articles
The Friendly Skies
Now that I’m coming down off the high of a wonderful holiday with one, very manageable, baby (Zoe had an equally wonderful time being Papa’s center of attention at home so no worries there), I have some new insights and tips for traveling with an infant. Starting with: pick a country that is baby-friendly. Good gracious, the Swiss not only have awesome banks, they are the most child-welcoming society I’ve ever encountered. People ran to help us up stairs with our stroller, nobody blinked an eye when a sleeping baby accompanied us on our dinner reservation and the hotel actually sent up baby towels and a stuffed animal with the crib. I was in heaven. Of course, not everyone in the world is Swiss.
Maybe I was just spoiled by the experience, but something happened on the plane home that truly gave me pause. Eva and I were sitting next to a woman traveling alone. Just before take-off, the flight attendant came to tell her that there was an empty row a few seats back and if she’d like, she could move after departure, so “the baby can have some room.” I am fully aware that what she really meant was, “so you can have some peace and quiet,” but I’m okay with that. Whatever gets the job done. Anyway, imagine my surprise when my neighbor said no. She’s settled in her seat, thank you, and doesn’t want to move any further back in the plane. Then she looks at me and asks if I mind her being there, in a tone that almost suggested I had orchestrated the entire exchange. Of course I said absolutely not. And then proceeded to hand my infant a very flaky croissant that she tore to bits and pitched around herself. I mean, would moving back 3 rows really be so burdensome? Naturally I apologized profusely when my baby kicked my tray table, sending mustard and diet Coke all over our seats. But inside I was so proud. My Eva is no dummy. She handled the situation well, I’d say.
Page 1 of 1 pages
connect
buy the book
reviews
"WHAT I LIKED: This book is written in a funny, down to earth way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot. I really would have appreciated something like this when my kids were really little and I freaked out over everything they put in their mouths. It has a scenario/question and answer format, with clear answers on when not to panic and when to call 911."
- Chic Book Chick
events
media
media
Find...
- tags:
- ear pain
- asthma
- dehydration
- bronchiolitis
- feeding
- fever
- vomiting
- wheezing
- constipation
- head injury
- stitches
- food allergy
- vaccines
- choking
- car seats
- otitis media
- seizure
- abdominal pain
- foreign bodies
- sunburn
- cpr
- appendicitis
- travel
- deet
- sunscreen
- diarrhea