My hus and I want to go to Paris. We have a 4 month old baby.. Can we still go with our baby?

Question

Is it safe for a baby to be in a plane? and is it safe in paris for a baby?

Answer 1

My parents took me on my first trip overseas when I was 6 weeks old.  I turned out fine:o)

If you are worried, this is a site that has tips for air travel with babies.

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/newbornbab...

Paris should be fine for your child. There are of course some areas and foods that you would want  your baby to avoid, but he/she really should be fine.

Answer 2

Paris is very safe, clean, and friendly. Airplanes allow children and infants of all ages. Make sure you take a diaper bag formula, there is a new rule on liquids, make sure to call your local airport for regulations on baby formula, if your breast feeding, take something to cover up, a blanket. Paris is child friendly. But like any city, keep your child with you at all times.

Answer 3

I flew with each of my three children at age 4 months. It was the opposite, I flew OUT of Paris the first time, and flew to California.

The biggest hurdle is usually not the flight but getting the passport in time. Hope you already have taken care of that but be sure you'll get yours' back in time. You may opt for rush service. Be careful of the photo. Don't have yours' refused because of something stupid like not showing both ears or the background not being white enough (don't laugh, I'm referring to real cases!)

It's actually a great age to travel. I usually suggest going somewhere before the child starts to crawl. An infant is actually safer in many ways because he wont be running around getting hurt, lost and touching nasty things.

Airplanes are not necessarily dangerous but infants under 2 years old are allowed to sit in an adults' lap. Air travel is safe so it's rare that anything goes wrong but if it does, the baby is not protected. Air France still uses those dangerous "belly belts" but actually, children are looser in laps.

The only way to fly safely is to bring a car seat and use it on board. I always do and I'm alone with three kids when I make the 10 1/2 and 11 1/2 trip each way.

Since we live in France, I used to live there and my husband has relatives, we go there a lot. I would use a good baby carrier when mine were that age and we were in Paris. Forget those dire Bjorns and front pack and get something comfortable and useful like a sling, wrap or pouch. A good carrier should go to at least age 2 by definition. I could scamper on and off buses and the Métro with my little one attached. The Métro has lots of stroller unfriendly stairs.

My husband's cousin who lives there with his baby uses a foldable stroller. That's handy if you can get a hold of one. At least a stroller that folds down easily and then be prepared to use the baby carrier more.

Be careful of pickpockets as they are so common in Paris and with a baby to distract you, you'll be a likely target. I had my valuables in a small bag around my neck and used a backpack as both a diaper bag and purse (with nothing of interest inside).

France has totally different formula so if your child is on that, you need to bring all that you will need for your trip. Most French use bottled water for bottles and not all brands can be used. Vittel and Evian can and all brands are marked that they are safe for babies when they are.

Also, most French parents use those old fashioned tall baby bottles which are so inconvenient to wash. Avent is available but not Playtex or quite frankly a lot of other brands. I had to explain disposable liners at my childrens' daycare... Bring those since they're rare here. I highly recommend bottles with disposable liners for travel.

By contrast, the French are super-cool about breastfeeding. Don't drag around a hot, heavy blanket just to do the task. It's simply unnecessary and your child could object. Be descreet and pick a baby carrier you can use for this task (my sling worked great). Perhaps give a thought to what you wear. The French are much better than Americans on this whole subject. I suggest picking a seat that is not directly in the view of other patrons in restaurants or other spot where you wont feel on stage.

Put off solids until you return, unless your baby will be more than 8 months old. Baby food is not good in France, full of fillers, starches, etc. Plus, travel in general is a pain with baby food. Very messy. I started two of mine on solids at 7 1/2 months because of trips to the States. Both did great, in fact, better than my first who had allergic reactions. They also eat a lot of stuff most kids refuse. Most parents in both countries give solids far too young and even 6 months is kind of early IMHO.

Most restaurants open at 7pm. Eat then and scram. You'll have faster service and it'll only start filling up when you leave. Actually, a lot of restaurants serve food non-stop and then you can just eat off-hours entirely. Avoid the big noon to 2 rush for lunch especially. Show up at either 11:30 or 1:30. The French are very regular about eating times.

France is good about baby changers and high chairs. Bring your own pads because they're rarely available and neither are paper towels (air dryers in most public facilities). I used the sling, yet another purpose it served...

Bring your own medicines as the ones in France are quite different and even being fluent in French, my medical vocabulary can be lacking at the worst moment. Bring a digital therometer (regretted not having one once, if he feels hot, be ready to find out how hot and not in Centigrade if you're not comfortable with that measurement).

They don't have those infant drops and the French use supositories a lot. Get over the "yuk" factor and buy some when you're over there. Sooo convenient, easier, faster and work better. If they're thowing up, you're guarenteed to get it down. I actually brought them to the States to use. My family was grossed out but my kid was feeling better faster than dealing with fiddly drops.

If you need an English speaking doctor while you're there, contact this organization;

http://messageparis.org (hope that link works)

Message keeps a list of them.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my kids. Here is more non-commercial information on flying in general;

http://flyingwithchildren. blogspot.com

It was originally for an English speaking newsletter here in France.

So definitely go but just be aware of the above.

Have a great time!