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Original poster

Flying to Canada with 4 months old dd

13 replies

SummerC · 30/04/2008 20:17

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to pick your brains on a couple of issues.

My dd is 4 months old and we are flying to Canada next week for a quick visit with the family (I'm Canadian). My husband has just had a promotion at work and unfortunately can't come with us. So I'm on my own with my dd for the duration.

I spoke to airport security about her bottles and they said it would be fine as long as I was willing to taste the water. Although the woman suggested buying a couple boxes of the ready-mixed formula as it would make getting through security faster and easier. So that's what I have done. I've bought enough for the flight there as well as the flight back. BUT...you're not allowed scissors on board so how exactly am I meant to open them??

Also, I've booked a seat for my dd and am taking her infant carrier car seat. How exactly do I fit it when there is only a lap belt (and a short one at that)?

I have a baby carrier to use in the airport and thankfully, my dd loves being in it. Aside from that...any and all suggestions for making it slightly less stressful would be appreciated!

Ta!.

OP posts:
Original poster
SummerC · 30/04/2008 20:23

Oh and - entirely too personal - what do I do with my daughter when I need the loo on the plane? LOL

OP posts:
Original poster
SummerC · 01/05/2008 08:00

bump

OP posts:
fym · 01/05/2008 08:25

if you have an infant carrier/sling I'd use that for loo trips.

look here

I don't think a 4 month old can have own seat from memory ..... also there seems to be lots of stuff about no rearward facing seats...i suppose depends on airline

Personally I'd use a mclaren(or similar) light buggy, and sling. then have her on my knee / or in the airline crib to sleep.

If not hiring a car I'd check the car seat in as baggage.

Original poster
SummerC · 02/05/2008 20:33

Hi Fym...thanks for your reply. I have booked my daughter a seat and will be taking her car seat on board with me. I've already checked with the airline and they are happy to let infants travel in their own seat as long as they are restrained in an approved car seat. Ideally I would have preferred a sky cot but, as I'm travelling a charter airline, that service isn't available.

I have a harness carrier to make it a bit easier walking through the airport. And she loves being in it so that's a plus!

Still trying to figure out how to open her formula without any scissors. hehe...my teeth perhaps?

OP posts:
chisigirl · 02/05/2008 20:42

hi SummerC

The cabin crew will (or should be!) be more than happy to open the carton for you. You aren't allowed sharp implements on board but I think they are...

When I flew longhault, alone, with DS1 at 5 months, I was surprised at how friendly the other passengers were. They chatted with and played with DS1 and told me stories about their own children. I did get up from time to time to walk him around the plane and stretch my legs. And he was very taken with so much attention from strangers! In my experience people are quite sympathetic if you're travelling alone with young children, especially if you look you're well-prepared! Either a fellow passenger or crew could probably hold your DD while you use the toilet.

Honestly, it'll be fine. Promise!

taipo · 02/05/2008 20:50

I did a lot of long haul flights with dc when they were little and always found someone who was willing to watch or hold the baby while I went to the loo.

Good luck!

chisigirl · 02/05/2008 20:52

forgot to say, SummerC, do you know that to take your DD into Canada, you will require a signed letter from her father giving you permission to travel with her? They (Canada Immigration) are very strict about it.

Original poster
SummerC · 02/05/2008 21:04

Thanks for the responses Ladies!

I do know about the letter from my husband. He's already written it and it's tucked safely away with our tickets. I'm Canadian so I know how strict they can be about children flying with just one parent. Personally I think it's it's a great idea....it comes as a result of a spate of parent kidnappings in the late 90s. I wish every country would do it.

Again, thanks for your help...not quite so nervous now.

OP posts:
Cadmum · 02/05/2008 21:15

Have a fabulous trip. I have done too many long haul flights to and from Western Canada with up to four children on my own and it has gone brilliantly with one exception and since I have already noticed that you are not flying with Air Canada, things should go well.

I have never flown with a carseat but mostly because I find it easier not having to drag the heavy thing around with me.

I was [shocked] to discover that the customs and immigration people in Vancouver did not even ask me about my marital status or my dh's whereabouts when I landed there last summer with all four of our children... But it is better to have the note and not need it than the other way round for sure.

Don't be nervous. It will all go well.

Oh and I am confident that the flight attendants will help you open the formula if you ask them.

I am feeling slightly envious though not of the flight itself!

Original poster
SummerC · 03/05/2008 12:48

Thanks Cadmum, I'll report back when I get home and let you know how it went. I'm taking her old car seat. It's an infant carrier from her travel system. It has a handle and I can loop it over my arm, so hopefully it shouldn't be too difficult to manage. Apparently, if you get a nice member of check-in they will take it through to the plane for you so you don't have to carry it through the airport. I'll definitely be giving the check-in staff my biggest smile!!

OP posts:
Cadmum · 03/05/2008 12:54

And since you are not flying with 'Scare Canada' it might even work!

We are also going back 'home' this summer with our four but DD2 is actually old enough to need her own seat this time. 2 in March.

Wishing you a pleasant trip and a quick flight. Do you happen to be flying with Zoom? They are my absolute favourite lately.

tatty33 · 04/05/2008 09:48

We went back to Toronto last summer when my ds was about that age - please don't make the mistake we did with the formula!

We heard cartons would be easier but it was the opposite, as they need to test all liquids going, they said we would have to open all the cartons there and then or not take them in. Obviously as soon as you open they have a short shelf life.

I would stick with water and powder, or at heathrow Boots sold cartons after security.

Good Luck,

lounan · 10/05/2008 01:03

We flew to canada in dec with our then 5 month old, we just had the powder + water in bottles, we were never asked to test it at heathrow or montreal.

Just a thought what formula is your baby on cause they don't sell the same brands as the u.k so might be worth taking enough formula for your stay as not to upset your dd.

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