International Travel

[matokshilli]

Hello all, I don't know if this is the right "forum" but I was hoping to get advice and suggestions for international travel with a 1 year old... we have traveled before, but he was about 3 months old and just nursed and slept. Now I'm thinking about many other things: food (how much of ours can I bring?) I also hope to still be nursing. Travel safety (car seats allowed on aircraft, or what's the best situation for him? we are going to Israel, so it's 2 flights, one at about 2.5 hours then the big one at about 11 hours!) Also, what about jet lag for baby?? Any one have any experience with this? Is there anything I should bring that I'm not thinking of? What about the rental car and renting the car seat? Is this ok? Any one ever done this? 

There is probably a lot I am missing as well. Any thoughts are appreciated! 

[leighi123]

Food - you should be able to bring unlimited dry good for you/baby.   You can bring unlimited breastmilk/formula.  But all other liquids are not allowed.   

Many carseats are airline approved, you need to check your carseat manual and/or the sticker on the side of your seat to see if it is.   The safest option would be to buy a seat on the plane for your little one, and install/use his seat on the plane.  You can take him out to nurse him/play/walk around etc.  But he can be safe in there during take off/landing/turbulence, and also it will be nice to be able to put him down when you need to, and let him sleep as well.  

What seat do you have?  

My ds has never had an issue with jet lag, I just put him to bed as close as possible his normal bed time (using local time) and its never been an issue.  If you are worried about it, Hylands has a natural remedy called "calm forte" that can help.  

To bring - an extra change of clothes for both of you, lots of snacks, entertainment (stickers/playdoh are a big hit with my ds), passports for everyone obviously... 

Dont rent a carseat:  http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2008/jul/27/danger-rent-car-rental-agency-puts-infant-risk/

[DahliaRW]

At least domestically you can bring juice and such for babies and small children.  It's the one exception (or it was last spring when I traveled).

As for car seats, it depends on the airline.  If it's a US carrier, you can use your seat.  If it's a foreign carrier, you need to contact them to find out.

[Eclipsepearl]

I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly with my kids between Europe and California about twice a year. I'm also getting ready to go back to Israel for the 10th time. I've gone there before with my kids. 

I actually put together an article about 11 years ago. It's non-commerical. If you have further questions, my contact info is at the end. 

http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com