We are taking our 1 yr old with us to Montreal and Quebec City the day after he turns 1. I am trying to limit my packing and not taking things I can purchase once I get to my destination.

Normally if we were at home I would transition him from formula to regular milk at 12 months but don't want any surprises while on vacation!!

Is Infant SOY formula available readily in grocery stores/markets?? I would assume that I can probably find Cheerios--his favorite snack!! I hope he will be eating enough table food consistently so that he can eat with us.

Are dairy products the same as in the US --I know laws are diff on food so I just need to know what to look out for in case he has any kind of reaction to a different food environment. I try to stick with organics when possible-- I am not trying to say our food options in the US are better--trust me no where near that -I just don't want any surprises from the baby since their systems aren't as hearty!!

Thanks

If you are this concerned I would actually wean him from formula a few weeks early.....it really won't make a significant difference to him, and will certainly make your life much easier. I've travelled with babies from 5 months on (and my dh is a dr.) so I do understand your concerns, and admire your proactive approach.

Happy 1st Birthday to him!

Thanks! We have been dealing with stomach bugs and lactose issues from antibiotics since Xmas time. I get him all happy and eating good and trying all kinds of table foods and then BAM he regresses to formula and cheerios ONLY for a few days. He never has any rashes etc...obvious food allergies but the antibiotics threw off his natural gut flora so I just kept him perm on the SOY formula now.

We see the dr again next week to see if this ear infection cleared up--I will get their opinion on the early weaning...even if I put him on SOY MILK --I know that has to be readily available!

I took a look in my local Pharmaprix (pharmacy) and they had a wide selection of infant formula, including a liquid concentrated soy made by Enfamil. I would think all the pharmacies would carry this (also look for pharmacy names Jean-Coutu, Uniprix, Brunet).

There are several brands of soy milk to choose from, available in all grocery stores.

JQ

As far as U.S. style dairy products go, you'll find the same kinds of milk and cream and cheese in Montreal and Quebec City as in teh U.S.

Quebec has other, more unique, dairy products too, but as far as "normal" you'll be fine.

As for Cheerios -- yes, plain, and in various other varieties, too.

I've bought a lot of Cheerios in Montreal when I lived there with a baby.

BAK

Actually Canadian milk might be better actually as we have not allowed the use of Bovine Growth Hormone in cattle as they have in the US.

Thanks everyone! Now if we can just get rid of these constant ear infections!! I hope he can stay clear long enough for the airplane flights in 6 wks.

You are making a big deal about nothing. If you were home what wld you do? Same goes for Montreal/Quebec City.

wow~ perhaps you've never dealt with a sick kid in transit.....or don't remember how stressful that is.

My little guy was super sensitive to all kinds of things, and had asthma and constant ear/nose/throat problems so I understand wanting to be careful.

Take some penicillin with you that you normally use. Your pediatrician should give you a prescription. Soy milk is available everywhere, as are organic fruits and veggies.

Make sure he can drink from a bottle on take off and landing for his ears---- I assume you're flying or would be packing the car with items for him. We also always used children's gravol as well for flights...for the tummy and to quiet them. Only a wee bit works very well but if you haven't tried it yet, do so at home first.

Good luck!

TobieT: Sorry if I came across as insensitive to the OP's concerns. What I mean is that she is not going to an undeveloped country! Montreal & Quebec City wld have whatever she has @ home in the US. That's what I meant.

wow, no problem~ I got a little over sensitive ....just trying to pack for a flight tomorrow am for a family wedding! >-

Well, good luck w/ the packing Tobie & have a great time @ the wedding. Is it a long flight? With little ones?

thanks...and I know that the US and Canada are fairly similar but when I was there before I didn't have kids and wasn't sure if there were any diff things to be concerned with. I know when we honeymooned in Australia and DH got sick just getting cold medicine was a bit diff for us. I really don't want to spend my vacation with a 1 yr old throwing up every 2 hrs and doing laundry in a hotel basement. Hard enough at home with the basic comforts another thing away and in a hotel room!

We are flying so trying to keep packing to a minimum!!! YIKES hard to do --since we normally fill up a minivan for even short trips! I hope he will sleep in the hotel cribs for us...otherwise might spend a lot of time napping

Hi,alise007: I know that you are concerned about this trip. But, what I remember from when my son was the age of your little one is this: They do not know where they are!!! They eat, they sleep, they smile, they play, they cuddle w/ Mom/Dad. Whatever your child does @ home he will do when you are away. You will be fine. I mean this when I say just try to relax. Anxious Mom/Anxious Kid(they pick up on the vibes.) Relaxed Mom/Relaxed Kid. That's all I know.