Health Forums

Posted: 31 December 2006 at 8:44pm | IP Logged

hi madmums,

im back my computer broke but we got a new one for xmas so im back and yet again in desperate need of advice! Im off to see my mum in two weeks in thai land and im taking sam with me (he will be six months) its over 24 hrs from start to finish and we get on three different planes im am worrid sick about the journey and not a clue how i will take everything, like milk, how do i do his feeds? will his ears hurt? how do i clean his bottles? i am completly clueless and need all the help and advice i can get. so come on mums what do you know about taking a baby long haul? xxxx

thanks elsie x

Posted: 31 December 2006 at 10:45pm | IP Logged

Use cartons - always easier! I breastfed when I was travelling with Ed so even easier!

Phone the airline and explain your situation as they may be able to allow you a special hand luggage allowance or have some helpful suggestions.

Take his fave toys (not too noisy or they will upset other passengers), fave cuddly toys, snacks (if weaned), dummy (worth having one even if you dont normally use them for the take off and landing), layed clothes to take off/put on as temp changes, enough nappies (but remember you can buy these at the airports). If he gets fractious a nappy change break can break up the flight even if not needed, I found other passengers and air stewardesses helpful in chatting playing to lo.

Good luck. It really wont be as bad as you think!

Posted: 31 December 2006 at 11:39pm | IP Logged

he used to have seven oz four times a day with his food but at mo who knows he seems to be hungry all the time and going through seven or eight bottls of 4/5 oz milk a day how can i take all that on board .ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhh

Posted: 01 January 2007 at 11:40am | IP Logged

Hello there.

I've travelled extensively with both my children so have some experience of this.

Firstly, most airline companies, especially long haul ones are extremely helpful when it comes to parents and young children.  Most allow you to take the pushchair/pram upto the gate, but you will be expected to collapse it yourself.  You will be probably (and hopefully) be asked to board first, which is always a bonus. 

You can ask for a bulkhead, but won't be guaranteed one.  Some package operators will charge you a premium rate so be warned.  I can't remember if you will be eligible for a skycot, but it may be worth asking.

My youngest had a problem with his ears popping on descent.  If you can get your lo to suckle this may ease it for him.  Take some toys and teething rusks as these can be great distractions.

I also visited my doctor before hand for advice.  He prescribed phenargan for my son (he was 2 at the time), but again, you will have to get medical advice on this.  Phenargan helps with keeping normally active children (which covers most!) calm.  It doesn't harm them, instead it relaxes them.  We had a 10 hour journey to trinidad with a stopover in Antigua so we opted for this.

As for milk, take powder and a bottle or two of cooled, boiled water.  At six months your lo should be ok with normal water, but that's up to.  To be honest, when travelling you can't be too picky anyway and have to opt for what is available.

Most airlines supply nappies and changing facilities, but again, if I were you I would ask for a seat near it as you could find yourself struggling up and down a tight aisle with changing bag and baby in hand and it isn't pleasant for you or the other passengers!!

Finally, try and relax.  I often found the stewardesses lovely and accommodating whenever I travelled with the los, and don't be afraid to use that call-out button above your head-it comes in handy!!