Traveling with an Infant to Europe?

[Martha]

So next summer, my family is planning a trip to Germany to see my sister, my BIL, and nephews and also have plans to visit Spain and Italy.

 

We originally were not going to go because our baby will be around 9 months old. After much discussion, we decided to think about it for a while and do some research online.

 

My sister flew to Germany from San Antonio a year and a half ago (and more recently in flew back here last November) when my youngest nephew was 3 months old and the other was 5 years old. They both did well on the flight, so that is reassuring.

 

Anyhow, does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this? My mom is a nurse, so that is also reassuring since we will be flying with her and my dad.

I read that if you breastfeed the baby while departing and landing it helps with their ears popping.

 

My concerns are health care, how he/she will do on the flight on various things like this.

 

I found a website where a bunch of people have posted with flying to Europe and the Middle East with children younger than 9 months old and they did okay...

 

Thoughts?

[TammyWright]

i just flew with jack and he is almost 9 months old...i think it would have been easier if he was younger (like 4-5 months).

 

he was teething the whole time and wanted to crawl instead of just be held..

 

the other 2 babies travelling with us bot 8-9 months also teething. it was torturous.

 

just my 2 cents...

[Birdie07]

Well, I've done it with little babies and older. Breastfeeding or bottle does help alot. Because of the pressure and making their ears pop. We also had ear drops that numbed one childs ears. We also flew at night so she would sleep. But your flight sounds like a long one! I would make sure to take plenty of things to do. I would buy new toys that he's never seen so it will occupy him longer. But then make sure he has a "lovey" or something he comforts himself with. Also an easier way to carry him on is babywearing. I personally don't like ergo's and such but if thats what you use that would be fine. I like maya wraps and mei tais. Much simpler to use and easier to wear. That way you wear him through the airport and you have BOTH hands to use and no big stroller to push through security! Also if you wear a sling you can nurse and noone even knows! Let me tell you it's heaven and so much easier! Let me know if you need any more info.! Sounds like a fun trip though!

[Martha]

oh man, I didn 't even think about teething! Thanks, Tammy!

 

 

As far as slings, we already have one sling and one other little carrier thingy (the ones that look like a backpack that I am not too sure we will ever use because I don't like the way babies look in them...we will have to see how we like it after the baby gets here and is old eough to go in one, off topic! lol) and we will def. take the sling. New toys is a good idea and of course a blankie or whatever it is he/she will have that makes them feel comfortable and safe.

 

I guess my deal is that I am a worry wort and feel like we shouldn't take such a long trip when the baby is so young.

 

But, if we don't go when they are younger, it will be harder to do it when they are older and want to run around everywhere!

 

Now the teething thing is making me think otherwise! I think too much!

[melody]

I have a friend who went to Holland when her baby was only a few weeks old. Everything turned out well...actually, the international airlines are very accomodating to families......they will try everything for you to have the best seats where you can have a bassinet, on my trips to Europe, I have witnessed the flight attendants politely request passengers to switch seats and everyone complied. You will not have any problems at all. As far as health care , all european countries have very high heath standards specially when it comes to children. You will be fine :-)

[Martha]

Oh, that is very reassuring, Melody. Thank you!

 

I read on s website that the airlines have bassinets; I never knew that!

[melody]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Martha Oh, that is very reassuring, Melody. Thank you! I read on s website that the airlines have bassinets; I never knew that!

Yes, they do! it will make your flight more enjoyable and relaxing!

[Jacilynda]

I have an 8 week old baby and she flew to San Diego and did really well. She slept through take-off and landing. I really really really recommend using a sling. They feel really good on your back and babies just love them. Don't sit at the bulkhead or very back because you're definitely going to want a seat that sits back if the baby is going to be in your lap.

 

We're headed to Australia in August and she will be 3 months old. Most international airlines will have seats w/ bassinets, but its really a first come first serve basis. So once you book your tickets you're going to want to call the airline and request a seat that accomodates a bassinet. Otherwise, you might not get that nice FA or have someone who doesn't want to switch seats.... or other people w/ infants took them.

 

If you're a frequent traveler, as we are, its really a breeze. If you're not it may be a bit of work.

 

What's interesting is she has her passport and you have to put their height and eye color and hair color as it is now and they don't expire for 5 yrs. So our daughter will be traveling when she's four or five and her passport says she has brown hair, blue eyes and is 23" tall.

 

Good luck... do it while they're young or you'll probably regret you didn't

[Martha]

Thanks for the tips!

 

How does that work when a toddler will look nothing like they did when they were an infant?

[Christine]

make sure you get all the necessary vaccines before hand because traveling out of the country is different than just flying around the US

Dr. Sears talks about traveling to other countries in his book

AskDrSears - The Vaccine Book

 

We will be flying with Ainsleigh when she is 5 weeks old and then again at Christmas time when she is just under 6 months. I have also heard about the feeding thing, let's hope it works!