USVI-On-Line

Okay - so we leave in just a few days - YAYAYAYAYAY

First time going with our little one (9 months) and, believe it or not, I have been so busy and crazed that I haven't given this trip much thought. I think part of the reason is because the other times we have gone or all the times I travel to Florida to visit my father, I know I don't have to bring much and never stress about it. However, now that it is the weekend before we leave I am starting to wonder what I will certainly need. ERRRRGGGH We are also bringing first timers which is going to be so much fun but I have given that more thought than bringing my own daughter! DUH.

Anyone have any imput in this matter? Thanks!!

Obvious things of course ... sunscreen, safe bug spray, hats, etc. My daughter at that age really loved her crab floatie:



A backpack carrier is pretty nifty if you want to do any small hikes, and it doubles as a great carryon. We put her diaper bag and the camera bag inside ours.

My son was born and raised here and I have more than a little experience traveling with him as well. He's almost 8 now, but some of the things that I remember as "especially" good from when he was little....
Coppertone Spectra3 sunscreen. He never even got pink when I used this stuff and he wasn't as slippery when he got wet as he was with Water Babies. Put it on BEFORE you go to the beach to their entire naked body. I would touch up application when I got to the beach. A note about the sand and sea water...don't be surprised if their diaper has a load of sand in it...they tend to eat it when you aren't looking. Don't let them drink the sea water or you will be changing diapers constantly!
Backpack carrier. My son almost lived in it. We went everywhere in it. Especially helpful at the airport. You have both hands free. Mine had a "kick stand" which was great when I needed a break.
A float for the sea. I would just hold on and kick around in the water. He liked it, I got the exercise and we both got the healing benefits of the sea.
An umbrella. Doesn't have to be a beach one. I always kept one in the car so that he could nap on the beach and I could give him shade.
If you haven't been on a plane with her yet...something I used to do is have my son drink something on take off and landing. This would help them with ear popping. I also used to buy a pack of ear plugs to bring along...at least 6 pair, just in case he freaked out on the plane. I could give them to the people seated around us. I never had to use them (thank god!) but I know people appreciate it!
Have a fantastic time!!!!

Been taking ours since infancy also...recommend long sleeve water shirts(rash guard) to protect against sunburn. Also...we love our Neat sheets (toys r us).

Loving the tips - thank you so much....keep 'em coming!

We loved travelling with our infant son and 9 months is such a great age - not too mobile and delighted to observe the world around them.

I second STJ Julie's backpack suggestion. I think we were still using a bjorn at that time and later used the backpack.

Single best plane travel tip ... bring raisins. Our daughter wouldn't always drink at the crucial descend phase. WAIT to give raisins until you start to feel it in your own ears. Then keep her chewing.

I tell everyone this now, including flight attendants. They really should stock raisins just for this purpose

Addrienne

This may not help at all but I will throw it out there none the less. I had to plan trips that lasted up to a year as I was deployed to Saudi in the AF. My planning was somewhat reversed. What do I have to get done and make sure is settled for the ones I am leaving behind, whereas you have to plan for the ones you are taking. But the process may work for you as well. Most importantly, Sit down and breath for a little bit. Get with your husband and sit for as long as it takes and make a list. Cover everything you know is important to you along with the advice others are giving here. Once you have your list then systematically knock it down. Simple I know, but it will keep you from forgetting anything.

stjohnjulie - thanks for the tip on Coppertone Spectra...unfortunately it has been discontinued. I tried to find it on-line and the only place where it wasn't "out of stock" was ebay where they were selling it for $49.95!!!!

I guess we will stick to Water Babies for now.

holly crow! That is a little expensive. I didn't realize they discontinued it...makes me wonder why. I still have a bottle of it left. I used it on a recent boat trip and not only did I not get a burn, I didn't get ANY sun. I only put it on once, was out all day, and didn't have a base tan. I know it works, but if they don't make it any more, it makes me question why. So Water Babies it is! Still works good, just put it on everywhere before you go out and re-apply every hour you are out. Just let it soak in before you go in the water. If you don't, they are so slippery!

Ahhhhh to travel with a little one. Our little guy went to STJ the first time at 10 months (easier than the 19 month old trip). Its all about the prep.

I highly recommend ordering a crib (or packnplay if your little one sleeps well in one). I tried to keep his routine/surroundings as consistent as possible and it helped a ton. For example make sure you take a few blankets or toys that are familiar. We also rented a exersaucer for him. It was a lifesaver because we could put him in there while doing something else and know he wasn't going to be able to crawl over and fall in the pool.

In advance I packed and shipped a box with:

Diapers
Swim Diapers
Wipes
Sunscreen - TONS you'll need more than you think
Lotion
Kids Shampoo
Pool toys
Neat Sheet
Swim suits for kids
Rash Guards for kids
Baby monitors

All stuff I could have carted with me but I wanted to lighten the load as much as possible.

We took a collapsible travel stroller, essential for moving quickly through the airports and to keep him contained while waiting for taxis/ferries etc - he napped in it on the beach and ate in it at restaurants that didn't have high chairs.

I also packed 1 carryon with a set of clothes for each of us (parents included!!) and toiletries. 1 - in case anyone got puked, peed or poo'd on and 2 - in case we got laid over against our will somewhere.

Have fun. You'll have such great memories!