Shawny

Please offer me advice on how to travel with a baby for a 5-night stay in Paris.....

elvira

1) Streets and sidewalks are often cobblestones or paving stones; don't bring a cheesy stroller. <BR>2) Be aware that most hotel rooms are very small, so look for recos "large rooms" or a suite; you might consider a studio apartment rental. This would give you a kitchen to warm bottles, keep food cold, cook when the teeny-weeny is too exhausted to sit through a restaurant meal. <BR>3) Fancy dancy restaurants aren't very child-oriented, but small neighborhood restaurants are. Keep in mind that "no smoking" areas are rare, and if they exist, are often not enforced. <BR>4) You'll find similar cereals in grocery stores, as well as milk, orange juice, apple juice, etc. There is also varieties of baby food, and there are organic markets. Diapers, baby wipes, baby lotion, etc. can all be found in the expected stores and departments. <BR>5) Lots of steps in the metro, in the museums, in the historical sights. <BR>6) You can drink the tapwater, but bottled water is probably best for the tyke. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Sarah

1. Be sure to visit the children's garden in Jardin du Luxembourg on the left bank. Your child may be too young to appreciate but you will enjoy it. <BR>2. Write down any allergies/medical needs your child has and the names of your doctors in the states -- just as a precaution. Carry them in an obvious place, such as the diaper bag or in your travel wallet. Pharmacists can be very helpful but many don't speak English. Be sure to run any parisienne "home remedies" by your doctor. <BR>3. Keep your child (and yourself) hydrated on the flight over it will help w/jet lag and fend off the headaches. <BR>4. Have fun.

elaine

Not that many hotels have cribs to provide (not to mention not enough space for one in the rooms, as elvira mentioned) so a flat might be a good idea, or else be very sure that the hotel can meet your needs. <BR>I think a convenient location <BR>(convenient to sightseeing) for the flat or hotel is very important, so that it's not hard to pop back for five minutes or an hour--to change, to drop off a package, to feed, just to relax or nap for even a short time without it being "too far away". <BR> <BR>Some museums and other public places <BR>have rules about checking strollers or <BR>baby carriers--inquire in advance. <BR>I'd recommend that you search <BR>Amazon.com or browse in a book store for books in the category of <BR>"Family Paris" or "Kids Paris" or <BR>"Children Paris". Your baby might be too young for many activities, but you will find many tips about the logistics of travel, and perhaps even more on some of the "cans" and "can'ts". Two books I know of are Paris for Families and Take the Kids: Paris and Disneyland Paris <BR> <BR>Also try some of these websites <BR>www.paris.org <BR>www.paris-tourism.com <BR>http://travelwithkids.about.com <BR>/travel/travelwithkids <BR> <BR>www.ivillage.com/travel/archive <BR>www.familytravelforum.com <BR>www.flyingwithkids.com <BR>www.travelwithyourkids.com <BR>www.tinytravelers.net <BR>www.lagenda.com in French, click on enfants <BR>www.goeurope.about.com/travel/goeurope <BR>/library/weekly/bl-paris_children.htm <BR> <BR>www.parisdigest.com <BR> <BR>www.timeout.paris click on kids' section can help on activities, bookstores, toy stores, etc <BR>www.pariscope.fr in French. click on Marionettes for puppet shows, EnfantsCirque for circuses, <BR>www.goeurope.about.com/travel/goeurope <BR>/library/weekly/bl-paris_children.htm <BR> <BR>www.handbag.com/travel/karen_paris1 <BR>www.alegria.fr/en/children <BR>www.paris-anglo.com/guide/entertainment <BR>/culture/museum_kid.html <BR> <BR> <BR>www.francetourism.com/activites <BR>/familpar1.htm <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Christina

YOu might consider Citadines "aparthotels" (www.citadines.com or www.apartmenthotel.com or maybe www.apartmenthotels.com) as they have a lot of good locations, are priced about the same as a 3-star hotel, and you get a kitchenette and some are child-friendly, ask them for your needs. I know I've seen mentioned that they can provide crib, bottle warmer, changing table, etc., unlike many hotels.

x

At least give the baby a sedative on the plane - PLEASE

xxx

I agree with the above poster. I cringe whenever I read about people taking their babies to Europe. I hope they're not on my plane!

mary

People can just get over having your baby on the plane! Babies get to travel too. <BR>I would recommend bringing a sling to carry your baby through museums and areas where a stroller will be difficult or not allowed. They pack easily and take so much strain off or your back.

yyy

Maybe X and XXX need the sedatives. Shawny: you rec'd some good advice here, but there is more. Try to search (good luck). Don't restrict your search to France (region). There is a lot of good info in past posts regarding traveling with children, toddlers, babies, etc. Unfortunately, such posts bring out some real ugly people who think travel is a right reserved only for those over the age of majority.

Hatebabiescrying

Yes, babies get to travel, too. After all, they are people......and we shouldn't deprive them of their free spirit. I think there should be a child's section of a plane. That would be a nice way for parents to exchange ideas, give children someone to play w/ (which then deprives them of the fun of kicking my seat back thru-out a flight- shucks). That way, there will be no one screaming, "But I WANNA" or incessant crying even after the flight has taken off and landed, and no one to throw food around, run up and down the aisles as entertainment....etc...etc...etc. No I don't need a sedative. I need birth control.

ZZZ

I personally am tired of hearing adults whine.

Surlok

This is so unfair. Babies usually sleep on planes, they might cry if they have a cold, because their ears hurt, but as soon as the plane takes off, they usually sleep. Much better and less annoying than those adults who snore, or talk all the time, or keep the lights on to read, or keep passing over you to go to the toilet. <BR> <BR>You, whiners, look at your celings before you throw stones on kids' or their parents'! <BR> <BR>Shawny, <BR> <BR>I guess Citadines chain will fit your needs. Bringing small toys for the baby is a nice idea, and also don't forget the bottle for him to suck, or a pacifier, while the plane is taking off. If you're breastfeeding, feed him, is the best thing for the babies ears during take off. <BR> <BR>Good luck, <BR> <BR>Surlok

Mom

The single most useful thing we brought on our first trip with our baby was a nice light weight stroller. Ours is made by Combi ($80). It weighs 10 pounds and folds up to 11 inches wide, has easy to manuevure swivel wheels and a canopy to sheild the baby from the sun. I also second the baby sling. <BR> <BR>Also, bring your child's favorite toys and books to read to to her/him. You don't need to bring everything in the house, though. That's what we did and it was unneccessary. A few favorites are really enough. <BR> <BR>Have fun.

Jane

We rented a very nice apt in Paris (very reasonable priced) from www.drawbridgetoeurope.com. In my mind, you absolutely should stay in an apt for the space and the kitchen. <BR> <BR>Tip on the plane - if your baby is crying because of the air pressure, get the steward or stewardess to get you two plastic drinking cups - put a paper napkin drenched in hot water in the bottom of each - place the cups over the baby's ears. It worked for my son. I've heard adults say it worked for them as well. <BR> <BR>Have a great time. PS: I hope you opted to get a seat for your baby on the plane rather than carry him/her on your lap. It's safer and you will be miserable on the long flight if you have to hold them. In March, airfares should be low enough to splurge. Ask any steward or stewardess - babies can become projectiles during heavy turbulence.

About Babies

I've actually had more problems withd runk adults on planes that crying babies. One time a I was amazed as the 5 year old next to me stay seated, except for one trip to the bathroom, the entire flight from London to Seattle!

don

Bring the baby and have a great trip. We just returned from Europe and brought our two young children. The flight attendants stopped by frequently to compliment our children on their behavior and good manners and pointed out that they were better behaved than many of the adults on the plane.

Protecting Myself

I just have one negative thing to say: think twice about taking a 9-month old to a museum. <BR>

Nochildren

Well, you're right about babies. They usually are quiet. It's when they get to be older and have never had to hear the word "no"....or worse, Mommy says "no" about 10 times. <BR>I'm not a whiner. I just like to rest on a plane. You're right about some adults, too, but no one really has a problem asking adults to shush during a movie, but for some reason we all feel guilty asking a parent to discipline their child. (oh no I said the D word.) <BR>I personally have no problem w/ babies or children as long as they mind. If they don't, I expect the parents to be their leaders and take some kind of action. I would imagine the children expect it(and deep inside want it), too. If you have to travel w/ a baby or child, just be mindful of others around who did not have the joy of bringing them into this world and therefore, should not have to suffer a 7-8 hr flight with ill mannered children. If yours isn't one of those, perhaps those people who have ill mannered children would be wise to realize that children want and need direction. I'm thru now. <BR>

Margot

Hi, Shawny. Relax! My husband and I took our 6-month-old to Rome in February. For two months before we left, I worried myself sick. I was afraid she'd cry the entire flight, her time schedule would get all messed up, etc... It turns out she was a complete angel. She slept during our first take off and landing. We read books to her, and just made sure she had enough to drink and eat. <BR> <BR>I agree with Elvira - poor baby Claire got jostled pretty badly by the cobblestoned streets. We brought her umbrella stroller instead of her heavy-duty one - MISTAKE. Also, you may want to bring a Baby Bjorn - it was a life saver in the museums. <BR> <BR>I don't know if your baby is still on jar food, or formula, but Claire was. I was unsure of what Rome would offer in the way of baby food, so I carted 40 jars of food and 12 cans of formula. I'm glad I did. In the city, the most convenient grocery store had a very limited offering of baby food. Plus, the jar foods contain water, and I was unsure if that would cause diarrhea. Maybe I'm ignorant, but I was more comfortable playing it safe... <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

Christine

Hi Shawny <BR> <BR>We went to Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic in March with our 9-month old. Our doctor prescribed a decongestant for her ears which also made her sleep on the plane (Aterax). I was the only one inconvenienced by her, simply because it is uncomfortable to hold a child on your lap for that long, but boy was it worth it. If you can afford it, get an extra seat though. The Europeans are very child friendly and often offered in restaurants to heat up her bottles or food even before we asked. I have to agree that museums/other more subdued places like churches are a bit 'dicey' because they get bored very easily and ours dicovered that her voice echoed in the vast open spaces of an art museum/church. If you have an easy going child it definitely is possible to have a very enjoyable trip!! <BR>