Yellowlily Posted March 9, 2006 #1 Share Posted March 9, 2006 anyone have one?? going on cruise w/ my 6 mo. can't wait!! tell me about babyfood suggestions for ship, please. We have a balcony & early dinner, btw. Plan on taking our regular stroller too, as we've seen it been done. I also formula feed and bought cheap bottles for the purpose of the cruise. Any suggestions or packing lists would be great!!! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnmmom Posted March 9, 2006 #2 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I'm not sure which cruise line you are taking, but Princess will accept requests for baby food. I think that other lines do as well. Although, I am not sure how specific the request can be (ie: type of food, how many jars, etc.) I am still planning on packing some of my DS's favorite snack items. I am working on my packing list for our cruise with an 18 month old. I plan on bringing the following items (but it's not done yet): laundry detergent and softener (CB has machines on board) umbrella stroller play house and crawling tube that collapse down from Target inflatable pool inflatable beach balls box of diapers with luggage label stuck on it first aid kit (with tylenol, pedia care, motrin, bandaids, etc) mesh toy container that collapses down from IKEA UV protection shirts from Target plenty of hats (I know we'll lose some along the way) sunscreen sun glasses (Target has some that velcro behind his head) swim diapers aqua socks for at the beach "throw-away" toys from Goodwill and Dollar Store (things that I can leave behind to make room for souveniers) Hope this helps! Paige Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandypants Posted March 9, 2006 #3 Share Posted March 9, 2006 When we cruised with our 6 mo daughter, I brought a ton of bottles and a travel size bottle of dish soap and my bottle brush. It was a pain, but I kept in mind that washing out bottles was better on a ship than at home! I set up a little drying section with the rooms towels on the desk.Remember lots of diapers...they are outrageous in the shop there! For a couple of weeks before we left I kept track of how many diapers I used a day and then packed extra. We had 1 diaper left on the flight home!!!! I pretty much brought every medicine possible and used none, thank god. We didn't notice that she was bothered at all my motion sickness...in fact she slept really well! We got an inside room for the darkness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandypants Posted March 9, 2006 #4 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Almost forgot... check with the cruise line, but most won't let a child in the pool with swim diapers..they have to be toilet trained to use the pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miksilver Posted March 9, 2006 #5 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Here is my packing list from my cruise with my 6 1/2 month old DD: Baby birth certificate Travel pack of Clorox wipes diapers baby wipes (one travel size for her diaper bag and one full size refill for the room) diaper cream small blow up baby bath little swimmers disposable bibs baby food (Gerber makes plastic containers – I took those) Infant cereal portioned out formula (one large can + travel packs and 4 cans pre-mixed for excursions) Disposable baby spoons Disposable small plastic containers (to use for mixing cereal) all infant medicines (Infant Tylenol, Neosporin (for severe diaper rash due to heat), infant thermometer, gas relief drops) dish soap (in a small plastic container) bottle washer bottles (4 – 2 small, 2 large) toys (some new for the cruise) umbrella stroller disposable changing pads/cloths baby lotion, small travel size baby blanket baby sunglasses diaper bag baby sunscreen ziplock baggies for snacks hand sanitizer baby clothes I took way too many clothes for her last cruise. We'll be cruising again when she is 14 months and I'll be packing fewer clothes and a baby flotation device for any pool (off of the ship, of course) and calm ocean swimming. Hope this helps! Have a wonderful time cruising with your little one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinFinsUp Posted March 9, 2006 #6 Share Posted March 9, 2006 anyone have one?? going on cruise w/ my 6 mo. can't wait!! tell me about babyfood suggestions for ship, please. We have a balcony & early dinner, btw. Plan on taking our regular stroller too, as we've seen it been done. I also formula feed and bought cheap bottles for the purpose of the cruise. Any suggestions or packing lists would be great!!! :) What cruiseline and what ship? What itinerary? Then we can be more specific with our advice. Call the cruiseline to arrange for you "crib" - likely folding playpen type - If they are all already reserved you will have to take your own. See what they can do about food. My only concern would be that your request does not get met in error. You should take some basics of your own (formula and cereal) at least so if they forget to load baby food for you, you can get by, and just have the kitchen puree fruits and veggies for you. We sailed Princess - they DO NOT sell diapers. Lots of folks mention the baby blow up pools - my only concern with those is that the US Dept of Health regs. say kids can't go in the pools unless toilet trained due to feces contamination - if your child has an accident in the baby blow up pool, where do you dump the water? Some ships have a specific pool where swim diapers are allowed - I think Disney does but I'm not sure about the rest. We are madly trying to train our ds before our April cruise Princess cruise !!!:rolleyes: Enjoy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerry's Girls Posted March 10, 2006 #7 Share Posted March 10, 2006 You're going to have a great time. I sailed Princess with my one year old twins last month and I can't imagine any easier way to travel with a baby (or babies in my case). I just checked through two boxes of diapers with luggage tags taped on rather than packing diapers in suitcases. You do NOT want to run out of diapers. Since I wasn't flying - we just drove to the port - I brought their bouncy chairs, which I was really glad to have. They took their naps in them, or could sit and play or vibrate while I got dressed, etc. Since these can be inexpensive, it might be worth it for you if you're flying to buy a new one in the box so you can pack it and then assemble it on-board. On Princess they let the swim diapers into the "splash pool" in the kids area if the ship has one. As for a blow up pool - I used mine for baths in the cabin, but if you wanted to use it for a private pool, even if there were an "accident" I'd think you could just carry the little pool to the restroom. Those pools are also good if you're going to the beach to use without any water as a play area out of the sand (of course, not allowing your baby too get much sun though). No problem with a full size stroller. I had a full size front back and never had difficulty because there is always room for a wheelchair to get through in most areas. I did book my cabin right near the elevators so I wouldn't have to worry about the narrow corridors though - there is plenty of room, but sometimes a housekeeping cart makes it awkward. Also, I'm not sure I saw mentioned - some air freshener for when diapers get icky and the little scented trash bags for diapers will make it much more pleasant in the cabin. Bring extras of anything you can't get on board - bottles, nipples, etc. I looked on the ports of call boards here for the location of any stores in the ports we were going to and was able to find a Sam's Club within walking distance - which was nice to know ahead of time in case I became desperate for something while we were away. Have a great time! - Mia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisingbug Posted March 10, 2006 #8 Share Posted March 10, 2006 Good thread - thanks for the lists mnmmom and miksilver - we're taking our then 11-month-old in October and as first time parents but long time cruisers we're glad to get any info. Do you all think we should request baby food for an 11 month old? Or will she be eating enough "table food" by then - she'll still be (hopefully) nursing also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I&MsMom Posted March 10, 2006 #9 Share Posted March 10, 2006 Just a couple of additional thoughts... This may be obvious for you when you pack your strollers (wasn't for me) - consider a bug net and/or rain cover for it. I always travel (planes, embarkation day, etc.) with the little one in an overnight diaper. I use huggies overnights, and think they are absolutely amazing. Absent an obvious need for a change, it is good for a really long time with no diaper failure. I echo the other mom who said bring every conceivable over the counter medication you can imagine. We were once in Italy with our 11 month old with a serious cough and congestion, DH's cousin is a pediatrician, so we had best available advice on what to purchase OTC, but was not prepared for the fact that they administer their medicine by spoons and not droppers, and they flavor them entirely differently, and DS refused to take it. Finally rigged up something with a straw, but not optimum! Since then, I bring the entire shooting match with me. I bring things on vacation they've never had at home (think children's Benadryl). It's the old, if you have it you won't need it, but the minute you assume you won't need it, you'll get nailed! Several years later, with an infant and 5 year old, I traveled with 2 sets of pretty much everything! Peace of mind was worth it. Now DD is 3 and DS 7, so we're back to one set!! On the note of medication, I think it is Gerbers that now makes packets of what is essentially a powdered (and portable) form of the electrolyte replacement fluids on the market - just add water. Previous to the last few months I always had to order it from our pharmacy - it's OTC but they didn't regularly stock it - as Kaolectrylete (or some such - sorry can't remember exactly.) Now, I've seen it in CVS, Duane Reade and the like in apple and fruit punch flavors. I would never consider traveling with small children in foreign countries without it. Obviously, check with your dr about use with infants... One last medical note: I always bring a traditional thermometer with us, as that is the only benchmark my dr recognizes, and assume this is so for a legitimate reason. The first time I got held up going through airport security because of it, I truly had no idea what was causing the concern (maybe I'm just dense). It took forever to narrow it down to the one cosmetic bag holding the thermometer. Just beware if you have an issue, try that as the first cause!! Anyway, kudos for getting out there with your little ones! Enjoy! Happy sailing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrinChick Posted March 10, 2006 #10 Share Posted March 10, 2006 We took dd on a Caribbean cruise at 10 months, and we had a great time. I definitely overpacked, though. Things I didn't use: Inflatable pool Sand toys (anything can be a toy at that age!) Kids Beach chair (what was I thinking?!) About half the clothes I packed for her In addition to many of the items listed by previous posters, there are a few things I couldn't have done without: RayShade canopy extender for the stroller Clothes pins (great for hanging up wet bathing suits, clipping shut curtains for nap) Tupperware baby spoon set with carry case Lots of books I had planned to use the inflatable pool as a bathtub in the room, but I ended up just using the removable shower head for her baths/showers. She didn't really care for it, but it was quick and easy, and I guess it's never too early to learn that you can't always get what you want! As for food, she was largely eating table food (we asked them to serve her dinner before ours so that I could eat my meal while it was hot), and we would take a couple of boxes of Cheerios from the breakfast buffet every day for her snacks. Have a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babycruise Posted March 10, 2006 #11 Share Posted March 10, 2006 :p Cruisingbug, You asked about table vs baby food... We will be cruising with our daughter on 3/18; she will be just turning 10 months. We will bring some baby foods for convenience, but she is also doing great with table foods. Here are some table food ideas that will probably be available on the ship: bananas canned fruits (peaches, pears, etc.) cottage cheese all types of breads (smash little chunks) plain pastas green beans potatoes (she loves sweet potatoes, but I'm sure reg. or mashed would be fine as well) cooked carrots many other options i'm sure! I think by 11 months your daughter will be sharing food off of your plate as well. We've just started with small pieces of meat for her too. My daughter is still nursing which makes packing so much easier!! Instead of bottles & soap & bottle brushes, just remember the breast pads & nursing bras! I plan to write a review about sailing with baby when we return... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisingbug Posted March 13, 2006 #12 Share Posted March 13, 2006 Thanks babycruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer823 Posted March 13, 2006 #13 Share Posted March 13, 2006 Thanks for posting this, there is a lot of great info here. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celebrity Bride Posted March 14, 2006 #14 Share Posted March 14, 2006 Here's a couple of tips... I've cruised with my daughter at 4 months, 11 months and 13 months old. - I packed my daughter's clothing in medium-sized ziplock bags, with 1 outfit per bag. Really helped in the mornings and when we wanted to just grab an extra outfit for the diaper bag. I marked that type of outfit on the outside of each bag (shorts/tanktop, pants/long sleeve, etc). Also helped so my husband actually put her in a matching outfit LOL. - You can ask your head waiter to puree anything on the menu for your child, if your child isn't eating all solid foods yet. Worked out just right when my daughter was 11 months, as that was the only way she would eat her veggies. - I took a clear (see through) back-pack for our diaper bag. This saved tons of time when we went through ship's security (especially when tendering, and the lines were long). Security wouldn't bother searching the clear bag (they just looked at the outside of it) so it was less time with a tired toddler. - If you are concerned about heating bottles or baby food in your cabin, we packed a small bottler warmer. It was a little bulky, but worked out great. Also, pack some freezer packs to cool in your fridge or extra ziploc bags to put ice cubes in, to keep milk/juice/formula cool while out in a port. - I brought onboard all of my own baby food, juice, formula and bottled water (to mix with formula powder). Most cruise lines will not have a problem with this, as long as you explain that it's for your child. Hope that helps! Jenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisingbug Posted March 16, 2006 #15 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I'm going to ditto the Children's Benadryl that I&MsMom mentioned...as well as bee sting/mosquito bite-type medications. My 4 mo just got her first bee sting on Tuesday - our tease of a warm day. Her foot got very red, very hot, a little swollen, and she was crying terribly. It had been a couple of hours since our walk so I wasn't sure what was wrong - it was windy so she was in a fleece suit, only her face exposed but a bee got her on the foot anyway through the material, and I finally found the little white lump. I ended up driving her to the dr's - by the time she was seen, she was pretty much recovered. But next time I'll be ready with home remedies/meds. Nurse told me it's the SECOND sting where you find out if they're allergic though. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besito20 Posted April 27, 2006 #16 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Great great thread! Many of you made me think of things I hadn't thought about yet. cruisinbug, Our DS will be turning 1yr old on November 17, 2006 and we will be cruising on October 29, 2006. So he will almost be 1. I think you stated in your earlier post that your DD will be cruising about the same age as our DS will be. Reading many of these posts is starting to make me anxious since we are first time parents and I guess I didn't realize how much stuff we will really need! :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisingbug Posted October 16, 2006 #17 Share Posted October 16, 2006 Someone was asking for this so I'm bringing it to the top. Hey Besito20 - our babies have the same birthday!!! The most memorable Thursday of my life. Re this list, I would add sticky travel placemats and insect repellent, and also I'm bringing my stick blender and a coffee mug (in case the cruise line's are too narrow) to be able to puree in the room. Also my breastpump and accessories. We just went on a vacation last month so we (hopefully) will be able to streamline this time around. Altho DD surprised us today by taking her first steps - so she'll be more mobile than we expected! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leighuf Posted January 22, 2008 #18 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Does anyone have a fool-proof list for what medicines to bring (a 'just in case' list)? My son is 10 months old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunrise&set Posted January 22, 2008 #19 Share Posted January 22, 2008 I am so glad this list got bumped! Some wonderful ideas for what to bring. I'm not sure about all the meds, but here is what I am bringing for sure: Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, and Saline drops. My DS has his 1 year appt in Feb and we cruise in March so I will ask his doctor what else she recommends. From all the lists, the most valuable tip was putting the luggage tag on the box of diapers! I never would have thought of that! And it looks like I'll have to cut back what I pack for myself so we have plenty of room for DS's things! :D One thing I'd like to add is a baby monitor if you have a balcony room. I figure I'll lounge out there while he naps and not sure I would hear him. Does anyone have experience with using one? Will it work or will there be too much interference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leighuf Posted January 22, 2008 #20 Share Posted January 22, 2008 thanks... I'll let you know about the balcony and monitor. Our cruise leaves this weekend! Yippee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leighuf Posted January 22, 2008 #21 Share Posted January 22, 2008 thanks... I'll let you know about the balcony and monitor. Our cruise leaves this weekend! Yippee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlymom Posted January 23, 2008 #22 Share Posted January 23, 2008 One more suggestion: We're cruising with our soon-to-be 4 month old next month, and I got this tip: A beach tent to nap under & keep the UV rays away. I got one on ebay for ~$40. I think it will be money well spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharonlee912 Posted January 23, 2008 #23 Share Posted January 23, 2008 The are all great tips! My little grandbaby (9 months old) loves those little Motts For Tott's boxed apple juices. They are made from purified water and have less sugar. They are tiny with straws and could be frozen for excursions later. Even if they cannot suck from a straw yet, you can gently squeeze the box and it comes up the straw and they catch on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam82 Posted January 24, 2008 #24 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I brought all our own baby food with our 11 month old. We just washed bottles every night. We have always bought the packets of formula on vacation. They are so easy. Ziplocks are a must!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leighuf Posted January 24, 2008 #25 Share Posted January 24, 2008 haven't seen the 'packet' formula before. will look at walmart. thanks for the tips. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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