Roadtrip downunder with a 2year old toddler

[Fishy]

Hi, I need some advices from drivers and parents who went to Australia...

 

I will be travelling with my family and includes a 2year old toddler. I will be touring Sydney and thought of borrowing a car from a relative who lives in Sydney.

 

Que: I need to bring in milk powder for my boy for his consumption. That is probably not a problem on the flight but how do I bring the powder past the Australian customs?

 

Que: I also need to bring in medication for him, basic medication eg flu, fever, cough. Do I need to check them in or can I hand carry them? If so, do I need to declare or obtain pedi's letter?

 

Que: If I were to borrow my relative's car to drive in Sydney, anything special I need to look out for? Also, is their parking in places of interest expensive?

 

Que: I was told Australian police go down tough on drivers who drive without a childseat for their child. I have a childseat here in SGP but is there a way to rent the carseat in Australia? If so, where and price?

 

Que: If I were to bring in my own stroller, how do I check that in? Put it compartment above passenger seats?

 

Any other advices will be helpful. This is my first trip overseas with my child.

Thank you..

 

 

 

 

[Strat]

Hi, just want to share my experience below:

 

Hi, I need some advices from drivers and parents who went to Australia...

 

I will be travelling with my family and includes a 2year old toddler. I will be touring Sydney and thought of borrowing a car from a relative who lives in Sydney.

 

Que: I need to bring in milk powder for my boy for his consumption. That is probably not a problem on the flight but how do I bring the powder past the Australian customs?

You need to declare to the customs at airport, they usually let you bring in but there's a limit

 

Que: I also need to bring in medication for him, basic medication eg flu, fever, cough. Do I need to check them in or can I hand carry them? If so, do I need to declare or obtain pedi's letter?

 

Just declare that it's medicine for your baby and it should be fine. if there's a pedi letter, it'll help.

 

Que: If I were to bring in my own stroller, how do I check that in? Put it compartment above passenger seats?

You can check in the stroller at the boarding gate, usually they will let people with infant to board 1st.

 

 

[Ben5266]

1. Milk. No problem.

2. Medicine. Can hand carry but must have label with your child's name printed.

3. Child seat. You can bring your child seat. I saw ang mo did that before. Asian seldom does.

4. Stroller. Tell the check in counter you need the stroller up to the gate. They will help you. Different airline/airport has different system. Usually, they will have 1 label on the stroller with your seat number written.

You can push it to the gate. Must also fold and scan at security. At the aerobridge, leave it at the entrance to Business class. Sometimes, they will collect from us before boarding.

When arrive, collect it at the bridge. But for some airport, you need to collect it at the belt.

 

I checked in a tricycle before when we went holiday in states. No issue at all.

 

Btw, you may cut queue when boarding.

[Fishy]

3. Child seat. You can bring your child seat. I saw ang mo did that before. Asian seldom does.

 

 

Hi,

did you drive in Australia with your child in the car? Did you drive with carseat or without carseat? If no, did you rent from somewhere? I'm not sure if they are available from the car rental company but I am not renting a car from them...

 

[XALmoN]

it is the law to have a child seat when driving around with a toddler.

 

and i hope your kid doesn't cry for no reason. I had a 7.5hour flight filled with crying for more than half the time..

 

As for driving in australia, they are VERY strict on adhering to the speed limit, you have an allowance of 3km/h.. anymore, its a fine.. 134$ for 64 in a 60 zone.. 234$ for speeding between 10 and 20kmh over..

 

Just look out for kangaroos and wildlife when driving,

[Ben5266]

Hi,

did you drive in Australia with your child in the car? Did you drive with carseat or without carseat? If no, did you rent from somewhere? I'm not sure if they are available from the car rental company but I am not renting a car from them...

We did not drive. But when we booked for airport transfer, we specify the taxi must have baby seat. They are quite supportive on the use of car seat.

But for hygiene purpose, I suggest you bring your own if you are renting a car there.

 

 

[Fishy]

we are not renting a car but borrowing a relative car. We wanted to check in our stroller but it seems like the carseat must go in too... but seems like there are carseat rental services in Sydney

carseat rental

and i was not aware they have taxis that come with carseats... thats really interesting...

Edited February 25, 2011 by Fishy