Fjaril

ssinca

So, I'm going to France:) besides nursing at take off/landing, any other tips for traveling with a six month old? This isn't my first rodeo going to Europe but for some reason I'm terrified of bringing the baby!

fjaril

ok. I need to finish dishes and stuff, but I'll write up something tonight/in the am and post

but you can start with getting baby a passport

ssinca

Already have his passport, we're going to Mexico in feb so I took care of that last month:)

fjaril

Biggest tip, is to take a breath and stay calm. Don't let the huffy people behind you intimidate you. I'm faster than 90% of business travelers, yet I end up in the family line b/c I have a kiddo and get hoofers all the time. Sometimes I glare at them and sometimes I smugly go about my business faster than they do and then glance over at them and smile. Just a little screw you and your attitude dude still getting undressed

I don't bring a stroller, just wear him in the airport. That way I have two hands free.
You'll likely have to take baby out to go through the scanner, but I think I made 3 flights before I had to, then every one after that I had to take him out. Increased threats or whatever

I pack an empty tote bag for essentials like diapers wipes and change of clothes in the hand luggage. I fill that up before we get on the plane so it is easy to access.

I pack a full change of clothes and a second top for me. I pack 2-3 outfits for baby. 6ish diapers and a fresh pack of wipes.

If baby will be on solids (you can ask for a baby meal on the plane) but I put their food (weather it be purees or some mums or whatever) in a small lunch pack as well as tylenol, motrin and benedryl. Lately, they haven't had me bring it out but if it's in a bag it's easy to toss into a tray.

I was nursing at the time so I didn't need any bottles or anything, though I brought and empty one for water just incase he wouldn't nurse and I needed to help his ears. I also brought a few pacis just incase they dropped or whatever.

Some books, toys are helpful, but I don't think we played with anything other than his moose. He slept a majority of the flight and luckily the teenager next to me wanted to hold the baby so I ate my dinner and she played with him. Then her and her mom let him lay over their laps so I could sleep.

Don't forget the steward(ess)s are there for your help. I think you'll have family flying so you'll have help, but don't forget they are there for you.

I brought a nursing cover, just to make it feel more private, it's not like there's enough room for a boob to pop out on a plane, but you know some people don't want to see anything.

Hmm, I'm pretty tired these days so I might be missing something. If you can think of anything else ask

ssinca

Awesome, this is perfect - thank you! I was going to bring the umbrella stroller and a carrier as back up. You think I should just check to stroller instead? Yes, fortunately my sister will be next to me to help and she's traveled with her kids to Europe a few times so she knows the drill:)  Haven't started him on any foods yet and I think I'll just wait until we get back, I'm in no rush anyway. Planning on bringing bottle/formula just in case, good call about the extra top! 

fjaril

Personally, I  don't like pushing a stroller through the airport (at least not with just one kiddo, we'll see next year). I felt better having him close to me and having open hands and not having to push a stroller through people.