Traveling with Baby: Feeding Time!

Yesterday I mentioned this blanket clip I made that matches my awesome diaper bag!

When I was creating my packing list I wasn't sure what to do about bringing bibs.  Even though we were only going to be gone for 3 days that's a minimum of 3 bibs a day.  Then the thought of nasty, dirty bibs caked with food in my suitcase- some of them 3 days old- eww!

What about my travel bibs? Again, what to do when they're dirty?  They are good for a dinner out not days of eating out.  I needed something disposable.  Sure, I could have bought some of these.  But I was already rushed for time finishing up my diaper bag and really didn't want to make a half hour trip, hauling 2 kids into a store just for what is basically a napkin! 

My easy fix was to add a couple snaps to the blanket clip & ta da it is now a bib clip!  Attach a napkin from the restaurant.  I threw in a bunch of these disposable changing pad covers (which I actually bought with my first son and still have)!   They can be used for so many things!  I figured besides covering germy changing station surfaces I could use one as a bib if need be! 

Here's my little man modeling one of the multi use pads & blanket clip as a bib.  What I really loved was the size was ample enough to cover his lap.  It seems these days 1/2 his food ends up there!

Here is the clip before snaps... great for keeping a blanket on your child especially in a stroller.  I ended up really needing this because I was not prepared for the cold & rainy weather we had during the graduation!

I added a button set about one inch down from the fold and another 2 inches down.  This gives me more options for how long/short I want it. 

Here is a shot from the underside.  The snaps are kinda hard to see. 

These clips are so easy to make.  There are probably a gazillion tutorials out there so I won't go into too much detail.  I cut 2 strips of fabric 1" wide plus seam allowances and about 14" long. Put the 2 pieces right sides together and sew around 3 sides leaving one open so you can turn it right side out.  Once right side out top stitch 1/8" around all sides closing the end you left open.  Add suspender clips on both ends by folding the fabric over a 1/2" or so and using a triple stitch to make sure it doesn't come apart.  Once done, fold in half and add a set of snaps about 1" and 2" from fold...try it on your child and decide where you want them.

I wish I would have known how great these things were...every mom with young eaters needs one!

Traveling with Baby: Diaper Bag

So, I am just returning from a little trip to Denver for my sister's grad school graduation.  To make this possible, since my husband farms on the side, we each took a kid.  This was my first time ever flying with a child.  Man oh man I learned a lot from this experience.  I thought I'd share my experience starting with this awesome diaper bag I made for the trip. 

I used this pattern from Sew 4 Home with a few changes.  The exterior fabric was Michael Miller Laminate Bicycles Gray.  The interior was a waterproof PUL fabric.  The accent fabric was a blue gingam. 

I would recommend NOT using a laminate fabric because it's a pain!  I could use more words to describe the frustration I had but I'll keep this G rated! 

I added a phone pocket to the chest strap... and I used it a lot!

Here is a close up of the knot where the two straps come together.  This is nice because you can control the length of the strap.

Here's a peek inside the bag.  I loved the swivel key clip...made it easy to not loose my keys.  I also was able to clip a pacifier in this too!

Look at ALL the pockets!  This bag has major storage- great for travel!

The original pattern called for a button closure but I hate buttons so I added a flap and 2 magnetic snaps.  I loved the magnetic snaps but in retrospec I would have just put them along the top edge and not added the flap...one less step.  This was the first time using the magnetic snaps and even though they are so easy to install I made the mistake of putting the tabs through all layers.  So to hide the tabs I hot glued some fun orange buttons on them! 

Here I am modeling the bag (on self timer).  You can get an idea of the size...perfect as a carry on!

I made a matching blanket clip that my older son is modeling (ignore the funny face...it's the best I got!).  More on this later.

On a difference note I had to give you a peek at my new tie and belt set!

You can choose from a real tie or tie onesie.  I love this blue gingam!

Here's the link for the listing with the real tie and this is for the tie onesie.

Here's my little man modeling the tie... the best I got with a self timer!  I really need to teach my 2 year old how to use a camera!!