I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

Traveling with baby can be a bit nerve-wracking especially if you are doing it alone. It's gonna be my first time tomorrow and it will be difficult to write about the do's and don'ts without experiencing it yet. So, I suggest you check my blog again after a few days and read about what actually happened.

What I've gathered so far from my FA (flight attendant) friend is:

1. Bring extra food (milk and potted food) in case the flight gets delayed.
2. Same goes for nappies.
3. To help babies ears, give her a pacifier or bottle when taking off and landing.
4. Bring toys and books to entertain baby.
5. Travel with a light pram. (Goodbye Quinny. Hello Maclaren!)
6. Bring extra clothes (and that goes for me too) in case of any accidents.
7. Bring the doctor's record, birth certificate and all important documents.
8. Pack extra milk (would be better if it came from where you live rather than buying. Even if it is the same brand, it might taste a bit different).

Other moms find it easier to travel with a carrier since the pram will be taken from you at the counter. I don't have one anymore since my daughter outgrew her Baby Bjorn. A better carrier for an 11- month old is the Ergobaby. Jessica Alba uses this brand. Available at Bumps to Babes for HKD750.



I'm also thinking of getting the inflatable tub since there is no bathtub in my bathroom in Manila. A cute one you can bring with you to the beach is the Munchkin safety duck tub, safety disc turns white if the water is too hot. My friend told me though it could be a pain to blow these things up.



I read about a travel vest babies can wear to help them with the turbulence. Although my FA friend said it's just a waste of money. If you don't care and would rather be safe, check out the Baby B'Air Flight Vest Travel Harness. Available at Bumps to Babes for less than HKD300.



If you don't have a high chair, you could also get a travel booster seat by the First Years On- The- Go. Also available at Bumps to Babes for less than HKD500.



And if you don't mind traveling with extra baggage, you can consider the pack and play portable pens and use it as a crib. Good thing my brother is lending me his so I don't have to worry about this. There are a lot of options at Toys R' Us for HKD500 up.

I'm starting to panic now as I am writing this. In fact, I woke up at 5am and she is still sleeping because I started worrying about what to bring. Just remembered that my daughter would probably need a bug spray too because of the mosquitoes in the Philippines. Good thing my cousin-in-law sells the Citronella spray from California Baby Products. And if in case I forgot something, good thing, there's always the good ol' Shoemart nearby. They are known for dirt cheap stuff.

For a complete checklist of what to bring, please visit this site: http://www.babyzone.com/baby/fun_travel/travel_b/article/traveling-checklist

Wish me luck!

p.s. Do you think I should bring Valiums too? Not a good idea!