Medical Clearance, etc..for newborn?

[Ralyn]

Hi there! Husband already in Okinawa. I'm PCS'ng in Jan '10 w/ newborn (due in Nov) I am wondering if my baby has to go through clearance also and does she/he (surprise baby) needs a passport, etc.? What are the requirements for the baby to get there? I really appreciate your help. Thanks a lot!

[Kris A]

Yes baby will need a passport and shots up to date and no other medical problems. I think they will still make you have a dentist sign off for the baby as well but that is no big deal.

[Ralyn]

Hi Kris. Thank you so much for your help. =)

[Angele Rains]

Ralyn,
HEy I thought I would chime in having just been through this myself. We had a baby August 19th husband got to the island september 11th. I got here On October the 4th. Here's what you need to do. LIterally the day you have your baby you need to start. Talk with the hospital staff to work on getting the birth certificate and social security card expedited. This will be a headache and a million times you will be told opposing things about this being possible or not. Pretty much call the state health and vital records main office (usually in the state capital) and figure out ahead of time how you need to get the birth certificate rushed so you know what to say to whom when the time comes. Then request immediate application for the social security card also (they can usually start these steps for you at the hospital). You cannot apply for the passport until you have BOTH of these documents. Next before your husband leaves you need to get the appropriate form signed by your husband and notarized else they will not let you apply for the passport. Both parents have to apply jointly for a childs passport so they will deny your application if you do not get the proper notarized form. see:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html

I believe this is the link to the form:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds3053/ds3053_846.html

Once you have recieved all your passports THEN your husband will have to go to the travel office and book your travel. Also I will go ahead and tell you for a little one like that when you do travel make sure you have them book a seat for the child and bring the carseat on the plane it will be such a relief for you not to have to hold the baby the entire time. ALSO beware when you land in tokyo you have to claim all your baggage and drag it thru customs then recheck it, I am talking walking all the way through one large terminal changing floor levels, loading it all on a bus to get to another terminal and then having to walk all the way to the end of that terminal. I was told mistakenly that my baggage would go straight to my final destination and was travelling with a 6 week old and a 19 month old as well as a double stroller roller carry on and had checked 9 LARGE suitcases, I wanted to cry trying to manage in tokyo lol.If you have any other questions let me know.