Teething

So our little one hasn't got teeth just yet, but he has definitely started the process so I figured this might be a good time to post up my own solutions that work in the truck. Everyone has their own ideas about this and every baby is different. For example - our little one extremely dislikes the regular teething rings with water in them, he also dislikes the cold rag, so for the longest time I was very much at my wits end. I have found some stuff that works for him though and thats all that counts. In this post I will put down your options from basic to medication.

1) Apple slices
Truck stops with McDonalds or fruit stands and Walmart
.50C - $1.50
Who would have thought this would be as amazing as it is? I was chopping an apple up, looked at the slices and thought, "I bet the little one would love to chew on this!" And I was right. He'll suck on and chew on it and though you might think it would break up after 30 minutes of abuse you would be wrong.

2) Beef Jerky
 Walmart and truck stops
$10 - $20 per bag
Like the apple slices it's a flavored chew. Be Careful to select a fairly solid piece though.

3)Pizza Crusts
Flying J's carry pizza
2 slices for $3
Like the beef jerky be careful - make sure its solid. I have not had any issues with there still being a little pizza sauce or garlic butter on it.

4) Ice cubes
Available at most truck stops 
Free unless they are prats (im looking at you Love's  - if they hassle you shine your beautiful baby at them)
Not so practical in the truck, but I have seen that walmart carries covered ice trays (if you have a freezer). Of course there is always truck stop ice.

5) Wet rag
Dip a receiving blanket in some ice water (or warm water, or apple juice  - whatever the little one likes). Give as is or keep cool in a fridge or cooler.

6) Teething rings
Walmart and other stores
$2-$8
Straight forward

7) Silicon teething rings
$5-$8
Walmart and other stores 
These are a little softer and I have found work better.\

8)Distractions
Priceless
Nothing beats a good distraction - a walk, playing out in the grass watching the vehicles go by, a good cartoon movie, a story book or maybe just playtime on the bed. 9 times out of 10 this works, even though it is difficult to keep the energy going if you are one buggered parent.

9) Orajel/Bonjella
Available at most truck stops walmarts
$3 - $10 depending on state, taxes, greedy stores. 
I would recommend to use this only on the worst occasions. It is a little strong and not recommended for those under 1 year without doctors approval. However (and I say this not being a doctor so be aware), I have given our little one on a number of really really really bad days a tiny little bit the size of a ball point pens point on his gums, just so that he can sleep from being so tired.

My only recommendation is to do what works for you with what you have available and that there will be good days and bad days, but you will get through it.

Solids

I know it has been awhile, but our little one had not made any milestones in awhile. Of course the funny thing is that now a bunch have happened all at once so I have plenty to write about again.

A little info about baby food

Baby food comes in three different levels these days:

1. Formula or breast milk
2. Pureed veges, fruit and now even mac n cheese
3. Toddler bites

Formula is recommended to be fed up until the end of the babies first year, however occasionally (although most people I have spoken to have experienced otherwise) the little one will be ready a little earlier for solids. According to www.babycenter.com/ these are the signs that your little one is ready:

1. Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
2. Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
3. Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
4. Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling – though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
5. Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
6. Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
7. Curiosity about what you're eating. Your baby may begin eyeing your bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from your plate to your mouth.

Our little guy had started or well and truly shown all of these except 3. He had also attempted to lunge at and steal food from my husband and I. I can assure you that babies might like grape soda, but their tummies don't.

On the truck?

Well, as with everything there are a couple of different options, all have their pros and cons.
1) Food Mill
    cost: $12.47 at walmart
     Very cost effective long term, great for on the road.

2) Plastic food Containers
    cost: $.75 - .95
     These are great. They are not as cost effective as the food mill, however they are cheaper compared to formula which runs $20 for 64 3 oz bottles. They have a lot of different flavors, and are easily stored.

3) Baby oatmeal
    The original greatest product that all grandma's swear by. It is a little over priced in my opinion for what it is, there are very few flavors and you also have to add in either formula or breast milk. It is there if you decide to go for it though.

What else will I need?

This depends entirely on which road you take.
With a food mill you will need to carry a couple of baby bowls, a spoon (clean after each use), and cleaning supplies for dishes if you do not have them already.
With the plastic food containers all you need is a spoon and something to wipe it down with. I store mine in a refrigerator between uses, but a cooler would also be adequate.
I believe - having never tried it, that baby oatmeal is a make as you go kind of thing so a couple of bowls and spoon and a bottle for mixing formula. You may also need access to a microwave.

A side note:

Remember, start slow with the adjustments and use the solids at your babies major feedings. During the minor feedings continue to feed him/her with formula.