[ozmaofoz]

Husband just got a year+ contract in HK. Infant son and myself to follow in March. What do I bring? How should I travel with a one year old baby?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

[pkh]

I just moved back to HK with my 8 month old. I would suggest buying some over the counter children's medicine - baby tylenol, pediacare etc... can't seem to find them in HK. Also, I would bring some extra cans of formula to make sure your baby have some familiar milk to tie over transition to local formula. We also used Evian for my baby's formula 2 weeks before and after the move, to make sure she gradually transitions to local water... Unless you have a very compact and lightweight stroller, probably better to buy one in HK that fits the local environment. The two strollers we brought here proved to be too bulky for HK streets and lifts...

Remember to ask for a bulk head seat and a bassinet when you fly... the hanging bassinet is much better than the one used on the floor... the latter is too small and won't stand up properly for the baby to sleep... acutally my baby ended up sleeping on the floor on a blanket for 6 hours during the flight... Also, start adapting the baby to the time difference before you leave - that will make it easier for you and him/her.

It will be fun for both of you to travel... Hong Kong is a nice place... Enjoy the move and hope this helps a little bit.

[loupou]

in HK, what is called "tylenol" in the US is called "paracetemol" here. You can buy it at most dispensaries and Watsons etc.

If you're using formula, try to search the cans of formula (usually sold as a powder here) by maker. So, if you used to a Mead Johnson brand where you come from, go for it here.

No need to use bottled water for the baby if you boil it. Problem isn't the ater itself as much as the pipes in some older buildings.

If you use fresh milk, be prepared for price shock :)

A baby carrier is very useful.

[ozmaofoz]

Thank you for the suggestions and advice!

I'm breastfeeding, and baby will be a year old at that point so I'm not terribly worried about formula. He does have a pretty severe cow's milk protein and soy protein allergy (found out when I was supplementing him with formula the first few months). This might seem like a super strange question, but....is there any possibility of fresh goat's milk in HK?

Do I need to bring a car seat? We will not have a car in HK, but it might be a nice thing to have on the plane - he passes out in that seat, it's so comfy. The thought of lugging it through an airport isn't very appealing, though.

These are all the various baby-carrying devices I have -

Sturdy Backpack
http://www.babygenie.com/product_details.asp?pid=917

Soft Sidepack (like a baby Bjorn but for older babies & toddlers)
http://www.mamamoon.com/hiphasobaca.html

Lightweight Stroller (still bigger than an umbrella stroller)
http://www.dealtime.com/xPC-Graco_Ci...an_Chic_647437

Should I bring all three? Should I try and ship anything before I come, or would that be a waste?

I thought lugging all the baby junk around in this city was a pain, but I am absolutely confused at what to do about baby junk and traveling halfway around the world. I don't want to bring anything and then figure out that I really didn't need to. At the same time, I've spent wayyyyyy too much time figuring out the exact baby junk that is perfect for us and I'm a little too invested in the stuff. Yes, it's a stupid dilemma. I agree!

I still don't know what part of HK we'll have an apartment in. I only know that it's got one regular bedroom and a second smaller one. I assume that it will be quite small.

I've also got some helper questions. If this has been discussed in a recent thread, then please forgive me. Would a full-time helper (40 hours/week) have to be live-in? What is the general pay? I've never dealt with the issue of servants ever, and I could use some guidance there.

Again, your help is much appreciated!

[ozmaofoz]

Also - I'm not a big fan of tylenol (paracetamol) except for fevers associated with the huge number of vaccinations that are recommended in the US. I use baby Motrin (ibuprofen) sparingly for teething pain. Is there an equivalent in HK?

[rani]

Hi Ozmaofoz

I haven't seen fresh goat's milk in HK. Sorry.

There is a large 2nd hand market for baby stuff here, so don't worry if you bring something and don't end up using it. I'm sure u'll find a loving home for it.

Regarding the carrying devices. If you don't plan on getting a car then I would skip the carseat. If its not part of a travel system they can get virtually impossible to carry.

The Lightweight Stroller and the Sidepack are ideal for HK. If you enjoy hiking then I guess you would need the Backpack too.

Also an American cot may not fit in HK's smallish rooms.

Will send you some links on helpers shortly.

Rani

[hkgirl]

Hi Rani,

Where is the baby market that you mentioned?

Thanks.

[rani]

HKGirl,

Market - I was refering to the Classifieds and Trading Posts. ;-)