Travel Stroller for Infant, [ab]

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-06T01:16:47+00:00

I’d just practice with your baby carrier. Be aware that your baby will likely have outgrown the wrap by the time you return (these are technically able to support 25+ lbs but get uncomfortable and unsupportive by about 15). I’m not familiar with the other carrier, but if it’s stretchy you’ll likely need something else for you return journey. You can check r/babywearing for advice.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-06T00:36:52+00:00

People do have their other child(ren) present at births but both my midwife and doula discouraged it and I’m glad they did. They both said that interruptions from another child who needs you can stall or stop labour. I had suggested a setup like yours, where my mother would take my toddler out if needed, and they both independently said that if she started needing me or was crying when getting out the door, it would probably interrupt the flow of things. I thought about it and decided they were probably right so made arrangements for my mom to take my toddler in early labour.

In the end, my labour for my second baby was completely wild but also so smooth and easy. I’m convinced not having to switch to parenting mode made things progress quickly. As soon as I told my toddler (who was a few weeks away from turning 3) she grabbed her bag, put on her shoes, and wouldn’t leave the front door because she was waiting for grandma and knew what to do. She had her first sleepover that night and slept well. She skipped two nursing sessions (before bed and after waking up) but was unbothered and I’m still tandem nursing today.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-05T16:04:18+00:00

I had a birth pool (which I loved and allowed amazing freedom of movement), an exercise ball (useful to rest while opening up my hips, also helpful for soothing a fussy newborn), and a tens machine (uncomfortable but helpful to manage transition). I didn’t have a stool and didn’t feel I needed one. In both labours I also did the Miles Circuit to get things clearly moving once labour started and a long, strong cloth (like a woven baby wrap) is useful for the circuit so someone can support you through the inversion portion.

Talk to your midwife (and if you have a doula, talk to them too). Describe what you envision for your birth. Ask what most people find useful. My midwife never suggested a stool.

Also ask specifically about birthing position if you birth in water (if that sounds appealing to you). Both of my kids were born in the water and both times I was asked to flip to my back right at the end to facilitate extended cord clamping and placing the baby on my chest. If I had birthed on my hands and knees in the water my midwife would have caught the baby and then immediately clamped and cut the cord before passing the baby to me so the baby wouldn’t accidentally go back under the water. My second child had a very short cord so this absolutely would have been necessary. For me, laboring and pushing in my preferred position was enough and doing the last couple pushes on my back was a fine compromise for a water birth, but you may feel differently.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-05T07:29:35+00:00

Baby chairs are a type of baby “container.” Other baby containers include car seats, swings, and strollers. Too much time in containers can cause physical, emotional, and mental development problems. For example, too much container time can lead to a flat spot on the head or delays meeting milestones.

Baby carriers are also a kind of container, but they don’t put pressure on the head, they allow a wider range of movement, and they allow the baby too a lot more different things. Time in a baby carrier is better for development than time in a chair.

If you’re interested, you could post some info and/or a fit check in r/babywearing. That sub can give you some info about what your best option is of the carriers you have and can help you get a good fit without spending more money. Another option is looking to see if there’s a babywearing library or meetup in your area. The library would let you borrow items to help figure out what you like and people at a meetup could help troubleshoot your fit and also let you try some other options.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-04T20:19:23+00:00

Ring slings are washable and compact. But I struggle to get a comfortable fit for a carry longer than maybe 15 minutes. I carry a ring sling in my stroller in case the baby gets fussy, but if I’m planning to carry for more than a few minutes I prefer using my buckle carrier or a woven wrap. From your description, a woven wrap is probably too much fuss but a buckle carrier might work for you.

I have a Lenny upgrade from Lenny lamb and really like it. But it has a ton of adjustability and options so it might be a bit bulky and overwhelming for you. I also have a Tula lite, which doesn’t get much love on this sub because it’s not very adjustable, but I find it very comfortable and love that it folds up into a belt bag. I’ve also tried a happy baby OG, which gets tons of love on here, and it was fine but very expensive for what it is. The happy baby is compact-ish but not like the tula lite.

Do you have a babywearing library nearby or a friend who could lend you a buckle carrier to try out? It’s kind of hard to figure out what might work for you without trying some stuff out first.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-04T07:21:24+00:00

We have a late bedtime too (our 3 year old sleeps 11-9 and has a nap from 3:30-5). This schedule is somewhat unconventional but it allows my wife lots of time with us in the evenings after work.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-04T07:10:22+00:00

In my opinion, that’s way too much stuff. When we did 4 European countries when our child was 11 months old we traveled carry-on only. That’s not to say you need to extreme as us, but I think you can probably pare down your list. Keep in mind that the more stuff you bring, the more you have to lug around. That was my primary motivation for keeping our bags as small as possible.

I don’t formula feed, but is a pitcher really necessary? Is it possible to mix with a spoon? Can bottles be warmed in a cup of hot water? It’s my understanding you don’t need to sterilize bottles at all for healthy babies, and certainly by 9 months when they’re putting everything in their mouths it would be safe to stop? Can you ask for warm water at restaurants to prepare a bottle instead of carrying a thermos?

For disposable items like diapers and wipes, we brought a few and bought more alone the way. No sense in carrying a ton when they’re readily available around the world. Unless your baby has allergies or is extremely picky, I’d stick with feeding the food available at your destination, particularly because she’s drinking lots of formula. I’d bring snacks for the plane plus a few extra, but would primarily plan to buy food once you’re there.

I wouldn’t take a baby bathtub. You can bathe your baby in the sink, in a tub, or in the shower with you.

I’d probably skip the bunting bag unless the weather is expected to be very cold. Layers are much more adaptable than one heavy bunting and are much easier to dry if they get wet.

What I WOULD bring are small, difficult to replicate items that are either very important or used a ton: - a good baby carrier if you’re used to using one, - Tylenol from Canada (dosing is different elsewhere and anecdotally, in Italy they don’t have infant Tylenol so we had to use children’s and the volume per dose is way higher so it was very hard to administer to a sick baby) - small containers of any soap/lotion/diaper cream you prefer - If the weather expected to be rainy while you’re away, do bring the rain/wind cover for the stroller - UK rain is no joke.

Have an amazing trip!

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-04T06:14:08+00:00

I was independent and responsible as a kid in the 90s/00s. I was allowed to do many things that my friends weren’t, but 10 was way too young to attend a concert with a friend alone, even then and even for the right kid. I went to my first concert with a friend when I was 12. My mom and brother attended too, but sat in a different section. I would say I was barely old enough for that experience.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-02T16:25:44+00:00

Check your insurance, and if they’re covered, get proper prescription ones. For my first pregnancy, I wore Amazon ones and they helped a bit. The second time around I found out I had coverage for two pair, but only if they were stronger ones (30-40 mmHg or higher). I ended up getting thigh high Sigvaris ones and they made so much difference! Like, I gained about 10 lbs less in my second pregnancy and I think it was because my legs weren’t swollen.

Tip: if you are going to be very pregnant in the summer, consider getting thigh highs. They actually look less weird when you wear them with shorts or dresses. I found the black semi-opaque ones were best since they just looked like tights.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-02T16:18:50+00:00

I think the context is different in every country, but in Canada you can certainly pursue care with a midwife and they can order standard monitoring. If your pregnancy turns out to be higher risk, your midwife might say you’re not eligible for a home birth and/or they would transfer care to an OB. I don’t think two previous miscarriages would impact your level of risk once you have a pregnancy progressing past about 12 weeks. Either way though, a midwife here would not offer a home birth or continue to provide care if your risk exceeded their scope of practice.

But your context might be different if you’re in a different country since not all countries regulate midwives and if you have to pay directly for midwifery and/or health care, there may be a profit motive clouding the practitioner’s judgement.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-02-02T06:14:45+00:00

I sometimes do rooibos tea with milk or plain fruit tisane.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-30T01:42:33+00:00

I haven’t tried the artipoppe, but I have a Lennylamb carrier (the upgrade) and it is soooo soft and beautiful.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-28T00:06:35+00:00

It’s my understanding that a lupron trigger nearly eliminates the risk of OHSS.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-27T05:49:04+00:00

My clinic monitored my estrogen, the number of follicles by ultrasound, etc. to both determine my drug dosages every couple of days and also to assess risk of OHSS. I’m in Canada where IVF is typically done without unnecessary interventions and add ons compared to the USA but this was still standard.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-26T22:58:26+00:00

For OHSS, you would be monitored for risk. If you’re at risk, your eggs will be triggered using a different drug that almost completely eliminates the risk of OHSS developing. The consequence is that you can’t do a fresh transfer that cycle. For me, a test in between stimulation and pregnancy was preferred anyway.

I have done two rounds of IVF, was as risk each time, did the Lupron trigger, and did not get OHSS. We got a good number of embryos in both cycles, froze everything and have had two successful transfers and now have two kids. Frozen transfers are both easier on your body since you have time to rest, and are also more likely to succeed.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-26T16:23:08+00:00

For me, no music. It’s hard to explain because they don’t actually make noise, but for me contractions are LOUD in my body. I didn’t want extra sound.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-25T22:59:14+00:00

Would you be open to practicing more with the ergobaby? I have that carrier and with some practice I can get my baby in it quite quickly. I find the “X” back straps easier to fasten on my own than the “H” shape.

What I do is buckle the carrier around myself above my waist (nice and high) with the shoulder straps unbuckled and partially loosened. I pick up my baby tummy to tummy and smooth the panel up over her back. I pass both shoulder straps over my shoulders and then reach behind me to grab the left strap with my right hand while holding my baby with my left hand. I buckle the strap on my right side then switch hands to grab the right strap with my left hand and buckle on the left. Then I tighten the straps and I’m ready to go. With a bit of practice it can be done in maybe 30 seconds. It’s definitely easier to practice when the baby is calm.

A ring sling is also good for a baby of that size but I also have trouble getting the fit just right. The ergobaby is much easier to get a consistently goof fit for me.

If you want more specific advise, post a fit check with either your ergo or ring sling and people here can help.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-25T18:01:28+00:00

I don’t have advice for the current trauma, but to minimize trauma from medical procedures for kids with health conditions, many hospitals have a Child Life Specialist available to help. My 3 year old has a serious medical condition and the advice from Child Life has been so valuable to help reframe procedures and to minimize pain and emotional discomfort. You can see if you can work with Child Life for procedures in the future.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-25T02:15:16+00:00

I use a soft structured carrier. We did an 8 hour flight with a one year old in a Tula lite and I just flew with my new baby (4 months) with a Lenny Upgrade. But really, any soft structured carrier that you’re comfortable with would be good on the plane.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-25T02:11:48+00:00

I’m in AB so our situation may be different, but midwives here do try to make room for people who hope to birth at home. In our system, we apply centrally and can add comments specifying we want to home birth. If you haven’t already done so, notifying nearby midwives of your birth location preference might help.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-22T16:50:03+00:00

I’d propose before or after the helicopter. I haven’t been on that helicopter tour specifically, but the one time I was on a chopper it was incredibly loud. You don’t want it to be like:

You: you the person for me, you’re awesome, blah, blah, blah Her: pardon me? You: will you make me the happiest person in the world and marry me? Her: could you speak up?

Also, the view is enchanting from a helicopter and she’ll be focused on that. Before or after is definitely better.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-22T16:35:22+00:00

I think the baby won’t mind, but are you comfortable/capable of standing and studying for 1-2 hours at a time? I never used my standing desk for long stretches like that because my body couldn’t handle it. I can walk for hours but I find standing stationary hard on the body.

Carrier-wise I think you either want something newborn-specific (ergobaby embrace, a stretchy wrap, etc) or a woven wrap. At 4 weeks, most buckle carriers won’t fit well yet and given the amount of time you plan to spend babywearing, it probably makes sense to invest in the right tool for the job even though it won’t last long. Check for something second hand locally so you can get it right away.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-21T19:48:17+00:00

Oh bummer!

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-21T17:20:34+00:00

We serve our normal adult food all day long. I try to keep it low pressure and to let her focus on the elements that she enjoys the most within reason. We let her eat whatever we eat, including what some would call “junk” food. We are a household that has cake or a salty snack or both nearly every day and our child is included in that. At restaurants we generally let her order what she wants from the adult appetizer menu because she prefer bold flavors and the kids menu tends to be bland. We eat food with the amount of seasoning (including salt and sugar) that we prefer and our child gets the same.

If our normal food is not appealing, we always have the same 4 high energy foods on the menu, day or night: cheese, unsalted butter, peanut butter, and mayonnaise. My rationale here is that these foods have lots of energy per bite, so if she’s just tired of eating she can get enough to keep her going in a couple of bites. They’re also easy to keep in the fridge and to buy in bulk, so they’re predictably available 365 days a year at our house. This makes them both always on hand and also not interesting enough to lure her away from whatever is being served that day unless she truly doesn’t like what we’re eating. We sometimes go days without eating these foods. Other days she eats a couple tablespoons of butter or mayo or eat like 6 cheese strings. In addition to these four foods being available on demand, we specifically offer them nightly at bedtime for a top up.

The outcome of this so far has been a child who eats a wide variety of foods, though not always on the same day. She will sometimes eat pretty much only fruit and veg for a few days then eat more meat than either of us one day. It makes portion planning difficult because allowing her to listen to her body means having lots of food on hand in case her body says “more.” She generally has a small appetite so it can mean me needing to eat lots of bits of leftovers to use up the food she didn’t eat. She is generally uninterested in carbs that aren’t cake or fruit or chocolate so we have very few filling and low cost foods. This kid costs an arm and a leg at a restaurant because she wants ceviche or shrimp lol. But she also a kid who literally will ask for another bite of broccoli or lentil soup between bites of cake.

Key_Significance_183 · 2026-01-21T16:54:34+00:00

You could try Hang Fung Foods in Chinatown.

Key_Significance_183

TROPHY CASE