Every September I head off to Vegas for the All Baby and Child Expo, the largest juvenile trade show in North America. You name a baby brand and they are there – Graco, Maclaren, Baby Bjorn . It’s a massive show with almost one million square feet packed with 900+ exhibitors.
This is my 5th ABC. Last year I went in with eyes wide open as I was 6 months pregnant with the bug. I wasn’t really prepared and I completely overdid it (as my swollen feet and legs could attest) See the prep for the show – set-up, logistics, travel, booth lay-out etc – all falls under my jurisdiction. So when September is over…..I take a nap! 🙂
This year is my first show as a mom. And being that I’m going to be gone for an ENTIRE week, I’ve arranged for the hubs and G-ma (my mother) to fly out with the bug for a few days. A week is way too long without being with my baby! Plus, I know I have vendors and reps who want to meet the little guy.
So yes, this means the bug is getting on an airplane. Without me. I can feel my blood pressure rising. I know he’ll be totally fine, but being a HUGE planner (have you met me?) I am trying to do all my research and seek out travel tips for kids. I plan to have all the bags packed before I leave so all the hubs has to do is put it in the car — packed with extra puffs, extra pacis and two bottles (one for take-off and one for landing). I’m going to take the car seat with me a few days earlier so that’s one less thing the team has to worry about. It’s going to enough with the bug, the diaper bag, the stroller, etc.
Once we are there, I’ll have already run out to Target for diapers and baby food (and I can always steal the sample meals from our Babycook demos 🙂 Ha ha!) And instead of packing 4 million toys, I figure I’ll rent an exercauser from one of the local baby travel places (SO COOL!)and hope a few plastic cups and spoons satisfy for the most part. Plus, I am pretty sure walking around the show we’ll find something cool for him to play with.
Does anyone have any other tips for me? We didn’t buy him a seat on the plane, but I think between going back and forth between Daddy and G-ma, he’ll be ok (right? RIGHT? Fingers crossed.)
Good luck to my husband and mother. And if you’re flying to Vegas in a few weeks and there is a cranky infant on your flight, please have some sympathy and put your iPod back in your ears. Oh…and tell my husband I love him.
Oh honey, seriously, if you need ANYTHING…I have lots you can use….pack-n-play, exersaucer, toys, sheets, car seat (it's a graco infant seat and it's super pink, but hey it's a car seat…) I can bring what ever to work with me and drop it where ever, my "new" boss is a big family guy with another one due in Nov, I know he'll understand…I can meet J & your mom at the hotel or when ever you are staying this trip….Please, let me know…you have enough other stuff to think about. Hugs! PS – He'll do awesome on the plane! LL 🙂
You seem to be on top of it! I have been a nanny for 20 years, and I recommend wrapping small toys in colored tissue paper (quieter than wrapping paper). This keeps your child busy opening the "presents". You can use old toys, and throw in a few new toys for excitement. I also have given parents a small digital photo frame filled with interesting photos and images, for a slide show for baby to watch on the plane (put it inside a baggie if baby wants to mouth it).
I wish I could be at the show with my new product Flowspoon. I will try to attend as a visitor if I can get the time off from nannying.
Donna@flowspoon.com
Having just gotten back from a trip myself, I'm reminded that having a spare outfit is crucial!
By the way, many (maybe all?) airlines are charging for checked luggage now but they will let you check the car seat for free (at least American did). Just another tip– sure made it easier than lugging a gigantic car seat through the terminal!