·     If flying, try to book direct flights. After flying through both Ottawa and Montreal to get to Orlando (I know, crazy!), I can tell you the fewer the planes the better. 

 

·     Book seats ahead of time. I like to be on an aisle. It makes it easier to get up to change baby or to simply stand up and offer baby a change of scenery. Ask the flight attendant when checking in if the plane is full. If not, ask to be put beside an empty seat – it’s like winning the lottery it you get it!

 

·     Keep in mind baby’s schedule when flying. I always try to schedule flights during nap times; it makes the time go by faster for both baby and parent. Similarly, if driving, try to plan stops around baby’s eating times and plan for most of the driving to be covered during baby’s sleeping hours. 

 

·     Documentation is very important. All children, yes even babies, require a passport to travel by air outside of Canada. Forms are available online and passports can usually be ready within two to four weeks. You should keep in mind that you will need a birth certificate in order to apply for a passport. If you are not married you will need to request for a ‘long form’ birth certificate in order to apply. Starting in June 2009, you will also require a passport to enter the US by car (and by water). For more information of proper documentation and what is needed to obtain a passport, visit Passport Canada.

 

·     If you are traveling without your baby’s father/mother you should travel with a letter from the parent consenting the travel arrangements. This letter can be notarized by either your lawyer or municipal office. This is especially important if you have a different last name than your spouse.

 

·     If you are staying at a hotel, I would recommend reserving a crib and high chair.

 

 

·     You will likely need a car seat. Car seats are heavy and awkward to travel with. If you are staying with friends or family ask them to look into borrowing one and make sure it meets latest Canadian safety standards. If you are renting a car, many companies will offer a car seat when booking. Similarly, many taxi companies can provide car seats or boosters but you must request in advance. Also, many major cities offer baby equipment rentals, such as Weetravel in Toronto and Vancouver. 

 

·     If your baby is eating solids, you will want to give some thought to this ahead of time. I would recommend just taking enough baby food with you for one day and stopping at a grocery store when you arrive.

 

·     If you are traveling internationally, I would strongly recommend bringing your own formula. Although brands may be the same, often the ingredients are different. Keeping baby’s milk the same will be easier on baby’s tummy during your vacation. Buy the powder form as this will travel easier and is lighter. 

 

·     Staying in a hotel offers a few challenges, but these can be overcome! Here is my super tip for heating a bottle in a hotel room: most rooms have mini coffee pots, so just pour water in the top (as you would to make coffee) but don’t use the filter or coffee, turn the coffee pot on and out pours boiling water. Drop the bottle into the pot for a couple minutes and voila!

 

·     Diaper needs will depend on what kind of diapers you use. Remember to pack extra diapers in your carry-on bag along with a couple extra changes of clothes for baby.

 

·     If you are staying at a hotel you will want to bring extra blankets for your baby. If you have reserved a crib, it will likely come with a crib sheet and small blanket. In my experience you should bring a warmer blanket.

 

·     Pack a favourite blanket or comfort toy, this will provide something familiar for your little one while he/she adjusts to their new bed. If you have a favourite story book or cd, I would recommend bringing these as well. It is a big change for baby to be away from home, the more you can do to comfort them the better.

 

·     In addition to some of the above tips, the following provides a quick packing checklist that should give you a good start:

 

-      Diapers

-      Wipes

-      Diaper cream/Vaseline

-      Blankets for baby – one heavier one and one lighter one

-      Comfort items for baby (i.e. blanket, plush toy, pacifier, music)

-      A couple play toys (keep in mind you want things that are small and if you are staying with friends you will not need as many)

-      Breast pump and bottles if applicable

-      Formula if applicable Food (see notes above)

-      Car seat (see notes above)

-      Play pen/crib (see notes above)

-      Clothes (I usually pack enough for two extra days)

-      Seasonal needs such as sun hats, winter toques, boots etc.

-      Feeding utensils - one bowl, one sippy cup, two spoons, two bibs, and two washcloths should do it (if you are staying at a hotel, a small amount of mild dish soap goes a long way!)

-      Carrier or small stroller – I recommend traveling with one of these items. It makes things much easier at the airport and then it is there for you once you reach your destination (see notes below)

-      First Aid – I would recommend Band-Aids, baby pain reliever, adult pain reliever, antiseptic wipes to start.

-      What do you need? It is often easy to overlook some of your key items so don’t forget to give that some thought too!

 

·     Nurse your baby during take-off and landing to help with altitude adjustments. If your child is older, offer something to chew on/drink. I find it helps their little ears (not sure if it relieves the pressure or simply distracts them but I have found it helps).

 

·     If traveling by yourself, I would recommend using a sling or baby carrier (i.e. Snugli) to help you keep your hands free. If baby is older I would recommend a small umbrella stroller.

 

·     Flying internationally is a real challenge, especially if you are traveling alone. Allow yourself plenty of extra time and request assistance when you check in for your flight. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an escort to the gate on a cart!

 

·     If you need something heated while on the plane, the flight crew is more than willing to heat bottles/food for you. Keep in mind; there are no microwaves on board so it will take a little more time. Give it to them before you need it.

 

·     Make sure to pack your own utensils for feeding baby and I would recommend an extra set of clothes in the carry-on (for baby – hopefully not for you!). 

 

·     Dress for comfort and in dark clothes. Dark clothes hide stains and spills better and comfort is just a good idea. 

 

·     Activities and games are a good idea when traveling both by car and by airplane.  What you bring will depend on the age of the child. For Hayley (4 years) she is happy to put her headset on (we bring our own) and watch a movie. For Carly (9 months) she is busy but is usually kept happy with various chewing-type toys (key rings, cards, rubber-toys are her favourites). 

 

·     Bring your own snacks. You can buy certain things on planes but it usually isn’t what your little ones wants or when they want it.

 

·     On a personal level, be prepared for a busy trip. Understand things will not go perfectly, no matter how many lists you make, you are likely going to lose something, spill something or forget something (or all of the above!). Aside from being hectic, traveling can be really exciting and fun time. Don’t forget to enjoy it; look out the window and show your little one that you are as high as the clouds “did you see that fairy flutter by?”

 

 

You have arrived! Safe and sound, and hopefully everything arrived with you! I just have a couple pieces of advice:

 

·     Enjoy your vacation, your time away from home, and your family.

 

·     Keep baby’s schedule! Your vacation will run a lot smoother if you keep routine in mind. Your baby has become accustomed to routine and the more you can keep that sense of security in place the better. While visiting in Winnipeg, a friend of mine asked me to go to her cottage for the day. It was a one hour drive so I told her that I could leave at 9am (Carly’s first nap time). I was able to give Carly her bottle before leaving, put in her car seat with her blanky and pacifier (just like she has in her bed) and she slept the whole way there. It is important to find this balance so that everyone has a good time. If you have a time change, gradually adjust your baby’s schedule (i.e. feed half hour later/earlier then lengthen to one hour).

 

·     Have fun. Have fun. Have fun.

 

Happy Travels!!

 

-- Jodi Ball

   jodi@babyontheway.ca