.
Adjusting to jet-lag. The first three nights, if Joah woke up and wouldn’t go straight back to sleep, we allowed him one hour of play and some milk (no food) before back-to-bed. After that, it was non-negotiable; he had to go back to sleep. It only took 2-3 days for him to adjust. It was easier to adjust going east-west, harder coming back this way!

Winter in the Rockies

2010-01-12T13:51:00.005-07:00

If you are looking for something a little different to do next weekend, then head to Lake Louise on January 22-24th for the Ice Magic Festival. You can watch the ice carvers at work at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and vote for your favourite masterpiece. You can even try your hand at ice carving at the Little Chippers Festival in Lake Louise Village. There's also magic show taking place inside the Chateau. Click here for more information.

If your kids are old enough, bring your ice skates along for some fun on the ice rink on the lake in front of the Chateau.

The Olympic torch arrives in Banff on January 20 and moves on to Lake Louise on January 21. A number of activities are planned around these events, too. Admission to Banff National Park is free on Wednesday, January 20 in celebration.

Need to rent some baby gear for your trip to the mountains? Check out our website at Little Traveller for some great winter equipment that will make travelling with kids easier. We have snack trays for the road trip, a variety of baby carriers including backpacks and baby slings, and even snowsuits in a variety of sizes.

Favourite Christmas Gifts

2010-01-02T20:50:00.016-07:00

Our two children (aged 5 and almost 2) got some great gifts this Christmas. All of these would work well on a trip away from home and they are all fairly low-tech and easy to pack. Here are our top hits of 2009:

Pink and blue LEGO digital camera
A huge hit with my 5-year-old daughter. And it's inexpensive enough to buy for a special trip, too. There's nothing like seeking out interesting objects to take pictures of to relieve the boredom of airports or restaurants or when forced to spend several days cooped up at home because it's too cold to go outside... It comes in a red/yellow/blue colour scheme, too.

"You Choose" by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharrat
A great book for any age, my 5 year old and 23 month old love looking at this together and because it's interactive you can "read" it over and over again. A fantastic book to share with your kids and stimulate the imagination, and a brilliant book to take along on a trip.

Maisy's Amazing Big Book of Words by Lucy Cousins
My 23 month old, who is just learning to talk, loves Maisy. This book is choc full of classic Lucy Cousins illustrations and includes flaps on every spread. My daughter also loves searching for Panda on every spread.

Little Doctor's Kit
Again, a big hit with both children. My five year old has received these in the past but the new one included a surgeon's dress-up outfit and some real band-aids and bandages that has kept the two of them busy for hours already. There's something about giving doll/sister/mum/dad a pretend injection that never seems to get boring.

Fairies: Petal people you make yourself by Rachel Haab/Klutz
This is some serious crafty fun for girls (and parents, too!). Once we'd made a couple of fairies, my daughter was off in a world of make-believe with them. The product is recommended for eight year olds and up and my 5-year-old daughter needed a fair bit of help with the fiddly gluing, but that's what I love about crafts: everyone gets involved. Klutz make a wide range of crafty sets so if you have boys, check out the Klutz website for more info.

Ease yourself into the new year!

2010-01-02T20:25:00.005-07:00

Happy new year! We spent a quiet new year's eve this year at home with the kids tucked up in bed sound asleep. I confess that I, too, was snoozing well before midnight. At almost 30 weeks pregnant, I'm trying to bank up as much extra sleep as I can before baby number 3 comes along in March. (I don't think this is a scientifically proven system, but it feels so good!)

I started the year as I mean to go on in more ways than one. I enjoyed a prenatal massage today at Inner Balance Spa in Kensington. It was a relaxing way to spend an hour safe in the knowledge that it was also doing my achy lower back some good. My therapist was Margaret -- an experienced prenatal practitioner. I've had many massages, but this was the first time I'd experienced an abdominal massage. She also showed me a couple of simple stretches to do at home that will help relieve lower back tension.

Massages aren't just for pregnany mummies of course. If you're a Calgarian or just visiting the city for a few days, I recommend carving out some "me-time" for a visit with an RMT. There's no better treatment for the stiff back that comes from sitting on an airplane for long periods, carrying big babies around, or just generally being run ragged all day long. An hour will cost around $80.

There are many great spas in Calgary. I recommend Inner Balance close to the Kensington Safeway and Prema Sai. Check out their web sites for more info.

New regulations for flying with kids in/out of the US

2009-12-28T20:07:00.003-07:00

Following the recent security breach on a US plane, there are some new regulations that affect families flying in or out of the US. The main change seems to be a ban on holding any personal items or leaving your seat for the last 60 minutes of a long-haul flight. This is a daunting prospect if you have have young children. Check out the latest posting from Delicious Baby for ideas on how to keep your little ones occupied.

Here's the link to the US Transportation Security Administration that is responsible for airline security regulations. And here's their information page on travelling with kids.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T13:46:00.003-07:00

Little Traveller would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Babies and balancing on the internet

2009-12-22T13:19:00.003-07:00

I came across a couple of gems on the internet this week.

Set aside a few minutes to watch this trailer for a documentary called Babies that will be released in April. It follows four babies born in four very different cultures for their first year of life. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.

I also watched this clip on YouTube and was amazed! Check out the balancing skills on display in this clip from Bangladesh.

Give the gift of music

2009-12-16T19:57:00.006-07:00

My life has a soundtrack these days -- one that involves a lot of Sharon, Lois and Bram. I don't go far in the car without that familiar refrain: "music, please!" This is from an article I wrote recently for Calgary's Child magazine. Here are my top 10 picks for best music CDs for young kids. They make great gifts and are easy to mail, too.

1: Mainly Mother Goose by Sharon, Lois and Bram
This collection by the talented Canadian trio should be in every family's music collection.

2. Here Come the 123s by They Might be Giants
This CD won the best musical album for children at the 2009 Grammy Awards and the catchy tunes will appeal to kids of all ages.

3. Putamayo Kids Present: Sing Along with Putamayo
Folk and blues inspired high calibre songwriting

4. The Backyardigans: Groove to the Music
Eighteen original tracks from the TV show, sung by children. The wide variety of musical styles make for a fun listening experience for 2-4 year olds.

5. You are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell
The 17 mellow folk melodies are calming but never boring. This is one of my favourite CDs at the moment.

6. Family Time by Ziggy Marley
A strong and uplifting message about love and family thread through this CD which features collaborations with many other artists.

7. Putamayo Kids Present: World PlaygroundAnother highly accessible anthology that is a great CD to dance to.

8. The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens
A great introduction to classical music, this is a rousing suite of 14 animal-themed movements. Buy the accompanying book by Barrie C. Turner and Sue Williams to add context.

9. The World's Very Best Opera for Kids (in English) by The Budapest Concert Orchestra
Nineteen classic tracks from Carmen, La Boheme, Madame Butterfly and six other operas. Sung in English, this is opera without the usual language barrier.

10. On a Starry Night by various artists
Soft and gentle, but never boring, lullabies to get your little one off to sleep.

CARES harness wins new award

2009-12-09T20:56:00.002-07:00

The CARES child aviation restraint just won another award. The Mom's Choice Award named CARES among the best in family friendly products for 2009. It won a Gold Award (their highest accolade) in the Gear and Accessories/Safety category.

Word is slowly spreading about this innovative product that helps keep young children safe and secure when flying. For more info, visit the CARES page on our website.

CARES harnesses are available to rent or purchase through Little Traveller in Calgary, Alberta.

Fireproofing your Christmas tree

2009-12-09T20:29:00.004-07:00

I was shocked and more than a little terrified when I saw this fire safety video on YouTube today. Take a look at how few seconds it takes for a Christmas tree to become engulfed in flames and how quickly the fire spreads around the room: Christmas Tree Fire Safety video

But apparently there's a solution... you can fireproof your Christmas tree by feeding it a special concoction. The tree will be able to hold up to seven times its weight in water. Here's the recipe:

Christmas Tree Solution
8 qts / 2 gallons hot water
1 pint / 2 cups Karo (corn) syrup
2 oz. / 1/4 cup liquid bleach
pinch Epsom salts
1/2 tsp. Borax

Strip 3 in (7.5 cm) of bark of the bottom of the tree trunk to help it absorb the solution. Mix all the ingredients in the hot water. Pour as much of the hot liquid into the tree stand as it will comfortably hold. Save the remaining solution and top up the tree stand every day.

Haven't tried it yet but it's on my to do list...

Organic grocery delivery

2009-12-01T20:16:00.004-07:00

I've been using Spud.ca for a while now -- since my first child was born and getting out to the grocery store on a regular basis became more of a challenge. This online grocery company delivers fresh, local, organic produce to my door every Wednesday.

Little Traveller has teamed up with Spud to provide organic/green baby essentials for families travelling to Calgary. If you'd like formula, baby food, diapers or anything else delivered to your hotel or grandma's house or added to your equipment rental order through Little Traveller, drop us a line and we'll arrange for it to be delivered on time through Spud.ca. Visit their website for more product information or send Little Traveller a list of what you need.

Little Traveller baby equipment rentals is featured in the Garlic Press newsletter this week that goes out to all Spud customers and on the Spudfan blog site.

As well as Calgary, Spud delivers to the metro Vancouver area and Vancouver Island (as well as a number of locations in the US).

Stork Craft cribs recall

2009-11-24T20:05:00.005-07:00

Foundations folding steel crib

Since January this year, Stork Craft baby cribs have been involved in a recall for their mattress support brackets on cribs manufactured between May 2000 and November 2008. This week, there is a new recall notice on ALL drop-side Stork Craft cribs. Almost 1 million cribs with the storkcraft baby and Fisher-Price branding have been sold in Canada since January 1993. Toys r Us announced that they plan to stop selling drop-side cribs (of any brand) by the end of 2009.

Here at Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary we have a variety of crib options for your baby. We do not carry any Stork Craft products. As well as full-size wooden cribs, we have folding steel cribs (no drop sides, with a 4" mattress), the Baby Bjorn travel crib light, and pack 'n' play playpens. Call us for more information on 1-877-242-4067.

Baby B'Air contest

2009-11-23T14:43:00.004-07:00

Just a reminder that the Baby B'Air flight vest contest through Canadian Babies ends soon. To enter for a chance to win a free flight vest for lap held babies who fly, head to the contest zone and comment on your favourite Little Traveller blog entry. Couldn't be easier!

Images show the front and back of the Baby B'Air.

Tips for travelling with baby

2009-11-15T19:32:00.006-07:00

Travelling with a newborn can be daunting, but in fact young babies are often good travellers. Here's an article I wrote for The YummyMummy Club out this week with some tips for travelling with newborns.

Keeping toddlers busy

2009-11-13T14:27:00.005-07:00

What's your favourite travel toy for airplane journeys and road trips? I love the Mudpuppy mini magnetic play scenes (rated for 3+ years because of little pieces). I bought a few different sets and keep them hidden away until we have a long car journey or plane ride. They even have an airport themed play scene. The Usborne Great Searches book series also work really well for our children who love studying the busy pages.

Delicious Baby posted some great articles recently about keeping your little ones occupied during airplane journeys. Debbie calls her bag of carefully chosen toys an "airplane busy bag". Here are three recent blog posts about packing a busy bag that's appropriate for your child:
- Packing an airplane busy bag
- What's in my airplane busy bag?
- Travel Toys (by age)

By the way, one of Debbie's favaourite travel products is the CARES airplane harness. To find out more, click here to access Little Traveller's information page.

Money Saving Tips

2009-11-13T14:09:00.002-07:00

If you love to read, and love reading to your kids, but don't want to pay full price for new books then check out these money saving tips and websites:
- Purchase previously rented books from your local library. I've found lots of great 50 cent board books for my toddler this way. (And since she's far from gentle with her books, it makes it easier for me to bear when she rips all the flaps off the page.)
- Head to local garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets for some great finds at low, low prices.
- If your children are no longer interested in certain titles, swap them with friends who have children the same age
- Join the online book swapping community at bookmooch.com. It's free to join and free to use -- the only cost is postage. Also try www.paperbackswap.com

CanadianBabies contest

2009-11-03T19:57:00.002-07:00

Little Traveller is running a contest at the moment through CanadianBabies.ca to win a Baby B'Air infant flight vest (for lap held infants who fly). To enter, visit the Canadian Babies' contest zone. All you need to do is comment on your favourite Little Traveller blog entry. Couldn't be easier! For more info on the infant flight vest, visit Little Traveller's website. Good luck!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T14:34:00.004-06:00

I spent yesterday evening at a school Halloween dance dressed up as Captain Hook (albeit it a pregnant Captain Hook which somewhat spoiled the illusion) and a foil for the little Tinkerbell at my side. Needless to say, I'm in full Halloween mode now.

But if you are like me, you'll be confiscating most of your kid's candy later tonight. I mean that in a nice way. I have to pick through all the candy anyway because of my daughter's nut allergy. She chooses a couple of safe treats and she's happy with that. She promptly forgets all about the stash of candy at the back of the cupboard (unfortunately, I don't). This year, we'll be taking all the leftovers to the Evans Centre for Dental Health and Wellness here in Calgary. For every pound of candy you bring in they will give your child $1. They are also giving away glowing LED toothbrushes and a chance to win an iPod.

Candy will be collected on Monday, November 2 from 4.30 until 7.30 pm. Click here for more info.

Winter Fun in Calgary

2009-10-28T20:03:00.004-06:00

Here are a few of my favourite things to do with kids in Calgary in the winter:

- dress up warmly and head to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for a winter walk
- enjoy toddler storytime at Pages in Kensington on Mondays at 10 a.m. or Monekyshines in Marda Loop on Thursdays at 10.30 a.m. (it's free)
- go tobogganing at a local hill (visit familyfuncalgary.com for a list of venues and safety tips). Helmets recommended!
- meet friends at Coffee and S'Cream (or one of the other indoor play areas around Calgary) and catch up with friends while your kids let off steam
- strap on some skates at Bowness Lagoon and warm up with a hot chocolate around the fire pit
- if it's blustery and cold outside, treat the kids to a movie at the theatre. The Uptown on 8 Ave downtown will screen "'Toons for Toddlers" aimed at 2 to 5 year olds on November 28.
- don't want to leave the house? Bake some muffins and cookies at home with the kids then invite some friends over for a fancy tea-party.
- take a ride on the C-Train -- just for fun. I usually aim for Dalhousie Station and the Chapters store where we hang out and maybe pick a new book or two to take home. If you return within 90 minutes, there's no need to buy a return ticket for the train.
- immerse yourselves in culture at the Glenbow Museum and spend time creating your own masterpieces in the art area
- enjoy a bbq at one of Calgary's parks on a sunny winter's day. Pack plenty of warm clothes, blankets and a thermos or two of hot chocolate and grill hamburgers for the family. Bring a soccer ball to keep the kids moving!
- head to the Telus World of Science for some indoor adventures. Check out the Creative Kids section and Wow Town. Click here for a coupon for free admission for a child.
- and last but not least, take advantage of free events around the city. Visit the city of Calgary website and head to the "Living" section for an event listing and keep an eye on the local papers. Family Fun Calgary is an excellent resource for parents in the Calgary area. Check out the "Cheapies and Freebies" page for more great ideas.

Have Breasts, Will Travel

2009-10-27T13:02:00.002-06:00

I feel the need to share this blog entry from Mabel's Labels founder and mum of six, Julie Cole. I love her witty writing. This one is a story about nursing on a plane. Here's the link:
Have Breasts will Travel blog post by Julie Cole

Five Great Bedtime Stories

2009-10-20T13:15:00.004-06:00

If you're tired of your usual goodnights to the moon and that big red barn, mix it up with five of my favourite bedtime stories for little ones under six:
- Peepo!
- Where is the Green Sheep?
- Cornelius P. Mud: Are you Ready for Bed?
- How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
- And if the Moon Could Talk

If you want to know why I picked these five, read my article published today on Savvymom.ca.

Extras for air travel

2009-10-17T19:55:00.007-06:00

We are a baby equipment rental company here at Little Traveller. We rent car seats, cribs and highchairs (among other things)... but we also consider ourselves specialists in flying with kids. We've got a long list of items that we rent and sell to make life easier for parents flying with their little ones. Here are some of the specialist products we recommend:

- CARES airplane harness for children 22-44 lbs travelling in their own seat. As safe as a car seat but compact enough to fit in your purse. Available to rent for $25 or to buy for $85.
- Baby B'Air flight vest for lap-held infants. Protects against mid-flight turbulence and gives mum or dad some hands-free time. Available to rent for $25 or to buy for $45.
- EarPlanes ear plugs are designed to combat ear pain during take-off and descent. Two sizes for adults and children. Available for sale for $8 for a pair.
- Safe.2.Go harness to keep tabs on adventurous toddlers in the airport and ensure that everyone makes it to the gate on time! Available for rent in ladybug or frog designs from $3 a day.
- Angel Alert child electronic tracking device helps keep tabs on errant toddlers in busy locations such as airports and car parks. Available for rent from $3 per day.

If you're travelling to the Calgary area, visit our website at www.LittleTraveller.ca for more compact, portable baby friendly products available for rent.

The Carry-on Conundrum

2009-10-14T14:23:00.005-06:00

...or what to pack when flying with kids. These tried and tested tips should help you avoid many of the usual carry-on pitfalls. The key is to travel as light as possible. Borrow or rent key baby items (check out www.baby-equipment-rental.com) at your destination.

Before you travel outside of Canada, check the expiry date of your family's passports: some countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return. If you're travelling to the US there's no such requirement. Just make sure that your passports do not expire before you're due to return!
Baby food, formula, milk, water and juice in reasonable amounts for your itinerary are exempted from the liquids restrictions if you are travelling with a baby under 24 months.
Keep the following documents to hand for everyone in your travel party (even infants need ID): passport, SIN, birth certificate (for infants & children), health care number, aeroplan card and vaccination record. If travelling without your partner, carry a signed consent letter (and a copy of their driver's license) to prove that you have permission to travel with your child/children. A sample consent letter is provided on www.voyage.gc.ca (follow links to "Children and Travel"). Keep a photocopy of the original documents in a checked bag and another copy at home.
Put contact information on every piece of luggage, including carry-on bags, strollers, car seats etc.
Pack a diaper bag with a spare change of clothes for parent and baby, several diapers, plenty of wipes, Ziploc bags, a refillable bottle and snacks, and a few simple toys. Backpacks are a great choice for carry-on baggage because they leave your hands free. Kids over three can carry their own little backpack with a stuffie, a couple of toys and a drink bottle for the trip.
Toys such as transformer robots that resemble firearms or toy weapons such as water guns are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
Ensure that your carry-on bags conform to airline size/weight restrictions so that you aren't surprised at the gate and forced to check any of them. Check your airline's policy if in doubt.
Infants without a seat are usually permitted a baggage allowance of 10 kg / 22 lb, but policies vary by airline. Air Canada and WestJet allow two items of baggage per infant (for example, a car seat and a stroller).
If you're taking a car seat onto the plane, check the car seat before you leave home to make sure that it has a CMVSS 213 or 213.1 compliance sticker on it. Most airlines require the car seat to be installed in the window seat and only one car seat is allowed per row. If in doubt, call the airline to confirm their policy. (On a recent British Airways flight with our 11-month old who was still in a rear-facing infant seat, we were told that we could only install the seat in a forward-facing position.)
Consider renting or purchasing a CARES harness for children aged one to four years (weighing 22-44 lb) sitting in their own seat. It does the same job as a car seat, but fits in your purse. CARES are available in Canada from Little Traveller.
Lightweight or combo strollers are a must for most airports if you child is under four (or bring a baby carrier for young babies). Confirm in advance that your airline offers a "claim at gate" option. This option is not usually available for international flights -- strollers have to be picked up at the baggage carousel with the rest of your luggage. (I travel with a Quinny Zapp that folds right down and comes in a compact carry case with a handy shoulder strap. I sling this over my shoulder before boarding and stow it in the overhead lockers. It makes for a quick and easy transition when we land.)
Some airlines (but not Air Canada or WestJet as far as I know) are starting to charge for large items, such as car seats, that are gate checked. Check with your airline in advance so that you can avoid additional charges.
Pack winter coats at the top of your checked bags so that they are on hand when you land, and just carry on a warm sweater for you and your children. This saves you battling with big, bulky jackets.
Bring your own cheap headsets for the kids so you don't have to wait for the flight attendants to offer them. Consider bringing a compact, portable DVD player so that you have more flexibility over what your children watch and when.
Customize the look of your bags to make them easy to identify on the carousel.
Keep the stubs from your checked luggage. Immediately report the loss of luggage to the baggage agent on duty.
Prepare to deal with a lost bag. Pack so that you can continue your trip with the loss of one of your bags. Distribute key items like diapers, formula or underwear so that you can get to your destination.

For more information, head to these sites:
www.airsafe.com
www.flyertalk.com
www.voyage.gc.ca

Some interesting travel blogs...

2009-10-05T14:14:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year when everyone is back from a great summer of adventuring and are starting to plan next year's adventures. (At least, that's what I do when it starts to get cold and I need something to keep my mind off the impending winter months!) Here are a couple of recent blog entries that offer some useful tips:

Nerd's Eye View posted "Mistakes Rooky RVers Make" about RVing around the southern Gulf Islands in BC.

Away.com posted an article called "Top Five Tips from a Five-Month Family Road Trip."

And if you're heading farther afield, check out Stuffyourrucksack.com. They have connected with 187 organizations (in 78 countries including Mexico) that need stuff -- stuff such as clothing, toys, stationery and other items that you could squeeze into your suitcase before you get on the plane. What a great idea!

Car seat compatibility

2009-10-01T14:24:00.006-06:00

I remember the confusion and exhaustion I felt when shopping for a car seat for our first born a few years ago. I was heavily pregnant and my husband and I drove around Calgary checking out a number of different brands in several stores (that doesn't happen any more with two kids in tow: I research online then head straight to a store, make the purchase, and am out again within 10 minutes!) When we eventually decided on a car seat and a colour we both liked, we found it wouldn't fit in our Subaru. Let's just say that I wasn't very happy as we headed right back into the store to return it. Needless to say, we tried out a couple of options in the car before we bought a replacement.

But the internet has made life easier. The website carseatdata.org is a one stop shop for advice on car seats. It has useful pointers on choosing the best car seat, but the part I like best is the car seat compatibility search by car make/model. What a great time-saver! And you can even add your own data to the site if you wish.

There is an art to installing a car seat correctly (read: safely). There are two companies in Calgary offering car seat installation clinics, house calls and consultations: Seat Savvy Inc. and Keepin' Baby Safe. LaVonne Ries at Keepin' Baby Safe told me that 85% of car seats are not used correctly. Post a comment on this blog entry and I'll email you a free car seat inspection coupon (worth $20) for an upcoming clinic through Keepin Baby Safe.

20% discount on Baby B'AIR flight vests

2009-09-29T14:01:00.003-06:00

We're running a fall special on the small size of the Baby B'Air flight vest. Regularly priced at $45, it is on sale for $36. The small size is suitable for babies aged from newborn to 6 months. The Baby B'Air helps protect lap-held babies from mid-air turbulence by attaching them to a parent's lap belt.

Contact us at Little Traveller (kara@littletraveller.ca) or 1-877-242-4067 if you'd like to place an order. We're located in Calgary, Alberta but will ship across Canada.

Airline Safety Tips

2009-09-24T20:28:00.005-06:00

The odds of dying in a plane crash are very slim (some reports put the figure at 1 in 11 million, others at 1 in 90 million). Over the last 10 years, there have been on average 173 major plane crashes per year around the world. Odds like this won't stop me flying with my family. But some high-profile aviation accidents earlier this year (especially the Hudson River crash landing in January) got me thinking. I wanted to find out how I could maximize my family's chances of getting out of a plane crash alive.

This is what I discovered:
1. Fly on non-stop routes (the first three minutes of a flight and the last eight are when most accidents occur)
2. Choose larger aircraft
3. Sit within five rows of an exit
4. Seat your family together
5. Pay attention to the preflight briefing
6. Listen to the flight attendants
7. Keep heavy items out of the overhead storage lockers
8. Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while seated (and keep kids buckled up, too)
9. Keep your shoes on during the flight
10. Don't drink too much -- you need to keep your wits about you!

Dinosaur Capital of the World

2009-09-14T14:45:00.007-06:00

Not only does Calgary have proximity to the Rocky Mountains in its favour, it's also close to one of the world's biggest discoveries of dinosaur bones. According to voters on Smithsonian.com, Drumheller, Alberta is the dinosaur capital of the world. The town is just 90 minutes drive northeast of Calgary and is a great day trip for kids of all ages. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is the star attraction. I took my two children (aged 4 and 1) a couple of months ago and spent the day at the museum enjoying the interactive exhibits, the roaring dinosaur (!), the inside look at a paleontology lab and much more. The weather wasn't great so we didn't hike the outdoor trail, but we did pack a picnic and enjoyed the gorgeous views of the badlands.

This weekend (September 18-20, 2009), the museum is celebrating Alberta Arts Days with free general admission and tons of kid-friendly activities scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To find out how to get there click here. Want to get your little ones excited before you go? This site lists a big selection of kid-friendly dinosaur web sites.

Travel crib reviews

2009-09-10T14:02:00.005-06:00

Most parents of young children buy a portable travel crib of some sort. The majority opt for a Graco playpen (and these are our most popular rented cribs at Little Traveller) but there are other options. We also rent out the Peapod travel bed and Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light -- two lightweight, portable sleeping options for children under 4. The Peapod weighs in at under 6lbs and the Baby Bjorn crib at 11lb (compare that with the Graco playpen which is over 20lbs) and that makes them both excellent travel companions.

Delicious Baby has given the Peapod the thumbs up in a review this week (the site reviewed the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib earlier this year). They are giving away a Peapod next week (starting September 14) -- check back here for details on how to enter to win.

To give either of these products a try or to rent them for an upcoming trip in the Calgary area, give Little Traveller baby equipment rentals a call on 1-877-242-4067.

Enjoy a cuppa on your travels!

2009-09-10T13:33:00.005-06:00

I was born and raised in England so it goes without saying that I enjoy a nice cup of tea (or two). I can't stomach coffee at all, no matter how hard I try. When my husband and I first arrived in Canada 10 years ago, it wasn't easy to find a decent cuppa. But things have changed and now I regularly head out with my kids or with friends to my local tea house (we now have a few great tea shops in my Calgary neighborhood).

Edmonton author, Mary Oakwell, has written a book called "Tea Time in Alberta" detailing 54 great tea houses from Grand Prairie to Waterton Lakes. So next time you're on the road in Alberta and need a break, consider stopping at an old fashioned tea house for some old world hospitality. A few of the tea houses profiled by Oakwell are featured in this Travel Alberta article.

Get fit while the kids play!

2009-09-02T13:53:00.005-06:00

Sometimes I feel like my life is slipping away as I wile away another afternoon at the local park. But now I can keep myself busy, too. Two Calgary mums have started PlayFit -- a fitness class that allows you to bring your your kids along. For a nominal babysitting fee of $1 or $2 your kids can play at the nearby playground while you sweat it out with the PlayFit trainers.

There are classes around the city (check out meetup.com for a full list of classes) and Margaret and Dawn are introducing new locations all the time, though sadly none in the Kensington/Hillhurst area yet (anyone interested in being a community organizer and working out for free??) The cost is $10 per class or 10 classes for $95. Head to their website www.playfit.ca or their Facebook site PlayFit Canada for more information.

Need to rent baby equipment?

2009-08-31T19:49:00.008-06:00

Have you started travelling again now that your little ones are a wee bit older? Or perhaps your kids are school aged but your sister is visiting with her little baby? If you find yourself in need of some compact baby equipment in Calgary (or pretty much any city in the world) then look up your local baby equipment rental company. But before you make the phone call, read my tips on renting baby equipment that were published this week on UrbanMommies.com.

Little Traveller rents baby equipment in the Calgary area. Our most requested items are convertible car seats, CARES airplane harnesses, playpens and high-chairs.

Heavenly Holiday with kids

2009-08-29T20:47:00.004-06:00

Some friends just got back from an incredible holiday in southern California. They rented a 3000-sq-ft family beach house in San Clemente, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Diego. The house was extremely child-friendly as the owners have 4 children of their own. Our friends' two young children were in heaven in the children's playroom and art room complete with toys, games, a piano and even two indoor swings. Mum and dad were happy with the state of the art kitchen, the excellent choice of local restaurants and stores, and the surfboards that are available for guests to use. Disneyland and Legoland were only 25 minutes away and the beach, a short 5-minute stroll. While the house doesn't come cheap (it sleeps 12 after all), our friends said it was worth every penny. Their kids were in floods of tears when it was time to pack up and head home.

It's not always easy finding a kid-friendly vacation home that everyone can enjoy, but I have to admit to being a little green with envy at the reports of this amazing house!

Back to work!

2009-08-18T20:16:00.005-06:00

I'm back to work this week after a couple of weeks of taking things easy with my children and parents-in-law (visiting from England) and enjoying some down down at our little log cabin. I'd like to say were enjoying the sunshine, the local outdoor pool, and picnics in the mountains but we've had a typical English August here in southern Alberta -- cold and wet!! So we've been enjoying plenty of craft time together (I recommend kidscraftweekly.com and the book D.I.Y. Kids by Ellen Lupton for great ideas) and baking cookies and cakes in the warm kitchen.

We also plucked up the courage to upsize our Subaru. I loved our Subaru and vowed I'd only ever buy Subarus again but our growing family had outgrown it and we needed more space. So we joined the masses and bought a minivan... I can't believe we didn't do it sooner! I love driving it, I love the convenience and the extra space (no need to collapse the Chariot anymore), and what's more the kids love it. My 5 year old was so excited during the test drive that she didn't stop talking for one single moment and she's given everyone on our street a tour of the roomy interior!

So, I'm rested and I'm ready for a busy fall season!

CARES awards

2009-08-18T19:59:00.007-06:00

The CARES airplane harness for children continues to generate positive reviews and media buzz. In the last few months, CARES has been awarded the Dr. Toy's "Best Vacation Product" and "10 Most Socially Responsible Product" accolades. It's also been given the 2009 National Parenting Center's "Seal of approval."

CARES can now be used on any plane certified under the jurisdiction of Canada, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand. It's also been used successfully by parents on nearly all the European and Asian airlines. Notable exceptions include Aer Lingus, Lufthansa and ANA. For more info, visit the Kids Fly Safe website.

Anyone planning to travel with children in the 22-44lb weight bracket (approximately 1 to 4 years) should consider giving CARES a try. It's available to buy or rent through Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary, Alberta. We ship across Canada.

Kara's featured on Canadian Babies

2009-08-04T14:07:00.006-06:00

I got a little write up on Canadian Babies this month as part of their parent entrepreneur program. Check it out at Canadian Babies online.

Are you interested in becoming a parent or a mom entrepreneur? Here are 9 tips for parent entrepreneurs starting their own business from MarketWatch.com. Got a great idea for a new product or service? I highly recommend a book called The Mom Inventor's Handbook: How to turn your great idea into the next big thing by Tamara Monosoff. The author gives expert advice on how to create and sell your own products from home.

Travelling while pregnant

2009-07-27T19:59:00.004-06:00

I came across this informative post today by pregnancy/parenting expert Ann Douglas on Canadian Babies about travelling while pregnant.

It's also a good idea to pack a big box of your preferred heartburn/indigestion remedy of choice. There's nothing like the combo of travelling, disturbed sleep and unfamiliar foods to enhance that uncomfortable pregnancy side-effect.

Happy travels!

CARES on TV

2009-07-22T21:38:00.004-06:00

Sarah Brazeau and Erin Laberee from www.StarBrightforkids.ca were featured on the Breakfast Show on Calgary's CityTV this morning. They were on air to offer advice about travelling with kids, and borrowed a CARES airplane harness from Little Traveller to extol the virtues of this little 1lb device.

Jump seat booster makes eating more fun!

2009-07-15T14:49:00.006-06:00

We're excited to add another new item to our inventory. The Beanstalk Jump Seat booster is an incredible seat that fits on virtually all dining chairs turning them into an instant highchair. Now your toddler can sit at the table (any table!) and enjoy dinner with the rest of the family. These so-called jump seats are popular in Europe where space is often an issue.

Another benefit of the seat is that it folds completely flat (you can even remove the handles) and so it travels really well. It has a lightweight metal, adjustable frame and is suitable for babies over 6 months weighing up to 30 lbs.
The Beanstalk jump seat is available to rent through Little Traveller in Calgary for $4 a day / $24 a week.

Kid-friendly hiking near Calgary

2009-07-15T14:26:00.004-06:00

One of the best things about living in Calgary is the proximity to the Rockies and all the amazing hiking on offer there. We headed to Heart Creek at the weekend with our two little girls. Our 17 month old was as happy as can be in the Jack Wolfskin Watchtower Deluxe backpack. It's one of the most comfortable backpacks you can find -- well suited for broad-shouldered or tall men. Our 4 year old is an adept hiker now and helps with the regular shout outs to warn away the bears (and all other wildlife!)

The Heart Creek trail near Lac Des Arcs (just 45 minutes from Calgary) is perfect for little legs. It's an easy half day hike with limited elevation gain. The trail follows the creek and there are seven log-wood bridges along the route which my daughter literally skipped across while I held on tight to the railing. We couldn't see the waterfall at the end because there's some rock-climbing involved in reaching it, but we enjoyed lunch at the little beach at the base of the falls. The wildflowers are incredible this time of year.

Another great area for hiking with kids is Bow Valley Provincial Park. There are a number of short loops and some great picnic spots. Head there soon to catch all the lillies and the Indian Paintbrush in bloom.

The Jack Wolfskin Watchtower Deluxe backpack is available to rent from Little Traveller for $7 a day / $42 a week.

Code Red "Bag It"

2009-07-11T14:40:00.004-06:00

While browsing in a Calgary store, I came across a great addition for my backpack, diaper bag and car's glove box. They are biodegradeable bags called the Code Red "Bag It" that come in a tiny red dispenser with a loop attached. I use mine as on-the-go diaper bags or garbage bags. I bought a pack of three dispensers -- 36 bags in all -- for just $9.99 at Kacz' Kids.

I love finding products like this that make my life easier!

Road trips and new rental gear

2009-07-11T13:55:00.004-06:00

Everyone I know is heading out on at least one road trip this summer with their children. We've got a few new items in our rental inventory that will make road trips and day trips easier. The Star Kids Snack & Play travel trays are ideal for keeping toddlers and preschoolers occupied on long journeys. The simple velcro closure attaches around any car seat to offer a flat play/snack surface. We rent them in the Calgary area for $3 a day / $18 per week.

Some moms I know don't let their kids eat in the car because of the mess it makes. I'm not one of them -- snacks are a highlight of our road trips! (And no one would notice a few extra crumbs on the floor of our car.) So, here are a few links I've found with great snack ideas and recipes.

5 Healthier Snacks for kids to eat on road trips
Great Road Trip Snacks from Road Trip America
Weightwatchers Top 10 Road Trip Snacks

We've also added some UV playshade tents and over-the-shoulder cooler bags to our inventory to make day trips and picnics more fun for everyone. For more info and pricing, check out our Specials page online or give us a call at Little Traveller at 1-877-242-4067.

Calgary Stampede Tips and Tricks Part IV

2009-07-01T11:41:00.004-06:00

Yum. Who doesn't love pancakes and maple syrup? Here's a heads up on a few of the free Stampede breakfasts that are happening around Calgary in the next few days.

The CBC Stampede breakfast is tomorrow July 2 from 7-9 am at the CBC building on Memorial Dr (1724 Westmount Blvd NW). This is the first breakfast event for the Stampede Caravan which tours the city dishing out free sausage and pancakes. Click here for the Caravan schedule.

Calgary's largest stampede breakfast takes place at Chinook Mall on July 4 from 7-11 am.

Visit Stampedebreakfasts.com to get a full listing of events around Calgary that are searchable by city quadrant, postal code or date.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T11:26:00.007-06:00

Today is the official kick-off of the Little Taveller and Baby Rhys great summer bandana hat giveaway!

For the month of July, all Little Traveller baby equipment rental customers will get a free eco-friendly cotton bandana hat for their little travellers. Check out the Baby Rhys Adventure Gear web site for more great products from this Albertan company.

Want to know more about Canada Day? Check this page out for the inside scoop on the history of the celebration.

Who are we? Little Traveller rents baby gear in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Calgary Stampede Tips and Tricks Part III

2009-06-29T13:43:00.007-06:00

Click on the photo above to find out what's new for 2009 at the Calgary Stampede. Some of the highlights include the new Midway Circus featuring celebrity racing pigs, a high dive show and freestyle extreme motocross. On the Saddledome Plaza stage check out Recycled Percussion for some exuberant high energy beats performed on plastic buckets, ladders and recycled containers. Band member Justin Spencer is apparently the world's fastest drummer.

If you plan on enjoying the midway rides and are in Calgary before the Stampede starts, head to a Mac's convenience store (there are 20 locations around Calgary) to purchase a book of advance tickets. This is the best deal in town.

Here's a link to a coupon for 20% off merchandise at the Calgary Stampede Store. Click on the Calgary Stampede.

July 5 is Family Day and July 8 is Kids' Day. Enjoy free admission both days from 6 til 9 am and a free pancake breakfast for the first 20,000 people. Arrive early to avoid the line-ups.

If you haven't already done so, check out more tips Part I and Part II or request a Stampede with Kids Cheat Sheet from Little Traveller. Have a fantastic time!

The scoop on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop

2009-06-27T11:58:00.004-06:00

Like all celebrities, Gwyneth Paltrow has done more than her fair share of travelling. To share her knowledge and insider tips, she publishes a weekly newsletter that features her personal travel tips but also recipes, crafts, fashion and much more.

If you want your children to experience life in the celebrity fast lane next time you're in New York, LA, London or Chicago check out this newsletter on kid-friendly restaurants. For something more wallet-friendly, bake some of Gwyneth's favourite cookies with your little ones this weekend.

You can sign up for her newsletter through her web portal Goop.com.

Calgary Stampede Tips and Tricks Part II

2009-06-25T13:56:00.004-06:00

When I am out for the day with my children I tend to get a little stressed about what we're going to eat. I find the day is so much more enjoyable if we can manage regular snacks, drink plenty of water and eat a decent lunch with a chance to sit down.

If you get to the Stampede early (before 8am) on Family Day July 5 or Kids Day July 8 then you'll hopefully get to sample the free pancake breakfast that is served to the first 20,000 people. Head to the grandstand to take advatange of the free food and a show.

Although the Stampede is supposed to be a trans-fat-free zone this year, there is still plenty of junk food around. If you want to avoid it for lunch or dinner, try The Range food court on the lower level of the Big Four Building for a selection of fast food. It's open from 11 am to 11 pm.

While I don't believe there are any sliced grapes or peeled apple slices in these packs, the souvenir Stampede Packs do contain a juice box, bag of Munchies, sunflower seeds and more. In other words, you probably won't need to hunt for snacks. For $12 you get a colourful kids backpack filled with goodies. There are several pack options for older kids. To get yours, head to the BMO centre Hall A.

For more insider tips to the Stampede, email a request to Little Traveller for our 2009 cheat sheet.

Top 5 Kids' Music CDs

2009-06-25T13:35:00.003-06:00

I spent most of my free time in April and May listening to kids' music CDs. Whenever we drove anywhere, I'd quiz my daughter on the relative merits of the latest batch of CDs we were listening to. She was my captive audience and I got some straight-talking, highly opinionated 4-year-old feedback.

Check out the results of our joint efforts in my article on Savvymom.ca and this month's Savvy Five on Kids' Music CDs.

Bathroom breaks

2009-06-22T08:51:00.004-06:00

My husband and daughter went to see UP at the movie theatre this weekend. Inevitably, little L needed a bathroom break half way through. If I'd found this site on Friday, I could have given my husband a heads-up on when to time the trip to the loo.

Runpee.com gives suggestions for pee breaks so that you don't have to miss key plot turns or the funniest bits of a movie. It's great for parents with little ones or pregnant ladies. Print out the suggested break times and bring them along with you so that you can read up on what is happening while you pee!

Calgary Stampede Tips & Tricks, part I

2009-06-18T13:44:00.006-06:00

It's only 2 weeks until the start of the 2009 Calgary Stampede. And I am ready. I found an old leather vest at a flea market the other day that will help me look the part, although it doesn't smell quite as fresh as I'd like it to. We always take our children to the Stampede parade. My 4 year old loves to watch the horses and other farm animals wander down 5th Ave (especially if they poop which she finds hilarious). I'll keep my 16-month old strapped into a backpack carrier again this year. (There's no room for a stroller among the crowds lining the route.) She loves music so she'll enjoy the marching bands.

To ease you into the spirit of the Stampede, today is designated Get Your Head in a Hat day and free cowboys hats will be given out around the city. Make sure you dust off yours as volunteers will be giving out spot prizes to anyone seen sporting a cowboy hat during Stampede (July 3-12). Check out the Stampede blog for more.

Until June 30, enjoy 15% off all merchandise through the Stampede online store. Use promo code "stampede09" (no spaces). I love the little horse buckle for kids.

If you want more info, request a copy of the Little Traveller Calgary Stampede with kids "cheat sheat" by emailing us or commenting on this posting (we won't post your email address). We'll be posting more Stampede insider tips over the next two weeks.

Summer in the Pass

2009-06-17T14:04:00.005-06:00

Are you looking for a family friendly adventure this summer and want to try something new? Then head to the Crowsnest Pass -- I highly recommend it. My family has a cabin there and we escape south a couple of times a month to unwind away from the city.

I wrote about my top 10 favourite summer things to do in the Pass in the upcoming July/August edition of Calgary's Child. Here they are in short form. For the full text, pick up a Calgary's Child magazine.
- Tour the Bellevue Mine
- Visit the Hillcrest Mine disaster
- Walk the Frank Slide trail
- Hike the historic Miner's Path
- Cool off at the Flummerfelt water park
- Munch on a warm cinnamon bun at the Cinnamon Bear Cafe
- Go fly-fishing on the Crowsnest River
- Tour the Crowsnest Museum
- Picnic at Chinook Lake
- Enjoy Rum Runner Days from July 16 to 19

...and remember to pack the sunscreen!

A map of Calgary's Attractions

2009-06-16T13:54:00.002-06:00

For a quick overview of Calgary's main attractions, click here to view an online map.

Click on the link at the top right for family friendly coupons.

Travel Alberta Family mag

2009-06-16T13:38:00.003-06:00

If you are visiting Alberta this summer or live here and plan to take a vacation close to home, then take a peek at the new edition of Travel Alberta's STAY Family magazine. It's packed with great ideas for things to do with kids in southern Alberta.

Click here to download the pdf (it's a big file - about 11 mb - so may take a while).

CARES winner

2009-06-11T14:27:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Andrea Condron of Ontario who won the CARES airplane harness from Little Traveller this week! Thank you to everyone who entered the competition.

To read a recent review of the CARES harness from the author of Jet with Kids, visit the Kid's Fly Safe website here.

CARES are available to rent through Little Traveller in Calgary for $25 per trip or to purchase for $85.

The Nanny Dish

2009-06-09T13:21:00.003-06:00

Feeling creative? Have a funny nanny story to tell?

Nannies on Call and Fat Rock Productions have launched a mini-writing competition called "The Nanny Dish." To enter, write 300 words about a nanny situation from a mother's perspective (can be fact or fiction). The grand prize is a full-time nanny placement through Nannies on Call and registration in a Fat Rock online screenwriting workshop. The story will also be developed into a screenplay. There are numerous runner's up prizes, too. So start writing... the deadline is July 15.

For info and rules visit www.nannydish.com

Still dreaming of Tofino

2009-06-09T12:57:00.004-06:00

My family and I just got back from a fabulous, sunny week in Tofino. We had such an amazing time there last June that we decided to head back there this year. We stay at the Crystal Cove Beach Resort on Mackenzie Beach -- a resort that is absolutely perfect for children. Our 2-bed log cabin was right on the beach -- a long, sheltered sandy beach that is almost deserted this time of year. There are loads of starfish-filled rock pools to discover and the waves are small, just right for toddlers and pre-schoolers to splash about in.

The resort has its own hand-hewn wood children's playground including an old boat to clamber on. The cabins come with a fully equipped kitchen, TV and a log fireplace with plenty of wood. The resort also caters to campers and RVs.

Tofino is a 5 hour drive from Victoria so we prefer to fly to Vancouver then take the ferry to Nanaimo. (We spotted a pod of orcas on the way there and dolphins on the way back.) From there it's a 2.5 to 3 hour scenic drive. We rented our baby gear from Wee Travel in Vancouver who delivered to the airport for us.

Highlights from our travels include:
- enjoying the views from the sun deck of the ferry
- exploring the rock pools on Mackenzie Beach
- making elaborate sand castles
- brunch at the Common Loaf bakery in Tofino
- exploring the Botanic Gardens
- hiking the Schooner Cove boardwalk
- boat trip to Meares Island
- massage at the Wikaninnish Inn (mum's special treat)

We'll be back next year for sure. If I can wait that long :o)

Announcing our fabulous July promotion

2009-05-28T22:07:00.005-06:00

You're the first to hear about our fabulous July promotion! For the month of July (longer if we still have stock), we will be giving all Little Traveller rental customers a free Baby Rhys bandana hat (retails for $14.99) to celebrate the summer in style! The sassy headgear fits children from 0 to 4 years and is made from 100% breathable, hand-dyed, handloomed cotton. All the Baby Rhys Adventure Gear products are designed in the Canadian Rockies and are inspired by an active on-the-go lifestyle. That's why we love them so much!

We have the bandana hats available in small, medium and large in an assortment of colours. Reserve your rental equipment through Little Traveller now to get the best selection of colours!

p.s. If you're visiting Calgary in July for the Stampede ask for a copy of our insider guide to the Stampede with kids.

Hurry for your chance to win!

2009-05-28T21:36:00.004-06:00

There's just over a week left to enter to win a CARES harness at Canadianbabies.ca. Enter online by voting for your favourite entry from Little Traveller's blog. We want to know what you want to know!

The major pros of the CARES harness:
- it's easy to use
- it fits in your purse
- it stops your toddler from squirming out of his/her seat
- it offers the same safety rating as a car seat (so much safer than a lap belt alone)

If you're not the lucky winner on June 8, don't despair. Little Traveller has CARES available to rent as well as to purchase. Visit us online at Little Traveller's website or call us on 1-877-242-4067.

Calgary's Amazing Attractions

2009-05-25T13:41:00.004-06:00

The Travel Alberta web site just announced some summer coupons and special deals for Calgary. By signing up for a holiday card (which is free) you can take advantage of some great deals at some of the best family friendly attractions in the city. For example, you can enjoy 50% off admission for up to four people at Calaway Park. And there are similar deals for the Calgary Zoo, TELUS World of Science, the Aero Space Museum and more.

Strolling back into shape

2009-05-21T12:31:00.005-06:00

I don't care for the gym and running is too sweaty for my liking. But I love to walk, and when the sun is shining I can't wait to get out the door.

When my oldest child was a baby, I'd walk for a couple of hours several times a week while she napped. Organized stroller fitness hadn't caught on yet. But now there's a wide choice of stroller fitness classes and boot camps to choose from in Calgary. And there's another option, too. You can become your own personal trainer with the Strollometer. This wireless device straps onto your stroller and measures your speed, trip distance and time, daily mileage and even the temperature so you know when to tuck an extra blanket around baby. It fits any stroller and is available from Ontario-based BabyBling.ca for $54.99.

25 best campgrounds in Canada

2009-05-13T14:08:00.007-06:00

If you're planning a family camping trip this summer, check out this article from Today's Parent on the 25 best campgrounds in Canada.

If you're heading to a national park, visit the Parks Canada online campground reservation service to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Here at Little Traveller, we rent out the Peapod travel bed to families with little children in the Calgary area. The compact pop-up tent has mesh sides for added bug protection and an inflatable mattress. It's suitable from 0 to 12 months. Visit LittleTraveller.ca for more portable equipment ideas for camping trips.

Family car games

2009-05-12T13:14:00.002-06:00

Here's a cool post on Savvymom.ca with ideas for games to play with the kids on your next road trip... or when stuck in traffic around town.

A winning combination

2009-05-08T13:31:00.005-06:00

Massage and childcare... yay! I just read that Prema Sai Wholistic Living now has free childcare available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. My prayers are answered. I no longer have to schedule my monthly massage for last thing on a Thursday night or guiltily squeeze it in around our weekend plans. Now I can bring my kids along and enjoy a leisurely mid-morning slot while they play.

Prema Sai has 29 practioners on staff offering a wide range of wholistic treatments including massage (Tibeton Bon, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, hot stone and more), acupuncture and reflexology. What's more they specialize in prenatal therapies and will even arrange your baby shower for you.

You can book online and find them in Calgary at 2613 14St SW. Ask about their Mother's Day special.

Pit Stops with Kids

2009-05-04T14:24:00.009-06:00

It's not always the case (I can think of a couple of memorable exceptions!), but half the fun of a family trip is often the journey there and back. Especially if your kids are very small (so they sleep the whole time!) or old enough to enjoy some lively family discussions that you don't get around to having at home. There are also plenty of adventures to be had along the way, especially if you know where to look.

Next time you are planning a road trip through the US, check out the recommendations on Pitstopsforkids.com. This super-useful site provides reviews of kid-friendly places to rest, eat and play searchable by state, airport or interstate. Most of the reviews so far are for Oregon, Washington and California but they are expanding coverage.

The site doesn't have any recommendations yet for Canada but is hoping to expand northwards. So next time you head out on a road trip, make a note of where you stop and send in your reviews (details here). They also accept reviews of airports around the world.

What a great resource this will be for travelling families when we have all the major routes in Canada covered!

Heritage Park in the news

2009-05-04T13:59:00.006-06:00

Exciting things are afoot at Heritage Park. This weekend (May 9/10) is your last chance to visit Thomas the Tank Engine who has rolled into Calgary for a visit. There are limited tickets available at the gate (advance tickets are sold out).

Heritage Park recently unveiled its new $65 million expansion. With the addition of Heritage Town Square, the park now covers 127 acres on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. From May 16 to September 7 the historical village is open daily and is a great spot for a family day out. The new additions such as the interactive Gasoline Alley Museum give families more "all weather" options at the park. So you don't have to change your plans when one of Calgary's infamous spring storms rolls into town...

Little Traveller gets a mention

2009-04-29T14:00:00.003-06:00

Little Traveller was featured in Kim Gray's Modern Family blog on the Calgary Herald site last night. Take a peek at some of Kim's posts on all things family.

Win a CARES harness

2009-04-29T13:31:00.006-06:00

It's sunny outside here in Calgary which is very fitting for the launch of our sweet summer deals. To kick it off, we have a CARES competition through Canadian Babies. Click here to visit the contest page and vote for your favourite Little Traveller blog entry for a chance to win a CARES harness!

Little Traveller is a baby equipment rental company in Calgary that rents and sells the CARES harness across Canada.

Get all the latest parenting books...

2009-04-28T21:01:00.003-06:00

...summarized and delivered to your in-box by ParentsDigest.com! What a great way to get through the pile of unread parenting self-help books you bought in a moment of "why is my kid suddenly behaving like this?!" a few months back. If you like the sound of the summary, you can go ahead and purchase the book and read it from cover to cover, if you have the time.

Holiday Card offer

2009-04-27T14:03:00.004-06:00

The Holiday Card from Travel Alberta is free and gives you access to hundreds of special deals on accommodation, attractions and activities throughout the province. As part of its sweet summer deals promotion, Little Traveller is offering all Holiday Card carrying customers 10% off their rentals from May to September.

Little Traveller is a baby equipment rental company in Calgary. Visit our web site for a run down of all our sweet summer deals.

Top 5 things to do in Banff

2009-04-27T13:19:00.002-06:00

Ciao Bambino just published their top five things to do in Banff for those who are not familiar with the town.

The Head Snuggler

2009-04-24T19:52:00.003-06:00

I come across some weird stuff sometimes, but this seems to be a crazy-looking invention that might actually work. My 15-month old has a serious case of head lolling while she snoozes in her car seat and I'm planning on giving the Head Snuggler a try on our next road trip. Designed to properly support your child's head and neck in a car seat or a stroller, this mom-invented product designed in Calgary has the thumbs up from a pediatrician and a chiropractor.

Available online from Melrose Kids, the cost of the Head Snuggler is $15.99 plus $5 shipping.

CARES and special needs children -- new breakthrough

2009-04-21T20:44:00.004-06:00

There's great news of a breakthrough for parents of special needs children who would like to use the CARES airplane harness on flights in the US. If the CARES harness will physically fit your child (the black straps actually expand enough to fit a child about 4 ft 10 inches tall) even though they are over the 44 lb / 40 inch current limit, a request in writing can be made to the FAA for permission to use the CARES harness. Specify in the letter that you are willing to sit in a bulkhead seat (the last row of any section of the plane) so no one will be required to brace by leaning against your child's seat. According to Kid's Fly Safe MD Louise Stoll, the FAA will not take long to grant the exemption. Carry the exemption with you when you fly. When you make ticket arrangements, ask for a bulkhead seat, but there is no need to discuss anything further with the individual airlines.

The situation is Canada is less accommodating. Transport Canada told me that it is unlikely that an exemption could be issued at this time for special needs passengers over the current CARES limits since no regulatory requirements are yet in place for the use of CARES by children with special needs. Also, in Canada it is up to the individual airlines to make their own rules regarding the use of on board child restraint systems.

Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary sells and rents the CARES harnesses (we ship across Canada). Visit our website for more information or call us at 1-877-242-4067.

Add more fun and culture to your next family holiday

2009-04-20T14:29:00.006-06:00

My husband and I both did postgraduate research at university. It's left us with an incurable desire to research everything. If we watch a movie based on a real event, we read up on it afterwards to find out more about the event. When we plan a holiday, we delve into the history of the place. We don't overplan the trip itself because it's fun to discover the sights when you get there, but we like to have a grasp of the culture and even the language. We went to Zanzibar on our honeymoon and spent the months leading up to our wedding learning some Swahili so we could interact with the hotel staff and perhaps meet a few local people -- which we did. Our best memories of the trip come from these interactions.

We plan on continuing this approach to travelling with our chidren in tow. Of course we can't make them learn the local dialect but then children don't seem to let a little language barrier get in the way of a good playdate on the swings. And we won't force feed them culture -- there are more subtle ways of enjoying a foreign travel experience with kids. Check out this great blog posting written by Debbie Dubrow on the blog www.Travel-Rants.com: Adding fun and culture to your next holiday.

Baby B'Air in print

2009-04-15T14:00:00.005-06:00

The brand new May/June edition of Calgary's Child (page 4) features the Baby B'Air flight vest for lap-held infants. These are available to rent for or purchase from Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary.

Pick up your copy of the Calgary's Child spring issue to browse their annual summer camp and program guide and their festival guide for the upcoming Children's Festival in May. And don't miss the hulabazoo family event sponsored by Calgary's Child at the Calgary Zoo on May 9.

Nannies on call

2009-04-15T09:40:00.005-06:00

It was my birthday on the weekend and my husband surprised me with lunch at the always excellent River Cafe with a couple of friends. AND he arranged for a nanny to come and take care of our two children and our friend's two little ones (four kidlets under the age of five). How about that for a birthday treat!

He called Nannies on Call who offer full-service child care to private homes or hotels. They will find you a nanny to cover a dinner date or they'll find you a full-time live-in nanny if that's what you're looking for. Megan was our assigned nanny. The company emailed my husband a few days before with her name and a little bit of info about her. The minimum charge is for 3 hours. We booked Megan for 4 hours so we could stroll down to the restaurant in the warm spring sunshine and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Bliss.

Nannies on Call is a great resource for families travelling to Calgary. It's not cheap but it is convenient and all their nannies have clean criminal records and first aid training. Nannies on Call like to have 48 hours notice so book ahead of time if you can.

Now I just have to figure out what to get my hubby for his upcoming birthday. He's set the bar high this year...

CARES harness for children with special needs

2009-04-09T20:38:00.005-06:00

The CARES airplane harness can be a very useful tool for families flying with children that have special needs. If your child is in the 22-44 lb weight bracket and has physical disabilities, check with your doctor or physical therapist to determine whether the harness will provide sufficient upper body support. If you get the green light, check your bulky car seat and carry the little 6" CARES stuff sack on board instead.

For children with autism or related issues, the CARES harness has been successful in providing a level of security beyond what the lap belt alone does, and families that have used it say that it helps to keep their child calmer during the flight.

For more information on flying with children with special needs, check out this About.com web page that has relevant links to the major airlines.

Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary sells and rents the CARES harnesses (we ship within Canada). Visit our website for more information or call us at 1-877-242-4067.

How to snap great baby pics

2009-04-08T14:02:00.002-06:00

Do you want to take better photos of baby? Here's a link to the Olympus website with some useful tips from professional photographer Nick Kelsh.

I'm a big fan of tip number two on the list. I take loads and loads and loads of photos of my kids every time I get the camera out. Then I edit out all the bad ones and I'm usually left with a couple of gems. Or at the very least, a few photos that warrant some space in my photo album (no blinking, blurry individuals).

Nick Kelsh has also written a book called "How to Photograph Your Baby" which gets great reviews on Amazon.

US recommends rear-facing until 2

2009-04-06T13:54:00.007-06:00

At a National Safety Highway Conference last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced a new recommendation on the use of rear-facing car seats. Their research shows that toddlers are five times safer in rear-facing seats until they turn two. (Previously, the recommendation was to switch to a forward-facing seat when a child is a year old and at least 20 lbs in weight.) So, while most children will have outgrown their infant seat by 12 months, the AAP recommend that you rear-face your convertible car seat to keep your toddler safe for a further 12 months. Almost all convertible car seats have rear-facing upper weight restrictions of 35 lbs.

You may need to use a bolster or adjust the angle of the seat to level the car seat when it is used in rear-facing mode so that your child's head doesn't flop forward -- check your manufacturer's guidelines or have a certified child restraint technician help with the installation. In Calgary, I recommend LaVonne Ries of Keepin' Baby Safe. She runs regular car seat clinics. The next one scheduled is April 24 at Strathcona Community Centre.

Calgary Children's Fest

2009-04-03T21:47:00.005-06:00

Tickets went on sale this week for the 2009 Calgary International Children's Festival. If you are in town from May 19-23 then be sure to take the kids along to this event, which has been a big hit in my family for the past few years. This year, I'm taking both my children. My youngest will be 16 months but she loves music and likes to wriggle to a good rhythm so I've picked a performance by Splash 'n Boots as her entree into the world of performance art. There are 13 shows plus workshops to choose from.

Flying with baby -- the Delicious way!

2009-04-03T21:27:00.005-06:00

I thought about compiling a list of all the little things you need to consider when flying with babies or toddlers. But then I found this page on Delicious Baby (www.deliciousbaby.com) written by Debbie Dubrow, a mom of two from Seattle, WA. She's thought of everything so you don't have to. There's a section on how to breeze through security with kids and how to nurse or pump at high altitude, product reviews and more. Take a peek... when you have a spare hour or two.

Beautiful Photography

2009-03-30T20:09:00.003-06:00

Wondering what to buy a teen as a birthday gift (who wouldn't want to look this cool!)? Want to capture the essence of your bouncing baby or carefree toddler? Look no further than Calgary maternity/family photographer Brandi Murray, the talent behind Simply Connected Photography. I just love the way she uses colour and the urban backdrops she often chooses. I could look at the sample photography on her website all day long! She offers an "a la carte" service so you can pick and choose what prints/what size you want to order.

Brandi also has a blog. Click here to take a peek.

The Mother of all Packing Lists

2009-03-26T19:42:00.006-06:00

Packing for a family vacation takes a lot of preparation. I take the opposite approach to my husband and start making lists of things to remember weeks before I go, but I'm a serial list maker (and I tend to get very excited about upcoming trips). Here are a few websites with packing lists you can print out to help take the strain:

The website www.HaveBabyWillTravel.com has a pretty inclusive packing list to help you in this mammoth task. Consider renting the last four items on the list when you arrive at your destination, if that's an option.

There are a number of tailored packing lists at About.com including a Disney packing list and a camping packing list.

Listorganizer.com has a form to print and fill out so you can personalize your list according to baby's needs and the length of your trip.

For help with what to take pack in your carry on, check out www.havebabywilltravel.com again as well as the US Transportion Secutiry Administration's advice page, and the Canadian equivalent with a detailed list of what is and isn't permitted in carry on baggage.

Happy travels!

Five great kid's websites

2009-03-23T13:55:00.006-06:00

Check out the SavvyFive websites for kids article which I wrote this month with plenty of input from my 4 year old daughter. Like most kids nowadays, she has an instinctive grasp of computers and technology in general and has no trouble navigating around even the most complicated websites. I have these five websites bookmarked for her in a folder named "Lily."

If you're travelling with kids, consider downloading a few Sesame Street video podcasts onto your iPod, iPhone or something similar. They're free and available through iTunes or here: www.sesamestreet.org/podcasts

Baby Rhys Adventure Gear

2009-03-19T20:15:00.009-06:00

Baby Rhys is a Canadian kids adventure gear company after my own heart. All the Baby Rhys products are inspired by an active lifestyle and a sense of fun (so much colour!) and adventure. Their designs focus on practical convenience without skimping on style. All the products work well for little travellers on the go, but my favourites are the bandana hat and the diaper tote bag (perfect for the airplane). Also check out their award-winning cotton and suede infant crib shoes that come in an assortment of such cheerful colours that you'll forget all about the ice and snow outside and dream of springtime...

Blogs rule!

2009-03-19T13:04:00.003-06:00

I have to admit to a major love affair with blogs! I get a huge rush when I find a new one that I really enjoy reading (Julie Cole: The Baby Machine) or when I come across a blog that informs me (Baboo Baby) or offers a great service (clickthemouse.ca). It's just amazing how much fresh information, advice and funny opinions there are out there waiting to be discovered.

My latest find is motherofadeal.com. They post special deals, freebies, coupons, store closings, samples sales, travel deals and more. The perfect service for anyone like me who loves a great bargain!

10 things to do in Calgary

2009-03-19T12:49:00.006-06:00

Looking for fun things to do in Calgary? Here's an article I just wrote for Helpwevegotkids.com with 10 fun things to do in Calgary -- take a gander if you get stuck for ideas.

Turbulence Tips

2009-03-09T14:01:00.004-06:00

Most flights experience some form of turbulence from weather systems or erratic air movements. And while pilots often know when to expect it, clear air turbulence can catch the crew (and therefore the passengers) unawares. To help prevent injury from turbulence during a flight, follow these guidelines:
- keep your seatbelt buckled at all times when seated (to keep yourself safe and to set a good example to your children)
- keep your child's seatbelt or restraint harness buckled at all times when seated
- don't get up unless necessary
- when walking about the cabin, hold on to the seat backs or overhead bins and keep hold of your child at all times
- don't stow heavy items in the overhead bins
- keep the overhead bins closed at all times
- consider renting or purchasing a Baby B'Air flight vest for your baby travelling in your lap or a CARES harness if your child is over a year old, weighs at least 22 lbs and has her own seat. Both restraints are designed to keep little travellers safe during mid-flight turbulence.

Safe travels!

What are those weird noises we hear during flight?

2009-03-05T19:26:00.005-07:00

I found this information interesting... and reassuring! And I'm looking forward to explaining away the roars and thumps to my ever curious 4 year old next time we fly. It's taken from the Boeing website.

In the early days of aviation it was common for people to refer to airplanes as "flying machines" -- and that's exactly what they are. When you're flying, you're inside a large, complex machine, so it's common to hear a lot of strange sounds. Here are some of them:
A drilling sound prior to takeoff and on approach to landing That's the sound of the flaps and slats being extended on the wings. These panels, which increase the area and curvature of the wing when extended to facilitate low-speed flying, are driven by a screw mechanism that causes the noise you hear.
A high-pitched whine prior to take-off That's the sound of the engines spooling up for take-off. Once airborne, the pilot will throttle the engines back, and during cruise the sound of the engines becomes more of a hum than a whine.
Rattling during takeoff or turbulence That's the sounds of things being jostled in overhead bins and other parts of the cabin due to engine vibrations on takeoff or turbulence during flight. It's not the sound of the airplane breaking apart!
A thump beneath the floor following takeoff That's the landing gear going up into the belly of the plane and the doors to the landing gear bay being shut.
A loud roar following touchdown That's the sound of the thrust reversers, which help slow the plane once it's on the runway. They literally reverse the flow of the air through the engines which is why they are so loud. Airplanes are designed to stop using breaks alone, but flight crews typically deploy the thrust reversers to help save wear and tear on the braking system.

Baby B'Airs are here!

2009-03-04T22:07:00.004-07:00

Little Traveller now has Baby B'Air flight vests available to rent or purchase.

These award-winning quilted flight vests are for lap-held infants up to the age of two. They are designed to protect infants during the flight portion of a trip when 90% of turbulence occurs. They also help to safely secure wriggly children.

The vest is made from 100% cotton and is comfortable to wear (and easy to wash).

For more info: Baby B'Air / CARES harness

Superstars choose Little Traveller!

2009-03-04T21:56:00.003-07:00

We briefly mingled with some international superstars (well, with their assistants if truth be told) last week when we rented snowsuits to Ms Tori Spelling and Mr Dean McDermott who were in town filming with their two little ones. I'm sure they don't have much need for snowsuits in LA. We were happy to help out.

Why rent baby gear?

2009-02-26T19:30:00.004-07:00

Renting baby equipment makes sense for many reasons. Here are the most common reasons people call Little Traveller:

- I like the convenience of travelling light knowing that I can rent what I need in Calgary
- My young nieces and nephews/grandchildren are coming for a visit
- I need a car seat for my rental car
- I want to rent a CARES harness to keep my child safe on our next flight
- I need some gear to keep tabs on my errant toddler at the airport or Disneyland
- I’m having a party and I need some extra highchairs
- I need some toys to keep my little one amused at the hotel
- I want my toddler to sleep in a sturdy full-sized crib
- I need some child-friendly equipment to take my kids hiking or camping
- I’ve relocated to Calgary and I need to rent some equipment until my container arrives
- I’d really like to try out a piece of expensive equipment before I buy one

All our equipment is new, clean and CSA approved. We monitor for safety recalls and safety inspect every item between uses. For a complete listing of our gear, visit www.littletraveller.ca/equipment

Triple Airmiles rewards miles

2009-02-26T13:30:00.006-07:00

We're always searching for ways to improve our level of service. If you have a BMO Mosaik mastercard and you need to rent some baby equipment in Calgary or purchase a CARES harness then you're in luck! Little Traveller now offers triple airmiles rewards to all Mosaik cardholders. To check out the latest triple airmiles partners in Calgary, click here.

The BabyBjorn travel crib light

2009-02-22T20:41:00.003-07:00

I had several requests for this from Calgary mums so I've added it to my inventory. And when I got it and tried it out I was suitably impressed. I'd read the rave reviews (see www.amazon.com) but this is truly a luxury travel crib. Pricey, yes, but worth it. It is the perfect crib to take with you on trips. It can be set up in record time with a flick of the wrist, weighs only 5kgs/11lb, and comes in a smart carrying case. Check out the manufacturer's website for a demo of its ease of use. It's ideal for mums who are pregnant and don't want to lift a pack-n-play or for grandparents with bad backs... The crib can be used for newborns and up to the age of three.

It is rented with two organic cotton and bamboo fitted sheets for $12 day / $70 per week. Visit the Little Traveller website for more info on our products and services.