Traveling with 5 months old to DC - Things to consider

uma321 · Jun 30, 2014

Ladies,

We're taking a 5 days trip to DC with our 5 months old son. Can you tell me what are the things to carry and things to consider?

- I'm pumping milk every 7 hours. So, we're renting a car
- We have a rough schedule for each day
- The hotel room has both microwave and refrigerator
- I'm going to carry the microwave sterilizer bags to sterilize bottles and pump parts.

Below are some of my questions:

How many bottles do I need to carry when we go out each day? (yesterday we went for a one day trip and we used more than 7 bottles in one trip)

We're planning to carry, portable changing mat, 3 set of clothes, 6-7 diapers, formula, water, shoe, 6-7 burp clothes, hat, umbrella, stroller, car seat, carrier, bottles, pacifier, covers to throw trash, Tylenol, thermometer, and sanitizer. do i need to carry anything else?

It's going to be super hot in July. How to keep him cool? Is Umbrella enough? Do we need to carry a portable mini fan as well? (thinking of buying one)

how often do you change baby's diapers while traveling? Some restrooms don't have baby diaper changer. (I'm planning to use Pampers baby dry to keep him in a diaper for longer duration. Is it a good idea?)

How would you pump while traveling? I don't think they have mother's room in airports. I heard you have pump in the restroom. But i'm too shy to do that.

I pump thrice a day (every 7 -8 hours) and can hold upto 7 hours during day time. Where else can you pump? (It's one of the main reasons we're renting the car. However, I want to list down other options as well)

Are there any apps that help us find parking in DC near the attractions?

What are the things we need to consider in flying with the baby? Mine hardly uses pacifier. We give him only when he gets fussy in the car. So i'm wondering what i should do during take off and landing.

Woh! Too many questions.. sorry about that..:hatsoff

Rakhii · Jun 30, 2014

uma321 said: ↑

Ladies,

We're taking a 5 days trip to DC with our 5 months old son. Can you tell me what are the things to carry and things to consider?

- I'm pumping milk every 7 hours. So, we're renting a car
- We have a rough schedule for each day
- The hotel room has both microwave and refrigerator
- I'm going to carry the microwave sterilizer bags to sterilize bottles and pump parts.

Below are some of my questions:

How many bottles do I need to carry when we go out each day? (yesterday we went for a one day trip and we used more than 7 bottles in one trip)

I would say carry 8 bottles Uma.

We're planning to carry, portable changing mat, 3 set of clothes, 6-7 diapers, formula, water, shoe, 6-7 burp clothes, hat, umbrella, stroller, car seat, carrier, bottles, pacifier, covers to throw trash, Tylenol, thermometer, and sanitizer. do i need to carry anything else?

Sun block; i would carry another pair as its hot, just to avoid perspiration. Also take cleaning supplies for bottles.

It's going to be super hot in July. How to keep him cool? Is Umbrella enough? Do we need to carry a portable mini fan as well? (thinking of buying one)

I dont know if portable fan will work Uma but the general thumb of rule is to apply sun block and use a hat. Get him into 100% cotton, light and loose cloths.

how often do you change baby's diapers while traveling? Some restrooms don't have baby diaper changer. (I'm planning to use Pampers baby dry to keep him in a diaper for longer duration. Is it a good idea?)

It is a bad idea to use any diaper for more than 3 hours at that age and in that climate. Changing him every 3 hours would be better so that you can rule out the threats of diaper rashes. There were times i have even used my lap as her changing station, in the back seat of the car etc. Every time you remove a diaper, wipe with wet-wipes and apply generous amount of penaten to absorb pee/sweat properly. Make sure to take diaper rash cream with you. You can do the 8 hour thingy during nights and use pampers dry.

How would you pump while traveling? I don't think they have mother's room in airports. I heard you have pump in the restroom. But i'm too shy to do that.

I would suggest you to get hold of a ....i forget the technical name (i had it!!), its like a shawl; it covers everything and you can use it to pump. I would totally pump in the car.

I pump thrice a day (every 7 -8 hours) and can hold upto 7 hours during day time. Where else can you pump? (It's one of the main reasons we're renting the car. However, I want to list down other options as well)

Are there any apps that help us find parking in DC near the attractions?

GPS should be able to tell.

What are the things we need to consider in flying with the baby? Mine hardly uses pacifier. We give him only when he gets fussy in the car. So i'm wondering what i should do during take off and landing.
Breastfeed Uma.
Woh! Too many questions.. sorry about that..:hatsoff
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please see my responses in blue above.

uma321 · Jun 30, 2014

Rakhii said: ↑

please see my responses in blue above.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rakhii! He doesn't breastfeed no matter how many times I try.

We can start using sun screen for babies over 6 months, right? That's what my pead told me.

Chitravivek · Jun 30, 2014

Rakhii got it covered. but if you formula feed I would suggest you can take premixed formula (2oz bottles). Easy feed and throw. I do that as its convenient rather than carrying formula box and water.

Rakhii · Jun 30, 2014

uma321 said: ↑

Thanks Rakhii! He doesn't breastfeed no matter how many times I try.

We can start using sun screen for babies over 6 months, right? That's what my pead told me.
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Oh ya, you can use! I use Aveeno Baby 60 spf.

Chitravivek said: ↑

Rakhii got it covered. but if you formula feed I would suggest you can take premixed formula (2oz bottles). Easy feed and throw. I do that as its convenient rather than carrying formula box and water.
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Ya, its the best actually, specially during take-offs and landing.

uma321 · Jun 30, 2014

Chitravivek said: ↑

Rakhii got it covered. but if you formula feed I would suggest you can take premixed formula (2oz bottles). Easy feed and throw. I do that as its convenient rather than carrying formula box and water.
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Chitra,

I'm trying that. The problem is J doesn't like the premixed formula. for example, i've tried it during our travel this weekend and he didn't drink at all. I'm going to keep trying as i know it will keep me sane.

Rakhii · Jun 30, 2014

uma321 said: ↑

Chitra,

I'm trying that. The problem is J doesn't like the premixed formula. for example, i've tried it during our travel this weekend and he didn't drink at all. I'm going to keep trying as i know it will keep me sane.
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How about you mix the formula just as they announce the boarding call Uma? Formula stays good up to an hour or so.

nuss · Jun 30, 2014

uma321 said: ↑

Ladies,

We're taking a 5 days trip to DC with our 5 months old son. Can you tell me what are the things to carry and things to consider?

Since you are going to DC, I assume you won't be outside that much. There are so many museums there to go to. Plan to do a bus tour for the main attractions that way you won't need to walk too much. If you haven't booked a hotel, try to get one nearby attractions and you won't need a car. Public transport is a way to go in DC area.

- I'm pumping milk every 7 hours. So, we're renting a car
- We have a rough schedule for each day
- The hotel room has both microwave and refrigerator
- I'm going to carry the microwave sterilizer bags to sterilize bottles and pump parts.

Below are some of my questions:

How many bottles do I need to carry when we go out each day? (yesterday we went for a one day trip and we used more than 7 bottles in one trip)

This gives you an idea. More than 7 bottles (8 or 9).

We're planning to carry, portable changing mat, 3 set of clothes, 6-7 diapers, formula, water, shoe, 6-7 burp clothes, hat, umbrella, stroller, car seat, carrier, bottles, pacifier, covers to throw trash, Tylenol, thermometer, and sanitizer. do i need to carry anything else?

I always carry wash clothes and water bottle. If it gets hot, you can use a wet wash cloth. Also, sunscreen. I'd carry more diapers and desitin or whatever you use.

It's going to be super hot in July. How to keep him cool? Is Umbrella enough? Do we need to carry a portable mini fan as well? (thinking of buying one)

Loose fitting clothes and a hat would be enough. Plan to go indoors (museum/ restaurant etc) every few hours.

how often do you change baby's diapers while traveling? Some restrooms don't have baby diaper changer. (I'm planning to use Pampers baby dry to keep him in a diaper for longer duration. Is it a good idea?)

3-4 hours or whenever it is wet (pampers has wetness indicator). As rakhii said, I've changed diapers everywhere. Backseat of car or passenger side works quite well. Anywhere in a park etc is okay.

How would you pump while traveling? I don't think they have mother's room in airports. I heard you have pump in the restroom. But i'm too shy to do that.

Don't know. I'd suggest you to have a nursing cover handy.

I pump thrice a day (every 7 -8 hours) and can hold upto 7 hours during day time. Where else can you pump? (It's one of the main reasons we're renting the car. However, I want to list down other options as well)

Again, I only pumped in a hotel room when we travelled. Sorry, no idea but I am sure you can ask your waitress and see if they can arrange a small room/ corner for you to pump. You can pump in car as well.

Are there any apps that help us find parking in DC near the attractions?

What are the things we need to consider in flying with the baby? Mine hardly uses pacifier. We give him only when he gets fussy in the car. So i'm wondering what i should do during take off and landing.
It's okay if he doesn't take anything. I tried to nurse mine during landing and take off but he was never interested. Try to give him just water from bottle or sippy cup.
Woh! Too many questions.. sorry about that..:hatsoff
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Hope it helps! Have fun!

rose8282 · Jul 1, 2014

Just the thing I needed. I looked up regulations for carrying liquids but am not clear. How do we carry formula and water? They say 3oz...can we carry as much water as we want for mixing formula on flight? I could ask for water but it won't be boiled would it? I don't think gerber has premixed formula.

Chitravivek · Jul 1, 2014

Rose: When we travelled with my DD I took premixed formual and normal powder too. After security check in I got bottled water at room temperature so there was no question asked. I never boiled water to mix in formula so not sure how that would work. You can definitely ask for hot water to Air hostess they always have it but you need to bring to room temp.

Gerber does have premixed. You can check it out I remember seeing Target.

rose8282 said: ↑

Just the thing I needed. I looked up regulations for carrying liquids but am not clear. How do we carry formula and water? They say 3oz...can we carry as much water as we want for mixing formula on flight? I could ask for water but it won't be boiled would it? I don't think gerber has premixed formula.
Click to expand...