traveling with 7 month old - Ireland and England
 

My husband and I have traveled all over the world, but this will be our first trip with an infant (will be around 6-7 months old). Any hints/suggestions on items such as food (bring our own baby food/formula or buy there), places to stay which will provide a crib (I've seen 'cots' listed for kids at some places - is this what they call cribs?), umbrella stroller (or should we have something a bit sturdier), backpack carrier, etc. We are going the end of March into April. THANKS!

In both ireland and England you will find baby food and diapers (although can be more expensive -- we packed an extra bag filled with some diapers and used it to carry the souveniers home). Cots are what we call cribs. An umbrella stroller is ok for around London or Dublin but if you plan on seeing the countryside or castle grounds then it will not be sufficient. Alot of B&B's will not allow kids that young so book early or you will be forced to stay in hotels.

My husband and I took several trips overseas when our children were babies, and my advice is that you will need something much sturdier than an umbrella stroller! There are a lot of old cobblestone streets there. We took one with when we went with our first, and it was hard to push,really more trouble than it was worth and it broke after a week, anyway. what we did with our second child was to wait and we bought a stroller there, because they were nicer than the ones I could find at home. Don't worry about food and dipers, thy sell them all over the place, unless your child has alergies to anything. The cots provided in B&B's were sometimes old, and so not up to current standards(i.e. the bars were spaced too far apart and too much space between matress and side of crib). I fixed that with blankets, but if you are not comfortable with that I would sugest you call each place first. Backpack carrier was fine for hikes, but we preffered the stroller for most of the time.

our family has traveled to ireland,england & paris[1997] with a 6 month old, 5 yr & 7 yr old. just relax and enjoy. we were surprised at the attention the kids received. also took the 7 yr [now 12] to hawaii when he was one and in 2001 the newest edition at that tin0ne with the others to ireland and rome. have fun

A sturdy umbrella stroller such as a McLaren can handle cobblestones--it's what we took to London. A backpack would be useful too, depending on how big your child is (ours was a little chunk, we couldn't carry her all day). Cots are cribs. I'd buy diapers and baby food there, but if your child is using formula check to make sure they carry the same brands as I know some children react really poorly to switching formulas.

Thanks for all of the great advice. We're really excited to go, and now you've given us some ideas to help us start getting organized to go!

Why would you travel with a six to seven mopnth old? What will the child get out of this trip. What if the child gets sick? What about the hassels. What about the people who sit next to you on the plane all the way from the USA and back? You may think your screaming baby is cute but do others? For seven hours?<BR><BR>The real issue is why bring the baby? What does the baby enjoy? Aren't there aunts/uncles/grandparents who can take care of the baby? <BR><BR>If not, should you be going on the trip at all?

Why does Kevin talk exclusively in questions? Why does Kevin want to know personal information about a complete stranger? Why would anyone listen to Kevin? <BR><BR>OK, had to get that off my chest. Six months is a great age for traveling with a baby! Having had a hotel crib collapse on our child once (he was not hurt) convinced me to take a Pack n Play from then on. It's handy for the beach or visiting, too, and you won't have to wait while the hotel staff locates a crib and brings it to your room. Definitely bring your regular baby formula, and be sure to pack some dehydrated food/cereal - you may never use it, but you could get stuck (our low moment was trapped in a train underground in Barcelona). Diapers are widely available; you might look for &quot;Diaper Doublers&quot; here in the States (don't know if they still make these, but they are great!) They are an extra pad/liner that goes inside the disposable diaper. They don't take up much space, and are great for quick changes, like on the airplane. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful time - you will be amazed at all the special attention - babies are universally loved.

missg, you are wrong, wrong, wrong! Maybe you like to criticize my questions because you have NO ANSWERS that support what you did or what is proposed in the original thread.<BR><BR>To take a six month old on an European trip seems ludicrous to me. Are the parents that selfish about their travel to subject a six month old to those travel rigors??? Again I ask: what does the infant get out of this trip EXCEPT undue stress and a greater chance of infection being boxed into a plane for 7 or 8 hours. Add to that the disruption to the baby's schedule and where are the benefits to the child? Ahhhh, you have no answer do you?<BR><BR>It is time someone stood up for the child in this instance.<BR><BR>If you read my post I did not say that parents shouldn't go on the trip; iI did suggest that they leave the child with a relative if they must take their trip.<BR><BR>Missg, did you child wail throughout the plane trip? Did you think it was cute or others didn't mind? Thought so.<BR><BR><BR>

if staying in killarney stay at ryans hotel although it is modern and big they have a great nursery for babies so you can enjoy an evening or day period to yourselves.

It seems that we have a number of posters here who think &quot;My kid is wonderful no matter what they do&quot;. To bring infants to Europe begs the question why? Kevin is accurate in his perceptions and analysis. A six month old in a museum--at best the child is quiet but most probably they yell and scream at some point. This upsetting to both the child and all thos around the yelling child who paid a fee to enjoy the museum (or the church, opera, nice meal, etc). Not to mention the plane ride. The parents often seem oblivious (especially in the posts here) to the tumult they cause.<BR><BR>Leave infanta in the care of loved ones if travelling abroad.

I'm very much a &quot;to each his own&quot; type of person, but I have to admit that the question &quot;Why would you take an infant half way around the world?&quot; question popped into my mind.<BR><BR>Unless you're going to keep the baby on your lap for 7,8,9,10 hours, you have to buy a seat. So I'm curious because I would think that the expense and the stress to you and the baby wouldn't be worth it.....

To all that ask why take a child traveling: It's because if you like to travel, and you have a child, that's what you do! Most people don't have anyone they would leave their child with for a couple of weeks, and not doing something you love for years and years seems silly when it's easy enough to make accomodations so the family can travel as a whole. Plus you get all of those great pictures, and locals will talk to you more if you have a small child.

Wow, when I originally posted I was very new to this board and didn't realize how many people out there just like to hear themselves talk and will post even if it's not related to the subject asked.<BR><BR>To Kevin and all other naysayers who feel they are so 'right' in their opinion that they have to remain anonymous, please quit wasting everyones valuable time by contributing nothing useful to my thread. While I know I shouldn't even dignify your statements with a response, I can't help myself. Why take my son to Europe? Because I love him. Do I think he's going to appreciate the beautiful scenery as we hike around the countries? No, but, shocking as you may find it, he just likes to BE with us - it doesn't matter where we are. So what will he get out of it? More quality time with mom and dad - being together as a family. He is happy and safe and secure with that, so he has no problems when he is not at home. While I will not pass judgement on other parents, I would never consider leaving my child with someone else when I go on vacation. See above reasoning. What if he gets sick? Well, let me think - what would I do if he were to get sick at home? I suppose I'd take him to the doctors - so I guess that's what I'd do there - or am I crazy to think that these are not third world countries and that they have health care there? Maybe I should just stay at home and put a bubble around my house because you know, he could get sick if he sets foot outside. I have been on NUMEROUS flights with children and have never experienced this '7 hour crying child' syndrome that you are so afraid of. While I am not saying that this hasn't happend, and I am sorry if it has happend to you, but how narrow minded are you to judge many on the actions of few? <BR><BR>Anyway, enough of this. You are not worth anymore of my time. I will not play this childish game agian so post hate mail if you like, I shall simply ignore it. Thanks again to the people who are answering my questions in my post. We haven't decided exactly where we will be in Ireland, but I was thinking of Killarney so thanks myles, we will keep that in mind. missg - I have never heard of 'Diaper Doublers', but I will keep my eye open for them. I was thinking of taking our Pack-n-Play - I suppose we could just check it as one of our pieces of luggage? Thanks!

Ireland is a child centered culture and you and your son will be most welcome there. Aer lingus will accommodate you in a bulkhead seat where a cot will be set up for your infant. Many B&amp;Bs advertize as child friendly and live up to their word. Many pubs that serve food and other restaurants actually have not only a chilren's menu but an infant menu with items like porridge and &quot;baby mash&quot;<BR>My grandchildren have been traveling to Ireland since infancy and i've never found one drawback..not for them, nor their parents, nor me nor other travelers. Go and enjoy!<BR>Are you planning to B&amp;B or might you consider self catering?

Seems like this post stirred alot of reaction. Perhaps some protest too much that they are doing the right thing by taking the infant away from home. Maybe they are not as confident as they pretend to be.<BR><BR>Infants on vacation anywhere---whose interest is being served? <BR><BR>Yeah right--if the baby gets sick away from home any ol doctor in any ol city will do. That is acceptable??

Jean - thanks for the wonderful post. We are flying in a bulkhead seat so he will have a cot. As far as the B+B or self catering, we are still discussing both. While it would be nice to do the self catering (we would like to at least have a refridgerator in our room but I can't find any B+Bs which do), I've heard so much how wonderful B+Bs are to stay at and get the local 'flair', so I'm tempted to go that route as well. Does anyone have some good advice for/against either? Thanks!

Michele,<BR>Crystal Springs b&amp;b in Killarney, an exceptional b&amp;b, is the only b&amp;b I've ever stayed in that had refrigertors.<BR>Mom with a young family, Eileen Brosnan, is a great hostess in a good location for day trips. Highly recommend!<BR>Some self catering accommodations are attached to b&amp;bs which would give you the best of both worlds.<BR>I've stayed with the Feeney's at Tuar Beag B&amp;B and self catering house and at Cloch Na Scith both in Spiddal, Galway.<BR>Each of these places are well equipped,wahser/dryer, tv, etc. adjacent to b&amp;bs so you can join them for breakfast, both have great views of Galway Bay and are positioned for many day trips: Aran Islands, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Leenae and Galway town.<BR>Your dates, late march early April may mean you can rent the apartment by the night rather than by the week and enjoy Galway for a few days and then proceed to killarney.<BR>jean<BR><BR>

Go and have a fun time -don't let others opinions on how they think children should be raised bother you. Children are most welcome in these cultures. You'll have a great time.

Dear Michelle,<BR><BR>M husband and I also love to travel - we now have a 15th month old son that we waited 14 years for. He has been to Florida, Mexico, Barbados, California, and Fance this April - we live in NY. While it is indeed more stressful traveling with our baby - we would not consider not taking him - as we know that he loves to be with us and share in life with us - that is what is most important to us. Do not allow the arrogance and rudeness of others bother you in any way. What I found to be helpful is to ship some of his supplies ahead of time - that has worked well for us - also remember to bring a tub ring - so that you will be able to give him baths - also pack some bath toys if he is anything like my son - he loves the bath and it will be fun for him to have some of his familiar and favorite toys with him. Pack some of his favorite books - and most of all he has the most important things with him - his parents!! Have a wonderful time!!