Bombay Baby

Baby's big travel adventure 

On to Elephanta Island... [own source]

When you have a baby then travelling may be quite daunting. But actually, going places with young children is very do-able and doesn't have to break the bank. 

I fly every few months with my family, usually within Europe. Then, in December 2018 we mixed things up a bit and went on our first long-haul journey as a family. Mumbai, India, was our destination where everyday life is pretty different to that of our own in the south of France. It was a great adventure; we went to an Indian wedding and we discovered lots of amazing places, but we took our time when we wanted to. Our baby girl enjoyed the senses explosion and our son loved the monkeys and the tuk-tuks. 

The food was a delicious highlight and the kids were eating the local food too (mostly the less spicy elements and no meat). We explored local restaurants and we relished the Pav Bhajis at the popular beach stalls. Drinks wise we stuck to bottled water, which the hotel supplied for free (and recycled the bottles). We also enjoyed the occasional fresh coconut from local vendors we'd pass.

Okay, let's go somewhere!

Destination

When you choose your destination think about: what you want to do (recharge/relax, city break, visit family/friends...), when you want to go, and your budget. There are plenty of exciting cost effective places, and check out some baby/toddler recommended holidays in Europe. 

Whatever destination tickles your fancy look into the weather for your dates. Off season will be cheaper but you don't want to be stuck in the Monsoon or hurricane season. When you've decided on a location check out the local news and political situation, it's useful to be aware of what's going on in a new place.

Plan ahead

• If your budget is tight then plan a trip before your baby turns two - under twos almost never pay for flights, just airport taxes
• Passports - all children need their own passport. Take time to sort them
• Visas - children also need their own visa. Some countries have e-visas which are quicker to get, but lots of information is needed
• Tropics/developing countries - ask your GP about any vaccines that you and your baby will need. They may also have some useful advice for your trip
• Think about places to stay:
• Hotels are advisable in a totally new culture
• Instant apartments are cost effective and offer flexibility, this option is perfect in a comparable culture
• Mobile homes give extra comforts for camping trips
• Plan your mode(s) of transport at your destination to get around easily and safely

Packing

Parents often pack for every eventuality and more. I would definitely recommend not to over pack. You'll be schlepping your luggage and trying to use stuff because you have it with you. There will likely be a washing service so you can reuse your things.

Airlines

Airlines have a lot of rules when it comes to carry-on/hold luggage. Each airline has its own policy, so check the requirements online. Airlines always have a good arrangement when it comes to baby food/drink and bulky baby equipment. 

On board

• Odd-sized luggage - two pieces are generally free, but check the airline’s website. A stroller and a travel cot are good options
• Milk/water bottles and baby food - you can bring these on board, just show the items (with your baby in sight 😉)
• Long-haul night's sleep - airlines often provide a cot bed, which can hold a 10kg baby
• Baby entertaining
• Have a range of snacky foods ready - under twos enjoy trying different foods
• Babies love to explore - walk the aisles, or let them explore around you. A bit of interaction won't annoy fellow passengers!
• Fussy baby - take an upset baby to the back of the plane where there is more space and air crew are always welcoming to a baby. Other parents often gather there too!

Woohoo you've landed and your trip was fine! Now, what did you decide about getting around?

Getting around

There are lots of ways to travel locally - bear in mind where you're going. 

• Car hire with child seats - one of our personal favourites = safe and lots of freedom
• A driver - advisable in a developing country where traffic is chaotic. This is was our choice in Mumbai - we enjoyed the passing sights at the same time
• Public transport - great in a well-connected hub, and your baby will be less restricted
• Taxi - for short distances when you have other transport at your destination. For practical reasons (not safety) licenced taxis/licenced private hire cars are exempt of child-seat laws, but check if they supply them. Otherwise you can hire a car seat or take your own (some strollers come with a maxi cosy attachment)

Exploring on foot

• Stroller - handy for longer city walks and on-the-go napping
• Sling or baby carrier - a sling is useful in lots of situations - at the beach, to access lakes, on rustic paths, hilly surroundings, when using the underground (lifts are often far out), for sightseeing and somewhere with stairs! Plus, babies are usually easily soothed in a carrier 
• Baby scooter (the one with a seat) - a great little city vehicle - small, light and very agile. After a baby's first birthday they will be big enough to go on such a scooter. It's a nice way for a baby to stay active, but they can't fall asleep on it!

Babies are adaptable!

Be prepared to be more flexible with your baby's routine on holiday. Nap-time may have to be shorter/at a different time, or they may have to nap on-the-go if you are out for most of the day. But kids are very adaptable, and when some quiet moments are mixed in with action your baby will be fine.

Let me know where you've travelled to and if you have any tips from your holiday, I would love to hear.

Baby on board

You're pregnant! But what to expect when abroad (apart from a baby)

Drawing: by my son

The prospect of being far away from what you know when you are pregnant is quite daunting. But follow the "definite dos" below and you'll be rocking your pregnancy.

Okay, so you've moved to another country and you're expecting! That's big news. It may be your first pregnancy, it may be your third, whichever pregnancy it is, it's a huge deal, especially when you have landed in a strange place. Everything works differently in another country, and then there could be a language barrier.

Once the initial 'amazing!' and 'yikes!' moments have past you can start to plan. The reality is much more straightforward than you may think. 

I had moved to the south of France about nine months (ironically) prior to falling pregnant. I had quite nicely settled into my freelance work, had gotten active to meet people and started to learn the language and then I was pregnant. It was huge in every way. I had no idea where to start. I just knew that the pregnancy path would be different to the UK (where I had lived for many years) and to the Netherlands (where I grew up). 

When I found out I was pregnant I let the news sink in for a couple of weeks before I made an appointment with my GP. My husband (who is French) came along for any awkward "je ne comprends pas" moments. The meeting was great and she gave me the names of the other medical people to contact. Plus she started me off on the (long winded) admin trail. In the end my pregnancy was very smooth and I gave birth in a hospital almost around the corner. My baby boy was born and he is now four years old :)

So, onto some definite dos when you're pregnant abroad:

• Make your first appointment with your GP who will give you lots of information. Ask questions even if you don't master the language that well. Some keywords are enough, but you can also ask your partner, a friend or a colleague to come with you
• Find out about the next steps in the process
• At each new appointment confirm the next move 
• Try to stick to one area for the appointments so you can get there easily
• Do some online research on what pregnancy care is like in your home country and then do the same search in the country you live in, so you know what to look out for. There will be English advice forums, country-specific information sites, plus expat groups that you can join
• Enquire about maternity leave if you are working for a company abroad and the pay you'll have so you can plan childcare for when you need it. If you are self employed check out the maternity benefits for entrepreneurs. You should be able to get information through your freelance advice body or social security organisation
• In different countries maternity leave (and the pay that goes with it) varies hugely from just a few months to a year or more. So also check-out the parental leave options (this can be both paid and unpaid depending on the country and the number of children you already have). The following link has information about maternity and paternity leave in a number of different countries
• When you are pregnant enquire about the childcare process and options available. A good starting point will be to contact a local nursery as they will be able to advise you on the steps to register for when the time comes. It took me two months from the initial inquiry to setting a start date for a part-time spot (my son started at the crèche from ten months old). For a full-time space it usually takes longer though
• Plan a trip away after your 12-week scan. You may want to go somewhere to relax or go back home before the new arrival. It's easy to travel when you are pregnant and all will still be calm...! If you already have an older child then going on a trip will be exciting and will feel very special for them. Just let your partner carry the luggage!
• You can fly until surprisingly late if you have a straightforward pregnancy. In general until 36 weeks (if you are expecting one baby)
• From 28 weeks airlines could request a medical certificate, so you will need a note from your GP. Each airline will have their pregnancy policy online, so have a search before you travel
• Get support from mum friends, or kick-start your mother and baby network through: 
• joining an expat group - find them via Facebook and/or international meet-up groups
• a feel-good activity:
• prenatal yoga - a great way to meet other mums-to-be (you just follow what the other girls are doing so you don't need to understand everything). Yoga is a great choice - in terms of activity and mindfulness it is exactly what you need when pregnant
• water aerobics - perfect to alleviate pregnancy aches and pains and funnily enough your belly will feel weightless
• antenatal classes. These are very likely to be offered where you live. They may be run separate, or as part of your general pregnancy trajectory, so the classes could be initiated by your midwife. They will be fun and useful with a number of practical sessions
• Make a list of the type of birthing experience you want. A comparable alternative should be available. Even for example, if midwife-led birthing is hard to find they may have home delivery options, or a more natural birthing unit in a hospital
• Enquire about any post-birth care, some countries are quite big on this with excellent facilities
• Take each stage as it comes. Don't worry about where to give birth when you are only two or three months along
• A pregnancy is a long time so allow yourself some. It won't make a difference to the birth of your baby if you have one appointment more or less, or if you are still figuring out the childcare

Enjoy being pregnant, it's a special time and in many countries, such as France, pregnant women are treated like royalty.

I would love to hear about what it is like to be pregnant in different parts of the world, so tell me about your experience!