I have travelled many long-haul flights with a baby, both with my first born and my second baby, and every time it is a slightly different experience. Unfortunately, I cannot count on my child being in a good mood, well behaved or in the mood for being easily entertained. I also cannot bank on one of the most important hat tricks for long-haul flights – having child-loving people sitting next to me. Seriously, clucky, baby adoring people are like a dancing unicorn on a long flight! I am about to embark on another long-haul adventure, but instead of being terrified about what may or may not happen I feel more assured than previous times. I still do get pre-travel jitters though, I have always experienced a little excitement, fighting nervousness which tries to masquerade as calm and collected. I have travelled enough times to understand that it will be a journey like no other, no two experiences are the same and a baby certainly won’t conform to my rules just because we are stuck on a plane. That being said, flying with a baby doesn’t need to go down as one your worst experiences of all time. If that were the case then I would have given up flying with a baby a long time ago. I am soon about to embark on a solo journey with my baby. I travelled quite a bit internationally with my first-born Squirrel (yes, his nickname) and the majority of it was just him and I as my husband was tied to work. Now, once again I am travelling to the other side of the world, alone, without my husband, but now with my number two baby, Chipmunk (yes, another nickname) leaving my gorgeous, now pre-schooler, Squirrel with Dadda. No, I would prefer to have all of them with me, but unfortunately, because of various commitments, travelling to the other side of the world with a companion of less than two feet is what I am doing.
If you are like me, and about to embark on a long flight with a baby then here are a few helpful tips for both of us.

Pack the New Flavour of The Month

No, I’m not talking food here (I’ll get to that soon!).
If you have a baby older than a few months you have probably learned that ‘favourite’ toys gets dumped frequently with new toys demanded immediately. Packing a small bag full of goodies that haven’t been played with before will ensure for a less fussy baby on board. This does not have to be a shopping trip full of expensive items which flash bright lights and honk loud sounds. In fact, I would stay clear of any toys which let any kind of beep or squeal at home, unless you want to make your neighbouring passengers a little crazy. The beauty of babies is that they are easily entertained. Pack things like a scarf – to play peek a boo with. Post it notes or large stickers can be hours of entertainment as they stick and unstick. A wooden peg or two, plastic stacking cups, ribbon, a book, and a teething toy. You don’t need to bring the entire toy chest. A few small pieces though can make a world of difference.

Snacks, Water, Milk

Not many know this but the 100ml allowance rule does not apply for baby food and milk. So, if you are at the airport and have a full bottle of milk, or pureed food which is over 100ml you will not be asked to remove them from your carry-on luggage before going through security.
There is usually a great selection of baby food on your flight, which they will offer you at meal times. But if your baby is on solids, and snacking make sure you take their favourite treats on board as you can’t be sure the airline will have something that your baby will think is yummy. Don’t leave your sippy cup at home either, these are also very handy for a thirsty baby. The usual plastic cups can be interesting with a baby on a flight!

Check Yo Self, and Your Baby Gear

I have often felt ridiculous pushing my trolley so overflowing with stuff that something keeps popping out and landing on the floor as I try to walk through the airport. If you found packing for one a bit of a challenge, packing for one and a ‘BABY’ just gets comical. You are allowed to check two baby items in at no charge, so do make sure you take that offer up. Whether it is a stroller, car seat or travel cot these things can come in handy while away so why not take them in exchange for a little hilarity on the trip from your car to the airline desk.

An outfit change. Make that 5

Taking several changes of clothes is one of the most precious little pieces of advice I could give if you are planning on flying long haul with a babe. Not just for baby, but also yourself. Different airlines set different temperatures, and the air flows differently depending on where you sit. So don’t compare the flight you took two years ago when you sweated it out to the one you are about to embark on. Pack for both a warm flight and a cold flight just in case. Light layers are the key.

Don’t Forget to Ask

I have encountered several indifferent flight attendants. But I have also met many who try to move mountains for me as soon as they notice I am travelling with a baby. If you are travelling on a long flight you often need a hand if travelling with a baby. Drinks, snacks, cushions, blankets, toothbrushes, eye masks – these are all readily available on a long-haul flight. Flight attendants are usually more than willing to give baby a cuddle if you need to run to the loo or get something out of your luggage. Sometimes having a baby for a companion has its perks.

Book a time to Sleep Easy

If you are booking a flight and you have options, do make sure you book around sleep times. If takeoff is 7 pm, and baby usually goes to sleep at 6 pm then it could make for a rocky start. It takes a while for everything to calm down on a plane after takeoff; drinks come out, several announcements are made and there is always a lot of excited chatter. The most comfortable time to get baby to sleep is usually at least an hour and a half after takeoff. Keep this in mind when booking flights.

Surplus Diapers and Bags in your Carry On

You never know what could happen on a flight, and for this reason take plenty of nappies, changes of clothes and a plastic bag or two for the mess. For some reason, my babies love getting messy on flights. I will never forget one flight my four-month-old had to have four changes of clothes and eight diaper changes. I was so glad to get off the plane, and also thankful I had brought enough clothes and wasn’t carrying a naked child off the plane. Make sure you prepare for a little awkwardness and problem solving when changing baby. The bathrooms and change tables on planes are large enough to change barbies outfit, not babies.

Drink on takeoff and landing

Babies ears are a lot more sensitive than adults and unfortunately the motion of takeoff and landing can cause some discomfort. If babies drink during takeoff and landing it can help equalize their ears so try to plan to bottle or breastfeed during these times. If they use a dummy or pacifier this can also work the same magic as it is the sucking motion that brings comfort.

Gaffer and a Black Sheet

No, this isn’t a list of items in the latest thriller on television. This may, though, make you feel like a genius Mumma who needs to celebrate with that offer of wine you had turned down when the air hostess previously offered. Let me explain. The flight can be awfully vibrant, people chatting loudly, and the cabin lights boldly lit when all you want to do is sink into your chair for a much-needed snooze and downtime. Adults can at least throw an eye mask over their eyes and try to pretend the pillows on offer are actually comfortable. Babies, unfortunately, may think the lights and all the people translates to party time, forgoing any requests for sleep time. If your baby fits in the bassinet (they are sadly, so tiny) then gaffer the black sheet to the wall- I like to use a baby wrap or muslin as they are not huge in length, but quite often thick enough to block out any light. Place the remaining sheet/wrap over the bassinet making sure your’ baby’s face is not covered, and suddenly your baby is in a dark place with little distraction, allowing her to sleep easier. Do make sure there is a little airflow for baby to breath. This can still work if baby is asleep on the seat, just stick the sheet to the back of the chairs.

Be Prepared to Not Care

When flying with a baby people can be incredibly kind and thoughtful. I have encountered some of the most generous and caring people and even stayed in contact with some of them, even after such brief encounters. Flights, though, can bring out the worst in people. If you do happen to encounter people who are rude or unhelpful don’t worry, and never take it personally. Many are dealing with their own anxieties, others are just ignorant. Whatever the case it really doesn’t matter what is going on with someone else. If you choose not to worry about someone’s disposition before you embark on a flight it can set you up for a much easier and relaxed flight.

Feel Assured

You are the parent, you know what’s best, and you can do it. Above all else try to relax. If you begin this first part of the journey uptight and worried then it can reflect on how your baby may react. You’ve got this. Believe it, and know, it is going to be great!