We planned to go to Canada in 2011... BEFORE I knew I was pregnant. I think one of the first things my Dad said after the whole awkward "ummmm Dad I'm pregnant" conversation (even after being married for 5 years.. still awkward), was "What about Canada?"
"We're still going" I said defiantly.
"We're DEFINITELY still going" I said once more, to reassure myself.
And so we had our little Arthur Bear... and at 4 weeks old he got his first passport, plane ticket and ski suit. There was no backing out.
By the way.... who the HELL invented the rules for baby passport photos!!! obviously someone who has NEVER had a baby. Baby must be facing the camera, mouth shut, no hands or props in the photo. It was near impossible... but after 30 minutes we got there. Vent over.
December 22nd - departure day. We were traveling in a group of 8 + Arthur. I think it was 18 pieces of checked in baggage all up. Yup. We were those people at the check in.
We were 'noted' on the system at checkout that we may be carrying oversized cabin baggage. The lovely (sensible) lady boarding the flight noticed that CLEARLY we had a baby, and CLEARLY this was the first time we had traveled with one and CLEARLY we had overpacked. But she tilted her head, smiled at Art smiling back at her (thanks cute baby) and told us to have a great flight, ignoring our bulging bags.
Rather than bore you with the details of a 12 hour flight, I'll just note down some things I have taken on board (
get it? hah, I embarrass myself).
1.You don't actually need to pack that much stuff on your cabin baggage for a baby. I maybe used 1/3 or 1/4 of what I packed. If we'd been stranded on that plane for a week, Arthur would have been set for a wardrobe and nappy change every hour.
2. When your baby decides they don't want to breast feed during take off and landing to help their ears, don't panic, a knuckle will do just fine to suck on.
3. Book the bassinette seat. Air NZ have just changed their seating rules and you can now pay $25 to secure the baby bed. Before you could only 'request' it. It's a small price to pay...
4. Take a fitted bassinette sheet - they pop a disposable style one on for you which isn't nice for the baby and you want to make that bed as appealing as possible. I took blankets that Art had in his cot that week, so they smelt like home.
5. Book a night flight. We took off at 8pm so close enough to his normal bed time. By 9pm he was in bed asleep - waking for a feed at 3.30am and up at about 7am when the cabin lights came on and they wanted to serve breakfast. HOORAY!
6. Take a breast pump. Because Art slept so well and didn't want me during take off, I became VERY full. I don't know if the altitude had something to do with it but I became this crazy milk machine. I excused myself into the wheelchair access/baby changing toilet (nice and roomy) and I pumped off a great bottle for when he woke. I had one of those moments of
I can't believe I am milking myself in an airplane toilet. But the pump meant I was comfortable and could also rest.
7. If you are bottle feeding - (I mix feed Art now), get them used to non warmed up bottles before you travel. So easy! I filled 3 bottles with sterilised water at home - customs let you take it through no problem. I then added the formula when he was ready to feed so it was fresh, and it worked a treat.
8. Babies get dehydrated on planes too - I have a funny wee story about that to share, but not this post.
Feed them as much fluid as they will take. It meant he was snacking a bit, but it kept him nicely hydrated.
9. Lower your expectations and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Art NEVER falls asleep feeding or on my chest, so when our final domestic connection flight failed to land and we had to fly back to Vancouver, refuel and fly back again I maybe had some mild heart palpitations.
"I am going to have a screaming baby on my lap" - I thought. He complained for a while, then I fed him and he actually passed out in my arms. It was adorable and I got a wee bit teary. I was so relieved he didn't have a full meltdown, and was relishing just watching and staring at my sleeping baby. It kills me, he really is so beautiful sleeping in my arms. He got a wee bit titchy when we had to stay seated and he had a disgusting mess seeping out of his full nappy and onto his pants for 45 minutes. Wouldn't we all feel a little titchy? And well done to the woman who rudely asked to go ahead of me when we were finally able to use the ONE toilet on the plane. Some people just shouldn't travel.
10. 4-5 months is a great age to travel with - they can't move. Unfortunately a toddler is a little more hard work from what I saw!
11. Getting into a routine before we left NZ helped adjust him to the new time zone without too much trouble at all. Our routine is more of a pattern than one set by the clock. This meant that I could follow the pattern slightly later for the first week, adjusting each nap time bit by bit until his pattern followed the Canadian time zone. I don't know if that makes sense, but I can elaborate on another post if anyone cares to read.
12. Always have blankets and throws in your carry on. I use packing cells from Kathmandu to keep everything all organised inside the bag for quick grabbing. I could just grab the 'blanket' cell and it would have enough bedding to set up an impromptu bed on a seat in a transit lounge, or on the plane, or in a restaurant...
13. Front packs are great for airports. Get one, or borrow one like we did. It keeps hands free for filling out forms and carrying luggage.
You know what... I think that's enough. Every baby is different, so I'd hate to write a list of tips and stuff up someone else's travel experience. Take each hour as it comes. Stay relaxed and your baby will relax too.
Traveling with family was great - lots of people to entertain Arthur
Touchdown in Vancouver - with MOST of the luggage... there was more
12 hours into a 13 hour flight - no tears. YUS! The guy next to Mr D is watching and taking notes because he is traveling from Canada to NZ in March with his son who will be the same age as Art is here
A temporary bed during our 5 hour transit at Vancouver Airport
My sleeping bear... blissfully unaware of anything around him
