Do you need to travel this fall for Thanksgiving, or to enjoy fall leaves, or for any other reason? We have some tips on how to make it easier! 

Traveling long distances by car with a baby can seem daunting, but with proper planning and organization, it can be an enjoyable experience. This guide will help you prepare for a successful and fun trip to Grandma's house.

Before the Trip

Planning the Trip:

• Consider Your Baby's Sleep Schedule:
• Plan your travel time to coincide with your baby's nap or bedtime.
• If your baby doesn't sleep well in the car, start the journey right after a nap or in the morning.

Break the Trip:

• Avoid long stretches in the car by planning stops along the way to give everyone a break.

Factor in Extra Time:

• Be prepared for unplanned surprises, such as diaper changes or fussy moments.

Pack Essentials:

• Ensure you have everything you need for a pleasant trip, including window shades, a cooler for drinks, toys, baby-friendly music, a rear-view baby mirror, and books to read to your baby.

Preparing the Car

Utilize the Backseat Space:

• If possible, have one adult sit in the backseat next to the baby for company and comfort.
• If traveling alone, get creative in setting up the car and plan for more frequent stops. Mirrors help you to see baby. 

Create a Traveling Entertainment Center:

• If rear facing car seat is instructions say to have handle up while driving, you can hang toys from it. OR
• Hang lightweight toys from the ceiling using ribbons or yarn. Ensure they are not too long. 
• Tape colorful pictures of toys on the back of the seat facing your baby.
• Set up a box of easily accessible toys next to the car seat.
• Provide a large box of toys and switch out options when you take driving breaks. 

Bring Snacks and Drinks:

• Pack snacks and drinks for your baby and yourself, even if you plan to stop for meals.

Entertainment for Adults:

• Borrow books on CD (if your car has a cd player) or borrow ebooks from library, or create a playlist of soothing music for adults to enjoy during your baby's naps.
• Download podcasts 

Be Prepared for the Dark:

• If traveling at night, bring a battery-operated nightlight or flashlight.

Car Travel Checklist:

• Well-stocked diaper bag
• Change pad if you need to change in creative places
• Baby's blanket
• Car seat pillow or head support
• Window shades (sun screens)
• Change of clothes for your baby
• Change of shirt for adults easily accessible (so you don't arrive smelling like spit up) 
• Toys and books
• Baby food, snacks, and drinks
• Sipper cups
• Snacks and drinks for adults
• Cooler
• Wet washcloths or moist towelettes
• Empty plastic bags for leftovers and trash
• Bottle warmer
• Baby's regular sleep music or white noise (with extra batteries)
• First aid kit/prescriptions/medications
• Money/wallet/purse/ID
• Medical and insurance information/emergency phone numbers
• Maps/driving directions
• Baby carrier/sling/stroller
• Suitcases

During the Journey

Be Flexible:

• Accept that changes can happen and try to stay relaxed and adaptable.

Stop When Needed:

• Avoid pushing too far with a crying baby; take breaks to calm your baby.

Prioritize Safety:

• Keep your baby in the car seat, and if nursing, pull over to feed your baby in the car seat to avoid potential accidents.

Never Leave Your Baby Alone:

• Remember, never leave your baby unattended in the car, even for a brief moment.

On the Way Home

Prepare for the Return Trip:

• Ensure all supplies are refilled and ready.
• Plan the best departure time.
• Reflect on previous trips for improvements.

By following these tips and staying organized, you can make your car trip with a baby not only manageable but also enjoyable for everyone involved. Safe travels!

Should you take your child to see the Barbie movie?  This was my question before I saw the movie. I have an 8 year old daughter who loves Barbies. We have a Barbie “room” of our house - where she plays with her dream house and dolls. Some of the dolls are mine, and when we play together it brings memories of me playing with my Barbies for hours, by myself and with friends! I also have a 10 year old son, who while would not be interested in the content, likes going to the show with us. 

My daughter, though, is also growing up in the time of non-stop media. She does not have social media, but still gets exposed to some through videos on YouTube (she has taught me many TikTok dances - or tried to teach me as I lack coordination). 

I have been getting a lot of content about the Barbie movie in my social media feeds. Most have been praising it for its take on the patriarchy. I have seen the America Ferrera speech in a few reels (and absolutely loved it!!) 

I have also seen the quote “We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back to see how far they have come. By Ruth”. As a mom, I now feel this more, and have much more respect for my mom, aunts, grandmother, and really all women who have helped me become who I am today. 

I do not think the movie would have held my daughters attention for the whole time. She would love the first part, when everything is awesome in Barbie Land. I think she would also be ok with some of the time in the real world. While I understand the movie is a trope of patriarchy, I would not want her to see how Ken acted (overacted) when he returned and turned it to Kenland. While the acting of Ken’s and Barbie’s is done to be over the top so that it was laughable, I do not think that is a distinction my daughter would be able to pick up. When it is available to watch at home, I would watch it with them, as going to the movies with my kids is still a lot of work (and I don’t look nearly as put together as Beyonce did a few years ago at the awards show giving her daughter a juice box) - and it would allow us more time to discuss the behaviours, the reason for the behaviours, and how our actions can affect others. 

However, from an adult perspective, the movie was great!! The over the top acting, the bright colours, the details in the costume and set design were phenomenal! I preemptively laughed out loud when Barbie was in the real world and actually had a liquid in the cup as I expected she would spill the drink (and the other audience members quickly caught up with me). 

I love that the movie addresses mental health concerns - both in the dolls and in humans. I love that is shows how interconnected the mental health journey of those we care for can affect not just the person who is feeling low, but also others in their circle. 

I love that the speech by actress America Ferrerra is what snapped Barbie out of her mental fog was so clever. While much of it resonated with me (and many friends who have shared it) the part of the quote  “You’re supposed to love being a mother but you don’t talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also look out for other people.” really struck a nerve. This ties to the “Managing the Motherload” that we are all called to do - juggling motherhood, careers, friends, family, hobbies, self-care, etc. It is impossible to manage it all and we need to find ways to create a village that can help us do it. 

I also love that they are allowing non-prototypical Barbies feel seen! I resonate with both Weird Barbie (and her love of Birkenstocks) and Depression Barbie.  

So I think you should go to see it - either with a friend, family member, or by yourself! I think that you should discuss the content with your children - and your mother - and your friends - and your partner - and everyone! And you can use that to start to create your own village. 

If you got this far, I will share this quote FOR you, for any time you may be feeling like you are not enough  “You are so beautiful and so smart and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.”

An expectant or new mom in your life is diagnosed with PMADs – now what?

A formal diagnosis of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) may relieve you that what’s been affecting your loved one has a name. Panic can follow that moment of relief. Now what? How do you help support your loved one’s journey through this. 

PMADs include symptoms that can affect women during and up to a year after pregnancy with sometimes debilitating emotional and physical difficulties. Disorders include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and psychosis. Each jeopardizes the quality of life, ability to function, and overall pleasure and happiness of those affected.

Even though you may feel underqualified, you’re an essential part of the recovery process. Besides a formal treatment plan, you can support progress with practical and emotional support. Below we’ve compiled 5 ways you can help the new mom in your life, starting today.

1. Educate yourself

 The more you understand about what your loved one is going through, the better a supporter you’ll be. Learn as much as you can about symptoms, treatment, and availability of resources in your local area. This learning process enables you to become an advocate. Many times, it’s a partner, family member, or friend who embodies the first line of defense by recognizing and then advocating for help on behalf of their loved one. “The more you know” has never been more accurate.

 

2. Get engaged in the treatment process

The first step on the road to recovery is a treatment plan built to address the unique needs of the person navigating a mood and anxiety disorder. Finding the right practitioners and a mix of treatment types can take what seems like a herculean effort. By helping with this process, you’re supporting it. Do they need help to find an empathetic doctor? Do they need a ride, childcare, or removal of some responsibilities to make it to therapy appointments? Could you arrange for prescription drop-offs with the pharmacy? Is a peer-support program available in your area? Think of practical ways to overcome barriers that sometimes make it too hard to start or stick to a treatment plan.

3. Offer breaks

Offering a mom a break from daily parenting routines and tasks can help to ease feelings of being overwhelmed. Simple gestures such as allowing the person to nap while you take over cleaning or taking the baby out for a walk while mom takes an uninterrupted shower, or caring for older children. Taking over responsibilities for household tasks is also helpful, as it allows the parent to focus on baby duties, rather than also worrying that domestic responsibilities are piling up. Offering small but consistent actions where the person can score moments to recharge and regroup go a long way to help move recovery in the right direction.

4. Be mindful of language

Once you know more about what the person is going through, work to be mindful of how you refer to the challenges and actions (or non actions) of the person affected to help combat stigma. Use non-judgemental language and become a champion listener. Seemingly harmless comments like “The house is a mess,” “You’re tired? Didn’t you nap today?” or “Have you taken your meds?” can have a negative impact. Instead, focus on acknowledgement, reassurance, and progress. “I know how long the day must have seemed today, you’re doing a great job,” “What can I order in for our dinner? Feeding the little one is hard enough!”, “You must be tired. I’ll take it from here”, “I’m checking in. How are you feeling today? How can I help?”  

 5. Be patient

 Recovery takes time. It may be an extended period before the person feels ‘well’ again and you may need to sustain your efforts, turning them into a new routine rather than a short-term ‘project.’ Accept that there is no ‘normal’ timeframe for recovery since no two people or experiences are the same. In fact, it often takes multiple adjustments to get the treatment ‘formula’ right. Exercise patience with each other, and yourself. It’s much harder to assist someone else when you’re running on empty. Make sure taking care of yourself is also a priority and call in reinforcements when needed – it takes a village.

 Turning a desire to help someone into action, is to be commended. Join forces with your friends, family, and the treatment community to foster the best possible outcome for everyone affected.  

Blog originally posted by Mercedes 

In our previous blog, we discussed what vaccines are, how they work, and why we need them. Now that we know the basic information about vaccines, it’s time to learn more about what the process may look like for children. Below, you’ll find helpful tips and resources to help ensure you can make the right decision for your child, and prepare for what to expect. 

For a complete overview of vaccination for children, visit A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.

Your child's vaccination schedule

Vaccination schedules can vary slightly, depending on the province or territory you live in. This means that some provinces or territories will vaccinate at a different age.

Typically, your child will be vaccinated:

• Between birth to 2 months

• At 4 months

• At 6 months

• Between 12 months and 18 months

• Between 4 to 6 years of age

Find your child’s Vaccinations Schedule

Where to get vaccinated

To find out where you can get your child vaccinated, you can:

• Contact your healthcare provider

• Search for your nearest public health office 

Visit the provincial and territorial immunization resources page for more information specific to your area. 

What to expect at your child's vaccination appointment

Before the Appointment

• Plan ahead to make the vaccination experience a more positive one.

• Consider bringing something to keep your child's mind off the vaccination, such as a game, book, music or video.

• If you or your child have fears or anxiety about vaccination, reach out to your health care provider before the appointment for options that might help.

• If you have a personal vaccination record for your child, bring it with you to your appointment. If you don't have one, ask for one at your appointment.

• Did you know? You can use the CARD system (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) to find more strategies to help improve the vaccination experience. Learn more about the CARD system.

Learn more about preparing for your child's vaccination appointment.

Before leaving the clinic

Remind your health care provider to record the vaccination in your child's personal vaccination record. If you don't have one, ask for one now.

Make an appointment for your child's next vaccination.

You'll be asked to wait for at least 15 minutes after the vaccination to make sure your child doesn't have an allergic reaction.

Serious allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. Signs of a serious allergic reaction may include:

• breathing problems (wheezing)

• swelling of the face, tongue or throat

• red rash on the skin (hives)

If you think your child is experiencing a serious allergic reaction, alert a staff member at the clinic right away. They have medication on hand to manage allergic reactions.

After the vaccination

Most children tolerate vaccines well. In some cases, your child may:

• Be fussy

• Have a mild fever

• Be sleepier than usual

• Have pain, swelling or redness where the injection was given

These reactions are normal and usually go away within a few days. You can give your child medication to help with the pain or to lower a fever. Check with your child's health care provider if you need advice about which medication to use.

Who to talk to for vaccine advice

It is important to get the facts about vaccination from reliable sources. Talk to a trusted health care provider about your child's vaccinations, or search the internet for information from reputable sources, such as your local Public Health Unit.

How To Find Reliable Health Information Online

Watch: Evaluating information on the Internet

This blog post was supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Vaccine Community Innovation Challenge. 

When it comes to vaccination, deciding if and when to vaccinate our children is a big decision! Of course, vaccine information was available even before the pandemic made vaccines a central issue. Still, then and now, it can be hard to find trusted information based on scientific evidence and facts. 

Since we have more and more access to information thanks to the internet and social media, it's more important than ever to ensure you're getting genuine, accurate and proven information to base your decisions on. 

Life With A Baby has partnered with the Public Health Agency of Canada to share some trusted resources on how to find the correct information for you and your family. 

What’s a Vaccine?

Vaccines are tools that work with the body's natural defenses (the immune system) to develop protection against diseases without the risks that come from getting the diseases

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines help lower our risk of infection. They work with the body's natural defenses to develop protection against a disease.

The main components in all vaccines are antigens. Once in the body, antigens cause the immune system to react by creating:

• Antibodies

• Immune memory

This process helps destroy specific germs that could make you or your child sick. Being vaccinated will prevent the disease or lessen its impact.

If your child isn't vaccinated against some germs, they can get very sick. This is because their immune system isn't prepared to handle the germs.

Why Do We Need Vaccines?

Vaccines have successfully lowered the rates of disease in countries with strong vaccination programs.

Some of the diseases that vaccines prevent (like measles, mumps and polio) have no treatment or cure. These diseases can cause:

• Severe illness

• Disability

• Death

Even with improved living conditions and modern hygiene, vaccines are still very important to prevent infections that could make your child very sick.

Some diseases are now rarely seen in Canada because of long-term high rates of vaccination in the population, including:

• Polio

• Rubella

• Diphtheria

High rates of vaccination against these diseases help to prevent further spread and outbreaks. The best way to protect your children's health is to prevent these diseases in the first place by keeping their vaccinations up to date. 

This blog post was supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Vaccine Community Innovation Challenge. 

Removing the shroud of mystery surrounding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders moves the needle closer to prevention and treatment. It also helps to normalize talking about it, so that people know they are not alone. 

PMADs is a collective name for multiple disorders

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders is a name given to a group of disorders that new or expectant moms can experience. It includes depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and psychosis. Each disorder and related the symptoms can appear alone, in combination, and to varying degrees. A diagnosis from a medical practitioner is a crucial first step to avoiding adverse long-term effects by receiving the proper treatment and support needed to foster recovery. PMADs are temporary and treatable by combining peer-support, self-care, talk therapy, and if needed, medication.

PMADs can develop during pregnancy

Often thought of as a post-delivery challenge, mood and anxiety disorders can start long before baby arrives. The perinatal period includes pregnancy, and up to one-year post delivery. Symptoms may be subtle or overt, sudden or gradual. Many women don’t realize what they’re experiencing and may need help to recognize the signs and seek assistance. With early diagnosis, a treatment plan, and support can reduce overall effects and recovery time.

PMADs may not look the way you think it does

If asked to say the first feeling associated with PMADs, sadness often comes to mind. However, the symptoms of each disorder can vary, and be atypical. Anger, frustration, panic, and reclusiveness are just as common. As a general rule, if any of these symptoms affect the person most of the time and negatively impact the quality of life, treatment may be necessary. As a first step, taking the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale can help to determine whether someone should take additional steps.

PMADs affect a lot of people

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders affect up to 1 in 4 expectant or new moms, making it a significant public health concern (Statistics Canada, 2019). It can also affect fathers, and other caregivers. With such high numbers, someone you know has likely suffered, often in silence. By learning more, and becoming part of a vital support system parents need as they adjust to the new normal, we can lessen the long-term effects. In fact, prevention and reduction of PMADs are possible just by taking part in a peer support system. LWAB offers peer support at many levels, such as https://lifewithababy.com/calendarsocial events, HOPE support groups, and free and pay what you can therapy. 

Wednesday, January 25th is Bell Let's Talk day and every single social media post that includes both the #BellLetsTalk and #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth hashtags matters!  

Why does this matter? 1 in 5 moms will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and maternal suicide is a leading cause of death in postpartum women. The more we talk, the more women know they are not alone. Please lend your voice to bringing awareness to the need for a national strategy for mothers in Canada. Read my story on the Bell Let’s Talk page here.

Not sure what to say? Below we’ve put together some sample tweets and social media messages, as well as some key messages and facts for you to use:

@lifewithababy has joined forces with #BellLetsTalk to highlight the fight to support maternal mental health. Use #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth to show you care!

Today on #BellLetsTalk Day, we embrace those navigating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. We’re in this together.  
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Check in on a new or expecting mom today. Just hearing your voice can make a difference to someone dealing with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders including depression, insolation, or anxiety.  
#BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

1 in 5 women will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Some won’t even know it. Let’s change that. @lifewithababy offers resources, events and activities near you. 
#BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Know a new parent? They might be dealing with more than sleepless nights. A call, a meal, an invite for coffee or a walk, or to watch the baby for an hour can go a long way to help. 
#BellLetsTalk 
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

It takes a village to raise great kids - and it starts with supporting parents. Check in, follow-up, offer help. We’re in this together. 
#BellLetsTalk 
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

What does maternal mental health mean to you? Have a story or advice to share? 
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth 
#BellLetsTalk

1 in 5 women will experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders but may be too afraid to ask for help. Let’s change that.  
#BellLetsTalk 
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Research shows peer support reduces social isolation. New parents often struggle with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in silence. Let’s change that. Check in, follow-up, offer help. 
#BellLetsTalk 
#BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Key Messages

Research by @CindyLee_Dennis shows peer support can PREVENT #PostpartumDepression by 50%! Peer support works #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Find online resources for #PMADs here: https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986627#BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

We compiled a list of resources for Manitoba if you know of others please add it in the comments https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986717 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources available in Ontario. If you know of more please add in the comments https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986652 #BellLetstalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in British Columbia. Please share and add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986663 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Saskatchewan. Please share and add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986694 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Nova Scotia. Please share & add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987891 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Yukon. Please share and add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987970 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Newfoundland. Please share & add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987879 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in PEI. Please share & add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987945 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in New Brunswick. Please share & add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987885 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in the Northwest Territories. Please share & add more https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987973 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Nunavut. Please share & add more https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4987978 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Alberta. Please share & add more to list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986669 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

#PMAD resources in Quebec. Please share and add more to the list https://www.lifewithababy.com/blog/4986741 #BellLetsTalk #BellLetsTalkMaternalMentalHealth

Thank you for joining in the conversation your voice will make a difference

Claire & the LWAB Team 

One of our favourite family outings my kids and I did last year, was to experience the TSO Young People's Concert, perfect for ages 5-12 and the young at heart. GREAT NEWS... They're back next month with Family-filled fun at Roy Thomson Hall! These concerts are geared to delight and engage children, they're shorter than a normal concert and they're fidget friendly if your child wants to stand up /sit down/stand up..... The iconic Canadian children’s book The Hockey Sweater is brought to life through the music of Abigail Richardson-Schulte performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a charming winter tale, narrated by author Roch Carrier, that will appeal to all budding hockey fans. Plus, arrive early to take in pre-concert lobby activities as detailed below! Save $5 per ticket when you buy online with promo code SWEATER. Pro-parenting tip: This is a perfect outing for grandma and grandpa to enjoy with their grand kids (and they probably grew up on this story!)

Learn More & Buy Tickets HERE

ARRIVE EARLY FOR PRE-CONCERT LOBBY ACTIVITIES... GET READY for some hockey-themed fun! Dress in your sports jerseys and come an hour early to: Meet a mascot! See a famous hockey sweater from the Hockey Hall of Fame. “Try out” for Team Strings or Team Winds/Brass/Percussion by playing instruments at the Long & McQuade Instrument Discovery Zone. Buy a copy of The Hockey Sweater book or CD, and get it signed by the author and composer themselves! Plus, don’t miss The Hitmen Entertainment Drumline’s pulse-pounding performance starting in the lobby at 1:00pm and 3:30pm.

In 2010, following the birth of my firstborn son, I decided to attend a Life With A Baby preparing new parents program that I had read about at my local earlyOn centre. At the time, the founder and Director, Claire Zlobin was the facilitator from Life With A Baby. I remember how much I enjoyed the program connecting with other moms and meeting some new friends. The information was valuable, but the connections I made and the normalization of the postpartum period Were really what I needed.

Following that program, I started my own playgroup called the Newmarket Goober gang. It was a co-op style playgroup where moms and babies took turns hosting play dates in their community or at their homes. The concept of the playgroup blew up very quickly, and I was featured in the local paper. We very quickly outgrew our at-home play date model.

Claire later approached me at Life With A Baby about assisting with the launch of the Life With A Baby York Region north chapter in my community. As a professional event planner by trade, this was totally up my alley and in alignment with my goal of continuing to service my community and connect with other moms.

Now 12 years later and the mother of a preteen I have been with Life With A Baby for my entire journey through parenthood. I have met some of my best friends to date as a result of the work I have done through this organization and grew in my business as a result of the connections made. I was proud to take on the community development manager role a few years ago when we launched all of our Simcoe region chapters, and I continue to volunteer regularly. Most importantly, I have been able to create that village in my community with other fellow moms.

Recently with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to take the leap and go back to school to complete my master's degree and do something near and dear to me. I am proud to say that I am now a licensed psychotherapist (qualifying) in the province of Ontario.

I look forward to continuing to service the Life With A Baby community through therapy programs, including helping keep our HOPE Group for parents diagnosed with mild to moderate PPD going and offering affordable mental health services for families in need.

A special thank you to Claire and Life With A Baby for this amazing opportunity.

I often get asked about flight deals, and for the most part, I use Google flights and track prices to snag a good price on tickets.

When it comes to booking flights, everyone has their own preferences and budget considerations. For my family, I tend to choose Air Canada. I book in advance to get the best deal. Sometimes even though cheaper options are available, I'll still go with Air Canada because of the ease of changing flights and fewer disruptions. There a lot of consider when booking a flight. Who are you travelling with, do you have a tight connection? Are you OK with losing a couple of days of the trip if there is a flight cancellation?

A few of the things I tend to book with Air Canada

Same-day standby option: I love this when I'm travelling for work and have the flexibility to return a little earlier. I like that there are no extra fees or rebooking necessary - we can just make the change on the day of travel.

No Extra Fees: Another thing I appreciate is that we don't have to worry about extra charges for things like carry-on baggage. With some other airlines, you might think you're getting a good deal on the ticket price, only to find out that you have to pay extra for every little thing.

Fewer Disruptions: I've had very few disruptions over the last 15 years of travelling with Air Canada, and that's impressive. When travelling with little ones, I like the comfort of not worrying about last-minute cancellations and whether or not there will be another flight if ours gets cancelled. A few years ago, we decided to go with a budget airline from Buffalo, and while the price was amazing, we had a delay of over 11 hours, and that experience made us hesitant to try that route again. Recently my brother was coming for a visit; he booked the first leg of the trip with a budget carrier which was cancelled, and he ended up unable to visit and then also lost the funds for the second part of the trip. We've all heard the nightmare stories.

Yes, Low Prices too: The best part? If you book well in advance, you can get the price of a discount carrier without disruptions. So, it comes down to a little bit of planning and using services like the Google flights tracking app to find the dates with the best price. And if you plan to travel in high season, be sure to book well in advance.

I like that Air Canada also has the Rouge option with less expensive flights, and yes, less of the comforts, but the same flexibility and fewer disruptions simply because of the number of flights going in and out; there are more options available, and I like that peace of mind.

While Air Canada may not always have the absolute lowest ticket prices, the benefits they offer - same-day standby, no hidden fees, and fewer disruptions - make it worth it for me.