Handy child safety seats in Bergen shuttle buses

When I'm planning a new trip, I inevitably end up spending a lot of time planning and trying to decide whether or not to bring our own car seat.  In Bergen, Norway, the Flybussen shuttle from our hotel to and from the airport had us covered.  Check out these great built-in child car seats, which fold down from the seat back - there are two of them in each bus.

My Travel Essentials for a Trip to Mexico with a Baby

I was recently asked by a friend for advice on packing for a trip to the Riviera Maya with a baby.  Having just returned from this area ourselves, I thought I would share my must-haves for a trip to Mexico with a baby:

• Duct tape or masking tape - to keep drawers and cabinets shut, cover electrical outlets, fix stuff that breaks (if you want to save room in your luggage, saw a roll in two and just pack one half)
• Car seat – a must if you are planning on renting a car or taking long car trips or rent one down there 
• A travel crib and sheets - if you are staying in a hotel that provides cribs or pack n' plays, it is still a good idea to bring your own sheets since most hotels use standard twin or queen sheets which are easy for an active baby to get tangled up in. Read my review of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib 
• Stroller - though you may occasionally have to carry the stroller up or down a few stairs or over a puddle, most sights (even archaeological sights like El Rey, Tulum and Chichen Itza) are for the most part, pretty stroller friendly.
• White noise - always a winner for helping a baby sleep particularly in an environment where there might be more noise than he is accustomed to, there are a number of phone apps (we are regular users of Sleep Fan, which can help to drone out the occasional noisy passersby in the hallway, and the inevitable pool-side party)
• Baby monitor – if you plan on using your balcony/terrace after baby has gone to bed
• A wide-brimmed hat, UV protective swim suit (I am a big fan of Baby Banz swimsuits), sunglasses and serious sunscreen

Don't worry if you arrive at your resort and find you have forgotten something.  Pharmacies and shops are abundant and well-stocked, so you will likely have no trouble buying what you need there.

Alternatives to Toronto Pearson Airport

On a recent flight out of Toronto Pearson Airport's Terminal 3, we were disappointed to find that the terminal's sole play area (still listed on the airport website as a saviour to parents) no longer existed.

Thankfully there ARE some family-friendly alternatives to Toronto Pearson for many destinations.  I posted an article about alternative airports back in November but I thought I would repost the information particularly with so many families planning last minute March break holidays.  Here four alternative airports which are convenient to the Toronto area.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Website:

http://www.torontoport.com/airport.aspx

Proximity/drive to downtown Toronto: 

4 km (approx 30 minutes including ferry ride)

Airlines serviced:

Porter Airlines (to/from over a dozen cities in Canada and the U.S.)

Air Canada (to/from Montreal)

You will appreciate:

• Short check-in and security screening lines
• Family washrooms and change tables in select men’s and women’s washrooms
• Free wi-fi
• Easily accessible by foot, bike, TTC and free shuttle bus from the Royal York Hotel

Kids will enjoy:

• The 2 minute ferry ride from the foot of Bathurst St. to the airport (free for pedestrians, $11 return for vehicles)
• Complimentary water, juice and cookies in Porter’s passenger lounges

Parking:

Limited on-site parking, but pick up/drop off parking is available at the Bathurst Street and Stadium Road lots

Waterloo International Airport

Website:

www.waterlooairport.ca

Proximity/drive to downtown Toronto: 

104 km (1 hour, 20 minute drive)

Adjust your drive times accordingly during rush hours and inclement weather

Airlines serviced:

Westjet (to/from Calgary)

Sunwing (to/from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)

Bearskin (to/from Ottawa, Montreal)

You will appreciate:

• Short lines for check-in and security
• The Aviator Café in the gate area sells milk and other healthy items (e.g. fruit and cheese, granola, yogurt)
• Family washroom in the main airport lobby and change tables in men's and women's washrooms
• Free wi-fi
• Free use of baggage carts

Kids will enjoy:

• Charging stations in the departure lounge mean you they won’t run out of juice on portable DVD players or other electronics

Parking:

On site $6/day.

Hamilton International Airport

Website:

www.flyhi.ca

Proximity/drive to downtown Toronto: 

84 km (1 hour, 7 minute drive)

Adjust your drive times accordingly during rush hours and inclement weather.

Airlines serviced:

Hola Sun (seasonal flights to/from Cuba)

Westjet (to/from Calgary, seasonally to/from Moncton, Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Orlando and Punta Cana)

You will appreciate:

• Short lines for check-in and security
• Tim Hortons for milk, juice and snacks
• Change tables in men's and women's washrooms

Kids will enjoy:

• The children’s play area with tables, chairs, colouring books and games

Parking:

On site economy $14/day ($59/week), premium $19/day ($79/week)

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Website:

http://www.buffaloairport.com/

Proximity/drive to downtown Toronto: 

175 km  (2 hour drive)

Adjust your drive times accordingly during rush hours and inclement weather.

Allow extra time for the US border crossing particularly on summer weekends and holidays and for roadway construction at the airport.

Airlines serviced:

8 airlines serving 23 destinations in the U.S.

You will appreciate:

• Short lines for check-in and security
• "Companion Care" rest rooms in several locations, change tables in men’s and women’s washrooms
• Numerous restaurant options (milk available) – there is even a branch of the Anchor Bar, the originator of Buffalo chicken wings
• Since you have already crossed the US border on the way to the airport, no further customs screening is required

Kids will enjoy:

• The Fisher Price Play Gate near Gate 16

Parking:

Variety of options with cost ranging from $10 to $24 per day.  Many travelers stay near the airport the evening before their flight.  Not only does this help ensure you don’t miss your flight, but most airport hotels offer free parking for the duration of your holiday.

Traveling with a child who doesn't share your last name

Although in many places around the world, it is unusual for a mother to share the same last name as her child(ren), I find it is still a novelty for some immigration officials when traveling between Canada and the U.S. (Indeed we've also encountered reaction to the fact I don't share my husband's last name).

If you and your child(ren) do not share the same last names on your passports, it is always a good idea to carry a copy of your child's long-form birth certificate which lists both parents’ names.

For children born in Ontario, if you don't already have a copy of your child's long-form birth certificate, you can order one online at Service Ontario.  If this is your first request for a long-form version, the cost is $25.  If you are requesting a replacement copy, it is $35.  Admittedly my home filing system leaves a lot to be desired, so I've had to order replacements a few times, and each time I received it within just a few business days.

In our travels, I’ve been asked for B's birth certificate by U.S. immigration a couple of times, and I’ve been asked a few times by Canadian immigration coming home.  I'm not sure what the result would be if asked and we didn't have it (they will probably just ask a lot more questions) but $25/35 seems a small one-time price to pay to smooth the immigration process.

Here are some tips for Traveling with Children as a Solo Parent