My 65 year old parents, husband, myself and my then-to-be 19 month old daughter are planning a trip to Ireland this September. I've never flown with my daughter before. Are we crazy? It'll be a red eye on the way there. We will be renting a car, so I am hoping to get a car seat with the rental. I think we will also rent a cottage to be our home base. I wonder where would be best? Do I have to bring a high chair? A travel crib (if she is used to sleeping in bed with Dad and me?). American baby snacks?
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
We're traveling to Ireland with my 7 year old and 3 year old this summer. My oldest has been to Europe twice already, the first time when he was 22 months old. Here's my thoughts:
Are you getting your daughter a seat on the plane? If so, I'd take her car seat on the plane so you can strap her in. It's safer, plus, if she's as squirmy as mine were at that age, it'll help everyone keep their sanity. Car seats with rentals can be expensive, about 7-8 euro/day. If she doesn't have her own seat, you can check a car seat with your luggage.
The cottage you rent may come with a high chair. You may even pick one that does. And if she's used to sleeping in the bed with you, I'd keep that the same.
You can find plenty of snacks in grocery stores over there. I'd pack enough for the time in the airport and the flight, then see what you could find over there. It's fairly easy to find things like crackers and fruit and juice boxes.
And you're not crazy! Just make sure you plan for down time for everyone.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Do yourself a huge favor and buy her a seat on plane, ( if you haven't already) .. it is worth every penny. Trust me on this.
Secondly,, they have babies in Ireland too, and even Cheerios I bet,, so only pack what you need for plane ride and first few days( till you settle ).
Thirdly,, if she is used to sleeping with you, now is the not the time to change anything.. just make sure you guys get a big enough bed, at least a double, NOT two twins pushed together( she will feel uncomfortable sleeping in the crack).
As notes, since you will have a seat on plan for her you don't have to worry about having it for rental car, but do make sure your seat will fit/suit the car you rent. Rent before you leave home so you can check with rental company on this. Get as big of a car as you can afford.
Good luck,, and , as to are you crazy.. depends entirely on your child. I have travelled with younger kids, and older,, and in my case , one of the three of my kids was a NIGHTMARE traveller,, one was average, and one was an angel...
Hows your child on long car trips,, like sitting in carseat for a few hours in a row at least?