Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

Original poster

First holiday abroad

16 replies

Sophiej99 · 28/05/2019 11:34

Hi, I’ve been on holiday many times before but this is my first time flying with my son he’s 11 months old I’m so unsure on some things eg. Can I take baby food through customs? Am I able to take calpol through? What do I do about his tea as it will be a ready meal but it will need warming up In the airport? I’m going out my mind incase I forget things. What has people experiences been like taking there babies/toddlers on holiday for the first time?

OP posts:

sleepismysuperpower1 · 28/05/2019 13:06

it's always nerve racking but it's ok. are you going on a long or short flight, and where are you flying from? You can take calpol as long as it is under 100ml, and you can take baby food through too.

MadisonAvenue · 28/05/2019 13:09

If you're worried you can always buy Calpol and the like at Boots in the departure lounge.

tobypercy · 28/05/2019 13:22

You should be able to take it all through security. You can't take a bottle of calpol (too big) but you can get sachets. And infant milk and food are exempt from the liquid restrictions.

But you can also order online (at least 5 days ahead) from Boots and pick up airside. Recommend ordering rather than just turning up, to be sure they have the right things.

If you're flying long haul be sure to try and get a bulkhead seat and book the cot for him to sleep. It's not ideal having an infant on your lap for hours on end but the cots are great if you can get them. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of the flight pacing the aisle with him!

Can you take your car seat with you, if you'll be using a car while you're there? Most airlines allow it but it can take some planning.

Have fun!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families

Original poster

Sophiej99 · 28/05/2019 13:27

Thank you for getting back to me. it’s only a short flight roughly 3 hours flying from Leeds Bradford, I’m worried about his ears hurting on the flight because I suffered really bad when I was younger needing ear drops from flying. I’m sure he will be fine and be worth it when we get there. I wasn’t sure if the boots store in Leeds Bradford would have much as I recall it only being small

OP posts:

Fizzytonicplease · 28/05/2019 13:33

You could always do a click and collect online order for boots to pickup at the airport. Where are you going to, as most countries will have pharmacy and either calpol or similar.

thisisthetime · 28/05/2019 13:44

You can take everything through. They have a machine they put milk and food in to check it’s ok. I would try to feed him something cold but if he must have it hot you can take a flask of boiling water through no problem at all. You could also take a container and heat in there. Some cold finger foods will probably be a lot easier though.

If he uses a dummy this can help with ears, otherwise something to drink or eat. It’s usually worse coming down but my dc have been fine. Calpol is easier in sachets just to avoid the weight and any leaks etc. They last a few years so you can take them on future holidays too if you’re unlikely to actually use them.

My 2 are frequent flyers since 8 weeks and best tips are to go with the flow, don’t worry about changes to routine, have a few quiet toys and finger foods for the plane to try to stop him wanting to crawl/walk around it! Nappy supplies in a separate small bag you can whip out for airplane loos. They’re small. 2 spare changes of clothes, the thinnest/smallest you have to save space. Packed in another small bag you can whip out if necessary. Have a great time!

sleepismysuperpower1 · 28/05/2019 13:44

are you going to need a car seat at your end destination? you are allowed to take car seats on board the plane, and use them during the flight (provided you have booked a seat for your infant). They have to be FAA approved, (there will be a sticker on the side of the seat or it will say in the manual), but it makes flying a lot easier if they are restrained in their seat as they usually nod off. some airlines will let you use it during takeoff and landing too, so check before you fly. as for pressure when taking off/landing, i always breastfed/gave a bottle whilst this was happening because the sucking action helps reduce the pressure building up in the ears. all the best x

Damntheman · 28/05/2019 14:24

His ears will likely be fine, babys' ear cannals don't narrow out until they're 2 or 3 my doctor told me. I also suffer horribly with my ears when I fly but neither of my kids has ever had the same problem (flown from 7 weeks and 10 weeks respectively). If you're breastfeeding then pop him on for take off and landing, otherwise give him a bottle to suck on. It'll clear any potential problems right up :)

I'd advise you take food he can have cold, airports in my experience don't usually have a microwave on hand for such things, although maybe some of the eateries might be kind enough to heat for you fi you're buying your own food.

Calpol buy the travel sachets, their bottles are too big. But as PP have said, infant food and drink is exempt from airport security issues.

DO take spare clothing both for DC and yourself! They like to throw up/explode on you at the worst of times. And twice as many nappies as you think you'll need.

You'll be fine!

Original poster

Sophiej99 · 28/05/2019 18:05

Thank you all so much! I’m sure we will have a great holiday

OP posts:

Mississippilessly · 28/05/2019 18:24

I remember that angst!

Does he have a dummy? I read somewhere that sucking helps on take off and landing - I did a 12 hr flight with my 7 month old last month and fed him on take off and landing, he was fine.

For 3 hours, worst comes to the worst, you can walk up and down with him. Calpol etc will he fine because it's under 100ml. Take favourite toys in his flight bag. You can get jarred food from Boots in the airport.

Have a fab time!

Original poster

Sophiej99 · 28/05/2019 19:44

He does have a dummy, my partners parents have booked the holiday for us all and my son hasn’t got a seat of his own I know he’s only 11 month but he likes his own space and won’t sleep on anyone I’m worried also about when he gets tired and getting him to sleep.

I’m sure we will have a fab time thank you very much.

OP posts:

Mississippilessly · 28/05/2019 20:44

Could you book him a seat? With an 11month old I would want one! Plus I think anything that makes you less worried is worth it if you can afford it

Original poster

Sophiej99 · 28/05/2019 21:52

We go on Saturday I think it would be abit late now

OP posts:

sleepismysuperpower1 · 28/05/2019 22:00

you will be fine without a seat OP. in most planes there is space by the back of the aircraft where I have seen Muslim passengers go and pray during the flight. if you got a small mat like this, you could take him to the back of the aircraft (after checking with the air steward), and let him play with a few toys. (bricks or a blow up ball). that way he wont get so restless. all the best x

Damntheman · 29/05/2019 05:29

The airlines I have flown with don't allow babies under two to have their own seat so I'm sure it'll be fine.

thisisthetime · 29/05/2019 19:00

It’s not widely advertised that babies under 2 can have their own seat but they can. We’ve booked on at least 5 different airlines. You take baby car-seat and it makes it much easier. It’s so uncommon that every time we’ve done it the air stewardesses haven’t known the procedure. Go for it if you want to but if it’s too late the engines lull them to sleep easier than you think. Take spare dummies and extra milk.

Flip

Swipe left for the next trending thread