Travelling with 12 Months Baby

Wow! This is a great opportunity for your son to experience the beach.

We travel a lot with our little guy so I would suggest the following for the flight:
- TYLENOL! You have no way of knowing whether or not your little one is teething and a plane ride is no time to find out! I always give my munchkin a little dose (dr. recommended) before we fly just in case.
- Extra clothes and more diapers than you think you will need. Again, the change in pressure and atmosphere on the plane can do strange things to their bellies, not to mention time changes and different foods. I always make sure to have an extra outfit for him on the plane "just in case".
- Blanket for the baby in case it's chilly
- Plenty of books and little things to keep him entertained. I usually pick-up a few new things and save them for his cranky time on the plan. Somehow a new little toy takes the edge off for him!
- Check with your airline carrier regarding luggage alottment for the baby. Some allow the baby to have their own bag, carseat and stroller. Some charge. It's good to know ahead of time.
- Baby's documents in at least two places. I have a copy of the birth cert with me and one in my suitcase just in case!

As for what to do in Bali... take him everywhere! Let him splash in the water, play in the sand, explore the hotel room. Make sure he has plenty of sunblock and a hat. Bring a couple of sippy cups so he stays hydrated and make sure that you have access to some kind of grocery store so you can go and buy bottles of juice and milk rather than having to purchase in a restaurant or hotel lobby ($$$$).

Have a great time!

Hi S.,
I do not have any info on Bali specifically, yet it sounds awesome...have a great time! Try tripadvisor.com for some reviews.

In regard to traveling with a baby...make sure you use the bottle or pacifier or whatever your baby uses during take off and landing to help with the ears. Also do not bring anything with pieces that roll off the tray, ie crayons. I learned this the hard way. I was air sick by the time we landed from leaning over so many times!
Enjoy!

get a good back baby carrier like an Ergo.

Buy some UV sun protective clothing, they have full suits that look like a "rash guard" for your whole body. He can play in the water in it and not get sunburned. (He will be old enough for sunscreen though, so I would use that too). I haven't tried the "natural" ones, but I found Coppertone Sport bothered my daughters eyes less than the waterbabies. A good "flap hat" and sunglasses are good too, if you can keep them on him.

Let him run around, swim, etc. Bring a cup to the beach and you can make sandcastles and he can smash them, hours of fun :) Don't worry about him eating sand - it will pass right through. My daughter was in the British Virgin Islands at 8 months and got 5 teeth while we were there. There is a picture of her with her mouth ringed with sand like a clown, and holding a piece of sun-bleached coral that she had been teething on.

Bring a sling or some kind of baby carrier so you can go sight-seeing while your husband is surfing. You can hike around while your baby sleeps.

If you will see any kind of live music while you are there, bring cotton or something to protect your sons ears. Even if you are outside, it may be loud and stressful for him.

If you are not staying/dining in a resort, there may not be any highchairs or other baby conveniences. I used a sarong as both a sling and to tie my daughter into whatever seat local restaurants had, strollers work well for this too - I would bring a more heavy-duty stroller (jogger or part of a baby system) instead of an umbrella stroller, especially if you will be walking a lot. If you will be driving everywhere, it doesn't matter.

Have fun! This trip is about you (even if your husband thinks it's all about surfing). Take advantage of what the country has to offer. Let your son be your ticket in to experiencing a new culture. Make sure he gets a nap or 2 in each day (even if it is in the shade of a towel, hanging from your beach chair). As long as he is well-rested, you can pretty much do everything you want to do. Always have a few small things for him to play with, but don't burden yourself with them, he won't need as much as when he is home.