Paris with Baby

Check out this websites...
http://www.mytravelingbuddy.com/
http://babyjetsetter.blogspot.com/

Bring enough diapers and wipes for the plane ride, and in case your suitcase get lost..
Also an extra clean shirt for you.
And yes... good new toys.
Also try to stay calm and have fun, if you will your baby will !
Good luck

I too have been to all those exotic places you mention (east of novato, 101. We are also planning a trip to Paris, but our son will be 9.

When we flew to Hawaii (our son was 6 months) he was a perfect angel. He had a great plane ride, both ways.

He was still nursing, so that helped. I also bought a brown bag for him with brand new, little toys. The best toy? Stickers and band aides. I dont know if it will work for your baby, but it worked great for us, and another Mom I know tried it and she said it worked.
Cette soupe est bonne.

S.
fairfax

We have travelled with our children since they were newborns. At first it was nerve wracking, but the anxiety goes away. I think it is great that you bought a seat for her. Be sure to also carry on her car seat as well. It provides a good place for her to sleep on the plane. Some airlines also have bassinets, but I don't know if she is too big for that. Check with them. Some of the following information you probably already know, but I will put it in here anyway. (1) Be sure to gate check the stroller. If your daughter will sit in it that's great. If she won't it is a very good luggage cart once you have passed through security on the way there and before you get to baggage claim once you have arrived; (2) If she still takes bottles, usually they are approved to pass security; (3) Wrap up some small, new toys for her to open on the plane and play with (play dough doesn't make it past security)- don't buy things with little pieces though as they easily disappear; (4) pack everything she will need on the plane including changes of clothes in a separate backpack that you put underneath the seat in front of her (5)pack a change of clothes for you too. It is no fun to get off the plane with a soiled shirt; (6)Talk to your pediatrician about any medication they might recommend for ear issues; (7)pack a baby blanket for her, the plane blankets are not so clean; (8)all those trips to Target have yielded some pastic bags that are great to hold trash until you can give it to the flight attendant; (9) I know that TV is controversial but movies, baby einstein, cartoons on a portable DVD player are invaluable; (10)Ignore the people who complain if a baby is crying, etc. (11) pre-board; (12) Let her run around a lot before you get on the plane; (13)Books are good distractions; (14)Have fun, don't worry about routines, the time change will make them impossible. She will be fussy at different times, etc.

I've been flying across country with my son, mostly alone, since he was born. (He's now 15) A variety of snacks goes without saying. I always brought a couple of new toys, 1 that would entertain on the airplane (no noise, please!) and a special car/truck that rolls far on the airport carpet but very slowly for wait time between planes. I don't know what that kind of mechanism is called. Perhaps there is something like that your daughter would like to play with. AND If your child is as active as mine, I would get a type of leash, (YES, I said it) to allow her to walk through the airport but still be safely attached to you. Airports are often frenzied, you might be too but she NEEDS that exercise. I consider that attachment, whatever else you call it, "Peace of mind".
J.