Travel Tip Tuesday - Car seats on board planes

Photo : K8theriver

I laughed when I saw this photo ... its tempting isn't it? Strap them in and put tape over their mouths when you're on a plane! Well, actually, the thought has crossed my mind when we've been at home!

We have travelled on the plane many times with our youngest son sitting in a car seat to and from London and it was a life saver! Not only did we feel it was much safer for him, but he was quite happy to sit there for pretty much the whole flight and it stopped him from wriggling out of the seat! Ahhh .... perfect!

We used a great travelling system that we got from the US, which is a stroller and a car seat all in one! It is a fantastic product which cannot be found here in Australia. However, please note that not all airlines will allow you to take these particular car seats onto the plane e.g. Qantas. Its always best to check with your airlines prior to travelling about your car seat.

Another tip, the arm rests in the "bulk head seats" (the seats at the front of each section) do not move up and down, so your car seat may not fit in this row. But it most likely will for other seats - again, check with your airlines. Also remember that for children under 2, even if you have paid for a seat for them, they will need to sit on your lap for take off and landing with their own seat belt (which attaches to yours).

I hope these tips will help you on your next flight with your toddler.

Come see us ...

We're going to be at Mathilda's Market again in Melbourne on Sunday 16th November, 9am till 1pm ... quick mark that in your diary now before you forget!

I love this gorgeous market - its held at the Malvern Town Hall and its a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning. I guarantee you will love the vibe, the products are just gorgeous and its the perfect place to buy some unique Christmas pressies.

Come say hello and check our new products in person. You can also shop in peace whilst your ickle ones play at our children's table ... now what more can you ask for?!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Great New Travel Toy

One of the most exciting parts of my job is that I get to find great games that are both educational and also fun for my kids. After the great response we've had to all our Brain Teaser games, I am very excited to announce the latest addition to our product range. But be warned ... Road Block isn't just for your ickle ones! I've had to stop myself from taking over the game when Groover has been playing it!

This is another great travel game to test your logic and thinking skills. There are 60 challenges ranging from Starter through to Master and I'm sure your ickle ones (and yourselves) will be kept amused for hours. Start by positioning the building pieces and red car as shown in the challenge booklet. As the police, you have to position your cars around him to block his escape route. Can you think a few steps ahead and visualise which police vehicle pieces need to go where?

This fun travel game is suitable for ages 7+, but my five year old and I love playing this together. But be warned mums, dads and carers, playing this game can be addictive!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Perfect Beach Getaway ...

Photo : Front Beach Torquay

As daylight saving kicks in and Spring is well and truly here (not that you can tell from looking outside in Melbourne this morning!) ... I've stumbled across these gorgeous beach houses in Torquay on the Great Ocean Road, in Victoria.

There are three beautiful beach houses to choose from and I love the fact they cater for families. I'm always on the look out for family friendly accommodation at reasonable prices and this definitely fits the bill! Each beach house has:

* LCD TV,

* Fully equipped kitchen with microwave,

* TV with DVD,

* Player Split system air conditioning/heating,

* BBQ & entertainment areas, and

* Fully equipped laundry.

The houses are situated only 50 steps away from the renowned family beach and playgrounds, which is perfect for your ickle ones! Just imagine, rolling out of bed ... throwing on some bathers, catching a few waves (or getting dunked by a few waves in my case!), a short stroll to cafes and restaurants for some yummy breakfast ... now, that's what I call a perfect family break away.

There is a 10% discount off all bookings in October, so hurry and ring 0408 395 312 to book your mini pre-Summer getaway!

Or check out their website Front Beach Torquay for more details.