[lionbird]

My goodness.. I can't imagine doing what we had to do yesterday with the baby! Flying into Miami..the customs thing..having to pick up all your bags..going through security AGAIN with your checked bags.... negotiating the airport to find the next gate etc... then going through security AGAIN.. I was exhausted. I am super stressed about having to do it with the baby. Any tips?

[amymichele]

Can you fly direct? In my area (NJ/NY) you can fly direct on Saturdays. That might help a bit.

[jenniem]

I was so stressed about the travel home- I had really worked myself up. It went very smooth. So much easier than I thought it would be. You'll be okay. Ask for assistance if you need it. Airport staff are very willing to help you when traveling with a baby. Organize before you leave. Know where all of your stuff is (paperwork, bottles, etc). And you know to have your passports handy and wear slip on shoes.

Remember it's just one day and then you will be home!!! You'll do great. You'll be so focused on the baby that things just work out.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

[jldaoakes]

We took an umbrella stroller with us for easy transport of our 10 1/2 month old. As long as you have a carrier for the baby it will make it easier for you. I too was nervous about the trip home...his first airplane ride etc. It all went better then I had expected. Like someone else said be organized and know where things are at. Try to carry on the minimum will help also. You'll do fine.

Julie

[linda512]

I used a baby carrier and that helped some. Flying direct is really worth it if you can. But, whatever happens, you will do it and it will be over and you will be home with your baby!

Linda

[annaguat]

For me the visit trip was very helpful. We purposely went the same route for the pick up trip. Also besure to have a well packed diaper bag and a carrier and or stroller. Try and stay calm the baby will react to you if you stress. If you miss your connecting flight because of inadequate time they should let you on the next flight without penalty. Also scheduling a good break between flights can aleviate some stress. Some people buy an extra seat for baby even if they do not bring a infant carseat. Just the extra space is nice to have in the plane. Also make sure you do not wear a belt or shoes that are hard to take off. This enables you to go through security more smoothly. Best wishes. Just think we all came home home. With all my pick up trips I have always had two children with me and it always worked out. Anna

[cmfayz]

My advice is not to go through Miami. From what I have heard, Miami customs is the worst. We went through Dallas and it was a breeze! Also, I put Matthew in the Bjorn and used the stroller for carrying stuff.

[ej-momtobe]

1. Avoid a miami connection. There is a difference if you go through a calmer airport.

2. Limit carry-on luggage to the things absolutely needed for the baby.

3. Bring a stroller

4. Allow at least 2 hours between flights so you will not feel rushed.

5. In my experience people are much more polite and helpful when you are with a baby. (especially if it looks like you may need help). Allow people to help you where it makes sense. Allow someone else to get your luggage off the belt, for example,
if they offer.

6. Use a luggage cart at the customs area.

7. If you are not having someone meet you at your destination, splurge and get a porter to help.

8. Ask the airlines for early boarding with the baby so you can get on and get settled early and not have to deal with a boarding crowd.

9. At the GC airport, ask where the elevator is so you do not have to go up stairs/escallator with a stroller. The elevator is in a back area (out of the way, you would NEVER find it on your own).

[arthymom]

Houston was a breeze! Visit trip confirmed for us that we'll try Houston or a direct from Newark.

[pjeanmm]

I was worried also about the trip home, but after going through all the appointments and spending a few days with our daughter before we boarded that plane helped a ton. I thought if I can make it through all the appointments in Guat. then the trip home will be easy. You'll have a whole different frame of mind when you go to pick up. The plane ride won't even be an issue. You'll just be in love!!

[jcelestino]

It's really not that bad. Keep the carryons light, use a stroller and/or carrier. Once that baby is a toddler, flying gets much more difficult, IMO!

[Rhody]

We avoided Miami on the advice of our agency. They said immigration there is super busy. Instead, we looked to fly through Atlanta or Houston, or Carolina.
We also opted to stay over in Atlanta for a nite to give ourselves time to relax.
I also used a baby carrier, which helped. And DH and I decided before hand who would carry what bags, papers, etc. I too was very concerned, but we just took our time, and it went a lot better than I thought. Our son must have sensed it I guess because he slept through almost all of it!

[widgit]

Homecoming day with our 5 1/2 month old like-twins was the most exhausting and one of the most joyous days our lives. DS was too pudgy for the bijorn so DH carried him through 3 airports and customs, while I "wore" DD and lugged most of the baggage. We looked pathetic and yet funny.

1) If you think that your baby might be near the weight limit on a carrier, take the stroller!!
2) Pack light for yourselves & check as much as possible.
3) Let uniformed airport personnel help you with bags etc.
4) Use one of airport luggage carts anywhere you can.
5) Arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and help get your bags to the car.
6) Take a nap the day before your flight home.
7) Opt for a early morning flight out of GC that won't get you home at o-dark-thirty.
8) Most importantly, while you are dragging your tired tail through the last airport, remember that THIS is the day that you have been looking forward to for so very long. Perspective can do wonders.

[sassycindy]

You didn't say how old you baby is, but if the baby is young (under 9 mo.) i would definitely NOT take a stroller. Wear the baby. much easier and both hands are free. I pretty much just had a few bottles and a few diapers--but i had been a parent before and have flown with toddler twins, so the idea of flying with 1 baby was actually quite relaxing!

We flew thru Fort Lauderdale and it was a breeze. unfortunately they cancelled our flight from FL to home so we had to take 2 more flights and be routed through Charlotte. Even with these delays, it was all pretty easy.

Good luck and don't sweat it. relax and enjoy! take lots of pictures.

[lionbird]

This may sound silly, but, one of the reasons we picked Guatemala because its so close to us..in Florida. I am a terrible flyer..I get really stressed and stay stressed until I am off of the plane. So landing in Miami is probably my best choice and connecting to tampa as the total amount of time on airplanes is fairly short.

Our plan to to make pick up trip as short as possible..bring only carry ons and I will wear the baby. My only concern at this point (thanks to you all ) is that I think a feeding will be necessary in the Miami airport before getting onto our connecting flight. He takes bottles warm...how do you think I could do that in the airport?

I don't know how in the world I would be getting through this process if It weren't for the forum. I met two other folks adopting when I was on my visit trip and they are not on here. They definately seemed more lost than me!!

I encouraged them to check us out!