need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

we are going to jamaica AI the end of february.....
this is our first vaca with our DD....
So i need all the advice I can get.
I am doing Direct FLight to be up in the air the least possible amount of time. I obviously know to pack (carry on) enough diapers/things for like 2 extra days in case our luggage gets lost.
I have some questions... how many toys to bring? what kind? swim suit for DD? do I bring an inflatable bathtub for DD? buy bottled water there- for formula?
im bringing her stroller, i should bring the car seat as well? its interchangeable with teh stroller (fits on same base) - I am thinking about doing the private transportation from montego bay to our hotel (its like 40 min away) so we can put her in her car seat safely and not be rushed.... etc...
will they let me check in a stroller & car seat? we are traveling on jamaica air.
any other tips would be greatly appreciated!!!
TIA

Message edited 2/3/2010 8:57:31 PM.

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

We just flew with our 7 month old and took her stroller and car seat. She was a lap child and we were able to check both at the gate just before boarding the plane with no extra charges.

We had her RTF formula shipped ahead of time to our hotel which helped so much (especially since the dishwasher where we were staying wasn't working). Whatever is easiest for you while on vacation I suggest doing.

She was entertained by everything BUT the toys I brought for her Very well behaved which surprised me. The TV's at our seats held her attention but we flew Jetblue so I'm not sure about your airline. I made sure to have things she likes and could put in her mouth in case her teeth bothered her as well.

On the plane, I brought one 8 oz bottle for formula feeding and then a smaller 4 oz bottle with water for landing. I also had tylenol and motrin ready. I gave that to her and her sister about 20 minutes before we were due to land to help cut down on their ear pressure when we began our desent (both were still grabbing at their ears but not screaming like the other kiddies). With the motrin and sucking on water it helped so much.

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

Bring the car seat. Most airlines will let you use a seat for the baby if the plane is not full.

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

Years ago travelled with my sis's family to DR when my niece was 11 months old.
We brought a small inflatable kiddie pool which we kept at our chairs in the shade. This way she could have her beach time AND be protected from the sun. We did take her into the ocean too.
For the pool we brought an inflatable kiddie raft with a canopy, clipped cloth diapers on it to protect her from the sun when needed. She LOVED being in the raft, and other pool goers loved to see her in the raft. Lauren got tons of attention that week.
I carried all of her baby food in my carry on, as well as the powdered formula.

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

We're going to Aruba in less than 2 weeks with DS who's 8.5 months old.

Bringing an umbrella stroller and the carseat. They will go to the gate then they store them.
Just a few toys and plan on getting a cheap shovel, pail and other beach toys that if we leave there or give to someone else we'll be fine with. Bringing the powdered formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, paci (also for the plane b/c it's good for ears), a few toys, his fav stuffed animal, pool float I got at the end of the summer on sale, got some cute and cheap summer stuff at Target b/c I know he won't fit into them by summer, bucket hat, sunscreen, etc.
Make sure to call the plane and let them know the baby will be on the plane. We don't have a seat for him, but let them know. Also, the airline said the diaperbag doesn't count as a carry-on so you can bring another bag on.
Have fun!

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean

Re: need travel tips for travelling with 6 month old to caribbean