Travel Gear

Ok, I am somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to baby gear. Well, maybe not a minimalist, but I am picky. We don't like a lot of stuff, especially unnecessary stuff.

That having been said, I confess to you that we have two strollers. One that the infant seat fits into and is also a steerable/lockable jogging stroller. I love it. It has gotten tons of use this past year. More on that at another time.

The one I want to talk about now is the Chicco Capri Stroller. We got this to be our "travel" stroller, for when we can't haul the other one with us (the one that I refer to as my SUV). We hadn't used the Chicco much up to this point. We just quit using the infant seat when my daughter turned one year! However, for our trip, we wanted to pack as lightly as possible. We were taking the small car, and were packing for a one week trip, plus golf clubs. (Hint: We took advantage of the cribs available at the hotels along the way, as well as at the resort, and did not take the Pack'n'Play with us.)

Even though I got the Chicco because of it's good reviews, I was curious how much I would like it. I discovered that I like it a lot, and here's why:

• Small/Compact - It was made for travel on buses, trains, and planes. It even comes with it's own carrying case.
• Somewhat attractive - I like red. No fancy gadgets or gizmos.
• Lightweight - This is incredible. I can easily carry it up a flight of stairs with my daughter sitting in it. I just grab the sides and up we go.
• Sturdy - Even thought it doesn't have shock absorbers, it weathered some major stuff like gravel roads and trails, and looks and performs no worse for the wear. My daughter fell asleep in it while going down a gravel road!

The only thing I would change would add weight (like a tray), and so therefore I wouldn't. Overall, I am very pleased and glad we have the Chicco!

Next confession:

I gave in to convenience. Since my 13 month old feeds herself well off of a tray or flat surface, but not a plate or bowl, I purchased some sticky, disposable placemats to use at the restaurant stops along the way. They stick right to the table and you toss them when you are finished. At $9 for 18, they aren't cheap, but I doubt I'll ever have to buy another package. I have several left! I just didn't want to risk unnecessary germs and sickness while on vacation.

A good buy:

365 Everyday Value Organic Cereal Bars from Whole Foods. I've touted the Whole Foods store brand before, and here I am doing it again. (Please know, I buy this pre-packaged convenience food only for travelling.) Anyways, why are they a good deal? At $1.99 for 6 bars, the box is only 20 cents more than the ones at Aldi! Yes, both brands have sugar, but I feel better knowing that the ones at Whole Foods are organic and adhere to their storewide criteria. We got a box of blueberry and a box of strawberry and ate these in the car for breakfast and for snacks. Other Whole Foods items we took with us for the adults: Pomegranate Izze (my favorite! on sale a month or two ago) and 365 Root Beer (thanks for the suggestion, Kimberly!).

I just wanted to share what I liked that we used on this trip. Hopefully someone else finds it helpful! If you have any other suggestions for me to try in the future, feel free to share!