If there is an award for the most frequent flying child, my girl has no doubts to win it.
In less than 30 months, she has travelled to Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Shanghai, Kunming and the countless times returning to our home, HK. Oh, I forgot the Macau trip, it was by ferry though.
Speaking of this, I'm starting to regret for not applying a frequent flyer membership for her. Let's put it on the to do list this year.
As babies under 2 year old can travelled at an infant rate. I strongly encourage mums to fly with their babies. Traveling makes nursing and taking care of the babies easier, at least for me, it makes me less home sick and forget how busy and exhausted I am. At least there is something to look forward to. It's so easy to travel as long as you know how to use the 'secret weapon' while having the nursing cover handy.
There are a few tips that I'd like to share with the traveling mums.
Serviced Apartment against Hotel
Of course, without a second thought, serviced apartments provide two separate rooms at an more affordable price and is fully equipped with kitchen and washing machine. It's suitable for infants when you get loads of laundry to wash. If you are planning to go Taipei,
here is the place I recommend. They come in different unit including studio, one bed room or two bedrooms. Below the serviced is a huge shopping mall and in the centered of Taipei.
A Thermo Cup is Essential
We have a thermo cup with a straw flip cap. It's useful and durable when going out and about. At night before you sleep, you can also store hot water in it for early morning/middle of the night formula preparation. Just remember removing the straw in case letting the baby drink it in the rush. As lazy as I am, I usually keep the bottle next to my bed with the formula powder and the milk bottle next to it. So easy, everything to be done in bed!
Stroller or Carrier?
When you have a clingy baby, you need both!
As your child turns older(around 2), you only need the stroller. But traveling is also a great chance to train up their independence. They will quickly learn to hold your hands, watch out for cars, take care of themselves while the parents are tired. Well, as a bonus, traveling with a kid always make me lose a kilo or two. Too bad I also put on weight after returning to HK.
Transit flight > Direct flight
If you get the chances, you can have the short trips to start with. If you don't, then try to transiting flights, as it is easier for babies or toddlers to get some fresh air and run around. Trust me, it will make u easier.
Prior Request your Needs
Front Seat Request - Better to pick your own seat online, otherwise, tell the crew at the check in counter that you need the front seat as you are traveling with a baby. They normally reserve the front seats to the special guests, so unless the flight is full, they are usually helpful.
Baby Food Request - This need to be marked when booking the ticket, the airlines normally require 24 hr to prepare the baby meal....so inform them early. Most of them provide canned food. Some provide mash baby food served warm. The challenge is to feed the baby with one hand while holding her/he with the other. I hate all the canned baby food. So glass bottles are out unless I have no choice.
Baby cot Request - if you stay at an hotel or serviced apartment you can also request it prior arrival. It will make your sleep more enjoyable without worrying the baby's safety.
Prepare for the Unexpected
A visit to the clinic with the familiar ped is a must before a trip. Check with your doctor if any vaccine shots needed to be taken before the trip.
Ask your insurance company for a list of suggested dr in the local area.
BYO Spoons and Bowls
Yeah, for hygiene reasons,
another thing you don't want to forget when you start to potty train your child, there are foldable toilet rings in the market.
Finally, time to fly~~!!
Children learn so much more when they 'experience', trust me you will be amazed.
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| Demonstration of how the tree grow. |
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| Her first time was also mine. |
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| Cheeky girl in HK airport. |
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| Amazed by the growing sprouts of the apple tree we planted |
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| Obviously she loved the new traveling experience. |
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| Haha, bottom up face! |
