Traveling to Greece with and infant in May

[sloughran2]

I'm traveling to Greece in May with my husband, my one year old, and a baby on the way. I have no idea what I'm doing planning this and I need help. I have many questions.
1. Where can I find car seats and what are the best ways to travel once I'm in Greece?
2. What is the best way to feed my child there? He is one. Should I bring my own baby food? Jar food?
3. I'm going to Athens, Santorini, and Mykanos, are these good places to go with an infant?
4. Are there any recommended hotels to stay at that are really family oriented? Is there such a thing?
5. Any tips on traveling with an infant with reference to how the heat is or the water or whatever?
I know these may seem odd but I haven't traveled much but I'm excited to go and I just want to make this trip as smooth as possible. I'll take any advice I can get. Thanks!

[twocents]

I'd love to help you. I have a 4 year old, but traveled with her to Greece when she was 6 months and up, and we live here now.

1. I'd like to say that Greece is "child" friendly, but there are a few frustrating things. The streets are not very accomodating for strollers, so I'd recommend a kangaroo pack, or something you can carry your child without the need of a stroller. When you rent a car, they do have car seats, but I would book this in advance. I've not found any specific laws for actually using a car seat, but do know that children are not permitted to sit in the front seat.

2. It's very rare to find a restaurant with highchairs, so keep this in mind. When we visited the islands, we would take our stroller just so that we could feed our daughter in her stroller when going out to a restaurant. Jars of baby food are available and I do know they have various baby cereals and milk powders.

3. You've picked beautiful islands to visit. The weather will be warm in May, but not necessarily the water.in fact it might be on the cooler side. Generally speaking, Santorini and Myconos are "celebrity" type islands and known for being party islands. Given that you're traveling with a one year old, they don't require much entertainment necessarily, so I don't think you'll be disappointed when you don't find any Disney type hotel offerings. It's all about the view, the sea, the calm, the people. Local shops sell all kinds of water/beach type toys. Also keep in mind most restaurants start much later in the evening, very typical for people to start their dinner at 10:00 pm.

4. There is no such thing as a "family" hotel, all hotels accomodate children so to speak. What you may be interested in getting though is a hotel room with a kitchenette, that way you won't be bound by any breakfast rules, and you'd be able to heat of a jar of food and such. Perhaps a hotel with a pool that way if you find the sea is still too cold, you'll have an alternative.

5. Definitely bring lots of sunscreen and hats. On the islands at night there's a good breeze sailing through so I'd definitely bring some warmer cloths for night, like jackets. As for the water, as I said before, the sea might be a bit cooler in May, but playing in the sand will be a joy! Drinking water is heavily flourinated in Greece. You can make a coffee with tap water, cook with it, but if you drink water on it's own, you will consider purchasing it. No problem with the milk, and it comes in many fat levels.

If you have any other questions, let me know!

[sloughran2]

Thank you so much! That is so helpful! I'm really looking forward to the trip but I'm nervous about the flight! Any tips on taking baby that far?

[twocents]

You will be allowed to bring milk for your child on board (check the quantities with your airline). When the flight takes off & lands, try to have your child drink, to reduce the air pressure. Most airlines are quite agreeable to warming up your bottle if necessary or baby food.

Some parents have sworn by giving their children Benadryl during flights to calm them down, but our daughter only gets more hyper. Since our flights always left at night from North America to Europe, we always tried to skip a nap in order to exhaust our child. if not possible, just try to keep them busy for as long as possible prior to the flight.and pray they fall asleep during the flight.


Have some snacks (teething food) and make sure to bring a few hand toys. You'll be allowed to bring your stroller all the way to the entrance of the plane, at which point they will then remove it and put it in the hull. When you get off the plane, stay by the entrance of the plane as they'll return the stroller to you there.just might have to wait a bit longer.

Change your baby's diaper before boarding.the toilets are quite small as you know. If your child isn't walking yet, bring that kangaroo pack on board and walk up and down the aisles when permitted.

I would pack a small medical bag with you and bring it inboard. Children's Tylenol or something like that, thermometer, benadryl, neosporin.

It's not a piece of cake bringing a child, but it is an adventure! have fun!