I have 3 awesome boys, ages 10, 8, and 3 mths. How do you keep up with the older kids sporting events while you have an infant? He's been going to all their games/practices with me, but he hates his car seat/stroller so most of the time I'm carrying him. Are there any carriers/playmats that are good for being outside? What about good sunscreens? And how do you keep the dang mosquitos away? Thanks for ANY advice.
We ended up using Hawaiian Tropics "baby faces and tender places". It's 60+spf. It worked great. Between that and keeping him shaded, he doesn't even have a tan line. He's now 6 1/2 mths and has very sensitive skin. It didnt seem to irritate him at all. While we were in Va Beach....I found a BIG towel that's about the size of 2 towels that is perfect for the soccer field. I bought a jogging stroller which makes it much easier to get to those hard to reach fields where the paths aren't so great. For bug stuff.....I would spray the bottom of the towel and the surrounding area lightly with Bull Frog.
Thanks for everyone's advice!
My sister got me a Sun Hut. It folds up really small, but it unfolds into a nice size tent that has enough room for them to play in - it has a floor in it,so he won't be in the dirt. With this, you don't have to worry about sunscreen because it has an SPF 50 protection. Also, it could help keep bugs off him too.
I coached my oldest sons team when I had a 6 month old. baby At the time I was a single parent.
I found a pack'n'play fold up playpen at a yard sale that worked great. It was big enough he could move around and mesh sides so I could still see him. Since I was moving a lot, the moms would help keep an eye on him as well. My Grandma made a net cover for the top (out of mesh fabric and elastic) so no bugs cold play with him. I think you can buy these pre-made.
The 'soccer crib' stayed in my trunk and I used it for other stuff (park, cook-outs, visiting non-baby friendly homes etc.) I don't remember the brand (it was 7years ago), but they are all similar. Make sure you get one that is fairly easy to wash. The dirt that is not on your baby will be on the fabric of the playpen.
Hi R.,
I use the blue lizard sunscreen and it does work well, however, it is not water proof so you will need to reapply after exposure to water. It is one of two that is recommended by the american cancer society. I have found it at drugstore.com Go-Blanket.com has a fleece waterproof blanket so the ground doesn't saturate your blanket on the underside. I think a toddler size runs about $40.They also have cheaper ones that are more of a disposable bin material and if you use it regularly may not hold up as well as the ones at go blanket. I beleive you can find those at Target or Walmart. Mosquitos im not sure about either becuase i am hesitant to use Deet and the alternatives are not much better. Hope this helps.
When my two were younger, I bought one of those "neat Sheets" i can't remember who makes them. It worked wonders I could place some toys on it for them or they could lay and be happy. my one child is a specail needs if she was having a bad day i would also take her bouncy seat. I always used water babies by coppertone for sunscreen.
I'm also married to a truck driver so i understand what your going thru.
I'm curious to know what you hear about sunscreens for infants. Every product I've ever come across is listed as "6 months and older". Surely there is some sort of sun protection for infants under 6 months other than a hat...
We did a couple of things. I love the neat sheet because we would throw it down on the ground and a blanket over it then throw some toys and books down and my kiddos loved it. I would also bring a small soccer ball with me so I could put the younger one in the baby backpack and then kick the soccer ball around with the 2 year old. Whew...what a workout.
Good luck.
I love love love my baby sling(s) :)
I have one from 'Taylor Made' at www.taylormadetreasures.com
They are expensive, but well worth every penny. I used them with my daughter until she was 3...at that age, I used it as a secure way to carry her piggy back if she was tired at the zoo or whatever...my husband is in the AF so he deploys a lot and I have to do a lot by myself (like you do probably) so its nice to be arms free... Now we have a 4mo old son too and the sling has helped out even around the house when his tummy or teeth are bothering him and he wants to be held. :)
hey i recommend a Snugli to carry him around in.... My son loved it! being up close on my chest... Just go to the Walmart website and put Snugli into the search. They are awesome!
My kids are 10, 8 and 3 years. It has been a few years since I went through this, but I remember oh so well! When he was very little, I always took a big blanket with me to lay him on. Plus, that was easier to carry than chairs for me and the other kids to sit on! As he got older and started getting around, it was easier if he thought he had to stay put. I always loaded up the stroller with things to do. A couple of toys that only come to the games, snacks, whatever works. The sporting events are only an hour or so. But chasing them for an hour without seeing one minute of the other childs game is stressful. It is better if they learn they need to sit during the game. The older they get, the more you will appreciate the reinforcmement.
I had bought a baby sling (baby carrier that straps onto you. It is snug so the baby gets to be held, but your arms are free. It was a godsend when mine was little last year and we had soccer 6 days a week with my 2 girls.)
The sling takes some practice, but I found it way more comfortable for me and the baby than the other carriers like the snugli.
As far as the mosquitos go I would put Bounce (original) dryer sheets in my pocket, in the pocket on the baby carrier, anywhere I can think of. Some of the chemical in the fragrance repels the mosquitos. (I did not want to spray anything on the baby.)
Hope these ideas help!
Jenn Q
The Mamaroo baby sling is great. I have back problems and I was able to carry my youngest for quite a long time with it. My Mom always used Skin So Soft by Avon when we were young to keep the nasty buggers away from us when we were outside.
Hi..I don't have any advice about the outdoor thing but my husband is also a truck driver so I thought maybe we could chat sometime. My name is K. and my email is ____@____.com...hope to hear from you sometime
