Why is it so difficult to buy a Dreamer Design stroller in Canada?

At BabyTravelPlanet.com we get asked regularly "Why is so difficult and expensive to buy Dreamer Design strollers for Canada moms and dads?"

Some of the best baby jogging strollers in the world and the most affordable baby jogging strollers are made by a company called Dreamer Design.

Many people in Canada have been interested in purchasing one of their strollers, but it is not easy to do. People in Canada can find the strollers at on line retailers, but the problem is that many of the on line retailers do not ship to Canada. If they do the extra costs of getting the stroller to Canada is prohibitively expensive.

For example, one of the best selling Dreamer Design strollers is the Manhattan Lite. You can find it on line at a price of $209. To ship the stroller to Canada will cost an additional $60. Add to that the custom clearance charges of $60 to get the stroller over the border, and then add another $17 for Canadian duty charges. That $209 stroller is now $209 + $60 + $60 +17 for a new whopping total of $346 (this is before GST and applicable provincial sales tax).

That was then, this is now. BabyTravelPlanet.com now is selling Dreamer Design strollers to people that live in Canada. BabyTravelPlanet.com is located in Canada and we have worked with Dreamer Design to bring their strollers into Canada at a price that is very attractive to moms and dads in Canada.

For example, the price for the Manhattan Lite stroller which is a hybrid stroller with a swivel front wheel is $209 picked up in Hamilton Ontario (applicable GST of 6% and provincial sales tax is extra). The cost to ship this stroller anywhere in Canada is only $29.95.

So now the price is $209 picked up or $238.95 delivered anywhere in Canada. This is a whopping savings of $136 for pick up orders and $106 for delivered orders compared to buying the same stroller from an on line retailer located in the US.

Check out all of our Dreamer Design strollers at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/product_strollers/

JoPa from
http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Top Baby Jogging Stroller with Swivel Front Wheel

We at BabyTravelPlanet.com are big fans of the Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite Baby Jogging Stroller with the front swivel wheel. we sell this baby jogging stroller to customers in Canada and USA.

A traditional jogging stroller will have a fixed front wheel. When using the term fixed front wheel it means that the wheel does not swivel or turn. Because of the fixed front wheel when you want to turn the stroller you tilt the stroller back onto its rear wheels to make the turn.

The fixed front wheel is ideal for jogging, because it provides the stability and straight tracking that you need.

Many parents that like to jog with their child want more flexibility from their baby jogging stroller. They want their stroller to be used both for jogging but also for other uses such as using the stroller at the mall. The fixed wheel is great for jogging but it becomes a nuisance when out shopping because the stroller has to be tilted back onto its rear wheels to make a turn.

Some stroller manufacturers such as Dreamer Design Strollers recognized that many people want a jogging stroller that can be used for jogging and also more general everyday uses as well. To meet this need Dreamer Design has created a "hybrid" jogging stroller with a swivelling front wheel. The hybrid strollers has a smaller 12 inch front wheel that can be locked in place for jogging purposes and can be a swivel wheel for everyday shopping purposes.

Here are the advantages of the Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite Baby Jogging Stroller with swivel front wheel…

• Easy to jog with on smooth terrain


• More flexibility for shopping and running errands since its swivel wheel allows much easier turning than a traditional jogging stroller.


• Lightweight – only 24.5 pounds
  Durable – welded aluminium frame provides durability. The stroller frame is so durable that it comes with a 5 year warranty.


• Smooth ride – the large 16 inch back wheels provide for a smooth baby ride. All the tires are air filled which also improves the smoothness of the ride. The stroller comes with its own hand pump.


• Wheel construction – the stroller has alloy wheels and steel hubs to provide durability and reduce the weight of the stroller.


• Safe - Safety is the most important aspect whenever it comes to your baby. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite has a five-point harness. A five-point harness will keep your child secure in the stroller when out for a walk or a jog. The seat harness is easy to use. With this stroller just place the baby in the seat, and snap the belt buckle. Then all that’s left to do is pull one strap located at the front center of the seat until it’s tight and you are ready to go.


• Comfortable seating - When out for your run or walk you want your baby to be as comfortable as possible. The seat on the Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite is padded and is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric which improves the comfort of your baby, especially during warmer weather. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite reclines so that baby can have a nap.


• Cleaning - The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite has washable seats that can be easily removed cleaned and dried in a washing machine and dryer.


• Sun Protection - We think one of the most important aspects of any baby stroller whether it is a jogging stroller or a traditional baby stroller is having a sun canopy that has the flexibility to provide shade to your baby no matter what the angle of the sun. Direct sunshine into the baby’s face not only will in all likelihood cause the baby to be very uncomfortable and unhappy – but we are all becoming more and more conscious of the negative impact of the sun’s rays. Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite has a full tilting sun canopy that can shade the rider from almost any angle.


• Brakes - Brakes are an essential safety feature on any jogging stroller. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite has a foot brake for securing the stroller when not moving.


• Easy to fold - Many people who own or are looking to own a jogging stroller are looking for a stroller that can be easily folded for easy storage. A good jogging stroller should have a one step process for folding down to a compact size for storage or placing into a car trunk. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite is easily folded by one person. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller you will like the fact that the stroller has quick-release wheels that pop off for ultimate compactness when folded.


• Folded size - Most people take their stroller with them in your car. Make sure that the stroller will fit into your trunk when the stroller is folded. The Dreamer Design strollers that our family uses compacts down to as small as 39 x 20 x 12 without the wheels and down to 42 x 25 x 16 with the wheels left on.


• Handlebar flexibility - When considering a stroller it may be important that the handlebars are adjustable. If your spouse is significantly taller or shorter than you the stroller should have the flexibility to easily adjust the height of the handlebars. The Dreamer Design has adjustable handlebars so that people of varied height will be comfortable pushing the stroller.


• Storage Pockets - Many people when purchasing a stroller are looking for pockets, pouches, cup holders and storage space that are part of the stroller’s design and construction. The Dreamer Design stroller has storage pockets for holding the supplies you need when out with your baby. There is also a storage basket under the seat.


• Weight Capacity - Weight capacity refers to the certified weight that the stroller can carry. The number refers to the total weight of the rider and not the weight of any accessories or items carried in the pockets and pouches. When purchasing a jogging stroller make sure that your stroller has enough capacity in order to accommodate your child as they grow older and gain weight. The last thing you want is to have your child outgrow their stroller. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite is rated to hold a baby that weighs up to 80 pounds.


• Warranty - Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby’s health. You want to make your purchase with confidence. The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite comes with a guarantee on the stroller frame of 5 years, and a guarantee of one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.


• Available in Canada and USA – Up until now it has been difficult and very expensive to buy a Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite in Canada. BabyTravelPlanet.com is located in Canada and sells The Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite to customers in both Canada and the United States.


• Affordability - The price for the Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite is $209.00. Pricing is in US dollars. Shipping anywhere in the Continental USA and Canada is $29.95. Shipping costs are refunded on pickup orders.

Please visit us at BabyTravelPlanet.com.

JoPa

http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Advantages of GR8X Baby Traveller all in one diaper bag.

The GR8X Baby Traveller bag is a unique diaper bag in that it contains a built in change pad for changing your baby.

The GR8X Baby Traveller diaper bag is manufactured in Australia. This bag is destined to become the hottest diaper bag on the market within the next year.

It is starting to get some justified recognition. Recently on a review site called Baby Scoop it out rated all other diaper bags as the most versatile diaper bag on the market.

The GR8X Baby Traveller diaper bag takes some explaining but the most useful and versatile bag on the market. This diaper bag is less of a fashion statement, but totally useful and functional. It comes in 8 great colors and does back pack, shoulder and messenger carrying positions along with the ability to hang on a stroller.

For those that own a GR8X Baby Traveller diaper bag it has become an amazing baby accessory. It helps moms and dads out of jams - since you can unfurl its built in change pad virtually anywhere... even on a bathroom floor (not fun but sometimes necessary).

The GR8X Baby Traveller bag unfolds like a large "T" and baby lies on the bag, with his/her accessories on each side. When done, the bag folds into itself and forms into a neat backpack. Very cool.

The GR8X Baby Traveller is essentially your portable diaper changing table. For parents on the go, it’s a dream bag that not only includes the built in changing pad but has several convenient pockets for all of your diaper changing essentials, such as pockets for diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and little baby toys. It also has an insulated bottle holder that often came in handy.

Imagine being at a place where there is no washroom, or where the washroom has no change table, or if they have one it may be filthy – all you do is fold out the change pad, lie baby down and change their diapers. You can change your child anywhere – people have used this bag and it’s built in change pad to change their baby’s diapers on the sidelines of sports fields, changing room floors, and park benches – total flexibility.

The GR8X Baby Traveller comes with an additional changing pad, which can be replaced when you have those messier changes.

The design is simple and stylish, and doesn’t look like a typical diaper bag. The back pack function allows free hands and is quite comfortable if you are carrying it for long periods of time.

The GR8X Baby Traveller is great to receive as a gift or to give to someone else as a gift.

JoPa from www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

Choosing a Jogging Stroller for Your Baby

Ian and Jen Stoddart are the parents of Holden. Exercising is important to them. Jen is a jogger and when Holden was born it was important to her that she was able to continue jogging. To do this she needed to purchase a jogging stroller that she could use when jogging or walking Holden. She also wanted a stroller that she could use when out shopping with Holden. This article explains the factors that Ian and Jen considered when they purchased their jogging stroller.

Weight and Durability
When choosing a jogging strollers weight and durability are two of the key factors. Obviously, the lighter the better, and the more durable the better. The frame on a jogging stroller will either be welded aluminium frame construction or will be constructed of metal tubes connected with plastic joints.

Look for a jogging stroller that has a welded aluminium frame. The stroller will be more expensive, but they are noticeably lighter and much sturdier than strollers with metal tube frames.

As far as weight of the stroller, look for a jogging stroller that weighs less than 25 pounds.

Wheel Size
A jogging stroller has three large wheels. They have one in front and two in the back. A good jogging stroller should provide your baby with a smoother ride than a regular stroller, and obviously it should be easy for the runner to push while jogging.

The way that jogging strollers achieve a smooth ride and are easy to push is by reducing rolling resistance. And, reduced rolling resistance is achieved by the stroller’s wheels.

The back wheels on your jogging stroller should always be large wheels – at least 16" wheels. The front wheel will depend on how you will use the stroller.

If the stroller will be primarily used for jogging and walking on smooth surfaces, like sidewalks, bike paths, and indoors a 12 inch will work well.

If you plan on using the stroller for frequent outdoor walking or jogging on fairly smooth surfaces, with some off-road use (like cutting across a grassy field) a 16 inch wheel is preferable. The 16 inch wheel will provide less rolling resistance and therefore a smoother ride.

If you are a serious runner that does frequent long-distance running and off-road use look for a stroller with 20 inch wheels on the back and the front.

Wheel Style
Generally speaking a jogging stroller will have a fixed front wheel. When using the term fixed front wheel it means that the wheel does not swivel or turn. Because of the fixed front wheel when you want to turn the stroller you tilt the stroller back onto its rear wheels to make the turn.

The fixed front wheel is ideal for jogging, because it provides the stability and straight tracking that you need.

Some parents that like to jog with their child have a problem with the fixed wheel that comes on most traditional jogging strollers. The problem they experience is that they want their stroller to be used both for jogging but also for other uses such as using the stroller at the mall. The fixed wheel is great for jogging but it becomes a nuisance when out shopping because the stroller has to be tilted back onto its rear wheels to make a turn.

Some stroller manufacturers such as Dreamer Design Strollers recognized that many people want a jogging stroller that can be used for jogging and also more general everyday uses as well.

To meet this need some manufacturers have created a "hybrid" jogging stroller with a swivelling front wheel. The hybrid strollers usually have a smaller 12 inch front wheel that can be locked in place for jogging purposes and can be a swivel wheel for everyday shopping purposes.

The moms in our family both have hybrid jogging strollers made by Dreamer Design. The swivel front wheel on the strollers provides superior manoeuvrability for those indoor situations such as shopping. And, since these hybrid strollers in our family, when used for outdoor jogging or walking, are primarily used on smooth surfaces, like sidewalks, and bike paths. On these types of surfaces the 12 inch front wheel placed in its locked position works very well. It provides a smooth ride to the baby and is easy for the jogger to push.

The drawback to the hybrid stroller is when it is used on rough terrain. The smaller front wheel decreases the stroller's handling abilities on rough terrain. If you plan on using your jogging stroller for a lot of path, beach or off-road running you should be looking at a fixed-wheel jogging stroller.

Wheel Construction
Look for alloy wheels and hubs, rather than steel. Top of the line strollers will have alloy wheels and alloy hubs.

You can save money by purchasing a stroller with steel wheels and hubs. Steel is cheaper but is heavier and has a tendency to rust. If budget is an issue we recommend that you look for a stroller that has alloy wheels and steel hubs. Try to stay away from strollers that have steel for both its wheels and hubs.

If the stroller does have steel in its wheel construction and if you live in an environment where there is winter road salt, or ocean salt in the air or on pathways you can reduce the rust problem by periodically rinsing the wheels and hubs of your stroller.

Baby Seat Harness
Safety is the most important aspect whenever it comes to your baby. Look for a jogging stroller that has a five-point harness. A five-point harness will keep your child secure in the stroller when out for a walk or a jog. The seat harness should be easy to use. The Dreamer Design strollers that we use have a simple, easy to use harness. We just place the baby in the seat, and snap the belt buckle. Then all that’s left to do is pull one strap located at the front center of the seat until it’s tight and we are finished.

Seat Construction
When out for your run or walk you want your baby to be as comfortable as possible. The seat should be padded and especially during warmer weather the seat material should be made of a lightweight, breathable fabric. Purchase a jogging stroller that has a breathable padded seating area for your baby.

It is important to many parents that their baby gear stay looking good. If this is important to you look for a jogging stroller that has washable seats that can be easily removed cleaned and dried in a washing machine and dryer.

Many of the moms that we know will plan their walk or jog at baby’s naptime. Because of this we think that it is important to have a jogging stroller that reclines.

As every child develops differently, before starting to use your stroller with your baby should consult with your Pediatrician. Generally speaking, you should wait until your child is about 6-8 weeks old before using your stroller. For very young babies use neck support and an infant insert until your child has adequate neck strength. Most stroller manufacturers have optional infant inserts that are designed to assure parents that their child will travel safely and comfortably in the stroller. And when the baby is quite young you should limit the walks or jogs to flat, smooth terrain.

Sun Canopy
We think one of the most important aspects of any baby stroller whether it is a jogging stroller or a traditional baby stroller is having a sun canopy that has the flexibility to provide shade to your baby no matter what the angle of the sun. Direct sunshine into the baby’s face not only will in all likelihood cause the baby to be very uncomfortable and unhappy – but we are all becoming more and more conscious of the negative impact of the sun’s rays.

When looking for a jogging stroller look for one where the canopy can shade the rider from almost any angle

Brakes
Brakes are an essential safety feature on any jogging stroller. A traditional jogging stroller will usually have a hand brake that operates much like a bicycle break and more advanced strollers will also feature parking brakes. Hybrid jogging strollers (strollers with a swivel front wheel that locks) should have a foot brake and may come equipped with a hand brake. When purchasing a jogging stroller ensure that there is a parking brake – either hand operated or a foot brake.

Arm Safety Wrist Strap
On a good quality jogging stroller an arm safety wrist strap comes standard. Basically it's like a leash attached to the back rear of the stroller, with the loop end worn around your wrist. Because strollers are built for running and speed, you want to protect yourself from the stroller running away from you in an instance where you lose your footing while jogging.

Folding
Many people who own or are looking to own a jogging stroller are looking for a stroller that can be easily folded for easy storage. A good jogging stroller should have a one step process for folding down to a compact size for storage or placing into a car trunk.

If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller you should look for a jogging stroller that has quick-release wheels that pop off for ultimate compactness when folded.

The jogging stroller that you purchase should be foldable easily by one person. If it takes two people to fold the stroller – keep looking. There will be many times when you are on your own with your baby and you will not have a second person available to help you fold the stroller.

Most people take their stroller with them in your car. Make sure that the stroller will fit into your trunk when the stroller is folded. Look for a stroller that when folded that is no more than 44 inches long, 25 inches wide and 18 inches tall. If your stroller compacts to this size it will fit in most cars. The Dreamer Design strollers that our family uses compacts down to as small as 39 x 20 x 12 without the wheels and down to 42 x 25 x 16 with the wheels left on.

Handlebars
When considering a stroller it may be important that the handlebars are adjustable. If your spouse is significantly taller or shorter than you the stroller should have the flexibility to easily adjust the height of the handlebars. Several of the quality jogging strollers available on the market have adjustable handlebars so that people of varied height will be comfortable pushing the stroller.

The Dreamer Design strollers that we use easily adjust to a height of 39 inches to 43 inches.


Stroller Storage Pockets
Many people when purchasing a stroller are looking for pockets, pouches, cup holders and storage space that are part of the stroller’s design and construction. Does the stroller you are considering have the storage that you need? Many active parents want zipper or drawstring pouches that provide an added measure of security during bouncy rides.

Weight Capacity
Weight capacity refers to the certified weight that the stroller can carry. The number refers to the total weight of the rider and not the weight of any accessories or items carried in the pockets and pouches. When purchasing a jogging stroller make sure that your stroller has enough capacity in order to accommodate your child as they grow older and gain weight. Generally speaking look for a jogging stroller that is rated to hold a baby that weighs up to 80 pounds. The last thing you want is to have your child outgrow their stroller.

Stroller Guarantee
Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby’s health. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Your stroller should come with a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least 5 years, and there should be a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.

Stroller Cost
Jogging strollers range widely in price. Look for the features and benefits that you need for your stroller and then expect to pay somewhere in the range of $200 to $900.

One of the moms in our family uses a good quality hybrid stroller called Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite that costs $229.99 ($259.78 in Canada).

Another of the moms in our family uses a top-of-the-line hybrid stroller, the Dreamer Design Manhattan Deluxe and it cost $339.99 ($369.78 in Canada).

You can purchases a solid, good quality traditional jogging stroller, the Dreamer Design Rebound Jogger Lite that costs $249.99 ($279.78 in Canada).

A top-of-the-line fully loaded traditional jogging stroller Dreamer Design Rebound Jogger Deluxe costs $324.99 ($354.78 in Canada).

Get our FREE Ebooks about Baby Gear and Baby Travel Tips and our

FREE Ebook about Choosing a Jogging Stroller for Your Baby.

JoPa at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Cruise With Your Family 10 Reasons to Consider

All of us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ love to cruise. Cathy and I have been on 14 cruises together. Jen and Ian have been on 5 cruises combined. Here are some reasons to consider a cruise -- especially if you have a baby in your family...

1. Cruises are all inclusive and can be less costly than a land based vacation.


2. Many people in North America are within driving distance to a cruise port. This keeps your overall cost of a vacation down.


3. Today’s cruise ships are floating luxury resorts.


4. Cruises are geared towards families traveling with babies. They offer cribs, high chairs, and other baby gear.


5. Baby travels at a reduced fare when they travel with parents.


6. Cruises are a great way to relax and do very little but enjoy your baby.


7. Cruises are a great way to be as busy as you wish to be.


8. The food is plentiful and fantastic-and it is included in the price.


9. The cruise cabins, although small, are very comfortable.


10. Unpack your clothes and your baby’s clothes just once as your ship takes you to different ports of call.

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

JoPa from http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Family Camping in a Yurt

My daughter Jen and her husband from www.BabyTravelPlanet.com are adventurous campers, and even the winter can't stop them from camping. They have camped several times in a yurt.

If you are looking for an alternative to camping in a tent, why not try a yurt? A Yurt is a canvas-covered domed shelter. They have windows, lockable doors, table and chairs. They usually accommodate up to six people in two bunk beds (double beds on the bottom and singles on top).

Some yurts have electric heat and lighting, others have no light and have a woodstove for heat. Many also have a propane barbecue for cooking.

The great thing about yurts though is that they can be booked all year round. If you have young children and are looking to get away during the less busy times of year a yurt is a great option. If you go in the summer you can enjoy everything you would while camping in a tent, go in the fall to watch the colours change, or go in the winter and bring the toboggan or cross country skis.
When booking a yurt make sure you plan in advance as most parks only have two or three available. Check with the park you will be going to before you pack so that you know what amenities are available. You will need to bring bedding, some cooking supplies and a source of light if your yurt does not have electricity. The less supplies you have to bring when travelling with children, the more room you will have for the things you require for your child.

In Ontario you can book yurts at 9 different provincial parks by going to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/yurts.html

Visit us at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

JoPa from www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

Camping With Your Baby

Jen and Ian Stoddart are two of the owners of www.BabyTravelPlanet.com . They are passionate about hiking, canoeing and camping. They want to continue with their outdoor activities as their young family grows.

For Jen and Ian, who are experienced and enthusiastic campers, they want their baby to experience and enjoy their journeys as well.

They love camping but there are extra considerations when baby travels with you. Here is Jen and Ian’s list of things to consider when camping with your baby…

1. Double up on diapers. Cloth diapers are easiest for canoe campers because they can be boiled with a little soap over the fire, hung to dry and reused.
2. Bring a few disposable diapers along in case it's too wet to dry diapers.
3. Bringing cans of ready-to-use formula and bottles with disposable plastic liners. You can boil the bottle nipples each day in a pot over the campfire. For breastfeeding mothers, feeding time is even simpler.
4. Realize that having a baby along slows you down. When you plan your trip adjust the pace which will mean that you cannot plan to spend hours and hours on the water, and you will need more time at the campsite. You may just find that the trip with baby is more relaxing because of the slower pace.
5. Find a safe place for the baby. “We like to canoe so our challenge was where to place our son Holden in the canoe?” stated Ian. Their solution was to place Holden in the bow, just in front of Jen. He rocks a bit from side to side in the canoe, but basically he was very secure in that position. Blankets on the bottom of the canoe give Holden a place to rest and sleep."
6. Plan your first trip so that there are no portages.
7. Limit the time spent on the water, and plan to spend more time at the campsite.
8. Reduce the challenges on your first trips with baby. Look for journeys that are easy and will be relaxing. "We thought that a few days would be easier for all of us but we found that the longer ones can actually be easier” explains Jen. A longer trip allows you to get into the routine of the journey, and our baby gets used to the routine as well."
9. Have an infant personal flotation device (PFD). Until recently, PFDs were not available for young babies. PDF that are too large may not stay on an infant, or keep the baby’s head out of the water in an emergency. Our favourite is a Bijoux Baby Vest. This PFD has all its flotation material in the front and behind the head, so a baby who falls in the water face first is quickly flipped onto their back.
10. Travel with other people. This allows for sharing responsibilities such as preparing meals, setting up camp, hauling water, etc.
11. Don't fret about baby getting a little dirty. Let your baby experience nature. Let baby crawl through the dirt. Keep an eye on baby so that they remain safe. If you want to limit baby’s mobility bring a travel bed.
12. Prepare for all kinds of weather. Bring toys and things to do for those times when it's just too wet to leave the tent. If planning on spending a lot of time in the sun or on the beach consider a baby travel bed.
13. Remember that even in summer, it can get cold at night, so the baby will need warm clothes, a hat and blankets. We have a compact travel bed that we use for Holden. Its made by a company in England called LittleLife an Arc 4 Lite. It comes in its own compact carrying bag. View our baby travel beds.
14. Save your energy and increase everyone’s enjoyment by wearing your baby. Baby backpacks are highly recommended by Jen and Ian and all their camping friends. Use a front-pack carrier for a small baby who doesn't have the head control to ride safely in a backpack. Carriers are great not only for hiking with a baby, but as a way to keep him safe while you go about your campsite chores. Take a look at our Heart2Heart baby carriers for those times when you want to carry baby close to you, and take a look at our BabyTrekker carriers when you are engaged in an active pursuit. See our baby carriers.
15. Choose your campsite carefully. Look for a gently sloping, sandy beach for water’s edge campsite.
16. Insects can be a problem to any camper. Avoid the months that have the most bugs such as mosquitoes and blackflys. Insect repellents are not safe for infants. Protect your baby from flying insects (and the sun) by dressing them in clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect baby from the sun. Whenever possible avoid taking you child outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time that the sun's rays are the strongest. Also, young babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. When outside with young babies, dress the baby in clothing that covers all of the body. That means long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Tightly woven clothes offer better protection, than clothes with a wider weave. Take a look at our sun protective clothing.
17. Hats should be worn outdoors. Look for a hat with a bill, like a baseball cap, in order to protect the face. See our sun hats.
18. This may seem odd but one of our favourite pieces of travel gear is a headlamp. It is a flashlight that you wear with a strap around your head. It makes it a lot easier to change or feed baby than trying to do it in the dark. They are available at any camping store or sporting goods store.

Visit us at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

JoPa from www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

Water Safety For Your Baby

All of us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ love to swim when we travel and when we are at home. Jen, Ian and Holden's home has a pool so they are always very aware of the fun that a pool provides, but are also very conscious of water safety.

Supervising your child while they are swimming is not enough to ensure water safety for baby. While supervising your child in or near water follow these tips…

• Don’t get distracted. Focus on your baby.
• If your child is a young baby they should never be in the water themselves. A responsible adult should always be in the water with them.
• When in the water with your baby place the baby in a water proof baby carrier like the Heart2Heart baby water carrier.
• Don’t talk with other adults, or supervise other children, no reading, no eating and no talking on the phone.
• Make sure that there is one adult that is responsible for watching the children that are swimming. They must be solely focused on the swimmers.
• Realize that there is false security in numbers. You may think that when there are a lot of adults around, that young swimmers are safe under multiple pairs of eyes. In fact, adults in groups can distract each other and may assume that someone else is watching.
• Keep your child within arm’s reach, even in a shallow pool. When baby’s fall face forward in waist-deep water, their feet go up and their head goes down. They may not have the coordination and strength to right themselves.
• You cannot rely on hearing that your child is in trouble. Drowning is usually silent, since drowning victims are usually unable to call for help.

Be safe. Visit is at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

JoPa from http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Protection from the Sun for Babies

Physicians and researchers now believe that the more a child is exposed to sun early in life, the higher the chances are that skin cancer develops at an older age. The best way to minimize this risk is to provide protection from the sun for babies at all times. Here are some ideas that you can use…

• Whenever possible avoid taking you child outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time that the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Sun rays can go through clouds and can cause damage even on cloudy days. In the shade, the sun's rays can bounce from sand, concrete or snow, so keep that in mind as well.
• Sunglasses with UVA/B protection are also recommended.
• Young babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. When outside with young babies, dress the baby in clothing that covers all of the body. That means long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Also, tightly woven clothes offer better protection, than clothes with a wider weave.
• Hats should be worn outdoors. Look for a hat with a bill, like a baseball cap, in order to protect the face.
• Infants can start wearing sunscreen at six months. But they should be kept out of direct sunlight, with sunscreen used only as extra insurance in case the sun can’t be avoided.
• Sunscreens are designed to basically block the sun's rays. The "Sun Protection Factor" (SPF) is a measure of how much protection the sunscreen offers. For example, an SPF of 30 means that a child can stay out in the sun 30 times longer than without the sunscreen. The recommended SPF is 15 (at the very least) and the sunscreen should be "broad-spectrum" (protects against both UV-A and UV-B light rays).
• Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure because it takes some time for them to work on the skin.
• Remember that even "waterproof" sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours.
• Make sure that all potentially exposed areas are covered with sunscreen, including the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and the shoulders. While putting sunscreen on the face, avoid the eyes. If the sunscreen burns the eyes, try a new type or one that can be applied with a stick applicator.
• When outside it is good advice for all of us and even more so for your baby to keep your baby in the shade, such as in their stroller with a sun canopy or under a tree.
• Never use suntan oil, as it offers no protection and causes the skin to burn quicker. In addition, sunscreens that contain PABA should be avoided.

For more information about protecting your child from harmful rays of the sun and helpful baby travel tips visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/articles/

Click the links to read about Sun Hats and Sun Protection Clothing and about baby strollers that provide full sun protection for your baby.

JoPa at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Save on Family Vacations

All of us at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com love to travel, and we are always looking for ways to save on family travel when planning a vacation. Below are some of our ideas.

For more ideas about travelling with babies get our free E-books at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ebook_register/

1. Plan ahead. The highest cost for travel is when you make last-minute airline tickets and hotel reservations. Plan ahead two or three months and then start searching the internet for bargains.
2. Travel in off peak periods. Whenever possible, travel outside the main vacation periods. You can book a package, including airfare and hotel at Disney World, for a pittance in September, for example, when the kids are going back to school. The best deals in the Caribbean and Mexico are from the end of May through November.
3. Travel on less costly days. Many airlines offer lower prices on off-peak days, like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which can be a boon for you if you plan in advance.
4. Become a internet vacation pro. Here are a list of sites that you can access to get air fares, hotel rates, cruise rates, and so on.
   Travel umbrella sites. These can save you time by searching more than 100 travel sites at once — including sites for trip consolidators, hotels, and airlines, as well as umbrella travel sites like the ones below. But they don't search every travel site, so it's still worth your while to look elsewhere.
   www.expedia.com
   www.Travelocity.com
   www.CheapTickets.com
   www.Cheapfares.com
   www.Orbitz.com
   Airline sites. What I often do is search for airfares using Expedia. When I find a fare that is to my liking I then go direct the airline’s site and quite often find the same flight for less money. Here are some of the most commonly used airline sites.
   www.delta.com
   www.southwest.com
   www.northwest.com
   www.united.com
   www.aa.com
   www.continental.com
   www.aircanada.com
   www.jetblue.com
   www.westjet.com
   www.usairways.com
   Hotel sites. Similar to booking an air flight, what I often do is search for hotel rates using Expedia. When I find a hotel and rate that is to my liking I then go direct the hotel’s site and quite often find the same hotel room for less money. Here are some of the most commonly used hotel sites.
   www.mariott.com for Mariott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard Hotels, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Springhill Suites.
   www.choicehotels.com for Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion Hotels, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn
   www.hilton.com for Hilton Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, and Conrad Hotels.
   www.lq.com for LaQuinta Hotels.
   www.holidayinn.com for Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Express Hotels.
   Cruise Sites. Cruising with your family is a great way to enjoy a vacation and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. For example a 7 day cruise out of Florida on a well known cruise line in early December 2007 costs $1,132 US for 2 adults and a baby. That includes cabin, three wonderful meals a day, entertainment, its all included. We have never had any luck getting good fares direct from the cruise lines so we always go to cruise discount sites to get great rates. Here are the cruise sites that we recommend you check for the best cruise fares.
   www.cruisevalue.com
   www.cruisecompete.com . This is our favourite. See our article Where and how to get the best cruise rates for your family to learn how to save money using this site.
   www.ecruisestore.com
5. Take a risk. I have often been able to save a lot of money on hotel rooms by booking a hotel room using the hotel’s Net Direct rate. This rate is usually at least 25% less than the hotels’ lowest rate. The catch is that you the rate requires full payment in advance, and it is nonrefundable. This rate is not always available, but when it is it will be part of their on line rate structure.
6. Do a room check. Before you book accommodation, read independent traveler reviews. Our favourite is www.TripAdvisor.com
7. Take advantage of e-mail offers. Many airlines, such as Southwest and Delta, send frequent e-mails announcing Internet specials. So do umbrella travel sites like Expedia. These are a great way to find out when deals are available. It requires registering on the Web sites, but the payoff is an early alert to low prices on airfare, hotel, and rental cars for your destination of choice.
8. Become one of the locals. It's often tempting to book a room with a major hotel chain. And once you're there, if you don't know where to eat in the city, you're likely to end up at an overpriced chain restaurant. Don't do it! Locally owned and operated hotels are often much nicer and less expensive. And you'll learn more about the place you're visiting if you eat at the local hangout. For each spot you plan to visit, start with the Chamber of Commerce Web site, then follow the links to local hotels and B&Bs as well as to popular restaurants and attractions. These sites often list local parks and recreation areas, as well. Here are some web sites to check for small hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations...
   • www.TravelBB.com
   • www.BedandBreakfast.com
   • www.TripAdvisor.com . What I like about TripAdvisor is that users to rate their experiences at specific hotels and B&Bs, so you can see what others thought about a place before you choose it.
9. Hit the road. Cut the cost of plane tickets out of your travel budget and your money will go a lot further. No matter where you live, there's probably a wonderful family destination within a day's drive. Why not start with a national park? Nearly every state and province boasts a gorgeous national park, from Acadia in Maine to Zion in Utah to Algonquin in Ontario. Go to the National Park Service's site and click on your state or province to find the nearest park. National monuments, parks, and historic and cultural attractions also make great travel destinations. Each state and province has a Web site listing its parks, and you can often book campground and cabin reservations online.
10. Always ask about discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Is that your best price?” Whether you’re booking flights, rental cars or accommodations, that little phrase can reap rewards. Whether you're booking airline tickets, hotel rooms, a car rental, event tickets, or even dinner reservations, always ask the reservation agent if the company is offering any deals. Don't forget to mention your kids. You may be surprised to learn that kids stay free or that you can get coupons for $10 off admission to the local aquarium or amusement park. Hotels sometimes have discounted tickets available that cover multiple local attractions, resulting in substantial savings. Some airlines offer discounts on seats for children, but these are becoming rare. Still, bring it up, as the reservation agent might not think to check into it unless you do. It doesn't hurt to explain that you're trying to save money and ask the agent for help in finding the best deal. One new mother who did this found that her Costco membership got her a bigger discount on a weekly car rental than AAA.
    If you're an automobile club member, work it. You can get much more than hotel discounts with AAA. Use your membership to get breaks on rental cars, tickets to tourist attractions, and much more. Next time you plan a trip, stop by or call your local AAA office and ask what deals they offer for your chosen destination. And don't forget to pick up some of their free top-quality maps.
11. Don’t pay for insurance you don’t need. Before you fork out the big bucks for trip cancellation and interruption insurance, rental car insurance or out-of-country medical insurance, check to see if you’re already covered through your credit card. Some cards provide such coverage automatically as long as you use the card to book your flight, accommodation or rental car.
12. Do some research. Once you have decided where you will be traveling on your journey, check out the local area’s online visitor’s bureau for tips on what to see, how to get around and any special offers on food and accommodation that may be available. A fast way to research this information is to go to Google and type in the name of your destination a plus sign and the word visitor bureau (example: Orlando+ visitor bureau).
    
    Get our free E-books at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ebook_register/
    
    JoPa at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

Holdin Holden

Our website business www.BabyTravelPlanet.com was started as a result of Holden Stoddart being born into our family. Here is a little story from Holden's grandpa (JoPa) about Holden and JoPa a week or so after Holden was born.

I could hardly wait to see Holden a second time. I love him so much, and I was also curious to find out how every one reacted to his ability to speak at such an early age.

My next visit was with Holden at his house. I held him tight and kissed him gently and whispered in his ear, “Holden, its your grandpa, and I love you very much.”

Holden’s eyes popped open and he said, “of course you love me—what’s their not to love. But your name isn’t grandpa—we decided—well OK I decided that it is JoPa.”

“OK” I said, “it’s JoPa and I love you very much.”

Holden sighed, ‘that’s better.”

I was dying to ask Holden if he had spoken with anyone else, “so, Holden have you had a little chat with mom and dad yet?’

“JoPa” he replied, “I told you the last time that this talking thing is just between you and me, so ix-ne on the talking-eh thing—have you got it?

I replied back “OK, OK, I get it—its just between us guys—Holden and JoPa. Holden, let me ask you a question. I love your name Holden Brock, what do you think of it?”

“Well JoPa” he said, “I’m glad that you like it because it was my idea.”

“Your idea” I questioned back, “it was your mom and dad’s idea.”

Holden scoffed, “I am letting them think that for now—but here is how it really happened. Before you and I met I used to live in my mom’s belly. It was great. It was beautiful, I swam all day in this warm water and ate all my food through this belly button thing—see down here.”

I nodded as he pointed his little finger at his tiny, little belly button.

“JoPa” Holden continued, “life was great—and the best part was the fact that I didn’t have to do anything—just lie there, swim, eat and go wherever my mom took me. I just loved being held by mom in her belly. So every once in a while just for fun I would give my mom a little kick with my feet—and as I kicked I would say as loud as I could ‘I love you holdin’ me’. Now you have to understand JoPa that I have trouble saying the hard ‘g’ letter. What I was really trying to say was ‘I love you holding’ me’, but what my mom heard was ‘I love you holdin’ me.’

“I kicked her so often when I was living in her belly, and every time I would say the same darn thing, ‘I love you holdin’ me’. I knew that pretty soon I was ‘coming out’ as they say in the maternity ward, and I didn’t want her to forget how much I loved her holding me, so every night when she went to sleep I whispered to her ‘my name is holding, my name is holding. When I came out they changed the spelling and dropped the hard letter ‘g’—I think they had trouble saying the hard ‘g’ just like me—and they called me, actually I called me Holden.

“As far as my middle name there is some confusion. I thought that I was going to named after my Aunt Brooke, and that my middle name would be Brooke. When I first heard my name Holden Brook I really liked it. Then I heard mom and dad tell everyone that my middle name was Brock because that was the university where they met each other.”

“My reaction to that was pleeease!!! If I knew I was going to be named after a University I would have whispered to my mom each night my middle name is Waterloo, my middle name is Waterloo”.

“Overall though the name thing has worked out very well. Everyone likes holdin’ Holden. I even had one of my aunts make a joke that I will never learn to walk because everyone is always holdin’ Holden.

“Fine with me” said holdin Holden as he fell asleep.

Please visit us at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

JoPa from www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

5 Cruising Tips Saving You Time and Money on Cruise Fares

Our family at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ frequently goes on cruises and Holden's grandfather JoPa is a master at getting low cruise fares. Here are the 5 steps that he goes through to get great deals on cruise fares...

1. Be flexible. Always book well in advance, try to cruise in periods other than Christmas, New Years, March breaks and so on.
2. Start at http://CruiseValue.com and search for fares and jot down two or three cruises that you are interested in.
3. With this information go to http://www.CruiseCompete.com and fill out their form for your desired cruises. If you are not yet registered with Cruise Compete you can register for free.
4. Within minutes you will receive competitive quotes sent to you by email from a wide range of cruise travel companies and cruise wholesalers.
5. Contact the company with the lowest fare and ask them if there is a charge for cancelling later and if they say no then I proceed to 'book' the cruise with them.

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

JoPa from http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

5 Air Travel Tips Saving You Time and Money

Everyone at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ travels a lot and I am pretty good at finding ways to save on airfare. Here are the 5 air travel tips that I follow saving time and money on airfare...

1. Be flexible. Always book well in advance, try to stay over a Saturday night and be prepared to have one stop on your trip.


2. Start at http://www.expedia.com/ and search for fares and jot down the two airlines for your trip.


3. Check for fares at http://www.sidestep.com/ and jot down the two airlines for your trip.


4. Based on what you learned at Expedia and Sidestep go the airline site for the airlines that seem to have the lowest fare for your trip. Links for airline sites www.babytravelplanet.com/airline_links/


5. Check for fares at their site. Their fares will usually be slightly less than the fares shown at Expedia and Sidestep.
   
   Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/
   
   JoPa from http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

USA Passport for your baby

At http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ we regularly get asked how do I get a USA passport for my baby. Here are the steps...

It is recommended that anyone traveling outside of the United States have a valid passport, and this is even true for your baby. A passport is required in many countries and you should check with your travel destinations if you do not plan on having a passport for your baby.

1. In order to get a valid American passport for your child you must fill out and print an on-line form at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html
2. Do not sign the form until you are at the passport application office
3. Submit proof of U.S. citizenship for the baby (e.g. Certified U.S. birth certificate)
4. Submit evidence of child's relationship to parents/guardians (e.g. Certified U.S. birth certificate)
5. Provide Parental Identification (e.g. Valid driver's license)
6. Present Parental application permission document-both parents must appear together at the passport office, or one parent appears and submits a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child
7. Have 2 identical passport photos of the child. It is often difficult to have passport photos taken of children under 1 year old. A full front view of the babies’ head and shoulders is required and parent’s hands or arms may not be seen in the picture. I would call ahead to the photo studio where you are planning on having your child’s photo taken and ask if they routinely take baby passport photos. If they do not you should not go there, as you do not want to go through the work of having the picture taken, standing in line at the passport office to be told that the picture is not acceptable. If you have a low chair that helps your child to sit up (e.g. Bumbo chair) this may help at the photo studio. The chair cannot be visible in the picture
8. Submit the form, ID, photos and payments at one of over 9000 passport acceptance facilities http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
9. The fee for a US passport for children under the age of sixteen is $82

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ .

JoPa at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

Canadian Passport for Your Baby

At www.BabyTravelPlanet.com we get asked regularly how do I get a Canadian Passport for a baby. Here are the steps.

It is recommended that anyone travelling outside of Canada have a valid passport, and this is even true for your baby. A passport is required in many countries and you should check with your travel destinations if you do not plan on having a passport for your baby.

In order to get a valid passport for your child you must:

1. Obtain and complete a form for children under 16 years of age (available at www.ppt.gc.ca )
2. Have proof of Canadian citizenship for the baby (e.g. Birth certificate)
3. Have 2 identical passport photos of the child taken by a commercial photographer. It is often difficult to have passport photos taken of children under 1 year old. A full front view of the babies’ head and shoulders is required and parent’s hands or arms may not be seen in the picture. Passport Canada states that they are lenient about the expression of a newborn.
   www.BabyTravelPlanet.com Proven Tip—Baby Passport Photo
   Call ahead to the photo studio where you are planning on having your child’s photo taken and ask if they routinely take baby passport photos. If they do not you should not go there. You do not want to go through the work of having the picture taken, and then standing in line at the passport office to be told that the picture is not acceptable.
4. If you have a low chair that helps your child to sit up (e.g. Bumbo chair) this may help at the photo studio. The chair cannot be visible in the picture.
5. Have a guarantor sign the form and one of the photos.
   · A guarantor must be a Canadian Citizen who has known you (the parent/guardian) for at least 2 years.
   · They must also be in a profession meeting certain criteria set out by the government of Canada which includes such professions as medical doctor, dentist, lawyer and mayor (a full list is included on the passport form).
6. Submit the form, ID, photos and payments at a passport office or mail it in to the address on the form.
7. The fee for a 3 year Canadian passport for children under the age of three is $22.

Tomorrow's blog 'Get a US Passport for your baby.

Visit us at www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

JoPa

www.BabyTravelPlanet.com

Grandpa buys a new baby stroller Part 2

So we started our search for a baby stroller that had the flexibility of providing shade to the baby no matter what direction we were walking or what direction the sun was shining.

We figured that if we wanted it for our babies then there must be other people that wanted the same for their babies.

Everyone is so concerned, and rightly so about the damaging effects of the sun rays, and we want to do whatever we can to protect our babies from direct sunlight.

We sent away for literature about different stroller designs and browse the internet looking for a baby stroller that was quality built and had the capability to easily change the positioning of the stroller cover so that the baby would never be in direct sunshine.

After much searching we came across a series of strollers made by a company called Dreamer Design.

The Dreamer Design series of strollers all come equipped with a ‘patented’ sun canopy that swivels 360 degrees when desired to protect the baby from the sun.

All you have to do to change the angle is pull on a strip of Velcro and then tilt the sun canopy in another direction. It can be done in a second or less. It is so easy.

The Dreamer Design strollers are quality built. They have a 5 year warranty on the frame—and some of their models even have a 20 year warranty.

They are also affordable—the last expensive single stroller is only $229 freight included and the most expensive single stroller is $339 freight included.

They have double strollers as well—the last expensive double stroller is only $379 freight included and the most expensive double stroller is $449 freight included.

Further details can be found at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/product_strollers .

We have the Manhattan Lite for Holden and we have already purchased the Manhattan deluxe for our new yet-to-be-born granddaughter.

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com

JoPa

Grandpa buys a new baby stroller

I am JoPa and I am the grandfather to Holden. Taking Holden for a walk in his stroller has always been one of my favourite things to do with him. I have been doing it since he was only one week old. Cathy (my wife) and I in fact had bought an Eddie Bauer stroller for him and his mom and dad before he was born.

One day, a few months back I was taking a Holden for a walk in his Eddie Bauer stroller. It was a long walk, and it was a beautiful sunny day. Holden had fallen asleep in the stroller.

As I turned the corner on one of the streets the sun shone into the stroller and directly on Holden’s face. The sun’s intensity immediately woke Holden up. I continued walking but Holden became frustrated with the sun being in his face.

I stopped to examine the stroller to see if there was some way to adjust the sun hood so that I could block the sun from being in Holden’s face. The adjustment could not be made.

So, I continued walking but I turned the stroller so that I was dragging it behind me so that the sun would no longer be in Holden’s face.

It was a pain walking this way but Holden settled down and fell back to sleep.

When I got home I mentioned the sun issue to my daughter Jen who told me that it was a regular problem for her, and that she hangs a sheet over the stroller when it happens.

My response was that was fine but that on our baby gear website http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ we need to look for and find a stroller that has the capability to block the sun rays from a baby’s face when out for a walk on a sunny day.

Tomorrow… the solution

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/
JoePa

Grandpa gets a new name

I am new this concept of 'blogging' but I am going to make an effort to write down my thoughts about being a grandfather, and about building an online business with my adult children. Our new business venture http://www.babytravelplanet.com/ is helping people to travel with a baby by providing people with useful baby travel tips and baby gear that is good quality and affordable.

My grandson's name is Holden and he is just over 9 months old. Here is my story about how I first met Holden.

First Encounters of the Loving Kind

I first met Holden on the day he was born. Now I am a first time grandpa, so I may be a bit biased here, but he was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen.

I am sure every grandparent feels that way when they first see their new grandchild—but here is where our story—the story of Holden and JoPa—becomes different, very different.

When I first held Holden his eyes were closed and he was happily sound asleep.

Then all of a sudden his eyes popped open and he said—yes he talked—“are you the guy that takes people to football games and tailgate parties?”

I was astounded, “you can talk?”

Holden responded, “of course I can—but only you and I know that—and don’t tell my mom and dad—because then my crying wouldn’t work with them.”

“But can’t they hear you talking?” I asked.

“No, I just told you only you can hear me. So, whatever your name is—answer my question— are you the guy that takes people to football games and tailgate parties?”

“Well, yes I am.” I replied. “Why do you ask?”

Holden then said, “Because I want to go to a game, and I am ready to tail gate party!!! Oh, oh, oh, I heard that there is this really, really old guy who coaches one of the football teams, and his name is Joe something or other. Do you know who that is?”

“Yes, Holden”, I said, “I know who you are talking about—his name is Joe Paterno, but people call him JoePa. He coaches the Penn State football team.”

Holden almost shouted back, “ya, ya that’s the guy, that’s the team I want to go see play at our first game together.”

I was delighted to have a new partner to go to football games with and I beamed back to Holden, “I sure will take you to see Penn State and JoPa play football.”

Holden started to nod off—it was as if all the talking was making him tired. Before he fell asleep, he dreamily had one last thing to say, “Hey, mister what’s your name so I’ll know what to call you the next time we get together?”

I said, “I’m your grandpa—so you can call me grandpa.”

Holden looked at me with a puzzled look and replied back, “hey, like you are really old like that JoPa guy, so instead of calling you grandpa, I am going to call you JoePa.”

And then he fell sound asleep, and my whole life changed.

My name is now JoePa.

Visit us at http://www.babytravelplanet.com/

JoPa