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Original poster

Chicago with a 4month old, would you bother?

17 replies

Jun · 21/10/2008 11:53

My OH is going to Chicago on a business trip for a week. I could go along also....

Would it be worth braving the trip or should I stay home and cope with a week without OH's help?

I'd like to go but I don't want to stress out DD unnecessarily. Would the flight and time difference make it more trouble than it's worth?

OP posts:
Cosette · 21/10/2008 16:50

I wouldn't unless your DH was expecting to get a reasonable amount of free time whilst you were there, but I guess it depends how keen you are to visit the US and see Chicago. I'd be concerned about the flights, time difference and trying to occupy a baby in a strange place without any help.

nailpolish · 21/10/2008 16:51

chicago is lovely
the aquarium is a day trip in itself

Tommy · 21/10/2008 16:53

at 4 months they are relatively easy though aren't they? You can just put her in a sling or pushchair and see all the sights you want! She won't notice or care - as long as she has her Mummy there

ComeOVeneer · 21/10/2008 16:54

It depends when. Unless it is late spring/summer/early autumn, I woudln't risk it. It is damn cold (that is putting it mildly).

We moved out there when ds was 4 months old and the flight was a doddle. He ate and slept and didn't fuss at all. It is a lovely city, loads to see and do and walk around, boat trips, open top bus trips, aquaium, navy pier, shopping, art galleries and museums. A perfect place to wander around by yourself with a 4 month old in a pushchair. We lived there for 6 motnths and I would go back there in a flash.

mosschops30 · 21/10/2008 16:54

I wouldnt bother with a 4 month old, more hassle than its worth. I cant imagine a long flight like that with a baby

ComeOVeneer · 21/10/2008 16:56

Mosschops at 4 months that can't go anywhere, still sleep for most of the day. Flight is only 7 hours so not particularly long. Now coming back from there with a 10 month old crawler was another story

nailpolish · 21/10/2008 16:56

ohy navy pier is fab
i think you should go
just feed baby during take off and landing
and take a sling

mosschops30 · 21/10/2008 16:57

yes I know they can go anywhere but Im just saying that IMHO i wouldnt bother, what it the OP's dd going to get out of it?
I just cant see the point of joining your OH on a business trip with a 4 month old baby.

nailpolish · 21/10/2008 16:58

cos its better than staying at home

Jun would get someting out of it - does it matter if the baby doesnt?

mosschops30 · 21/10/2008 16:58

(p.s. as you know CoV my holiday experiences are not great so maybe Im not best to give advice on this matter lol)

MrsSplat · 21/10/2008 17:05

I'd definitely go. No solid food to worry about, not that it's a huge problem either. US places v.accommodating with providing hot water and baby cribs if you need them. Chicago is also very easy to get around and manageable in a week.

Unless you've got into a v.strict routine, LO will probably adapt better/quicker than you.

As the take-off and landing are the dodgier bits of the flight, you might even get some peace during the 7-hours. They drink more than you expect if it's a day-time flight, so go over-prepared if you FF.

My DH travels a lot, so I've done stay-at-home and go-with. Go-with is definitely less stressful and nice when it's on expenses!

luckywinner · 21/10/2008 17:16

I took my ds to Chicago when he was 9 months (my dad lives there). The flight was a breeze. The jetlag was quite hard but then I didn't bother adjust to local time too much. I just made the most of the mornings and did all the stuff I wanted to do. Second what ComeOVeneer said. It is a lovely city. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and all the doors are automatic so no struggling with a buggy!

And there are loads of things to do and it is a real walking city. Not too big, but not too small and good shopping.

I am going in two weeks to visit my dad and I cannot wait! You might be able to do your xmas shopping!

Original poster
Jun · 21/10/2008 20:21

Wow thanks for all the replies though now I am totally confused!

I had thought maybe I wouldn't go as OH will be working all day and then socialising in the evening with colleagues. But then it sounds so tempting....

We don't really have a routine although we are having a major problem trying to get DD to sleep at night, though that is a whole other issue!

OP posts:
ComeOVeneer · 22/10/2008 11:21

If he is socialising in the evening then that won't be so much fun. It is easy enough to keep you and baby happy and entertained during the day, but if you have to end up resorting to room service in the hotel in the evening whilst he is out that isn't so fun.

MadamDeathstare · 24/10/2008 15:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

elkiedee · 24/10/2008 16:25

I would go, but find nice places to eat an early evening meal before you put dd to bed, even if that means that dd goes to bed a little later than you would normally aim for.

We loved Chicago, though I admit that it hadn't got cold yet when we went (a week in early September 2005 when it was much too hot, then overnight at the end of September 2006 when it was wet not cold).

At 4 months baby will probably be easier to travel with than for years after that.

Cremolatorium · 24/10/2008 16:26

oh yes gooooooooo!
Chicago is brilliant. Free zoo and think of the cheap Xmas shopping you could do.

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