Traveling with infant
Jul 27th, 2004, 03:03 PM
#4
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We just returned from a long weekend trip with our 3 year old grandson. If you are driving, stop every hour or so for them to use up some energy, keep plenty of snack and toys to entertain, it helps. I think the main thing would be to make it a short trip, under 2-3 hours if possible. Our little fella did fine, but it was a short trip. Once you reach your destination, you should probably plan one big event per day, starting in the morning right after breakfast, and be back at the room by nap time. In the evening after naptime, you've only got an hour or two until dinner. We used this time to swim or go somewhere close to the hotel. The only other advice I would have is, it took so long to get and pack all the extras to take along (snacks, bottled water, diapers, etc, etc.)I told my husband it was too much work for a 2-3 day trip. We should have stayed longer because there was so much preparation time involved. It is a lot of work, but it was worth it for us.
Jul 27th, 2004, 05:46 PM
#5
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Are you going by ground or air?
I have flown 3 times since my daughter was born a year ago. Each time I try to fly during her sleeping times. Two times were for 2hour flights which i scheduled at her afternoon nap. Then this last time to California we flew at night to/from. Worked great, except United was late departing on both legs of the Cali trip so she got antsy in her car seat. As soon as we taxied she fell asleep.
Make sure you have LOTS of food and diapers for the baby. Most airports have nothing if you run out. Also if your baby needs formula, take a thermos of warm water to mix it with because I found you couldnt depend on the plane to have what you need. Also, board last because less time on plane = happier child. If your baby takes a pacifier...make sure she has it for taking off and landing!
Good luck!
I have flown 3 times since my daughter was born a year ago. Each time I try to fly during her sleeping times. Two times were for 2hour flights which i scheduled at her afternoon nap. Then this last time to California we flew at night to/from. Worked great, except United was late departing on both legs of the Cali trip so she got antsy in her car seat. As soon as we taxied she fell asleep.
Make sure you have LOTS of food and diapers for the baby. Most airports have nothing if you run out. Also if your baby needs formula, take a thermos of warm water to mix it with because I found you couldnt depend on the plane to have what you need. Also, board last because less time on plane = happier child. If your baby takes a pacifier...make sure she has it for taking off and landing!
Good luck!
Jul 27th, 2004, 06:24 PM
#6
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Some tips - take extra clothes in your carry on, both for the baby and a shirt for you isn't a bad idea, either. Spills, spit up or worse can be very unpleasant to wear for a few hours. I also recommend putting Motrin or Tylenol in your carry on, you can need this in a hurry and better safe than sorry. Check your stroller at the gate so you can use it through the airport. If you can afford it, buy your infant a seat (usually 1/2 your fare) and keep them strapped into their carrier. It's much safer - and a lot more comfortable for you - than holding an infant on your lap. Infants are pretty portable, but our early elementary school boys are veteran frequent flyers now, and even toddlers can travel just fine with appropriate preparation (think lots of little toys/surprises/distractions and snacks).
Jul 27th, 2004, 07:20 PM
#7
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We waited till our son was 15 months old before we traveled with him. We just thought it would be easier. What did we know as new parents?? Nothing obviously! 
Seriously, I would think traveling with an infant is easier because all they do is eat/sleep and are very portable as a previous poster mentioned.
With a toddler, you spend sooo much time chasing after them, etc.. We have been several places with him (he's 2 years 4 months now), but it's LOTS of work on a vacation.
Fyi, be ready for heavy suitcases whether infant or toddler (formula/food, diapers, lots of change of clothes, etc...).
Regarding advice, buy your child a few new toys that you only introduce on the trip. Bring along his/her favorite music and favorite snacks.
Also, I read one time a great piece of advice from a mom in a travel magazine. Instead of traveling with the standard diaper bag, use a backpack diaper bag or just a regular backpack. It will leave both your hands free for the little one.
Good luck.
Seriously, I would think traveling with an infant is easier because all they do is eat/sleep and are very portable as a previous poster mentioned.
With a toddler, you spend sooo much time chasing after them, etc.. We have been several places with him (he's 2 years 4 months now), but it's LOTS of work on a vacation.
Fyi, be ready for heavy suitcases whether infant or toddler (formula/food, diapers, lots of change of clothes, etc...).
Regarding advice, buy your child a few new toys that you only introduce on the trip. Bring along his/her favorite music and favorite snacks.
Also, I read one time a great piece of advice from a mom in a travel magazine. Instead of traveling with the standard diaper bag, use a backpack diaper bag or just a regular backpack. It will leave both your hands free for the little one.
Good luck.
Jul 29th, 2004, 02:40 AM
#12
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We flew with our son when he was 18 months, and he was great. At 2.5 years old now, let's just say it would have to be really worth it to go ! We're thinking that 4 or 5 wil be the next big trip he takes.
Jul 29th, 2004, 02:51 AM
#13
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We just returned from vacation with my 17 mo old grandson. He was a jewel on all but the last leg. We did buy a seat for him, but didn't bring his car seat as we didn't want to lug it around. He did fine without it. Lots of snacks and new little toys helped!
Good luck! Traveling with the little one did add to the adventure!
Good luck! Traveling with the little one did add to the adventure!
Jul 29th, 2004, 04:23 AM
#14
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Boy, it really depends on the kid. My daughter was severly colicky for her first 8 MONTHS, and I wouldn't have dreamed of traveling with her before it subsided. Since then (she's now 4) she's been a dream on the plane, in the car, whatever.
Jul 29th, 2004, 04:37 AM
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I think they transition from easily portable to hellish toddler (and I say that with love about my own toddler!) when they become truly mobile. My daughter started walking at 10 mos. Now, at 18 mos, she just never stays still. We took her on a short flight (2 hours) about a month ago and she was okay. You just have to keep entertaining them or feeding them constantly. We let her run around in the terminal before take-off and I brought two new toys for the trip -- just for the sheer novelty factor.
In addition to the supplies that have been mentioned, I also recommend the Pampers Bibsters (disposable bibs) and the individual juice-box sized Parmalat milk (shelf-stable). We flew at hours that are not peak business travel hours (mid-day on Sat) and next time we will ask for the bulkhead row so our darling can't kick the seat of the guy in front of her (oops!).
In addition to the supplies that have been mentioned, I also recommend the Pampers Bibsters (disposable bibs) and the individual juice-box sized Parmalat milk (shelf-stable). We flew at hours that are not peak business travel hours (mid-day on Sat) and next time we will ask for the bulkhead row so our darling can't kick the seat of the guy in front of her (oops!).
Jul 29th, 2004, 05:17 AM
#16
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Droolpatrol: What lisettemac said is correct. When they know how to walk, they become a lot more work. Our son is great on the plane, sits in his car seat and doesn't ask to get out. But when we're at their airport, it's up and down and up and down the terminal (my husband and I take turn being the escort - god bless adults who travel ALONE with a toddler!). And let's just forget it if there's an escalator or what we call a walkalator (does anyone know what they're really called?? Newark Airport has them, instead of escalators, they're flat and move forward). Our son loves them and will just go on those over and over and over again...Ugh!
Other advice: We only do non-stop flights (nothing over 4 hours - this is not just for our comfort but for other passengers' as well!). And lisettemac is right about getting seats with no seats in front of them (usually the ones by the wall separating coach and first class) so your toddler doesn't kick the back seat of an unsuspecting passenger.
Other advice: We only do non-stop flights (nothing over 4 hours - this is not just for our comfort but for other passengers' as well!). And lisettemac is right about getting seats with no seats in front of them (usually the ones by the wall separating coach and first class) so your toddler doesn't kick the back seat of an unsuspecting passenger.
