Flip Flop

Travel discussion for St. John
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Adrienne
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Flip Flop

Post by Adrienne »

I was going back through some old posts - as I remembered that you had a couple of little ones and have traveled to STJ with them. So, I did see your post some time ago where you mentioned renting a bouncer for your little one. Where did you rent that from? Also, was it you that had asked in advance if Starfish carried the formula that your child was eating. Just wondering if it would be worth it to bring some with me or to buy it when we get there. My daughter will also be 10 months when we go... any additional pointers would be greatly appreciated :D
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flip-flop
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Post by flip-flop »

Yep, that was me. Good memory.

I rented the bouncer from Christy's (http://www.christysofstjohn.com/), also rented a pack n play and a real crib once, and a car seat. They are great.

About the formula, yep that was me too. I was amazed that starfish even had the special (alimentum) formula we needed to use, but I ended up shipping the powder formula in advance.
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Adrienne
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Post by Adrienne »

Thank you so much for your reply. Yeah - I totally remember all your posts from when you brought your little one! I am glad too - I know who to go too! Weren't you even supposed to go while you were pregnant but ended up having to postpone?

Anyway - thanks again - if you have any other tips - would love to hear. Thankfully the villa we're renting has a PNP and highchair. So, I'll definitely get the car seat and perhaps a bouncy seat or some other play thing.

How about a stroller - did you bring one? I only have a big "caddy" like stroller - should I just buy a small umbrella stroller?

How about restaurants - did most of them seem to have kid seats?

Thanks!
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flip-flop
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Post by flip-flop »

We did bring our smaller travel stroller. A little more expensive than the standard umbrella but worth it because of the cupholders, zipper pocket at the top and a little room under for storing stuff. (I think it was about $50 and an evenflo. Maybe evenflo sport). I use it all the time now instead of the bigger peg perego.

The restaurants all seemed pretty accommodating, I can't specifically remember who did or didn't have high chairs (I know Rhumblines did) but I don't recall having any trouble.

How old is your little one? The bouncing play thing really did earn its keep. For one, you don't have to worry about little ones wondering off. It helps keep them safer I think.
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Adrienne
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Post by Adrienne »

She'll be 10 months when we go! I did bring the stroller we have now with us when I went to Florida and there was no problem checking it at the gate and all - I just wasn't sure about lugging it on and off the ferry, into cabs, etc.

Cool - I will definitely think about renting something extra for her to play in - I think around that age she will be more likely to want to get into everything so if she has something to keep her occupied from time to time may be good. Thankfully we are travelling with another couple that adore her so it will be nice to have the extra set of hands and eyes when we might need it too!
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PA Girl
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Post by PA Girl »

We haven't taken a stroller in our three STJ trip, our son being 2.5 years old for our last trip.

Personally, I don't think Cruz Bay is stroller-friendly. There are too many places where the sidewalks were crowded or non-existant.

That being said, we didn't have a problem putting DS on our sholders (when he was older) or carrying him.

If are the carrying-type of parents, you likely wouldn't miss a stroller.

When we rented thru Catered To, they provided a pack and play (it looked brand new) with linens at no charge so it might be worth while to inquire if your rental agency will do the same.
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flip-flop
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Post by flip-flop »

Pa Girl - I totally agree with you about the un-stroller friendliness of Cruz Bay. We decided to take ours more for the convenience (and control frankly) in the airport and in transit. We found it also doubled nicely as a seat for him when in restaurants that didn't have highchairs, or for napping at the beach.

I think it really would depend on your kid. If they like their stroller for the most part, I'd say take one. If they resist and you carry them more anyway, you probably won't miss it.

With two kids to wrangle and not the best back in the world and a 30+ pounder ;) - I would have DEFINITELY missed it.
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Beesmom
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Post by Beesmom »

Here's an alternate to strollers that worked wonders for us when our kid was almost 2:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/topcat/495141783/" title="charlotte amalie by Sandra Maynard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/4951 ... ebc218.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="charlotte amalie"></a>

He also loved being able to see more than just people's butts! :lol:

-Sandy
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Adrienne
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Post by Adrienne »

yeah - that is what I am thinking about - I have a baby bjorn that I may just use and if I decide while there that we need a stroller than i can always rent one.

Thanks everyone for your tips!! This is great - keep 'em coming - they're all helpful!
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crasherino
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Post by crasherino »

Beesmom wrote:Here's an alternate to strollers that worked wonders for us when our kid was almost 2:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/topcat/495141783/" title="charlotte amalie by Sandra Maynard, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/4951 ... ebc218.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="charlotte amalie"></a>

He also loved being able to see more than just people's butts! :lol:

-Sandy
Bees- That carrier may be just what we are looking for....our son will be ~22 months when we go and that may work better than a stroller.

Do you know what brand of carrier that is? Were you happy with it?

Thanks.
PA Girl
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Post by PA Girl »

We had an Evenflow carrier that we used all the time. We loved it.

We took it to STJ when our son was 18 months and it was perfect. There was so much storage, we didn't need a diaper bag for going out at night, it held everything we needed including a change of clothes and toys.

We used it to carry him thru the airport and gate checked it inside a large duffle that I packed full to diapers, wipes and such.

Kelty also makes good carriers.
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