[K&CS]

When we fly in 3 weeks, Alex will be just a few days short of 6 months old. Has anybody made the journey with a baby of a similar age? We're breaking the journey up with a stop in Singapore, but it's still a hell of a journey to get through! Anyone got any tips? His sisters are 6 and 8 and although they did fly as babies, it was only on short flights to Europe. I can see everyone's heart sinking when we get on the plane, especially if they're sat near us! btw, he's breastfed (won't take a bottle or dummy) and is just starting to have solid foods! Oh, and I think it looks like he's going to start teething soon to boot - happy days!!

Thanks

Kate x

[tigerlily]

We did quite a few 6 hour flights (nothing like NZ, but still seemed long at the time) with our twins. Their first was at 6 months (and they were breastfeed too). I think breastfeeding makes it easier! Nothing to mix, heat up or dispose of. Is it going to be a night flight? I think those are much easier for little ones than adults. Have you asked for a cot? Or a bulkhead seat? I always packed several outfits for the kids in ziplock baggies. Actually, ziplock baggies for everything!

http://www.twinslist.org/flying.htm
That page has a whole lot of tips for you.
Make sure that you bring lots of extra drinks for you, since you'll be in the air so long and they never give enough.

I think this topic was covered a while back, so try a search as well.
Best of luck to all of you!

[Oregonkiwi]

hi
I flew from USA to NZ last year when my son had just turned one (and getting ready to do it again just after his 2nd birthday). He was still nursing a lot then and that made it easy to comfort him and get him to sleep. He had his own seat on the plane so I took his car seat on the plane for him. Are you buying your baby a seat? If not, see if you can request a bassinet. On Air NZ, they have bassinets that fold out from the bulkhead, you have to request those seats.

There's lots of advice on the internet about traveling with infants, the one piece of advice I'd give is, pack a change of clothes for yourself. My boy spit up all over me and I was really glad I had an extra t-shirt! And also, saline spray to keep baby's nasal membranes moist, helps prevent catching a cold or whatever is floating around in the cabin.

Good luck!

[clg]

We have had a few long flights with an infant. It is hard but you will get there and forget the flight soon enough. Bring lots of food and clothes and be prepared to spend a lot of time walking around the flight. Also, when the baby cries (and he will) it is not as long or as loud as you think it is and is bothering people less than you think.

Good luck!

[gil]

Great advice from everyone!It seems a long time ago, but I flew with Lauren when she was 3 weeks old (only to Italy from UK) and with the her and Immy when they were 3 and 13 months respectively (to East coast US). That wass before the days of loads of advice on the internet, too.
Points that stick in my mind: breastfeeding definitely made it more straightforward as Tigerlily says; I booked a cot before travelling and it was well worth having; change of clothes for self is invaluable! (Imogen threw up on me...); lots of baby books and small toys were fine in theory, but it was me that Immy wanted, not the toys!
In all honesty, both trips were fine and I remember feeling quite chuffed at achieveing it.

Good luck,
Gil

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Kate

Agree with all said above. If you're with Singapore Airlines the basinets (need to book before though!) are really good and you will have more space at those seats for the rest of the family too. Our Amy was 17mths when we last went to NZ and we hadn't booked a seat for her, just the basinet which she just about still fitted in.

Singapore Airlines provide many different childrens meals (again need to pre-book) even pureed (sp) and post-weaning meals - maybe something for you/baby? Breastfeeding, and feeling close to you will more than likely to the trick when baby becomes a bit fretfull, but at that age you may find the sound of the aircraft engines will promote extra sleep! Your older children will love the inflight entertainment channels (our eldest is 6).

Don't worry too much, sometimes our children (and babies!) surprise. Very best of luck, we're not far behind you flying on 6th March.

Babette

[jubjub]

Just found this, looks good

http://www.flyingwithkids.co.nz/travel_tips.htm

[veronica]

this has been covered a few times so might be worth doing a forum search.