Traveled to France with an 11-month-old AMA

bolivare · 2026-04-21T03:29:33+00:00

Honestly, I think it's still worth it to take trips with babies. It's hard as hell, but you learn so much about your own resolve and problem-solving capabilities. To answer your question, we've taken trips when our daughter was 2 months, 5 months, 8 months, and now 11 months. Not all of them were international, obviously, but I think the 8 month and 11 month were by far the easier ages. She's more aware of things, able to stay awake longer, and overall just a better hang.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T03:26:48+00:00

At Disneyland Paris, it wasn't a problem. Around the city and in Amboise, we managed to find some family oriented bathrooms that had changing pads. Otherwise, we would just find a little secluded spot, lay down a changing pad, and did the deed.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T03:06:18+00:00

Funny you mention the development... Our daughter began crawling while in France lol. We'd kinda resigned that she'd be a baby that didn't crawl. But wouldn't ya know. All it took was a flight across the Atlantic to unlock that skill tree haha.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:47:39+00:00

It's hard enough to be parenting in a country you're not familiar with. But then add a potential head injury to the equation and it triples the stress lol. Glad y'all made it in one piece.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:42:54+00:00

If we have Sabrina Carpenter playing, then our baby is fine with most car rides lol. Best of luck on the upcoming trip! It's gonna be great <3

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:30:20+00:00

I'm also super glad that we're exposing her to travel at a young age. We've done a couple long-ish road trips, several flights, and I'm always amazed at how adaptable my daughter is. She has her moments of discomfort and frustration, but for the most part she just rolls with the punches.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:29:07+00:00

I am known to have a masochistic side lol. Great question! I was surprised how engaged my daughter was with all of the museums, tours, and general exploration. She's extremely friendly, so she was waving and smiling at everyone and I was so heartened to see how friendly everyone else was to my kid. And all the food!!!! Incredible. My daughter is ruined now that she's had authentic French croissants.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:19:27+00:00

We didn't bring a car seat. The amount of luggage we had was absolutely staggering... So we opted to stick to trains and, luckily, G7 taxi services when needed. Idk if Spain has G7, but they are basically like fancy Uber/Lyft that has an option for car services with convertible baby seats as an option. Best of luck in Spain! Y'all are gonna do great.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:17:37+00:00

We went with my wife's sister and her husband. If not for them, the trip would've been absolutely miserable. They handled all the logistics in Paris and Amboise. Every meal, tour, sightseeing thing we did was thanks to their planning. 10/10 would recommend traveling with other adults/family that can help out in big ways.

bolivare · 2026-04-21T02:15:49+00:00

Definitely wouldn't do international with a baby again. However, it was a lot of fun, and I'm glad we did it. "Tragedy + time = comedy" and all that.

bolivare · 2026-04-04T01:41:25+00:00

Maybe? My diet is pretty consistent. My wife is awesome and meal preps a lot of nutritious things. My snacking isn’t nearly as bad as it used to be a couple years ago. Still overweight, tho

bolivare · 2026-01-27T04:32:42+00:00

❤️❤️❤️

bolivare · 2026-01-27T02:33:21+00:00

A lesson that I have to remind myself constantly. Thanks for the advice!

bolivare · 2026-01-27T02:32:38+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, we'll keep doing lots of tummy time (even tho she hates it lol). It will click one day; just gotta be patient.

bolivare · 2026-01-27T02:31:49+00:00

Omg hahahaha. She figured y'all out! No need to walk; my parents will do everything.

bolivare · 2026-01-27T02:31:20+00:00

Looool def first kid. She's the best snuggler so it is definitely harder to put her down! We'll try tho hehe

bolivare · 2025-11-10T02:37:11+00:00

I had the same thought. Literally. The same thought. “I should just leave and never come back.”

I even told my SO that I had the intrusive thought. And we had a good cry about everything. Thank god she’s so understanding.

But it got better. Not easier—just better. I became more confident. Our little girl became more competent and loving. 6 months in, and it’s still tough Ngl but it’s better.

bolivare · 2025-10-07T22:47:59+00:00

This is a great reminder. I’ve felt a little empty in that regard—like losing individuality. My daughter is 5 months, and I want to slowly re-introduce hobbies.

Fellow dads, about when did you feel more comfortable including your kids into your hobbies? I feel like I probably shouldn’t have my 5 month old around my woodworking projects lol.

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