Travelling With A Baby (Airplane)

On my previous post I gave you tips on traveling with a baby by car, now i'm gonna give you tips on traveling with a baby by plane..:).

Travelling Tips :

1. Actually, a baby as old as one day is ok to fly by plane, but what must be considered is that a newborn baby's immune system hasn't developed fully, so there'll be higher risks that your baby may catch germs and viruses such as the flu in the plane coz the air circulation is in only one place (in the plane). So it's better to consult with your pediatric first before flying if you're not sure. Kia herself made her first flight at the age of 3 months, and Alhamdulillah was fine..:).
2. If you're concerned that passing the metal detector door at the airport will effect your baby (or baby in the belly), don't be. Metal detectors are perfectly safe and don't spread any radiation, they only detect metal with a simple signal. The only radiation there is, is at the X-Ray table for your luggage (you're not planning to go in there, right? LOL).
3. A couple of hours before boarding, try  to give your baby some fruits like oranges, so that she can take a poo before take-off, it'll be very stressful to have to change a diaper in the airplanes lavatory.
4. Just in cased of a delay (which commonly occurs in Indonesian aviation), don't forget to bring your baby's favorite toys to cheer her up.
5. When checking in, it's best for you to ask a seat by the window, so for you breastfeeders, you'll have some privacy.
6. The sayings that you should put earplugs or even cotton in your baby's ears is just a myth. The pressure difference from onshore to the air will not damage your baby's ears, it will just make your baby feel uncomfortable, which will lead to a baby cry-out.
7. To avoid the uncomfy feeling, right before take-off and right before landing, you should breastfeed, or give milk or give your baby something to swallow, so that her ears won't be stuffed. Just like you're offered candies right before take-off, to ease off the uncomfy feeling in your ears.
8. Don't forget to ask the stewardess for a baby kit.
9. If you're bringing a baby stroller with you, it's ok for you to bring it to the plane (don't need to check it in the baggage), some airlines make you leave it right in front of the plane door, some make you leave it besides the plane stairs. The airline staff will take it right away, and you could claim it again when you've landed at the stairs or at the baggage claim.

Well, that's about it I guess, have a nice flight.. bon voyage..:))!

Travelling with A Baby (Roadtrip)

Here are some tips I could give you when traveling with a baby by car (road trip) :

1. Use a car seat. It would be really convenient (and safe) if your baby is willing to sit in a car seat. Actually in foreign countries its against the law to bring a baby in a car without a car seat. But in Indonesia, there is no law for babies in car seats, so if your baby screams to the top of her lungs when put in a carseat, for safety you should ride in the back seat with your baby. If you're not using a carseat, you should bring extra pillows to support your baby on your lap so it wouldn't be too tiring for you.
2. If possible, bring a friend or caregiver with you so you can take turns carrying the baby.
3. Try to stop every 2 hours to straighten your legs and take a breath of fresh air.
4. Prepare a bag filled with baby necessities such as : a couple of baby diapers, baby wipes, change of clothes for the baby, small baby toys, baby toiletry such as : eucalyptus oil, lotion, cologne, small washcloth, if you're formula feeding bring 2 or 3 bottles, with its brush and soap to clean it, the milk in a small container, hot water.
5. For you and your partner, you should bring a couple of snacks and plenty of fluid (especially mineral water), just in case you get hungry and there's no place to eat.
6. Bring a CD with you and your baby's favorite songs.
7. Babies are real suckers for motion, so usually they fall right asleep when your car starts moving, if they do, you should get some sleep too.
8. If your baby decides not to sleep, then you should prepare a couple of books, toys, or iPad filled with favorite songs and videos to cheer your baby up.
9. If your baby is more than 6 months, then you'll have to prepare for her meals. If its not a big issue for you, instant baby food would be very convenient, coz all you have to do is pour in hot water. Buy the ones in sachets so its easier to bring and you don't have to keep any remains. 
10. If your committed to give your baby fresh foods, then you can prepare her meal (like soup, porridge, puree or so) before you leave, put it in a couple of separate containers (each for one meal), and it could probably last for 6-7 hours without turning bad. When you stop to eat in a restaurant, buy some fresh cut fruits for your baby's snacks on the road.
11. In every stop you make, wash all the baby's bottles and dishes. And don't forget to change the baby's diapers..:)

Well I guess those are the tips I can give you, have a nice trip and drive safely ;)!

Travelling

I love travelling.. Since I was little my family always had a family vacation every year, just the four of us. One of a must to do in our family.. Just to relax, refresh and catch up with each other..:). Didn't have to be anyplace to luxurious, as long as it's somewhere out of town.. Luckily my hubby has the same hobby as I do, so I can do my hobby with my little family..:)

I love experiencing new places, with their different cultures, explore new local culinary, enjoying n relaxing the view and scenery..hhmmm.. Seems like we should plan another vacay *poke hubby*

Haha..so many pictures i couldn't decide which ones to post..:D... Well, these are a couple of pictures of me traveling with my hubby and family..:D.

Locations : Palembang, Lombok, Gili Trawangan, Mekah, Madinah, Jeddah, Langkawi, Jakarta, KLIA, Mallaca, KL, Lampung, etc..

Year : 2008-2011