Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tips wanted
It is looking very likely that I will be going to CA with Zachary by myself earlier than planned because of an imminent death in the family. The original plan was for all three of us to go, stay four nights, and come home together. Now, I will be traveling by myself with baby and staying at least ten days, maybe more depending on how scheduling works out. My parents already have a pack and play for him and some other items and I know there is nothing I can't buy once I get there, if need be. But I am an anxious flyer and a terrible overpacker, so I need all the travel advice I can get.
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3 comments:
Where in CA? If you are close to me, you can pre-ship some stuff to me and I can ship it back to you. Also, keep in mind that you can do laundry here too so that will minimize the amount of clothes you will need. You may want to pack a bottle or two (you don't have to pack less then 3 ounces of baby food) but you can buy formula and diapers here. I am so sorry to hear about the death in your family. PM me on LP if you want more tips. I have not yet traveled with a baby but do ALOT of traveling. {{{HUGS}}} Em
We travelled internationally with Charlotte when she was 4 months:) Here's my recommendations:
Take a full day's worth of clothes and diapers in carry on. You probably won't need it, but the one day you don't have it...
During takeoff and landing nurse/feed/use a pacifier for him - it really really helps with the pressure changes.
Most large airplanes have changing tables in the bathrooms, but they're tiny. Shouldn't really be a problem for you at this point, I think, but it's good to know. Bring a changing pad or be prepared to use towels or something - you never know the last time those things were cleaned well.
Bring a small number of toys - things that'll keep his attention. With any luck, he'll actually sleep through most of the flight because of the engine noise.
Check and see if your car seat is airline certified (I haven't seen one yet that isn't, but they'll ask). Some airlines will let you put a car seat next to you if there's no one in that seat, so you might want to find out if it's a full flight. Southwest is especially good about this. They'll gate check your car seat (and stroller!) regardless of airline, but be prepared to leave some extra time to get through security because some of the car seats don't fit through the scanner and will have to be hand checked. Be sure to tag everything, just in case :) Travelling alone, it may not be worth the hassle for you to try to bring the seat on the plane unless it's already part of the stroller, but at least you know it's an option!
Definitely gate check the carseat and stroller. They have to go upside down on the X-ray machine, which no one told me until I did it the other way. When you get the gate check tags, ask if you can take the carseat on for free, they'll let you if the plane isn't full. Keep the baby awake in the airport, no matter what. When I did that, she feel asleep the instant the plane started moving and slept the whole flight. When I didn't do that, she screamed for a good part of the flight. Take two carry-on bags- one for the stuff you will need (a diaper, pacifier, toys) and one for the stuff you MIGHT need (extra outfits (you and him), extra diapers, etc.) Oh, and give a piece of chocolate to the flight attendants.
I'm sorry to hear about the death in your family.
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