Flying with a baby long haul

1. Ask for a bassinet seat

 

Most major airlines will have baby bassinets on board meaning you get a free bed for your little one! In order to get this you need to call them in advance, ask if they have them and then reserve it. In reality you don't really reserve it 100% but having expressed interest definitely makes it more likely for you to get one. You will need to remind them during check in too.

 

2. Fly during nap time time

 

Entertaining a baby on the plane is possible but it's much easier to watch them sleep. If you fly during nap time or get an overnight flight then chances are you'll get your baby to sleep and have some time off!

 

3. Pack essentials in hand luggage

 

Babies are entitled to a carry on of their own (they basically get the same allowance as the parents on board) so think of what you will need during the flight. Some must haves are: snacks, nappies and wipes, bottles for milk or water, some toys and spare clothes.

 

4. Bring a couple of different outfits

 

The temperature on the plane is unpredictable. Sometimes planes are quite hot and sometimes they're cold. I recommend bringing a few different types of clothes or even better use layers so you can adjust accordingly. You want your baby to be as comfortable as possible on the flight.

 

5. Adjust your baby's sleep times

 

If you're flying long haul chances are you'll have a big time difference when you arrive. What we like to do is start adjusting our baby's sleep time to halfway between the old and new timezone. For example, if you're going forward (meaning bedtime is coming sooner than usual) then we'd let him sleep a bit less on the plane. If we're going back (meaning that bedtime is a lot later than usual) then we'll do extra naps or longer naps so we don't have an overtired baby!

 

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