Monday, June 3, 2013

What are some tips for traveling with an infant?

Q. My husband and I, along with our now 3 month old son (he'll be about 5 months when we do travel), will be flying internationally from germany to the states and back, then from germany to Ireland and back. I know we need our passports, we've already have then... So does anyone have any tips for us? This will be the 1st time he's flown, hence the question. Thanks!!!

A. Been there done that...
- Diapers (Airlines might have it but keep some handy)
- Have medication for cough, cold and other general medicines.
- we had consulted the doctor on what needs to be done and any vaccination that needs to be taken when we are in the other country. Name of the medicine/vaccination in that country.
- Extra pair of clothes (2-3 pairs)
- Call the airline and ask them for the first seat. (that has the facility to put your baby into a pram like thing that gets attached to the wall before the seat.) Do this one well in advance as these go fast. To make sure when you reach the airport doubly make sure that they are giving you that seat. When you board the plane and when you reach the airport be the first to be there so that you get the first seat. Even if you call in advance when you reach the airport you might not get the seat and hence you have reach the airport well in advance.
- for in-flight - couple of small toys to keep the baby busy and MOST importantly pacifiers (specially while take off and landing as the pressure changes and the baby's ear get blocked and the baby does not know what to do, in this case pacifiers help.)
- Note that you might carry milk/milkbottle (as you might want to carry the brand that you are using like similac) etc but dispose of the milk when you reach the other country as they might fine you for bringing that into the other country.

It has been a few years and hence remember on this.

This link will be of help - http://www.flyingwithkids.com/


I am flying with two infants under 2 with my in-laws any tips would be great?
Q. I have never flown before and on top of that I am taking 2 children under the age of 2, luckily my in-laws are coming to and they said they will help me. My son is 22 months and my daughter is 3 months.We are going down for my husbands basic training graduation. The trip is 4-5 hours. Any tips and advice are greatly appreciated!! Also I want to find a double stroller that meets continental guidelines, help?? Thanks.

A. The 3 month old will probably be fine when it comes to not moving around for 5 hours. Either you or one of your inlaws should feed the baby while you're going up and down - this will help equalize the pressure in her ears and avoid ear pain (and the associated screaming.) With the 22 month old it will be difficult because he's going to want to move around - bring coloring books, his favorite small toy, and a portable DVD player with his favorite movies (buy a small CD case and stock some in there for the trip if you don't already have one, that way you don't have to cart around the DVD cases.) Bring some fruit snacks or something chewy for him to eat on the way up and down. The chewing and swallowing motion will help with his ears. If they cry or freak out don't panic - everyone on the plane expects a crying kid or two. If your 22 month old wants to move around let him - you guys can take walks up and down the aisles and you can point out cool features of the plane, the tiny bathrooms, the galley where they make snacks, etc. When it comes to strollers I would suggest avoiding a double stroller altogether. Since your in-laws will be there use the infants regular stroller and get a small umbrella stroller for your 22 month old. Remember that all these things must go through the X-ray machine at security and have to be able to fit in a tiny closet in the cabin of the plane or in the overhead compartment - smaller pieces will be easier to deal with.

Also, congratuations to your husband! Making it through basic is a great achievement.


How much is average for infant care?
Q. I live in upstate NY. We are taking care of a premature, (by 3 months) baby that is now 6 mo. old. He has a few medical problems and is on 6 different meds during the day and night. I was just wondering what we should be figuring for the cost of care. We have him basically day and night as the parents don't seem to have any time for him. They MAYBE spend 2 hours a week with him and even that is distracted by their friends. What do you think we should be charging? How much should we pay a sitter when we need one?

A. A family member of mine watches my son 9 hours a day Mon-Fri & charges $200 a week. I provide her with everything my son needs (food, diapers, clothing, toys... etc.). Break down the money & it about $4.50 an hour.
Figuring 10 hours a day for sleeping & the whopping 2 hours they contribute, that would be $432 for a Sun - Mon week (96 hours). If you provide the necessaties too, keep receipts and charge for those.

So that was the technical answer. But really you need to come up with a number that you are comfortable with & that the parents can afford.

I've always believed in paying well for babysitting. I justify my thinking being that a person is taking care of a child, not flipping burgers, and therefore should pocket well over minimum wage.
Good Luck.





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