Safety Tattoos for Traveling With Little Ones

We go to Disney World at least once a month.  Sometimes we stay for a couple of days, and other times we just do day trips.   After becoming separated from our 3 year old in a crowded restaurant, we decided to find a way to make traveling safer.  (Yes, I know I could put my child on a leash, but that's not really a good solution for us right now.)


So, I found Lost & Found Temporary Tattoos on Amazon (LINK HERE).

I ordered the girl pack.  It came with everything pictured, plus a permanent marker for adding your phone number(s)  to the tattooo after it dries.

My daughter liked the fact that she could choose a butterfly, heart, or unicorn tattoo.

After using the cleansing towelettes that were provided, we applied a butterfly tattoo using water and a damp washcloth.  Singing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is the perfect timer - by the time your little one finishes the song, it will be time to remove the backing from the tattoo.

TIP - Make sure the tattoo is completely dry before writing your contact info on it.  Otherwise, your pen will tear the tattoo.  I used a photo editing program to remove the last 4 digits of my cellphone number, so I don't get random calls from internet people :)

The tattoos lasted for the entire 3 day trip, I just had to be careful to not put sunscreen on them.   I also took the permanent pen with me and freshened up our cellphone numbers each day.

I had SO MANY people stop me and ask where I got the tattoos for both my girls.  They certainly made me feel a little better about taking my kids into the crowds, since they aren't old enough to tell someone our phone number.

***I was not reimbursed in any way for this review.  The company does not even know that I am writing this.  I am just sharing an awesome product with anyone who might be planning a Disney trip with little ones. 

10 Facts About Disney Magic Bands

We've stayed at Disney three times now, using Magic Bands and Fast Pass +.   And we have two more upcoming vacations using them.  If you're planning a Disney Vacation, take a minute to read about the Magic Band changes!

1 - No more Keys to the World.

Previously, you were issued a card at resort check-in that opened your hotel door, granted access to the parks, acted as a form of payment, and allowed you to obtain Fast Passes.  Those are now a thing of the past, if you are staying in select Disney resorts that participate in the new Magic Bands programs.

You will now be issued a nifty Magic Band, that will do everything the old Keys to the World did, plus more!

2 - Be sure to order your Magic Bands in advance

After booking your vacation, go to My Disney Experience (link).  You'll be able to choose your colors for your Magic Bands, as well as book dining reservations and make Fast Pass+ selections.  They also have a great app too!   If you fail to order your magic bands in advance, your entire travel group will receive standard gray upon check-in.  If two family members want the same color band, don't worry!  Each person will also have their name printed on the inside of the band.  You can also buy charms in the gift shops, making each Magic Band customizable

3 - Don't forget to check your mail!

Your Magic Bands will arrive at your house in a plain brown box prior to the trip.  Disney does send you an email and a pop-up notification on the My Disney Experience app, providing you with tracking info.   It's important that you not forget to pack them... if you have to get replacements while at the park, they will be grey.

4 - Make your Fast Pass+ selections as soon as possible

You are able to begin making Fast Pass+ selections via the My Disney Experience app or website up to 8 weeks prior to your departure.   Be sure to do it soon, as the best times fill up quickly.  You'll be able to choose up to three rides per day, and all three Fast Passes must be made in the same park.  So, you can't Fast Pass the Toy Story ride in Hollywood Studios, Enchanted Tales With Bell in the Magic Kingdom, and Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom all on the same day.  There are also rumors going around the parks that the moderate and deluxe level resorts may end up being able to Fast Pass more than three rides per day.  This has not been confirmed by Disney, that I can tell.

I'd like to pause here to say that a lot of people have complaints about the Fast Pass+ system.  BUT, I think it's nice that I can make my Fast Pass+ selections from my smart phone, while it's hooked up to the FREE park wi-fi.  I don't have to walk across a park to get to a Fast Pass machine, just to find that it's issued the max number of vouches for the day and covered up.

5 - The sizes adjust for little kids

These bands are one size fits all.  BUT.... they adjust to fit even the tiniest of arms.  My 18 month old's band fits just as well as my husband's.  If you child's band is too large, simply peel the colored portion of the band away from the grey backing, and voila!  It's small enough for any child.

6 - Don't forget to make your kids wear their Magic Bands for Extra Magic Hours

We stayed late for Extra Magic hours at Epcot, and ran into trouble.  In order to board any rides during Extra Magic Hours, you must scan your Magic Band as proof that you belong there.  We forgot one of our Magic Bands, which led to issues.  Thank goodness the Cast Members were very nice and allowed us all to ride using my husband's Magic Band.  But, I have a feeling as these become more common, this exception won't be made nearly as much.

7 - It's QUICK and convenient!

These magic bands are awesome for me, as a mom.  I don't have to fumble for a room key while holding a sleeping infant.  I don't have to dig out my credit card to pay for purchases.  I don't have to find my annual pass card to gain access to the parks.  I simply touch my bracelet to the little pad, Mickey's ears turn green, and I'm good to go.

8 - No need to remove the bands before swimming

Since these handy little bracelets are waterproof, there's really no need to take them off.  I am one of those people who has the WORST time keeping up with hotel room keys, especially when going to the pool.  I love that I can go swimming, and not have to worry about leaving my Key to the World on the lounge chair at the poolside, where it could be lost or stolen.

9 - Be sure to recycle them!

Back in early January, when I received my first Magic Band, I asked the front desk staff at Pop Century what I should do with it when my trip concluded.  She said I could throw it away, recycle it, or keep it until my next visit.  They are sometimes able to skip re-issuing a new Magic Band when you make a return trip.  Instead you have the option of reactivating an old Magic Band!

I'll admit though - our old Magic Bands go straight in the girls' dress-up trunk.  They love wearing their 'Mickey Mouse jewelry' when they play dress-up.

10 - Stay open minded.

We are only human - and oftentimes human nature is to resist change.  I hear a lot of complaints about the new Magic Bands... from Cast Members, resort guests, and especially on lots of the Disney forums and internet chat boards.  But, they are really a great iteration of the Disney Resort experience.  They are MUCH easier to keep up with, and the ability to sync it with my iPhone is awesome.  Give it a try, and I'm sure you will be surprised at how nice it is!

Have you used a Magic Band lately?  What did you think?

Top Stroller Picks under $60 for your Disney Vacation

We have Disney World annual passes.  And we have a massive double jogging stroller that does NOT work for us.  We were at Disney world a few weeks ago, folding up our huge heavy stroller so we could board the tram.  A dad rolled up to the tram, pushed a button, and his stroller folded up into this tiny little bundle.  He picked it up with one hand and threw it into the floor of the tram, and was aboard before we could even get on.

And we had stroller envy.

So I began shopping around for the perfect Disney stroller, and thought I would share my top stroller picks.  I spent A LOT of time online, reading reviews and searching websites for the best options.

The Requirements for our New Strollers:

We chose to purchase two single strollers for the girls, versus one double stroller.   The double is difficult to take into crowded stores, is difficult to get on and off busses and trams, and the girls tend to bicker when they are side by side and tired from a long day in the parks.  Plus, we anticipate splitting up at nap time, with my husband taking our older daughter to go on rides while I walk around and let the baby sleep in the other stroller.

• Under $75, since we would be buying two of them.
• 40+ pound weight limit, since the girls are no longer infants.
• Stroller weight less than 12 pounds, since we would be folding and unfolding them alot
• Folds up compact
• Child snack tray
• Adult tray
• LARGE basket
• Sun shade

Babies R Us Trendsport Stroller - Slate  (link)

This is the stroller that started us thinking that we might want to start shopping around for two singles.  It weighs 14lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• Fold away child tray, making it easy for your kid to climb in.
• HUGE basket.
• Rear wheel brakes
• Multi-position reclining seat

Cons:

• This stroller only comes in black.  Florida sun + black stroller = HOT baby!
• No padding in the seat.  It's very rigid and stiff.
• The foot rest is very narrow, and Caroline had a hard time keeping her feet propped on it.
• No shoulder straps with the safety harness.  Harper would climb right out of that 3-point harness.

 What I love about this stroller is the fold feature.  It only takes one hand to do it, and the child tray folds UP.  I don't have to worry about the child tray banging into the ground and getting scratched up.  BUT - the harness is a deal breaker.  My squirming 18 month old MUST have shoulder straps.

Graco Classic Connect Literider Stroller, Yield (link)

This stroller weighs less than 20lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• HUGE basket.
• Rear wheel brakes
• Cushioned seat, and lots of color choices
• 5 point harness on SOME models at Walmart.com
• Accepts all Graco infant seats!

Cons:

• The child snack tray does not fold or swing aside, it just pops off.
• The seat only has two recline levels.
• Horrible design for folding it up.

 What I love about this stroller is the color options, the cushy seat, and the 5 point harness.  What made me decide against this stroller was the folding design.  When you push the button to make it fold up, the stroller collapses forward, and the child tray bangs agains the ground, hard.  I knew we would be folding this stroller quickly while standing on pavement.  I hated to buy something that I knew would be damaged pretty quickly.

 See how the child tray, on the far left, is touching the ground?  When you fold this thing, the edge of that tray crashes down.

 

Jeep - Cherokee Sport Stroller, Siren (link)

This stroller weighs 11.8lbs and has a 40lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99, but Walmart.com has it for $44.22.

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handle
• It's PINK!  I justified the color to my husband by saying it would be easier to find a pink stroller when it's parked with 50 others. :)
•  There is a pouch hanging beside the seat, where your child can store her treasures
• Huge storage basket
• Extended length sun canopy

Cons:

• 3 point safety harness
• Reviewers complained about the durability of this stroller.  Instead of the fabric being riveted directly to the frame, it's attached differently.  A plastic pin is sewn to the fabric body.  The pin inserts into slots in the metal frame.  So, those plastic pins break and then your stroller seat won't be attached to the frame! 
• 3 position seat recline, not multi position seat recline.

 What I love about this stroller is the color, and the little side pocket that my girls can fill up with their toys and access all by themself.   I also am pleased that it folds the exact opposite from the Graco stroller... and reviewers said that it stood alone when folded.  BUT - it only has a 3 point harness, and the reveiws about the lack of durability meant it wasn't for me.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller (link)

This stroller weighs 11.8lbs and has a 50lb weight limit.  MSRP $59.99, but Target.com had a 15% coupon and free shipping.

Pros:

• One hand fold
• Padded handles
• Huge storage basket
• Extended length sun canopy
• Nice larger foot rest
• 5 point safety harness
• Multi Position recline
• Higher weight limit than any others I looked at in this price range

Cons:

• It's red.  Given, my husband likes red, and it's gender neutral while still being easy to spot.
• The seat isn't as nicely padded as some of the others.

This is the stroller we chose!  It's cheap, durable, nicely designed, and has a good safety harness.  We're taking it to Disney World on St. Patrick's day, so I'll post in-action photos after we get back.

It folds correctly, and looks like it will stand unassisted when folded.





Hopefully, this will help you decide on a nice stroller for vacation!  Thanks for reading!

Stroller Caddy Organizer DIY

So.   I need a Stroller Caddy Organizer thing.

I want something like this:  LINK

Or even better yet, this:  LINK

But.  I don't have a lot of extra cash, and I need it for a trip in 4 days.   I would probably settle for the ugly version and buy the cheap one from Babies R Us.... except.  The closest Babies R Us is 80 miles away.  Even if I ordered it online, I wouldn't get it in time for my trip.

So I decided sew one, and figure it out on my own.  I thought I would share the process here, in case someone else is interested in doing one of these.

Preparation:

I measured my Chico umbrella stroller and decided that a 16in x 16in organizer would be best for me.

I needed a large compartment in the back to hold toys and a change of clothing for the girls.

I also knew I wanted two small front pockets to hold sippy cups, and a small front pocket to hold my cellphone.

And I wanted one pocket to hold diapers, and one to hold wipes.

I had some yellow chevron canvas that I used for a tablecloth at a craft sale, so I grabbed it to use for the fabric.  If you're buying fabric, 1.5 yards is plenty.

Cut:

Two pieces 16in x 16in, on the fold.  (this will be the front an back of the caddy)
One piece 16in x 6in, on the fold. (this will be the top row of pockets on the front)
One piece 16in x 9in, on the fold. (this will be the bottom row of pockets on the front)
Four pieces 2in x 12 in (these will be the ties)
One piece 4ft x 1 in for binding, or buy a package of binding in a coordinating color.

Oh also, I ran out of parchment paper, and drew my pattern pieces on aluminum foil.   My goal was to only use what I had laying around my house, so I didn't run out and buy any parchment paper :)

(Not pictured is the skinny 4ft piece for binding.  Because I didn't realize I needed it until about an hour after this photo was taken)

I situated all of my pieces so that the fold was at the top of each pocket.  That way I wasn't sewing lots of square pieces of fabric together and ironing them.  I hate ironing seams and top stitching.  Notice the pins at the top of each piece of fabric.  That's where the fold is on each of them.  If you turn each cut over, you see that the fabric doubled.

Sewing:

1. Sew the tops of the four caddy pieces, on the fold.

Fold each piece so that the right sides are facing out.   Each pocket, as well as the front and back pieces should be situated to have a fold at the top.  

I wanted to make the top of each pocket a little stiffer, without using interfacing.  So I topstitched three seams across the top, where the fold is.


First top stitch.   The fold is at the far right side of the fabric.

Second top stitch:

Third Top Stitch:

Do this for the front and back pieces, as well as the two pieces for the front pockets.




2.  Sew the top front pocket (16in x 6in)

You've already top stitched along the top fold for the pocket.    Now, place the correct sides together (wrong sides out) and sew along the bottom,

Leave the sides unsewn.  Turn it right side out and press it with the iron.  This will give you a 'tube' of fabric, that will become the top pocket on the front, for sippy cups, etc.

3.  Sew the ties

Take two 2in x 12in pieces, and sew them together with the correct sides facing each other.  Be sure to leave one short end open!  Turn it right side out, and press with the iron,  Then sew the open end closed.  Repeat with the other two 2in x 12in pieces.

 These become the ties that attach the caddy to the stroller.

Here they are before I sewed them together, turned them right side out, and closed the end with a seam.  I forgot to take a photo afterwards.  Sorry :)



4.   Attach the ties to the back panel of the caddy.  

Fold each of the 12in long tie pieces in half. The fold should be at the bottom, with the two end pieces facing upward.   You'll use the two 'tails' to tie to the caddy to the stoller.

The tie will be sewn to the top corner of the back of the caddy.   Pin it about 1 inch from the side of the 16x16 piece, along the top.    The fold should be facing down.    Sew it to the back panel of the caddy  using a box and an "X".

Reapeat with the other tie, on the opposide side.

Now the ties are secured to the back piece of the caddy.


5.  Now, assemble the front piece of the caddy.  Lay the other 16in x 16in piece flat (the one that you didn't attach the ties to).  Pin the 6in tall pocket piece to the top portion, about 1/2 inch from the top., Pin the 9in tall pocket piece to the bottom portion, about 1/2 inch below the top pocket.

    -  Sew a horizontal seam at the bottom edge of the top pocket, securing it the the 16in x 16in panel (dotted line in the photo).  Then sew a vertical seam 6 inches from the side, on each side.  This will divide the top pocket into 3 sections (top two black arrows).

   -   Sew a vertical seam in the middle of the bottom pocket, dividing it into two sections (bottom black arrow).



6.  Sew the back and front panels together

Layer the top panel on top of the bottom panel, with the correct sides facing up.  Pin everything together.  Use your binding to attach the two panels together.  This will finish all of the side seams.

If you don't know how to do binding, I would go to Youtube and watch videos.  It's so much easier to understand than if I tried to take photos and explain it in writing.

Finished Stroller Caddy Organizer!

Simply tie it onto the handles, and you're ready to go!    I love this for Disney World, because the bright fabrics make my stroller instantly recognizable.