Passport: Your baby/toddler will need a passport to travel internationally, a birth certificate will not suffice. Both parents need to be present at the passport office to apply for the baby/toddler passport.
Average time: 4-6 weeks ( you can expedite)
Average cost: $105
Need: a certified copy of birth certificate (different from a copy), don't forget to get a passport photo either.
Global Entry: You don't need global entry, but I highly recommend it. It's a card similar to a drivers license that you can use to get through customs entering the U.S. without waiting in the long line which can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. From experience, the security agents do not care if you miss your flight without global entry you are at the mercy of a long line of people all arriving at the same time going through a customs checkpoint with maybe 2-3 people stamping your passport. Chicago O'hare airport is the worst..I can say that after living in Chicago for 6 years and re entering the U.S. through this airport.
Process: Apply online fee is $100, you will then schedule an appointment at local airport, and after the appointment receive your card.
Tip: With certain miles levels your fee is waived. A majority of the time your global entry number will give you precheck status.
Remember: Parents and baby/toddler both have to have global entry cards.
Meal Request on airline: A majority of airlines you can request a child's meal, as long as the child has their own seat. Example: main dish (broccoli, chicken strip, pasta) side dish (bread roll, cup of grapes, cup of carrot sticks) snack (potato chips, kit kat bar, jello, blueberry muffin, granola bar).
Security: We have transferred through Chicago O'Hare, Frankfurt, and London for international connections. Every airport is different as far as getting from one terminal to another, even slight security differences, and gate screen terminals. Whenever flying international you need to go through a customs checkpoint and may also have to pick up baggage and drop it at another location. This takes time, at least an hour between connections.
Changing Diapers: Always pack more diapers than you think. I pack one diaper for every 3 hours, baby/toddler will most likely poop too.
Tip: Put an overnight diaper on baby/toddler for longer flights
Milk on the plane: A majority of airlines do not provide milk anymore or have a very limited amount. I will bring a small insulted lunchbox with ice pack and 3-4 horizon milk boxes. I always pack extra because when we land I may not have time to get to a grocery store right away.
What to bring vs What to buy
Diapers: pack for the flight and your first day there. Buy your diapers in Europe. It was save you the space in your suitcase and not a large cost difference
Tip: It is difficult to find swim diapers and overnight diapers. Large Family Resorts with a market onsite may have limited supply of swim diapers.
Milk: There are two kinds of milk in Europe long shelf life milk, that is warm and taste similar to formula. The second is cold milk, you can find both kinds at any market.
Baby Food: There are no food pouches in Europe, I saw a very limited amount of glass baby food jars. I recommend bringing your own.
Restaurants: Highchairs are only common at hotels or resorts. A majority of restaurants provide seat cushions for toddlers.
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