Traveling with Little Ones
Nov 17th, 2005, 12:06 PM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We went to Italy with an 18 month old. A few tips I can give you are: if you are in one location more than 3 days go for an apt or villa (even in Rome). You'll be grateful for the refrig and washing machine. There are agencies that specialize in apts.
Bring lots of ziplocs - dropped pacifiers, dropped toys, dropped hats that need washing, etc. They are light and cheap.
Bring a carrier for the 6 month old - like Baby Bjorn type thing. Even though she was way heavy at 18 months, it made the Sistine Chapel and the Siena and Florence and cobblestones much easier to navigate. As earlier posters have said, you'll already have an umbrella stroller for the 2 year old.
Bring lots of ziplocs - dropped pacifiers, dropped toys, dropped hats that need washing, etc. They are light and cheap.
Bring a carrier for the 6 month old - like Baby Bjorn type thing. Even though she was way heavy at 18 months, it made the Sistine Chapel and the Siena and Florence and cobblestones much easier to navigate. As earlier posters have said, you'll already have an umbrella stroller for the 2 year old.
Nov 18th, 2005, 05:04 AM
#22
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went to Ireland last may when my daughter was 23 months old. I packed enough diapers and wipes for the trip and like another person said it left room for my purchases 
. I too ran out of diapers on the plane and my daughter wore a swimmie for about 2 hours. Thank good ness it lasted until I got to the car.
We took our big stroller there but when we go to Italy in may we will take an umbrella stroller. I am also looking in to a actual small backpack carrier for my daughter if she is less than 33 pounds.
I also thought that taking a night flight there worked out well for my daughter and my 7 year old niece. Good luck and have fun.
. I too ran out of diapers on the plane and my daughter wore a swimmie for about 2 hours. Thank good ness it lasted until I got to the car.We took our big stroller there but when we go to Italy in may we will take an umbrella stroller. I am also looking in to a actual small backpack carrier for my daughter if she is less than 33 pounds.
I also thought that taking a night flight there worked out well for my daughter and my 7 year old niece. Good luck and have fun.
Nov 18th, 2005, 06:23 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi fiesty1. Not insanity but a lot of prep work. I brought my daughter to Asia when she was 2 yrs. old. Months before our trip, I already told her that walking on the plane was NOT ALLOWED and that she had to stay on her seat except if she or I had to go to the bathroom. Of course she had a lot of why, if and but questions but I just told her it was the RULE for safety and she accepted it because she really wanted to go on her 1st airplane ride. I had to prepare things to keep her busy though. I got the leapster game from Leap frog and we played it together. I also brought sticker books, crayons, lots of snacks and small juice boxes which she drank during landing and take off. It turned out very well. Spending quality time together for hours was fun for both of us! Good Luck!
Nov 18th, 2005, 07:13 AM
#25
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When we just flew back to the States from Frankfurt there was a young mother alone with an approx. 6 month old and a two year old sitting in front of us.
Mom had two seats for the three of them (a middle and a window). The two year old sat by the window and the 6 month old on the mother's lap.
She had to ask the aisle passenger to get up to change diapers etc but he didn't seem to mind. It seemed to be a good thing that the two year old did not have access to the aisle.
It was a 9 plus hour flight but we heard not even a peep from either of the babies except a coo or laugh. They were awake almost the entire time, it was a day flight. Mom had all sorts of books, toys, games, food. She looked frazzled but somehow she managed.
I have seen baby meltdowns on planes too but it can be done!
kakalena
Mom had two seats for the three of them (a middle and a window). The two year old sat by the window and the 6 month old on the mother's lap.
She had to ask the aisle passenger to get up to change diapers etc but he didn't seem to mind. It seemed to be a good thing that the two year old did not have access to the aisle.
It was a 9 plus hour flight but we heard not even a peep from either of the babies except a coo or laugh. They were awake almost the entire time, it was a day flight. Mom had all sorts of books, toys, games, food. She looked frazzled but somehow she managed.
I have seen baby meltdowns on planes too but it can be done!
kakalena
Nov 18th, 2005, 07:24 AM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am making a list, checking it twice of all the great ideas! I don't know who suggested it, but I am going to see my daughters pediatrition on Monday, I will post any tips he has. I am really excited about spending this time with my kids, but I know it will definitely not be the same kind of trip. My husband and I have planned to take it really slow. We want this to be a fun trip for all of us, and we may just come back relaxed from the trip, instead of worn out from running all over!
As Kakalena said, we are only going to have to make it a week on our own in Spain, the rest of the time we will have willing Grandparents with us. I am excited that I get to take my kids to spain, my ancestors are from there, so I think it will be neat to tell them they have been there, even if they don't remember it.
I am getting a lot of great ideas...I like the moto about what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, my husband and I also have a motto..."Never done that before!" We try to look at it like an adventure, and whatever happens builds the adventure. (Even the worst of things, you can generally laugh over after a few years have gone by!)
As Kakalena said, we are only going to have to make it a week on our own in Spain, the rest of the time we will have willing Grandparents with us. I am excited that I get to take my kids to spain, my ancestors are from there, so I think it will be neat to tell them they have been there, even if they don't remember it.
I am getting a lot of great ideas...I like the moto about what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, my husband and I also have a motto..."Never done that before!" We try to look at it like an adventure, and whatever happens builds the adventure. (Even the worst of things, you can generally laugh over after a few years have gone by!)
Nov 18th, 2005, 07:44 AM
#27
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you have had a lot of good advice- an apt a must (or at the minimum a hotel room with a fridge) and try to stay in one place at least a week or at amin 3-4 days. The babe will not be a problem IMO but the a 2 yr old will be a challenge. Plan you trip as though you were a child. Be sure some running room each day...We would often split up if one of us had a must do. I remember having time with the swans in Green Park when my husband finished the War Rooms. Another hint- be sure to get your seats together. This may seem obvious, but I was on a flight recently with 2 Aussies and there 3 young children. Despite booking at an early date they were split 3 and 2 about 4 rows appart. They were upset as they had booked as a family but still managed with a lot of coming and going. Make sure your first day is really easy. Dont under estimate jet lag. I did much travelling with little ones because of family geography. I had family members to help out at the other end and it was still difficult- cranky kids and even crankier jet lagged mom. In all honesty with a child age 1 1/2 to about 3 1/2, I would plan a vacation close to home unless this I had family or the trip was added on to a business trip....and I will bet my passport stamps and those of my kids against anyones (since May of this year I have been to Montreal, Guyana, Puerto Rico, France, Sweden, Austria, Russia and Mexico). I am not bragging- most of this was business but I am stating this as an experienced travelling Mom whose children have families in 2 countries.
Nov 18th, 2005, 09:59 AM
#28
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Even the worst of things, you can generally laugh over after a few years have gone by!" This is so true and as long as you keep this positive outlook you will have a great trip.
Another thought - you may want to ask your doctor about giving your children a small dose of motrin or tylenol before takeoff to offset any ear pain. I think there are also prescription eardrum numbing drops. I didn't use these on a regular basis, but when my son was a toddler and came down with an ear infection a day before the trip, the drops worked liked a charm.
If your father-in-law is willing it might be a good idea to give him a list of things such as diapers, etc. that he can have on hand before you get there. The less you have to bring with you the better.
Your two year old might like his own little backpack for his new toys, games,DVD player and snacks.
Martinan is right about the juice boxes. I always had several stashed away and had one ready to go as we took off and another ready as the plane began to descend.
Have a great trip!
Another thought - you may want to ask your doctor about giving your children a small dose of motrin or tylenol before takeoff to offset any ear pain. I think there are also prescription eardrum numbing drops. I didn't use these on a regular basis, but when my son was a toddler and came down with an ear infection a day before the trip, the drops worked liked a charm.
If your father-in-law is willing it might be a good idea to give him a list of things such as diapers, etc. that he can have on hand before you get there. The less you have to bring with you the better.
Your two year old might like his own little backpack for his new toys, games,DVD player and snacks.
Martinan is right about the juice boxes. I always had several stashed away and had one ready to go as we took off and another ready as the plane began to descend.
Have a great trip!
Nov 18th, 2005, 10:03 AM
#29
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fiesty1,
Sorry, it is me again. Just had to comment about the pediatrician. When we took our 1 year old over the first time he was still nursing, which he said was a good thing, as sometimes kids can have different reactions to the milk over there. I guess it is pasteurized differently. Even so, the second time we did not have any problems with either, and I was finished nursing the 1 year old. And in England anyway the food was just fine, we were able to find everything we needed there just like at home.
The other thing I suggest is international health insurance. Check with your carrier and see if you are covered abroad. We weren't. But for a minimal fee we were able to add some coverage, which was I think less than $100 US. But we would still had to pay a $50 deductible and get reimbursed. I am convinced we didn't have any problems because we had insurance. (And I was glad for it!) But you know little ones, you never know if you are going to need to see a Dr. for something.
And I echo the poster who said make sure you get seats together! Our flight this summer was so full that they could not get us all together on the way home, even though we were a family. I sat with one and my husband sat with the other. Even though we traded it seemed whoever was sitting next to mommy at the time was high maintenance. So I was very tired on the way back!
And also whoever said the mom looked frazzeld may have been on my flight. That could have been me. Our kids did not have a meltdown either really, but that was due to constant entertainment and having every one of their needs met very quickly. They had it really good on those flights. If only I could travel like that, ha ha.
If your kids are the kind that sleep anywhere (I have one) then doing some touring during the first day may be a good idea. We did this, and one slept so soundly in the stroller for about 4 hours of touring. And then he did fine at night. This was a new thing though, my eldest is not the kind to really fall asleep just anywhere. Who knows-they are all so different. I guess as everyone else has said flexibility is the key.
I think what you need more than anything is confidence. Once you do it, it will seem like a breeze. And then you come back and domestic flights seem like nothing. Think of it this way, if you make it through that, you can make it through anything.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Sorry, it is me again. Just had to comment about the pediatrician. When we took our 1 year old over the first time he was still nursing, which he said was a good thing, as sometimes kids can have different reactions to the milk over there. I guess it is pasteurized differently. Even so, the second time we did not have any problems with either, and I was finished nursing the 1 year old. And in England anyway the food was just fine, we were able to find everything we needed there just like at home.
The other thing I suggest is international health insurance. Check with your carrier and see if you are covered abroad. We weren't. But for a minimal fee we were able to add some coverage, which was I think less than $100 US. But we would still had to pay a $50 deductible and get reimbursed. I am convinced we didn't have any problems because we had insurance. (And I was glad for it!) But you know little ones, you never know if you are going to need to see a Dr. for something.
And I echo the poster who said make sure you get seats together! Our flight this summer was so full that they could not get us all together on the way home, even though we were a family. I sat with one and my husband sat with the other. Even though we traded it seemed whoever was sitting next to mommy at the time was high maintenance. So I was very tired on the way back!
And also whoever said the mom looked frazzeld may have been on my flight. That could have been me. Our kids did not have a meltdown either really, but that was due to constant entertainment and having every one of their needs met very quickly. They had it really good on those flights. If only I could travel like that, ha ha.
If your kids are the kind that sleep anywhere (I have one) then doing some touring during the first day may be a good idea. We did this, and one slept so soundly in the stroller for about 4 hours of touring. And then he did fine at night. This was a new thing though, my eldest is not the kind to really fall asleep just anywhere. Who knows-they are all so different. I guess as everyone else has said flexibility is the key.
I think what you need more than anything is confidence. Once you do it, it will seem like a breeze. And then you come back and domestic flights seem like nothing. Think of it this way, if you make it through that, you can make it through anything.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Nov 18th, 2005, 10:06 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suppositories (TylonoL,Motrin) are great for little ones who have high fever and will not take their meds. I once paid $40.00 for 5 suppositories in London when I had a sick child who needed the meds and I could not get them into her. UK does not normally use that form of medicine. So, if you get to a drugstore that has them, you might want to get them for an emergency. One benefit of traveling. I have gotten them in US, but one is never fully prepared in traveling.
Nov 18th, 2005, 12:32 PM
#31
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For myself more than the kids, but I always get my Dr. to give some sample antibiotics prior to traveling. Anything else I've needed I've been able to get easily but I like having a couple of Z-pacs in my suitcase just in case. The Dr. may have some other ideas that I've forgotten since my wife mostly handles the Dr. end of things for the kids.
Nov 18th, 2005, 12:57 PM
#33
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fiesty1,
My husband and I have traveled to Europe many times. My oldest son is now 9yrs old and his 1st trip to Europe was when he was 1yr. We loved the baby backpacks. He enjoyed riding up high and seeing things and it was easy to navigate areas. Our second son (he's now 6y)did not enjoy the backpack very long so we went the umbrella stroller route. It worked great. It depends on the child.
Make sure you take extra meds for fever ,colds, etc. I felt like a walking pharmacy, but we were prepared. Don't forget butterfly bandages, you might need them. We gave surprise toys during the flight( little, but new) and take their favorite books. The portable DVD is great, but you may not need it depending on your carrier. We flew BA this summer and we could choose from a number of movies.
Most importantly, have FUN! Just think if your kids are tough to deal with , they probably would be in the states too. Our kids had jetlag going to California, from the midwest, but not going to Europe. They just slept in the first day. I can't explain that.
As the others have also said, take lots of snacks. Even the kid meals on BA were pretty bad and our kids did not eat them.
Whether they remember or not you will have a great trip with your family. My 9yr old is proud that he has visited many countries, even though he cannot remember his early trips. He looks at the photos and it means more when he studies the areas in school. We have never left our kids with others while traveling and although it is not the same as if we were without them it is great, it is just different.
Enjoy and have a great trip!
Travelatte
My husband and I have traveled to Europe many times. My oldest son is now 9yrs old and his 1st trip to Europe was when he was 1yr. We loved the baby backpacks. He enjoyed riding up high and seeing things and it was easy to navigate areas. Our second son (he's now 6y)did not enjoy the backpack very long so we went the umbrella stroller route. It worked great. It depends on the child.
Make sure you take extra meds for fever ,colds, etc. I felt like a walking pharmacy, but we were prepared. Don't forget butterfly bandages, you might need them. We gave surprise toys during the flight( little, but new) and take their favorite books. The portable DVD is great, but you may not need it depending on your carrier. We flew BA this summer and we could choose from a number of movies.
Most importantly, have FUN! Just think if your kids are tough to deal with , they probably would be in the states too. Our kids had jetlag going to California, from the midwest, but not going to Europe. They just slept in the first day. I can't explain that.
As the others have also said, take lots of snacks. Even the kid meals on BA were pretty bad and our kids did not eat them.
Whether they remember or not you will have a great trip with your family. My 9yr old is proud that he has visited many countries, even though he cannot remember his early trips. He looks at the photos and it means more when he studies the areas in school. We have never left our kids with others while traveling and although it is not the same as if we were without them it is great, it is just different.
Enjoy and have a great trip!
Travelatte
Nov 18th, 2005, 02:40 PM
#34
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Fiesty
Very glad you asked this question. I plan to take a 3 year old to Europe next year. She is very easy going little girl but I am under no illusions. I have already taken her on a nearly 5 hour plane trip and it was very different!! She had a great time. The flight attendants were considerate and we just walked up and down the aisle a lot. She actually got to sleep draped over grandma and myself. I couldn't sleep because she would make sudden movements and I would instinctively grab her in case she fell on the floor.(She couldn't fall on the floor, it was cramped and no free space to fall)
Grandma was a life saver. She brought so many little presents and she would pull one out at a time. When our plane landed we waited til most people got off. It just wasn't safe with all those bags bumping in to you. Anyway I needed the time to find all the little toys she discarded all over the floor and seats. I am still going on a much longer flight on planes with tv's in back of seats with kids channels and lots of toys, books, food, water as I can carry.
Have a wonderful holiday
Very glad you asked this question. I plan to take a 3 year old to Europe next year. She is very easy going little girl but I am under no illusions. I have already taken her on a nearly 5 hour plane trip and it was very different!! She had a great time. The flight attendants were considerate and we just walked up and down the aisle a lot. She actually got to sleep draped over grandma and myself. I couldn't sleep because she would make sudden movements and I would instinctively grab her in case she fell on the floor.(She couldn't fall on the floor, it was cramped and no free space to fall)
Grandma was a life saver. She brought so many little presents and she would pull one out at a time. When our plane landed we waited til most people got off. It just wasn't safe with all those bags bumping in to you. Anyway I needed the time to find all the little toys she discarded all over the floor and seats. I am still going on a much longer flight on planes with tv's in back of seats with kids channels and lots of toys, books, food, water as I can carry.
Have a wonderful holiday
Nov 21st, 2005, 09:04 AM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the input, I just thought of another questions. What are hotels like with little ones? A lot of people have suggested apartments, but I don't think for the three days we will go that route, unless anyone knows of an inexpensive one around Bilbao?? Do they charge for children? When they say "kids", what ages are they talking about? Do they provide cribs, like in the states? We have a fold up sleep-along that travels very easily, and we are taking to Germany, but didn't know if we needed to bring it with us to Bilbao.
Nov 21st, 2005, 10:45 AM
#36
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your baby sleeps well in the fold-up sleep along I'd go ahead and bring it to Bilbao. It is much easier if the sleep routine is as consistent as possible. Also, the one time I requested a crib, it didn't appear to be safe and the baby ended up sleeping with us.
Nov 21st, 2005, 11:53 AM
#37
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always brought a Pack n Play with us after a hotel crib collapsed on my child (fortunately, he was not hurt.) The baby will sleep better in a familiar bed, and it is very handy for the beach, for example, and other stops outside of the hotel. When a child is under 18 months, it is a good thing to have around. As he gets closer to 2 years, he will learn to climb out, so it becomes less useful.
There are many significant differences between traveling with or without kids. With kids that young, meals are hectic, so we were tried eating at outdoor cafes or in the room/condo. Our will to go out at night vaporized because the children get up so early and good babysitters were hard to find. Sightseeing changes from adult interests to family ones - zoos, parks, beach, gardens.
If you do want to see a museum or such, it has to be squeezed into naptime, giving you only an hour or so. Of course, kids' nap schedules are rarely in sync, so we wound up doing much less ambitious traveling with two little ones than with one. When our youngest was 4, we took up overseas traveling again, and it was great.
There are many significant differences between traveling with or without kids. With kids that young, meals are hectic, so we were tried eating at outdoor cafes or in the room/condo. Our will to go out at night vaporized because the children get up so early and good babysitters were hard to find. Sightseeing changes from adult interests to family ones - zoos, parks, beach, gardens.
If you do want to see a museum or such, it has to be squeezed into naptime, giving you only an hour or so. Of course, kids' nap schedules are rarely in sync, so we wound up doing much less ambitious traveling with two little ones than with one. When our youngest was 4, we took up overseas traveling again, and it was great.
Nov 22nd, 2005, 08:02 AM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For anyone following this, I am posting some answers that I have gotten. My pediatrician reccomended Benadryl and was able to give me dosage amounts for their size, just to help them sleep on the plane. He also encouraged making sure you have the right dosage for their age of tylenol etc. He also suggested making sure you have their immunization records, or a copy of them, with you. The last idea I just got came from Leap Frog, they had a great idea for "viewing" the trip through your kids eyes, take a large manilla envelope with you and let your kids put their "keepsakes" in it. Even if it is wrapper from Hotel soap, if that is what they think is cool, let them put it in the envelope. Thanks to everyone for the great ideas!
Nov 23rd, 2005, 06:29 AM
#39
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fiesty1,
Great ideas, but just try the benedryl before going. It makes some kids hyper. We used a cold med for my oldest and it worked great for sleeping on the plane. My youngest falls asleep even with the non-drowsy meds. They just wipe him out, but he used to be hyper on certain antibiotics. Who knows? Every child reacts differently, so just do a trial run before you go.
Have a great and enjoyable trip!
Travelatte
Great ideas, but just try the benedryl before going. It makes some kids hyper. We used a cold med for my oldest and it worked great for sleeping on the plane. My youngest falls asleep even with the non-drowsy meds. They just wipe him out, but he used to be hyper on certain antibiotics. Who knows? Every child reacts differently, so just do a trial run before you go.
Have a great and enjoyable trip!
Travelatte
Jan 19th, 2006, 10:48 AM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello all-
Thanks so much for the great info. My family and I are back, and we had a great trip! I have learned several things, one being that it is possible for a two and a half year old to reamain awake for over 27 hours (even with the help of Benadryl!) Fortunately for all involved, he became silly tired, and only really got loud when he had just managed to fall asleep (at the 24 hour mark) and they served breakfast! I also learned you CAN hold and nurse a six month old for those same 27 hours! We DID have a great time, and the flights were not THAT bad. The worst part was making connections, walking through the airport with the eight carryons! (O.k, two of the carryons were carseats and one was the gate checked stroller, but it was awkward!)
Thanks so much for the great info. My family and I are back, and we had a great trip! I have learned several things, one being that it is possible for a two and a half year old to reamain awake for over 27 hours (even with the help of Benadryl!) Fortunately for all involved, he became silly tired, and only really got loud when he had just managed to fall asleep (at the 24 hour mark) and they served breakfast! I also learned you CAN hold and nurse a six month old for those same 27 hours! We DID have a great time, and the flights were not THAT bad. The worst part was making connections, walking through the airport with the eight carryons! (O.k, two of the carryons were carseats and one was the gate checked stroller, but it was awkward!)
