flywheel's Profile

artoak - I used a diaper service for the first 3 months of my sons' life. We used disposables for the first 5 days, then switched over to the pre-fold service 100%. We really loved it. We moved to a place that did not have that service available, or we might have kept it up a while longer. In the end, I liked using some of the other options (Fuzzibunz were our favorite), but having someone pick up the diapers and deliver a stack of clean ones was really great in the those first sleepless weeks!

We used the PlanetBox luch box this year for our kindergartener. It is a little bit pricey, but so easy to clean, and he loves it. I love that I don't have to keep track of fiddly lids in the tupperware drawer.

The sections don't seal, but you can buy canisters with a seal that fit inside for messy stuff.

http://www.planetbox.com/

For drinks, we used the platypus. It's best for water, but we've found we can keep it clean after other drinks by boiling the parts.

http://casanovasadventures.com/catalog/water/p318.htm

We have been using enamelware dishes for 4 years. We bought a bunch of plates and bowls like these:

http://mackenzie-childs.com/Gifts/Gifts+for+Children/Enamel+Child+s+Dinner+Set-Frog.axd

Our original set is still going strong. We happen to live close to this retailer, so we got a bunch of seconds and did not pay full price, but there are probably less expensive options for enamelware out there.

I have traveled a lot, solo, with my son on long flights in the past 5 years. All of my top suggestions have been mentioned here, I think, except to bring your own garbage bag with you (or a few). You don't have to struggle with what to do with all of the detritus that is generated with a little one on a long flight - just tie the bag to hang down off your armrest and pop stuff in there. I hated that feeling of having cups and napkins and everything else tucked in front of me in the seat back, and then struggling to get it all to the attendant when they came through. Also, grocery bags come in handy as a semi waterproof barrier if, say, your kiddo soaks through her clothes as the plane is landing and she needs to be in her car seat/your lap until you've reached the gate. Ask me how I know. ;-)

Also, in addition to baby wipes, the little packets of handi-wipes are great. Tuck them in pockets that you can get to with one hand. You will be amazed at how absolutely filthy everything associated with plane travel looks to you when those little hands start reaching to grab whatever is within reach.

Oh, and post it notes are a great diversion - like stickers but it's ok if they stick them to the seats and other people, bc they peel right off.

Finally, slip on shoes for everyone! They even make the kiddos take their shoes off at security these days.

To all of those who say tap water has always worked for them, I say that tap water will work for you until it doesn't. If you read the news you know that people end up very ill or much, much worse when produce is contaminated by e coli or other bugs. I'm sure those people used tap water with no ill effects for *years* before they landed in the hospital.