Gear and Travel

The thought of potty training may seem overwhelming at first. Deciding on what products to buy is a challenge. There are so many products designed to “help” you potty train your child. How do you know which ones to buy? Here is my simple guide to potty training essentials.

POTTY SEATS

A potty seat is essential. Your toddler is too small to use a normal adult-sized toilet. The 3 categories are:

1. Over the Toilet - A small seat that goes over an adult toilet seat. No dumping necessary. Everything goes straight into the toilet. If you choose this method, make sure you use a step stool to prevent your child’s legs from dangling. The step stool will add support.

Loves

Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer - Not bulky, fits well on almost any seat, so easy to use your toddler can do it.

Buying necessities and gear for babies and toddlers can be overwhelming and expensive. It’s no surprise that parents want to cut corners and purchase some items second-hand. There are some products that you never want to buy used. Safety is the priority. Here are some essentials and “bargains” that you should skip at that garage sale or online auction site!

Crib
Avoid buying a used crib. You don’t know if the crib was put together properly originally which could affect its wear and tear. Is there a loose screw somewhere? You may never know until it falls apart. Furthermore, you would want to ensure that the crib has not been recalled.

Breast Pump
A non-hospital grade breast pump with the exception of the EnJoye Professional-Grade Breast Pump by Hygeia, should only be used by one person. Bodily fluids may transfer into the pump. There is no way to clean and disinfect standard breast pumps. Infectious diseases may be transferred. Also, the manufacturers warranty is usually violated. If you have issues with the pump, you will not get any assistance from the manufacturer.

Mattress
Can you say bed bugs? Dust mites and germs can easily harbor inside a mattress. Was it cared for properly? Stored in a moldy place? You will never know so just buy a new one. The mattress could also be contaminated with chemicals which would increase baby’s risk for SIDS.

Car Seat
A car seat should not be used again if it has been in an accident. A crash can cause visible or non-visible structural damage. A new car seat has its advantages. You know the expiration date, have a warranty, and you know it hasn’t been in a car accident. Unless you absolutely know the history of a car seat, buy a new one.

Helmet
Helmets, like car seats, shouldn’t be used after a car crash. A helmet may have non-visible damage preventing it from providing necessary protection. Helmets contain EPS foam inside. EPS is only meant to protect one crash only. Sometimes, the damage can be hidden. Also, some manufacturers recommend to replace a helmet every 2 years due to natural breakdown of components, whether it has been in a crash or not.

Shoes
Yes, kids grow out of shoes at the blink of an eye. Despite this, buying second-hand shoes is not a good option. Shoes that have been worn have already been shaped and molded. Buy new. Otherwise you are forcing your toddler to mold into the shape of someone else’s foot.

By: Sheneq Aranda

Traveling with a baby takes serious thought and planning. You have to be well-organized and create a strategic plan for what feels like what you would develop for a Fortune 500 company! I’ve been traveling with my son since he was 2 weeks of age and have learned countless tips, tricks, and methods to the madness.

My new favorite thing is traveling umbrella style. With an umbrella stroller that is! Dealing with security, suitcases, gate checking and everything else that goes along with travel is hectic on its own. I’ll take anything that makes life a little easier. However, you don’t want just any old $20 umbrella stroller that will fall apart if the wind blows it over. Go for something solid instead.

The Cybex Onyx is a 17 pound lightweight umbrella stroller that takes you from newborn to the toddler phase. That’s right, NEWBORN to toddler! A car seat adaptor is available turning it into a travel system.

You might think 17 lbs is a bit heavy for an umbrella stroller, but it adds to the sturdiness needed to carry a newborn and makes the ride a little more smooth for a toddler. I’ve traveled with the Cybex Onyx including a 2 week trip to London strolling down cobblestone and brick roads. British Airways even folded it and put it in the closet on the flight. There was no need to even gate check it!

By the way, I will NEVER travel to a big walking city with a bulky stroller again. If you will be using public transportation, you will thank your lucky stars that you brought something light and folds up like an umbrella! Trust me. Been there. Done that. Getting off of the subway in NYC only to find a flight of stairs waiting for you will make you get back on the train and hope the next stop has a working elevator! The Onyx also holds up to 55 lbs. Perfect for traveling!

Some of my favorite features are:

One Hand Recline - Baby falls asleep and the one hand recline makes it super easy to adjust the position without disturbing baby.

Easily Adjusts - The harness is super easy to adjust. Simply push a button and pull to tighten and release.

Built-in Strap - The carry strap is built-in. Just fold, pick-up and carry.

Adjustable Footrest - Love how the legs can hang down like in a standard stroller or I can easily lift and lock the footrest so my son can sit with criss cross.

Automatic Lock - My favorite feature! The Onyx automatically locks when you fold it so you aren’t bending down or struggling to lock your stroller in line at the crowded airport. This is a feature that could save you from a runaway toddler! There is no latch to connect. It’s simple. Gate check your stroller without a hassle! It’s super easy to unlock and you can do it without looking.

The Cybex Onyx is also an option for your everyday stroller. If you don’t need a big bulky stroller with the shock absorbency of an SUV or are budget conscious, but want solid quality, the Onyx is your best bet.

Check out our favorite new, improved and coming soon products from the fall ABC show!