Hotel Regent Aragon

Pets are wonderful.  They cheer you up when you are down, keep you laughing, and love you no matter what.  There is very little more heartwarming than seeing a child who has fallen asleep curled up next to a puppy.

Pets are a very common gift for children at holidays.  Puppies and kittens at Christmas, baby ducks, chicks and bunnies at Easter and so forth.  What child’s eyes wouldn’t light up at the sight of a brand new baby animal to hold and hug?  The promises to love, feed and take care of the new additions to the family flow like water.

The critters are soft, warm and fuzzy gifts for certain but, and it’s a big but, they all grow up and in just a few short weeks are no longer cute little puppies but big romping barking dogs, the cuddly little kittens have turned into large aloof cats.  The baby ducks and chicks are no longer soft and fuzzy, but big, noisy and messy, and those two bunnies, Fred and George turned out to be Fred and Georgia!

Pets are a long term commitment and buying a pet as a gift should be a well planned and thought out move not a spur of the moment decision based on emotional reaction.

If you are honestly thinking of getting someone a pet for the holidays (even if it is not for a child) be sure it is something you would do even if there were no holiday involved.

Make sure the gift fits.  If the primary responsibility of caring for the animal is going to fall to a young child you don’t want to get a dog that will quickly grow to the size of a small pony which the child wouldn’t be capable of handling.  You might also want to make sure you expose your child to other people’s pets for decent lengths of time before buying a pet, so if by chance they have allergic reactions to animals you will know before you bring one home for them to fall in love with.  This will also give you the time to  convince them that they would really prefer a turtle, lizard or something else that doesn’t have dander.

Keep in mind those animals, like babies, cost money way above and beyond the purchase price.   Food, leashes, food, collars, food and water bowls, training supplies, food, toys, vet bills, food, licenses and tags, and more food!

There is a great deal of time that has to be invested in most any pet and the holidays are not always a good time to be doing that.  The hustle and excitement of a houseful of friends and family may not be the ideal setting for a new puppy, kitten, or any other young animal.  A better idea might be to cut out a picture of the pet you have in mind and put that in a card and make sure the child understands that as soon as the holidays have passed and things have gone back to a normal relaxed state they can help pick out the newest member of the family.

It’s eternally frustrating to find yourself in a position of needing something only to root through your carry on luggage bag to and not find it. With airline security rules becoming stricter, knowing what to bring on the plane can be difficult. Always consult the airline before packing for your trip.

There are a few things which, as a general rule, you should keep with you at all times while traveling. Keep this list handy while you pack your carry on bag. It will help ensure you don’t forget anything important.

Diapers – Figure one diaper per hour in the air. It’s likely you won’t need this many, but it’s always better to have too many than not enough.

Baby wipes – Wipes are convenient and versatile. Not only are they great at cleaning diaper messes, but also work wonders on messy hands and faces, too.

Comfort items – Flying can be stressful for young children, so it’s important to bring along their favorite snuggle toy or blanket

Small blanket – Depending on where you are in the plane, it’s possible your child will get cold. While most airplanes do have blankets, they are not usually washed between flights. Better to bring your own. If breastfeeding on the plane, be sure the blanket is large enough to give you some privacy.

Snacks – Many airlines are not serving snacks anymore, so bring your own. Good airplane snacks include crackers, cheese sandwiches, a favorite dry cereal and cut fruit.

Drinks – Airplane air is dry. Be sure to bring plenty if bottled water for you and baby. Don’t forget the sippy cup or straw, if baby uses them.

Activities – Let’s face it, there isn’t much to do on an airplane. Bring coloring books and crayons, books to read, and a favorite toy. Clothes – Spills and accidents happen. Remember to pack at least one change of clothes for each of you.

When flying with babies and young toddlers, the most difficult part of the flight is likely to be take off and landing. As the plane gains altitude the cabin pressure changes, making the air pressure around the inner ear off balance. This causes pressure on the inner ear drum, uncomfortable enough for an adult, but usually very painful for a baby or small child who can’t pop their ears.

Experienced traveling parents know there are a few tricks you can use to help minimize the pressure and keep your child comfortable. While making take off more pleasant for your child doesn’t guarantee a peaceful, relaxing flight, it will to a long way to making baby’s flight less stressful.

First, try to plan ahead and schedule a fight close to your baby’s regular feeding time. Breastfeeding is the most effective way to calm your fussy baby and minimize that inner ear pressure. If you don’t breastfeed, or are uncomfortable nursing in public, offer baby a bottle or pacifier as the plane takes off.

For a toddler, try putting earplugs or cotton balls in their ears before take off. The earplugs will help equalize the pressure. Be sure your child’s favorite comfort item is not under the plane. Stash it in your carry on bag and give it to your child before take off and landing. Having a familiar cuddle item will help your child cope with the odd sensations in their ears.

Older children can chew gum and make funny faces, opening their mouth as wide as they can. Also, before the flight teach your older child to pop their ears by holding their nose and blowing.

By taking a few simple steps to eliminate the pain of take off and landing you will ensure a more pleasant flight for your baby, yourself, and your fellow passengers.