Survived the trip...

Every trip with our little girl is a learning experience. As my previous post mentioned- I was nervous about this one, especially since the little one is now walking. So here is the basic lowdown.

We had two flights, a 2 hour flight on Sunday night, spent the night in a Madrid hotel, and then a 10 hour day flight on Monday. Someone was looking out for me on the 10 hour flight because I got three seats in a row (I had not bought a seat for the baby) , they let me put the carseat on, and the baby was relatively calm. So as my kiwi husband would say- "I had a blinder" (that means a good thing.) As always I learned a lot and here are the latest revelations:

- Madrid airport: My international flight required a 22 minute train ride from security to the gate, so two hours just got me there with no time to spare and no time for the baby to run around.

- They made me take the Baby Bjorn off thru security. This has never happened before and was my slam dunk method of getting thru security alone. The rules change not only from airport to airport, but from person to person.

- Carseat on board: 3 people said I couldn't take it on board (and on the first flight they didnt allow it), and then the flight attendent at the last minute said, "no problem", although the pursor did check it to make sure it was FAA approved. My suggestion is to carry it to the plane and if they won't let it on then check it at the door. I found that it was better than the bassinet (they let me chose between an aisle seat with the carseat next to me or a middle seat and the bassinet) because the little one was locked in. Having an aisle seat was key now that she was walking.

- Iberia was really nice about warming bottles, food, etc. The spanish are always so nice to babies!

- I used some of the suggested items that our readers sent in, including giving the baby a bag of new toys and that definitely helped. So if you need some tips, check out some of the previous posts from "On The Plane"

We have 6 more flights to go on this trip alone so I am sure there is more to learn and I will keep you posted....

Packing List for Baby On Board the Plane

I am absolutely convinced that you shouldn't over pack your carry-on when traveling on a plane with a baby / infant. There are so many things you can survive without, but you will collapse if you are carrying 50 lbs (22kg) of gear and a baby all day. (Check out my horror story post about traveling for 20 hours while holding my baby. ) So lay out your gear- and take out the extras, and remember that almost anywhere you go, you can get the essentials. (In a spacey moment I forgot diapers once when traveling 8 hours on two flights- I bought diapers at the newsstand at the airport that were for 30 lb babies, and mine was 10lb., but it was no big deal- you will survive!)

So here is my packing list of things to carry on board when you take a baby on the plane.

_DIAPERS & DIAPER PAD & WIPES- I read somewhere to pack 1-2 for every hour, which I thought was crazy- do you change your baby 12 times in 6 hours at home? Pack what you use in same amount of time at home and then add 2 more. If you found yourself in a total BM meltdown there are plenty of mothers that would be happy to help, I sure would. WIPES are great for cleaning plenty of things but if you do run out, you can use napkins, etc., so don't over do it.

_BLANKET- I also saw a list that said pack "plenty of blankets", again too much. Pack one mid-range blanket and then throw a beanie in your bag. 90% of our heat is lost through our head. If it happens to be very cold, you can put the beanie on the baby and the flight attendents can also give you a blanket. I wrap our daughter in my sling. You are often holding them so the body heat alone is usually plenty.

_PLASTIC BAGS- Compartmentalize everything into plastic bags to stay organized and then if you need bags for an emergency they are right there.

_PACIFIER- Take three, the one attached to the baby, the one that is handy and the secret one- because if you lose them all (and sometimes on the plane they aren't gone, just hard to reach three rows up) you may be in big trouble.

_SMALL HAND TOYS- I clip them all together with those colorful clips. Another reader suggested using diaper pins to attach them to the blanket. And my favorite idea, bring a few new ones that will keep them entertained- love the diversion tactics.

_ONE EXTRA OUTFIT, A SLEEPER- Put one sleeper with feet in a plastic bag. Save yourself from having to carry an extra shirt, pants, socks, shoes, sweater, etc. There is a good chance you won't even need it so save yourself the bulk.

_FOOD, UTENSIL, BIB, SNACKS- Try to bring FOOD that can be eaten out of a jar or by hand so you don't also need to carry plates and bowls. Bring ONE SPOON because if you need another you can wash it, or there are usually small coffee spoons that also do the trick. And last, bring either one small BIB or a disposable paper bib (Chicco makes great ones) that you can toss so you don't carry the dirty one around. SNACKS, like rice cakes, that seem to take a long time to eat and don't make too much of a mess, are good. Just remember, depending on your child's age, there are things at the airport that can get you through if you have a long layover.

_FORMULA / PUMPED MILK and 1 OR 2 BOTTLES if you need them. You can wash a bottle if you need to (see baby wash below). I kept two travel size formulas in my carry-on (Infamil sells them in the U.S. and HERO in Spain) even when my daughter was just breastfeeding just in case I found myself in a tough situation, but never used them.

_FOR MOM- Change of shirt, just in case you get totally thrashed by the little one, an energy bar (because eating on the plane can be a total luxury), bottle of water (to be bought after security), phone, wallet, passport, camera (because you shouldn't put it in your suitcase) and your Ipod (essential so you can watch a movie, listen to a book or music, even browse photos if you happen to get a free moment ) Things to forget- don't bring books, and mags if you have your IPOD, skip the heavy sweater/jacket- you will be sweating like a pack mule carrying the baby and holding her the whole time. Put your charging cords in your packed luggage.

_STROLLER, CAR SEAT, and SLING/BABY BJORN- Depending on your travel style, and how many people you are traveling with - you will probably bring some big gear. Your CAR SEAT can be great on-board if you bought a seat for the baby, but if you didn't, then you will have to check it as you board the plane if there is not an extra seat available. The TRAVEL STROLLER will carry your stuff and your baby and can usually be checked at the plane. Try to get one that you can fold with one hand and that fully reclines. The SLING or BABY BJORN works to get you through security, allows you to keep a baby or toddler strapped in while you get sorted and take off on the plane, and allows you to go places (like the bathroom)that you may not fit with your stroller. You probably don't need all three but remember that if you don't have your stroller with you, then you are carrying a baby, bag, and car seat.

_MEDICATION and LIQUIDS- Before you leave the house, put your liquids in one plastic bag to save you from having to pull everything out at the airport. (See the seperate post on GETTING THROUGH SECURITY for more details on the 3oz. rule for babies) I bring infant acetaminophen (also know as Tylenol in the U.S. and Parcetamol everywhere else) in case she starts to get sick, her thermometer, and baby wash which can wash a lot of things if we have a major accident. Other possible items- diaper rash cream if you need it, hand gel (but I think the babywash can help with that) and baby lotion but only if your baby has very dry skin. Remember that this is just for the plane ride and everything else can go in your checked luggage.

Traveling can be pretty crazy these days. Long delays, gate changes, and bad weather can lead to a long day of traveling. Do yourself the biggest favor and minimize the fluff as you scurry through the airport. My motto is to try and avoid looking like "Sandford and Son". Make a good mental note each time you travel of what you didn't need (or needed but didn't have) so next time you are even more efficient.

What is your essential on board item? Email babyjetsetter@gmail.com or leave us a comment

A baby traveling with only one parent across an international border

These days, it is important to be prepared if you are going to cross an international border (including Canada) with a baby and only one parent. Whether you are a single parent, parent with custody or without, grandparents, or if you are a two parent family but your spouse is not with you- you need to be ready for questions from immigration. To help fight child abductions, customs in many countries are cracking down. To be honest, I have flown to 9 different countries with our daughter (and without my husband) and have not yet been questioned- but I do believe it is very important to be prepared when it does come up. It is simple to be prepared, just have the following paperwork with you:

1) Proper I.D.'s for you and your child. This is obvious, (and there is another post below on how to apply for a baby passport) but keep copies of both of your passports in case you lose one. I have scanned our passports and emailed them to myself so I can print them out from any computer anywhere in the world.

2) A notarized letter from the other parent (or both parents if grandparents are traveling with the children) giving permission for the other to take the child out of the country. It doesn't have to be too formal or lengthy- just something that says: "I, John Smith, father of Baby Smith, do hereby give full permission for my wife, Jane Smith, to travel to Canada with Baby Smith for two weeks from August 15- August 30, 2008. If you should have any questions, please contact me at email XXXX or mobile phone XXXX. " Then just head down to your local Mailboxes Etc. or other closest notary and get it notarized. You can put more information, if you would like, on the letter explaining why you are going but it is not necessary to write something too detailed.

3) Full itinerary and contact info for everywhere you are going. Put it on a spreadsheet or document so you don't have to carry too much paperwork (and email it to yourself in case you lose your copy)

This should take care of traveling internationally with only one parent. Not being prepared can lead to a domino nightmare effect- for example- being stuck in customs and missing a connecting flight which then makes you miss your cruise, etc.

If you have questions or thoughts on traveling internationally with a baby and only one parent- send us a comment or email babyjetsetter@gmail.com

5 Tips for Getting thru Security with a baby

Airport Security is a nightmare these days especially if you are traveling with a baby, and ESPECIALLY when you are traveling without another parent... try these tip to make life easier-

5) Put all of your liquid items, diaper rash cream, Tylenol, sunscreen, baby food, and anything else in one bag before you leave the house- and remember that you are only allowed 3 oz. of each (some will make an exception for milk and baby food but it's different everytime.)
4) For yourself- wear shoes that are easy to get on and off, and skip a belt if you can. It's a hassle while you are holding a child. Also, don't layer sweaters and jackets that you may have to take off. Dress simply (doesn't have to mean frumpy)
3) Don't put shoes on your babies feet- not kidding on this one. San Francisco and Washington Dulles made me take off the 2 month old baby shoes
2) Get an umbrella stroller you can fold with one hand
1) Don't be afraid to ask for help- many people offer

GOT MORE TIPS?- Send them our way and we'll add them to the list! Email us at babyjetsetter@gmail.com or leave us a comment on this post.

P.S. The official word from TSA on baby food/formula is this:

Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.