Traveling to Greece with an Infant

I have not been to Greece, but I did travel around France, Ireland, the UK, and Germany with my infants. I preferred a backpack carrier to a stroller, many places in Europe are not stroller friendly. Bring and use the car seat when you can, try not to worry about the bus, if it was not safe it would not run so well. When packing for the plane, bring at least 2 changes of cloths for the infant, and than whatever diapers and the such. Ask for a bulk head seat, that way you will have more room since you will have a lap infant. Relax, and have a great time.

Hi C., My friend just came back from Greece. Some tips from her:
1. SUNBLOCK and HATS!!!! Even a bathing suit that covers your LO's body. the Mediterranean sun is strong and not like the US.

2. Sippy cups to bring water to the beach and outings etc.

3. Ergo baby carrier is awesome.

4. favorite baby cereal.

5. mild baby soap.

HAVE FUN!
Jilly

Hi C.,

It's been a very long time, but your question brought up so many memories I had to answer!
I was 11 years old when I was in Greece, and that was in 1973. Yes, we had an infant--my baby brother who had been born a few months before in Saudi Arabia, where my family was living for a couple of years. I wouldn't say my parents were "unprepared", given that we had, at that point, spent a year abroad, but none of us spoke Greek and none of us had ever been in Greece before. Also, we had certainly never experienced travelling with an infant in a foreign country before this trip.

We travelled in our brand new Volkswagon camper--yes, it was a beautiful '73 camper! Wish I still had it now! It was well before anyone ever even thought of carseats, certainly not the obsessiveness we all have with the illusion of "perfect safety" we all are inundated with now days. My baby brother travelled in what we called "the baby box", a bright red vinyl travel bed with handles that we would strap to the seat behind the driver's seat in the camper. We travelled the Autobahn and all the tiny, winding ancient roads of Europe with this arrangement and everyone was just fine.

The one thing I would absolutely recommend is a good stroller. It was the Europeans who invented the "umbrella" stroller--back when I was pushing my baby brother around Athens, these were a brand new thing. My mother said over and over how grateful she was that she had one! Make sure whatever you bring (or buy there) is lightweight, easy to fold and carry with one hand--important if you are juggling an infant, a diaper bag, and public transportation all at once--and very compact when folded. Also look for wheels that will manage cobblestone streets!

As far as your husband is concerned, I'm sure you are feeling like he is vastly unprepared because you speak Greek and have been there many times and he has not, but believe me, American tourists manage to navigate Greece all the time--it is a beautiful and open country, very ready to receive Americans who speak only English. It was in the 70's and I'm sure it has gotten even better since then. We did fine and not one of us spoke a word of Greek--until the college students on the beach at Alexandroupolis taught my brother and I to say "Opah!!" at a local wine festival.

Traveling with a seven month old is much easier than traveling with a 18 month old or kids under the age of four who have the ability to take off on you. You definitely should take your baby backpack or snugli, and don't worry about a stroller. The great thing for you is you have a human stroller....your husband!!! Relax about the car seat situation in Greece. Take it with you, install it in the taxi (and who cares if the driver gets antsy? it's your babies safety that you are taking care of), and haul it along in the bus. Who knows, maybe it will fit nicely between your husband and yourself and squish perfectly between the seat in front of you. The most important thing is to relax and stop worrying about everyone else (so hard to do when you are a mom), and think about all those memories you have of being in Greece when you were a child. And the pictures you'll have of you three there will connect your child to Greece when he gets older. What a lucky family to be able to go to such a beautiful country! Not a lot of folks can afford to travel these days :) As for your unprepared husband.....he's a grown up.....see how he reacts to it all.....and then hug him when he carries the baby so you can rest ;)

Obviously don't forget medicines and other baby-related items that you are not to find there (ask your family). I say take the stroller! You leave it just outside the plane and they'll bring it back to you when you step outside the plane, so you don't have to carry the baby in the airport (usually long walks wherever you go). Plus, it's a must for walking around in Greece, were you planning to hold your baby all the time while vacationing? I must have misunderstood. Take the car seat for family rides, in the taxi (greek word, by the way) you can just sit in the back and hold your baby with your belt on. For the bus, you are right, no seat belts there...find a seat and ask your hubby to stand by your side holding with both hands the seats before and after yours, so to make some kind of human barrier just in case the driver gets freaky with the brakes!!! I know it sounds overwhelming (and it is indeed a little dangerous), but millions of people with children get by everyday with many less comforts and especially much less knowledge than you have about what is safe and what is not. You'll be fine! As far as your hubby not speaking greek, well, he won't have because you are there and few people speak english even in places you don't expect (perhaps youngsters?). Have fun!

We just came back from a 6 wk trip to Spain & Morocco with our 14 month old son. I had the same concerns you're having but in the end I just had to adjust to new ways of doing things while keeping baby as safe as possible. Mainly, like others have suggested, I recommend that you do bring a light weight stroller. Just be sure it has an umbrella and some space for storing things. It does come very handy when walking. You do have to make sure that airlines give you a tag when you check it in at the gate. We lost one in the past. The ergo baby carrier was a life safer as well, although in very hot days, we were hesitant to use it. We did always carried it with the stroller for baby to nap in it if he wished. One more very important suggestion is to take lots of baby food for when you're on the road. Babies R'US has some pouches of food and fruit that was way easier to carry without the fear of it breaking. You may just not find what baby likes in Greece or the selections might be very limited as I found out in Spain. Of course it's best to give baby home-cooked food but it's not always practical to carry it with you, especially in warmer weather. As far as riding in cars without a car seat, we just had to accept it and hold our son as tight as possible. Often many family members came in the same car and there was just not enough space for a car seat. What we did do whenever possible and practical was to take trains or buses. Do know that many airlines now count a car seat as a piece of luggage. Also, if you request a bulkhead seat you may need to pay extra, as we did. Just check the airline policies on this. It was worth it for the extra space but the problem was that we had a big screen right in front of us. You may want to check the type of plane you'll be traveling in. Overall, we had a good experience because I am still breastfeeding and this came sooo handy to calm our son when he got restless. For your husband, just be sure to to prepare him in intercultural skills. I find that a lot of patience and appreciation of others' customs is key to having a good experience abroad. And remind him when things don't go as expected that this will only be a temporary situation. Anyhow, hope these tips help you and make the best of the trip.

I take my son on the city bus quite frequently and they don't have seat belts or anything like that and he does fine. It's certainly not ideal, but I (maybe just for my sanity) that busses are designed in a way that keeps them from needing seat belts (probably a delusion, but, I know when I was a kid school busses didn't have seat belts). Also, as someone who traveled to Greece as a novice, I loved it and didn't have any real problems...your husband will be fine as long as you don't abandon him somewhere :).

We have not traveled to Greece with children, but we did take our (then) 3.5 and 4 month olds to Israel. Some similar issues....some not...I am curious to know why you are not taking a stroller - but I am sure you have your reasons! As for the bus - we were on a bus a lot in Israel...I was able to use the car seat because they have seatbelts - but I would recommend just using a baby bjorn/ergo carrier or something like that (it will be nice for you to be hands free!). I would make sure you have a few extra outfits (for EVERYONE!) and that you have a few toys that are easy to pack (but at that age, everything is a toy...paper cups, spoons, etc). On the plane, definitely see if you can get a bassinet...that was amazing! THe baby slept for 12 hours in it! Practice getting the infant seat in quickly...maybe that will help when you get there! Good luck - and try to not be stressed out...that will ruin the trip!

Take a front front/back carrier!

My 'super international' traveling friends bought a car seat/stroller combo - it was a bit odd looking and sits low, but they loved it and felt so safe. I don't think they used the car seat in the busses...but they did in the taxi (love that it is a Greek word!)
My 'medicine bag' was always my largest bag. I just always felt comfortable with meds I was familiar with and using my own thermometer. You can buy clothes there if you didn't pack enough!
Oh and I traveled with Dr. Sears "The Baby Book". It has a whole section on illnesses treatment. I was thankful to have it when we were on a car trip and my little one got roseola! I was able to diagnose and not freak out! It IS a big book though...

Hand sanitizer for the flight and wipes. I always wiped down the whole seat and tray areas that baby could touch.

OH - ASK your pediatrician to write out a prescription for ear drops ahead of the flight and fill it. That way if there is any problem with pressure/pain from the flight you already have the cure !!!!! We always had them and only used them once - oh how grateful I was.
You and your husband can focus on the positives - literally decide to focus on the positives. Just say it out loud and write it on a sticky in the bathroom mirror before you go - THIS TRIP IS AWESOME, WE ARE HAVING THE BEST TIME. WE'VE NEVER BEEN TAKEN CARE OF LIKE THIS!!!! but before you leave! :-)

At 7 months I recall my kids grooving on those spinning light torches/wands, definitely a mood changer if things are going sour, but switch it for another favorite as soon as you can so it doesn't lose it's 'charm'. You want to have a well stocked bag of tricks and treats for the travel portion. No holds barred, bring some sweets and FAVORITE goodies. New to them (quiet) toys are always good - they will 'last' longer if needed.

I've been a first time traveler to Greece. Did not know the language. I went with a group but for the most part I strayed away from the main group. I did not have any difficulty. Lots of people who don't know the culture or the language visit Greece. I'm not sure why you're concerned about your husband. You speak the language but if you don't want to let your husband pantomime for help. Perhaps you're not fluent which is no problem. You have an advantage over those of us who travel and know none. Take a phrase book if you think it might help. I didn't have one.

And relax about safety. Buses here in the States also do not have safety belts with the exception of some school buses. The buses I've ridden in for field trips haven't had seat belts. We were all safe. Will your bus be like a school bus? It's a bit of a rough ride but your baby will be safe in your arms. All of my generation and many of my daughter's generation (she's 30) didn't use car seats. The vast majority of us survived. lol

Perhaps you could take a front pack. Having baby firmly attached to you might help you feel more comfortable.

I suggest that you ask your relatives or the Greek consulate about these concerns. You may be surprised that they do have seat belts and car seats. But if they don't it really is no big deal

If installing the car seat is difficult or time consuming, give the driver a good tip. However, if I were you and learned that the taxi bus, and family cars are without seat belts, I'd leave the car seat at home or expect to use it only on the plane. That does mean purchasing a third ticket.

When you feel stressed, remember the good times you had there as a child. Make plans and then refuse to think about the what if's anymore. It really will be OK. You cannot anticipate everything. You're anxious because it's unfamiliar to you now. Perhaps you haven't experienced the unfamiliar as an adult? If you have this is not different except for the individual circumstances. You've made it thru before. You will again this time.

If the anxiety gets to be unbearable, see your doctor about a low dose anti-anxiety medication. I take Ativan from time to time and it helps.

I suggest that your overwhelmed feeling is a generalized anxiety.

I would get an Ergo baby carrier that will make baby secure on the bus or anywhere you go, you can have him snuggled right up to you without any worrries. I have never travelled to Greece, but I can tell you a baby carrier is much easier than a stroller. :)

You've gotten lots of great advice. I would also highly recommend the Ergo baby carrier- if you are staying somewhere that the stroller isn't practical or even if you are- I would say it will be a life saver. I use my all through the airport right to my seat. (You will need to take it off through security). Then you can use it everywhere you want to walk with out dealing with the stroller. It's so comfortable and your baby will stay happy longer. Good luck

First off you need to calm down and don't stress out so much, otherwise you will drive yourself nuts !! Of course every mother is concerned about the safety of her baby, that's a given, but when traveling in a foreign country, you have to sometimes adapt to the way the locals do things. So if the bus don't have seatbelts, go with it - the chance of something happening is very slim, people ride the bus everyday with no problems. You can't live life worrying about the unknown, if so, you shouldn't even go on an airplane, because that could crash too. The reality is, your own vehicle (car) is more unsafe than any of the other things mentioned, and more people die in traffic related fatalities driving their own vehicle. So relax and stop worrying, everything will work out. Part of the fun experience of traveling is doing things differently.

I would definitely take a lightweight portable stroller (one that reclines for an infant, not an umbrella stroller, as your baby needs to lie back), check the internet for one. This you will definitely want when going through airports, and when you need an extra hand to carry luggage, your baby in a safe stroller will be a necessity. You can check it in at the gate when you board the plane and they will have it for you at the next gate when you deboard the plane, which makes it really convenient.

Bring plenty of dipers and wipes on board, a sturdy big diper bag with everything you might need. Baby board books, little things he/she can see/play with while on the plane. Don't forget his food (if nursing that would be the most convenient) otherwise, whatever you give him.
Greece is the best - love it there, and once you get there, in case you forgot anything back in the states, don't worry about it, they sell everything there too !! Have a fabulous trip and take 10 deep breaths now !!! :)

Definitely bring your stroller , at least an umbrella one. You can check it in right at the gate before you board the plane. You would regret not bringing it , trust meOn the plane make sure to pack a change of clothes for the baby and you too. Huggies overnights are a must for the entire day of travel.At some point the baby will cry on the plane . Don't worry about it . It happens to everyone.Alsi, change the baby in your seat. Be ready and do it quickly. The bathroom on the plane can barely fit an adult . They have a board that pulls down to change the baby . I wouldn't risk it with an infant.Just remember you can do it. You will get there and everything will be fine. Have a safe trip. Meto kalo ne pame ( I think that's how it goes !)
In regards to the car seat, bring it and don't worry about the taxi driver. If he wants a tip he will have to deal with it :)If you can bring diapers for the trip I would, they are expensive and not always as good.

I haven't been to Greece, but I did go to Mexico with my two 5-month-old twins and my three year old last winter for two months and my husband had never been there. Thankfully we both speak Spanish, though, so that wasn't an issue. As for the car seat issue, well, I think Mexico is probably a lot worse for not using car seats than Greece is! I would think Greece would have to comply with EU rules over that sort of stuff and I would imagine it's maybe more modern than you remember now. Also, Greeks are probably well used to American tourists coming over with their car seats, etc. A cab driver will wait, so don't worry. He may run the meter or charge more, but he'll wait. As for the buses, buses in the US don't have seat belts either, so I'm not sure what you're worried about. You'd go on a bus here with your son, right? But if you're that worried, then keep him in his infant carrier while you ride on the bus so that he won't bounce around and you'll be able to hold him better.
I think not taking a stroller would be a HUGE mistake! Why wouldn't you? If it's a size issue, then you can always grab an umbrella stroller for $20 at Babies R Us or Target or somewhere. If it's a cost issue, see if someone can lend you one or try a thrift store. I think you'll be happy you had one in the airport, nevermind in Greece! I would just remember any favourite blankets or toys and a couple of toys that will keep him interested on the airplane. I never pack cars, though, as we lost a few of those on early flights with our first and he also liked to roll them along the tops of the seat, etc., which annoyed other passengers. Bring a sippy cup or something for him to drink water out of as you'll want him to be plenty hydrated when you travel in the plane and also it's great for him to suck on when you're landing or taking off. And snacks, lots of snacks if he's eating solids. Baby Mum Mums are great for that age as they are not too messy and babies usually love them.
As for your husband not speaking Greek, well, I went to Greece 20 years ago and didn't speak a word of Greek and I was fine. He'll get around no problem, especially in tourist areas as most people will speak English.
All that said, if I were you, I'd be more scared of the jet-lag with an infant than anything else!! :-) Have a great trip!