jvitya2111

I will be flying home to the U.S with my son who will be 9 months in August. I know I need a parental consent note but what if the native country doesn't speak English will a notarized translation of the document suffice? He also does not have my last name. I will be carrying his birth certificate as well. How will I keep my little one entertained on a 13-hour flight? Any tips are welcomed!

tomfuller

Does your country have a US Embassy? Visit the embassy and have them take a photo of the baby and give you advice on coming to the US. They can give the best advice on permission form.

janisj

A US Embassy will most likely not help with this info. A Consulate <i>might</i> but even that isn't a sure thing.

What language? Any airport in the US with international arrivals has many translators/languages spoken. So unless it is some pretty obscure language you shouldn't have a problem there.

A different last name is not typically an issue because MANY couples (married and unmarried) use different last names.

Having the child's Birth Certificate and notarized latter should be sufficient -- just be prepared for extra questioning from the border control agent.

Re how to entertain him on the flight . . . are you booking him his own seat? That is a BIG help. What sorts of things does he enjoy? He is pretty young but his favorite stuffed animal. picture books. Does he use Coloring books and/or an iPad/tablet?

suze

Hopefully he will sleep thru much of the flight. Take his favorite blanket, a few toys, whatever would typically entertain him best at home, that is portable. Have a few new toys (that he hasn't seen before) stashed and bring them out at various times.

I can't help with the paperwork. I would check with the airlines for starters.

Tabernash2

Nine months is a better age than later, when he's walking.
And he will be eating all types of food snacks, I'm guessing.
So that makes it easier for you.

Bring the things you know he will like, wrapped like little gifts, and open one every hour or more: books, small toys, cuddly stuffed animals like BeanieBabies, etc.

Are there shows you could load on your iPad that don't need sound? Like animal videos?

cassiectrin

Yes, that's great you know you have to get the parental consent note. Once you have it, keep that with your passports and the birth certificate, in case it is needed.

I would definitely check with the US Embassy or Consulate. It can never hurt to ask and hopefully they can give you some answer regarding the translation of the note.

The birth certificate and both your passports should be enough proof if the last name becomes an issue. My little one has my last name but looks absolutely nothing like me and we've traveled twice in his first two years and never had a problem or issue! But best to be prepared as much as possible.

I traveled with my little one when he was nine months old, internationally. It was two flights of around four hours each and when he was around 18 months we took his first 13 hour flight.

Take advantage of nap time! If he wants to nap, let him. Or if it's his natural nighttime bedtime then you'll be golden. Let him sleep. He will adjust better to the time change than you will

I found that on our 13 hour flights the airlines passed out kids toys/activities. Take advantage of those. Otherwise, have snacks, his liquids and maybe a few books and/or toys that don't make noise. I think you'll find you might need less than you think but take what you think you'll want.

You'll do great!!!!

kirtisharma

A lots of valuable suggestions are already here about the documentation. To keep kids busy and comfortable at one fixed place is lil messy. Take some of his favorite toys, sweets, snacks with you. And give him a comfortable sleep.

AmandaDwain

Nine months old wants big pictured books and stuffs that will somehow catch their attention. Also, bring with you toys, bottled water, snacks and pacifier/ teether. Thus, A blanket which the baby used to sleep on might get her feel comfortable during the flight. Also, feed your baby on take off and landing so that he would not cry.

ltr

In preparation for a long international flight, we purchased a couple of suction cup toys that attach to the tray table. they do not much noise but keep my GS entertained right now in his high chair. We are putting them away now that we have tested them to make sure he was interested. They are similar to this:

http://www.toysrus.com/search/index....fd=&fv=2254197
make

We are also looking for a few toys we can tie to a ribbon or elastic and attach to the seat with a safety pin so we don't play the "pick up the toy off the floor game" the entire flight.

emalloy

If you can get comfortable with him in a backpack, keeping your hands free, life will be easier getting out ids, carrying a purse/diaper bag, etc.