Planning your first family getaway and feeling nervous about flying with your newborn? Even expert fliers admit that traveling with a baby comes with its own set of unique challenges. But it’s always worth it when you finally make it to your destination!

If you’re taking your baby on a flight for the first time, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need before you board. Check out this guide for helpful tips on things to consider before flying, like what you should bring with you on the plane and how you should pack.

Booking your flight

Even before you start packing, there are a few things you might want to consider. For one, kids under two can fly free on many airlines as long as they’re sitting on your lap. And some even offer more generous policies (although those usually come with strings).

Keep in mind, though, that the FAA recommends the opposite: that you reserve an actual seat for your child and that you strap them into a car seat approved for airline use. While this may just seem like another extra item to tote around, this isn’t as inconvenient as it might sound. You may need a car seat at your destination anyway if you plan on renting a car or using ride-sharing services.

Secondly, it’s always a good idea to keep your layovers to a minimum if you can. Takeoffs and landings (and the ear pressure that comes with them) can spell trouble when you have a little one. But if a connection is unavoidable, book a longer one. Getting through the airport with a baby may take a bit more time than you’re used to.

What to pack in your carry-on luggage

When you have a little one in tow, your packing list tends to be much longer than it was in your child-free days. You’ll want to err on the side of bringing more over less when it comes to all things baby, including extra bottles, diapers, travel toys, and baby food.

Thankfully, formula, breast milk, and juice don’t need to follow the usual TSA regulations when you’re flying with a baby, so you can pack what you need in your carry-on. Just make sure to let the TSA officer know that you’re carrying these items and leave extra time for any additional screening procedures.

Airport terminals don’t always have the widest selection of baby-friendly snacks, and what they do have is bound to be pricey, so don’t forget to bring along a few treats and drinks. Chewing on a cracker or drinking from a bottle during takeoffs and landings will relieve the baby’s ear pressure and help you stave off an in-flight crying session.

Airplanes also tend to get chilly, so keep your little one toasty during the flight by packing a baby blanket, socks, and other cozy clothing items in your carry-on. Just in case there’s an accident, stash a change of clothes for both you and the baby as well as a few resealable plastic bags to store dirty diapers or clothing.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your baby’s birth certificate and other identification paperwork handy just in case. Some airlines require it, and the TSA may request it as well. Also, if only one parent is traveling, a letter from the other parent consenting to the travel is a good thing to have at the ready, if possible, in case a TSA agent, airline, or other travel official requests it.

At the airport

A stroller (a must-have when exploring a new destination with your baby) will make it easier to lug your little one’s travel essentials through the airport. Even better, most airlines will let you check your stroller and bulkier baby gear at the gate free of charge if it’s under a certain weight. That said, it’s best to confirm with your airline for specifics.

Immediately before boarding, take the time for one last bathroom break or diaper change. Airplane restrooms are difficult enough to maneuver when you’re flying solo, so doing a final diaper change before you board will help keep your plane bathroom visits to a minimum.

Finally, make your airport and airplane journey part of the adventure. Spend time explaining to your baby how the baggage carousel works, watch planes take off and land while waiting for your flight and get them excited about what’s waiting for you when you land. Chances are, it’ll get you even more excited (and alleviate your stress levels) in the process!

Hello, Holidays!

Tummy time can be an exciting experience for parents, because it’s often during this time that you get to see your baby showing off their increasing strength and gross motor skills, such as stretching, reaching, and rolling over. While tummy time can be fun for parents, some babies don’t find it quite as enjoyable. But whether or not your baby likes to be on his or her stomach, tummy time is critical for your child’s development. With all the time your baby spends on his or her back (15 to 20 hours a day!), your baby needs to spend some time on their tummy during the day.

How do you get started with tummy time and what do you need to help your baby get the most out of tummy time? Use this guide for all the tummy time tips you need to know.

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What is tummy time?

Tummy time is the supervised time during the day for your baby to spend on his or her stomach while awake. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “Back to Sleep,” so getting plenty of tummy time is crucial to helping your baby meet developmental milestones. Some of the benefits of tummy time include helping your baby develop strong muscles in the neck, shoulder, and core while also promoting gross motor skills, such as lifting his or her head, pushing up from the ground, and, eventually, rolling over. Supervised time spent on the tummy can also help keep your baby from developing a flat spot on the back of his or her head.

When should you start tummy time?

As soon as you bring your new bundle of joy home from the hospital, you can begin introducing regular tummy time. If your baby cries during newborn tummy time (and many do), start with just a few minutes of tummy time each day. Work up to about an hour of tummy time a day (a few minutes at a time, several times a day) by the time your baby reaches the three-month mark. Use a tummy time chart to help keep track of the time your baby spends on his or her tummy each day. Even as your baby reaches tummy time milestones, such as rolling over, keep encouraging tummy time until he or she learns to walk.

How do you do tummy time?

Although many parents consider tummy time to be time spent on the floor, there are many different tummy time positions you can try with your baby. Here are a few different positions and tummy time activities to try with your baby.

• Tummy-to-chest: Lie on your back with your head propped up on a pillow and place your baby on your chest or tummy so that you are face-to-face with your little one. This is also a great time to bond with your baby! Be sure to always keep a firm hold, especially as your baby begins testing his or her motor skills.
• The football holds: carry your baby’s tummy down with one arm under the tummy and between your baby’s legs. Using your other hand, support your baby’s head and neck and pull your baby in close to your body. While this is one way for your baby to spend time on his or her tummy, many babies also enjoy being held in this position when they are fussy or have a tummy ache.
• Lap time: Place your baby belly-down across your lap. Keep your hand on his or her bottom to support your baby and help keep him or her calm. You can keep both of your legs even or raise the leg under your baby’s chest higher.
• Eye-level smile: Get down to eye level with your baby to encourage eye contact and communication between mom or dad and baby. If your baby needs a little extra support getting his or her head up off the floor, place a rolled blanket under the chest and upper arms.

What tummy time toys or materials do you need?

What’s great about tummy time is that it can be done just about anytime, anywhere. And while special materials or tummy time toys aren’t necessary, they can make tummy time a bit more enjoyable for your little one. Newborn babies need little tummy time other than a safe, soft place to lay. A blanket spread out on the floor or a playmat are both perfect for tummy time. As your baby grows, incorporating toys can make tummy time more fun.

By four to five months of age, your baby should begin reaching for and grasping toys. At this age, you can place small toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to lift his or her head, reach, and even scoot toward that toy. There are plenty of tummy time products available, but tummy time can be as simple as you’d like it to be. Remember, safety first, so never leave your baby alone on an elevated surface, such as a bed or couch, and always supervise your baby while they are on a playmat or playing with toys.

Be sure to keep your baby comfy during tummy time! Think about what you’d like to wear while you exercise: comfortable, non-restrictive, and breathable items. Choose from hundreds of Carter’s bodysuit outfit sets so that baby can easily move and exercise, or just go diaper-only.

Use tummy time as an opportunity to bond and encourage your baby to play and explore the world around them!

Trick-or-treating may be reserved for kids, but the entire family can get in on the thrill of dressing up! Whether you’re on the prowl for a unique family of three Halloween costumes or group costumes for six or more, thinking of ideas for matching family outfits brings out the creativity in all of us.

At Carter’s, we’re here to help you and your kids celebrate in style. From spooky to silly, these family Halloween costumes are sure to draw some attention and make for one epic family photo!

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Glow-in-the-dark skeleton family

Need something on the spooky side? Glow-in-the-dark costumes will tingle your spine and make it easy to find your entire family in the dark on Halloween night. This baby Halloween skeleton jumpsuit fits babies up to 24 months. The matching two-piece set comes in sizes for toddlers, kids, and even adults! When you’re ready to unwind after all the trick-or-treating, you can climb right into bed—you’re already in your pajamas.

• Baby Skeleton Pajamas
• Toddler Skeleton Pajamas
• Kid Skeleton Pajamas
• Adult Skeleton Pajamas

Jack-o’-lantern family.

Parents, toddlers, big kids, and babies can all dress alike as this treasured Halloween icon. Finding jack-o’-lantern tees for the whole family is quite easy—look no further than our jersey tees with mischievous happy grins and a dangling spider. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also DIY with an orange shirt and black paint for personalized faces.

• Baby Pumpkin Jumpsuit
• Toddler Pumpkin Jumpsuit
• Kid Pumpkin Jumpsuit

Sunshine and rain.

Rain or shine, a DIY family weather costume is one of the cutest family Halloween costume ideas out there. If you have a little one in a stroller or a wagon or a child in a wheelchair, the rainbow can be pulled or pushed around on wheels!

Sports team.

For a family of five or more looking for costume ideas, show your favorite sports team some love with matching jerseys. To accommodate styles of all kinds, you can include a cheerleader, a football player, a referee, and our favorite: A baby in our soft football bodysuit as the winning touchdown ball.

Robot family.

If you’ve got some time on your hands for a DIY costume that’s sure to turn heads, check out this tutorial for making robot family costumes.

If robots aren’t your family’s thing, a quick search for “costumes” will turn up all sorts of clever family Halloween costumes made from cardboard boxes! This cute DIY houseplant costume would pair perfectly with our cactus costume for a (plant) mom and baby costume.

Favorite desserts.

Save the baking, but delight in the sweetness of your family dressed as delicious desserts. Get your mouth watering while each family member chooses a favorite sweet treat, then check out these no-sew costume options. For children trick-or-treating by wagon, stroller, or wheelchair, a few cardboard boxes and paint can transform their wheels into an amazing ice cream truck while they play driver inside.

Circus family.

The resemblance is uncanny! This costume idea is as perfect for a family of three as it is for a family of six—or even more! There are so many options to choose from, from clowns and tigers and elephants to foods like peanuts and popcorn. Just don’t forget to pick a ringmaster!

Box of crayons.

Every member of the family can choose their favorite color, and then use this printable iron-on for the crayon label. Soon, you’ll be all set with a colorful (and simple) family Halloween costume.

Fruits and veggies.

With all the candy your kids will collect trick-or-treating, healthy costumes will be a welcome sight. With our avocado, strawberry, and carrot costumes, you’re on your way to a farmer’s market haul. For quick Halloween costumes for the parents, combine plaid, denim, and a straw hat, and you’ve got yourself an easy farmer costume.

Superheroes.

Dress your kids up as their favorite superheroes in store-bought or DIY costumes. Parents, you can roll out of bed and look in the mirror—because you’re already superheroes! But to dazzle the neighborhood with your comic book squad, pick your beloved characters and get dressed up too.

Mythical creatures.

Is there anything more magical than a baby unicorn? Your littlest one will be the star of the show in our precious fleece unicorn bubble with a shimmering horn. Plus, there are countless costumes to complete your fairy tale team—dragons, mermaids, and fairies are just a few examples.

Family of animals.

You can’t go wrong with classic animal costumes, so have some fun and let everyone dress as their favorite fuzzy, finned, or feathered friend.

Garden group.

For a family with little ones in tow, a sprouted carrot or a buzzy bee would be precious next to Mommy the Gardener! Just grab a pair of denim overalls, and you’ve got an easy mom-and-baby Halloween costume. Snag another pair of overalls for two gardeners, and you’ve got easy Halloween costumes for a family of 3. Craft a flower costume for a big sibling, and you’re all set for family costumes for 4.

Under the sea.

Dive into the deep blue and dress as a family of underwater creatures. There’s so much life, both real and imagined, swimming beneath the surface. The family costume ideas are endless: lobster, octopus, whale, shark, dolphin, narwhal, seahorse, jellyfish, mermaid and more. Have a little one in a stroller or wagon? Use a cardboard box to make a submarine for your little underwater explorer.

Cookies and milk.

If you’re on the hunt for matching mom and baby Halloween costumes, there’s nothing sweeter than a pairing of milk and cookies.

Inspiration for matching Halloween costume ideas is everywhere you look! Together, you and your family have the opportunity to get in on all the fun and embrace the magic of Halloween. We recommend planning early, keeping kids comfortable, and most of all, having fun!

From holidays and family photos to special events and the first day of school, there are endless reasons to shop for matching sibling outfits and matching sibling swimsuits for your kids. Here, we offer some tips on outfitting your team, including how to dress your crew in coordinating Carter’s looks and snapping the perfect pic for Instagram.

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Family Photo Outfits

Besides making your kids look cute, dressing your children in matching outfits for pictures will make your holiday card worthy of a frame. Whether you’re having professional photos taken or sharing everyday life on social media, Carter’s boy and girl matching outfits will make everyone look more put together. There’s a good chance your kids will be totally into it, too! You can also check out our recommendations for matching family Halloween costumes here.

Matching Girl Outfits

If you’re shopping for matching or complementary sister outfits, we have you covered with a slew of items similar in design, color, and print. Matching accessories can be the cherry on top of a cute look.

• Baby Girl Clothes
• Toddler Girl Clothes
• Kid Girl Clothes
• Big Sister Shirts

Matching Boy Outfits

When in doubt, go with the classics for the boys. We’re talking jeans or khakis paired with a Henley or button-down topped with a cute hat or pair of suspenders. You can stick with neutrals plus a pop of color, go with complementary jewel tones, or opt for identical matching looks.

Hot tip for easy coordinating: Break up a matching set between two kids. For example, grab a suit set and have one boy wear the jacket with a shirt and khakis and the other wear the pants with a polo.

• Baby Boy Clothes
• Toddler Boy Clothes
• Kid Boy Clothes
• Big Brother Shirts

Matching Boy-Girl Outfits

Though picking matching outfits for brother and sister may not be as easy as buying identical ensembles, there are plenty of ways to build awesome matching boy-girl outfits. Let each child wear a style they are comfortable in and use a shared print or pattern to tie them together. Another way to achieve a cohesive look is to shop from a chosen color palette or single hue to tie sibling outfits together.

Keep in mind that many brands, like Carter’s, release collections each season containing pieces from all gender and age departments that pair well together naturally.

Matching Sibling Pajamas

Sibling matching pajamas are a delightful way to bring a sense of unity and joy to your family. These coordinated outfits not only create adorable photo opportunities but also foster a sense of togetherness and warmth. Whether you choose classic patterns or fun, whimsical designs, matching sibling pajamas are a perfect way to celebrate family moments and create lasting memories. Embrace the charm and fun of matching pajamas and make every family gathering a little more special.

Matching Outfits for Kids of All Ages

Buying outfits for twins is a breeze, but searching for coordinating attire for kids of varying ages takes a little more thought. Whether you’re shopping for looks for a large brood or newborn and sibling matching outfits, we make it easy by offering a variety of matching pieces for multiple ages, as well as clothing in complementary colors and corresponding prints.

Remember, babies grow quickly. If you plan on getting multiple wears out of sibling coordinating outfits, you may want to pick up your baby’s outfit in a couple of sizes (one for now and one to grow into).

If you have kids in your crew who are a little older and don’t love the idea of sibling outfits for pictures or play, that’s OK! Encourage them to accessorize and make the outfits their own.

The holidays are a great time to dress the kids in matching outfits (or matching holiday pajamas!) and capture a family photo you’ll cherish for years to come. Shop Carter’s for clothing that adds coordinating style to a photo shoot or simply makes the season brighter. We love dressing your family for all of life’s moments, big and small.

Your toddler’s preschool picture day is finally here! Getting your little one ready for picture day can be an exciting task, especially if it’s their first time being photographed at school. At Carter’s, we’re here to help you and your toddler get those frame-worthy photos to treasure. Check out these tips for ways to make sure your little one is ready to smile for the camera!

How to Look Good for Picture Day

1. Get that haircut, but not right before the big day. Your toddler will love showing off their new ‘do! But even if you’re just taking them in for a trim, have it done a week or two before picture day. This will give the cut time to settle in and for your little one to have fully adjusted to it.

2. Practice picture day at home. Doing a practice run at home can help get your toddler ready to pose in front of the camera in their special picture day outfit.

3. Be sure your little one gets a good night’s sleep. As is true in many situations with toddlers, being well-rested can help things go smoother—especially on picture day!

4. Brush your teeth before going to school. Don’t forget to have your little ones brush their teeth after breakfast. If they get an early morning slot with the photographer, you don’t want to risk the possibility of blueberry-colored teeth!

How to Pick the Perfect School Picture Day Outfits

1. Double-check with the school for clothing guidelines. Whether or not your toddler’s school usually requires uniforms or has a more relaxed dress code, it’s good to check with teachers to confirm if picture day will be different. Perhaps the school district has decided to take themed photos or is going for a certain look. You’ll want to incorporate any guidelines when choosing your toddler’s picture day outfits.

2. Choose simple, but cute picture day outfits. For preschool picture day, you may want to choose from matching girl’s outfits that allow your little one to feel comfortable and don’t compete with your child’s smile. Avoid complex patterns, logos, or slogans. If your child will be in front of a green screen, pass on the green shirts too. If your child will be wearing a school uniform for picture day, make sure it’s clean and pressed. If you’re able to, pack an extra outfit in case of an accident.

3. Don’t let their clothes steal the show. Opt for neutral colors and classic styles. It’s best to avoid super bright colors (so there’s less of a chance of them clashing with the background) or clothes that make an outsized statement.

4. Don’t forget about shoes. School pictures are usually just headshots, but there’s a chance your child could get a full-body shot! Consider trotting out a new pair of kicks for your toddler boy or girl, or a nice pair they feel comfortable in.

5. Don’t fret about glasses glare. Many professional photographers have a variety of strategies they can use to reduce glare—ensuring you can capture your little one exactly as they are, glasses and all! They will likely be more comfortable in front of the camera if they’re able to see more than just blurry figures

6. Go for a simple hairstyle. Pick a hairstyle for school picture day that doesn’t require a lot of fluffing or adjusting pre-photo.

7. Do what you can to keep hair off their face. In addition to simple hairstyles, use simple hair accessories to keep your little one’s hair in place. Plus, depending on the time of day your child will be photographed, you want to make sure their hair won’t come undone before they get in front of the camera. Opt for half-up, half-down styles, ponytails or braids tied with pretty bows or elastic bands, or even a headband or a cute barrette or two.

Additional Tips for the Prepared Parent

1. Pack a mess-free lunch. Your child’s photo time may not be until after lunch, so it’s a good idea to pack their lunch box with a meal that’s delicious and mess-free. Things to avoid include sauces like ketchup, chips, cheese puffs, peanut butter, and jelly, or other things that could end up on your child’s shirt.

2. Ask about the background options beforehand. Your child’s school may only offer a neutral gray or blue background, but you never know—laser beam backgrounds may be back in style! Knowing the options ahead of time will help you choose an outfit that complements rather than clashes or blends in with the background.

3. Find out what poses are offered. Some school picture packages include several different poses—some may be from the shoulders up, while others may show the full body. Class photos are often (but not always) taken with some students standing in the back while others kneeling in the front.

4. Know what time pictures will be taken. You may send your little ones off to school looking picture-ready, but if they have play time or snack time beforehand, consider sending them off to school with a backup shirt or outfit just in case.

5. Send specific notes to your child’s teacher. For example, if your child has glasses and you’d prefer a photo with their glasses off, make sure you tell the teacher so they can pass that information along to the photographer.

6. Get them excited. If you talk about the outfit in advance, your toddler will be excited to head off to school in their stylish toddler boy sets—and they may be more likely to be in good spirits in front of the camera.

7. Let their personality shine through! Don’t worry if your child is missing a tooth or has hair that won’t behave. School picture days are all about creating memories! The best photos are the ones that accurately capture their little personalities.

What to Do When Picture Day Plans Change

1. Check in about make-up picture days. Schools and the photographers they use know that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Some photos may not turn out as parents and children had hoped, and many schools offer make-up picture days for exactly that reason. If you would like a do-over, check in to see what those options may be.

2. Remember, the perfect picture isn’t always the goal. Kids want to look their best for picture day, and all parents are excited to get some professional photos of their little ones to include in those holiday cards or on the mantle. But while it is a big day, keep in mind that sometimes, school photo bloopers make for the best keepsakes. For many kids and parents, the cuter the photos are, the more treasured they become over the years.

With these tips, you can set your child up for picture day success, and remember to shop Carter’s and OshKosh for a wide selection of both cute and simple picture day dresses for girls and picture day outfits for boys. We guarantee you’ll treasure the photos no matter what they come out looking like!

Pregnancy is an emotional adventure filled with thrilling milestone moments, including finding out you’re pregnant, sharing the exciting news with your partner, and then announcing it to the world. Among the most exciting milestone moments of pregnancy is finding out whether you’re having a little boy or a little girl.

More and more parents are sharing that moment with their friends and family by planning a gender reveal party — and they’re getting creative about it! What was once a simple update from the doctor has turned into a full-blown party phenomenon.

There are all kinds of ways to do a gender reveal party, ranging from subtle to theatrical. No matter which you prefer, follow our checklist to make sure your gender reveal is a total success.

YOUR GENDER REVEAL PARTY CHECKLIST

1. Decide on a date.

This part can be tricky since most couples want to stay in the dark about the gender until the party and rely on a friend or relative to arrange the final reveal. Make sure you choose a party date that’s close to the day your doctor determines the gender so you won’t have to wait long.

2. Schedule an ultrasound.

Make sure your ultrasound technician is very clear that he or she shouldn’t immediately share the gender of your child with you. Instead, ask them to clearly write “boy” or “girl” on a piece of paper and place it inside a sealed envelope that you can share with a trusted friend or family member (who’s good at keeping a secret!) to make the necessary arrangements for the gender reveal party.

3. Pick a theme.

Will it be a boy or a girl? Who knows, but many couples are asking that question in more and more creative ways. For instance, you could choose the theme “Waddle It Be?” and deck out your space in cute duckling decorations. Or you could throw a fiesta-themed party and pull off the big reveal by busting open a pinata filled with pink or blue confetti. Once you pick a theme that fits your and your partner’s personalities, it’s easier to decorate and cater around it.

4. Send invitations a month or two in advance.

If you want to go old-school with printed invitations, make sure you send them out early enough to allow plenty of time — at least a month in advance. However, you also have the option of sending invitations via social media or email, which provides the added convenience of easy RSVPs, commenting, and the ability to add the date to an email calendar.

5. Determine your decor based on your theme.

No gender reveal party is complete without fun party favors and decorations. Consider a photo booth station with a “Boy or Girl?” banner hanging on the wall and fun-themed props for guests to use. Grab some table toppers, disposable cutlery, and plates, and you’re good to go.

6. Play some gender reveal party games!

Of course, the final reveal is the reason everyone’s there, but you can have some fun leading up to it with one or more of the following games.

• Guess the gender: Frame your latest ultrasound image and have people write down their best guesses about the gender. Give a prize to those who guessed correctly!
• Best dressed: If you decide to share the party theme ahead of time, encourage people to dress according to the theme and hand out awards to the best-dressed guests
• Message in a bottle: Have your friends write down messages you can share with your child someday and save them in a bottle
• Old wives’ tales: Before the days of ultrasounds and gender reveal parties, people developed wacky ways of determining whether they were having a boy or a girl. Test out a few and see whether any of them hold water!

7. Make the big moment count.

Of course, the most important part of your party is the moment everyone is waiting for the big reveal! There are so many different creative ways you can pull off this moment, but here are a few of our favorites:

• Pop a balloon with pink or blue confetti inside.
• Open a box packed with pink or blue balloons.
• Slice into a layer cake made with pink or blue food coloring and covered in white frosting
• Hand out brown paper packets filled with pink or blue confetti and have all of the guests throw their confetti at the same time.
• Fill the air with a shade of pink or blue by setting off smoke bombs for a fun photo opportunity.
• If you don’t mind cleaning up a mess, have your guests spray you and your partner with blue or pink silly string

Whatever you choose to do, make it count by surrounding yourself with your guests and making sure someone is taking photos. If your budget allows, hire a professional photographer or videographer to take photos of your guests and the event.