France is a wonderful holiday destination for babies because the French culture is so family-oriented.  Restaurants often have well stocked baby stations for changing diapers. Discreet breast feeding in public does not raise eyebrows. Children and babies are an expected part of social, everyday life.  The most difficult part is getting there!  We offer the following tips for traveling by plane with an infant, and some key French phrases that might help you during your stay.

First of all, many parents wonder a) does baby need a passport, and b) does she need her own seat on the plane?  Yes, everyone traveling abroad needs a passport, even babies. Apply for your infant's passport as soon as you begin to make plans for your trip.  Many airlines do not insist on a separate seat for babies up to 24 months old, but some do require one for international flights (usually at a reduced rate of 50% - 70%).  As always, check with your airline of choice for their specific rules and rates. Depending on how long your flight is, you may want to buy your baby her own ticket no matter what. This will give you both extra room for storage and maneuvering, and the peace of mind that you can put baby down in an empty seat to rest even if the flight is full. Having baby on your lap for a few hours may be fine. Having her on your lap for nine hours may be stressful for you both.

Flight Tips for Making Yourself and Baby Comfortable

1. Check that your airline allows you to pre-book a baby bassinet or sky cot before the day of travel. If they do not, ask if one can be assigned upon boarding.  Baby bassinets and sky cots are those small cribs you sometimes see hanging from the overhead bins, or bolted to the wall of the plane.  These can be very handy on long flights, though some babies are bothered if placed in a bassinet directly in front of a television screen.
2. Make sure your airline provides a baby lap belt to attach to your own.  Baby must be strapped in. You will not be able to easily hold her in heavy turbulence.
3. Bring your own baby food and utensils. Some airlines carry baby food, but don't expect it.  If bringing breast milk or formula in bottles, be sure to ask the airline how much is allowed in-flight before packing. Ask for bottles and meals to be warmed well in advance of when you need them. If breast feeding, consider using a nursing poncho so that you can feed baby privately on board the plane as well as at airports.
4. If you get a window seat, take a blanket and attach it to your seat and the seat in front of you with diaper pins for a privacy screen.

5. Consider booking seats apart from one another if traveling with a partner. This way, one adult can rest whilst the other entertains the baby.

The most important tip is to allow for plenty of downtime, and to maintain your own sense of humor and Zen.  Expect your baby to become overly stimulated and fussy during travel.  Try to schedule your flight during less busy days during the week. Aim for flights during routine sleep times for your baby, like a red eye where the babe may fall asleep naturally. Book non-stop flights when possible and consider reserving your seat at the very front of a section.  These seats have no other chairs in front of them, providing more legroom for easier diaper changing and feeding.

Getting Around France with Baby

First, learn the following French phrases or carry them with you.  They may come in handy when speaking to hotel personnel.

French Phrases for Baby Care   English French Do you have...? Avez-vous...? Diapers Les couches Formula Le lait pour le bebe (or) Le lait croissance An elevator L'ascenseur A crib Un lit de bebe Baby food Les plats des bebes A high chair Une chaise haute

Although family-friendly, Paris is not particularly stroller friendly. It is an old city with lots of stairs and curbs.  There will be times when there is no other way to get up or down than to carry baby and stroller together. Keep this in mind when deciding what type of stroller to bring.  Light weight 'umbrella' type strollers are best.  Of course, you can always forgo the stroller and strap baby to you in a sling or baby pack.  Avoid the subways during rush hours!  During peak hours, passengers often have to squeeze in tight, physically pressing against one another like sardines.  There may not be room for your little one!

In France, you will  find all the typical baby accoutrements you have back home.  In fact, some options in France are even better. You will have much fun strolling supermarket aisles comparing their products and packaging to what you are used to.  Baby food and formula in France is wonderful. Meals for toddlers also have nice options, including duck dishes, paella and risotto!

There are formula (cereal, vegetable and fruit) drinks that include a great selection of flavors. If your baby has food allergies, be sure to have a good French-English dictionary to translate the ingredients. If you aren't sure about something, find a local pharmacy (preferably that speaks English) instead of using a market and ask. Bring your formula label and show it to the pharmacist if you'd like the best match.

Diapers are the same, yet slightly different.  You will find the ever-familiar Pampers and Huggies. Be sure you know your baby's weight in kilograms for sizing.

That's about all you need to know.  If you have any questions while abroad, don't be afraid to ask locals.  Bon voyage!