to want to safe place to ask many questions about flying with DD?

[cjbk1]

dear all I need a place to ask many qu

Ok

You go first

You think AIBU is safe?

There's a travel topic which is less vicious more specialised than AIBU. That might be a safer better space?

oops! so I need to ask loads of questions and ask for tips about flying to Toronto with dd2 (who'll be 10m) week after next, it's a very big deal for us, I've never flown that far before and she hasn't flown at all (of course) and I can't keep casually dropping it into conversation with my RL friends coz it seems like stealth boasting and they don't really offer much help anyway and I've had v.few replies in 'travel' so can you lot please?
so; we're flying in daytime, formula feeds doesn't eat when overtired, has dummy to sleep, she's generally quite placid, will be sitting on my lap, I've got about £35 of nectar points to use for anything that'll help, we'll be staying with Dsis and maybe in a hotel for 2 nights to see more of the country...
any tips?

crossed posts

That's what the travel topic is for, I practically live there as Im going to California soon.

Hi

I flew to Syndey with my DD when she was 11mo old - singlehanded.

IME it is easier at that age then it would be a year later when they are toddlers.

You said she is sitting on your knee but if you can possibly get one of the bassinette things on a shelf in front of you that would be preferable. She might be too big to go down to sleep in it but it will be better for both of you if she has somewhere else she can sit for most of the voyage.

Obviously some new toys (not noisy!) that she hasn't seen before will help.

I think you may be surprised how easy it is particularly at that age so she won't be wanting to climb all over the seat or go for a walk (which my then 2-year old dd decided to do on a transatlantic flight to my huge consternation.) The motion of the plane is quite likely to make her sleepy.
My suggestion would be to give her as much formula as she will take as that will keep her tummy full and make her want to sleep more.

as its a daytime flight I assume you'll be getting up really early to board the plane? might be worth getting her up even earlier if you can bear to, so she will want to sleep.

Use the dummies as much as you feel you need them. And if she does get upset and cry try not to worry about what other people think. Good luck.

YANBU at all! My earliest flight was with DD1 to Miami when she was 12 weeks old and I was a gibbering mess so well done for asking for advice.

I have done LHR YYZ (Toronto) about a gazillion times with the DDs! Which airline are you flying with? And what time of day is your flight? And I am assuming it is just you and her? No other kids or grownups?

BA and Air Canada both have bassinets for babies but the weight restrictions vary. Try and book a bulkhead seat where they will put the bassinette on the wall in front of you so that you can put her down. With any luck she will snuggle down and sleep and you can watch a film or read or whatever. Yuo will have to have her on your lap with an infant belt for takeoff and landing though, and also if they switch the seatbelt sign on due to turbulence.

Take advantage of pre-boarding to get yourself in and settled before the throngs of other passengers.

Introduce yourself with a nice smile to the flight attendants at the beginning of the flight. The friendlier you are the more helpful they will be when you neeed it most! They will warm bottles, give you extra blankets and if you're lucky hold her for you while you go to the loo.

If she is restless you can let her play at your feet, but whatever you do, keep her out of the way of the trolleys. These things are seriously heavy and their brakes have been known to fail (my brother is a purser for Air Canada and tells some horrific stories).

Give her a bottle or a drink of water or something to chew on for takeoff and landing. The swallowing will help equalise the pressure in her ears and hopefully make her more comfortable.

Foldable McLaren or other umbrella-type stroller is a good idea through the airport. Try to get them to take it on board because you might not get it back in Toronto until you collect your bags off the belt.

Take calpol in case her ears hurt, have low expectations: however it goes, you'll get there. Take a baby carrier if floor walking helps her, my dd liked us to pace around. Remember that you can only do your best, if she fusses, she fusses. Take spare clothes in case of vomit for you and dd. take a nice snuggle blanket in case the plane is cold/to shut out light for naps. If you're lucky you will get some nice people who will smile and make faces at your baby and keep them entertained. Take more nappies and wipes than you would normally, in case of a bad tummy.

I remember being terrified of flying the first time with dd BUT it was fine. Honestly.

I was even nervous about the logistics of getting on the bloody plane so hope this helps (and doesn't come across as patronising, I'm just thinking about what i was worried over!):

You can take your buggy to the gate, airline staff will take it from you and you get it either at baggage reclaim or if you're lucky at the door.

Flight attendants are great at helping with babies, you will be offered help.

Snacks snacks and more snacks. Extra change of clothes and an extra set on top of that. Couple of extra nappies.

Other posters are right - at your dd's age it's pretty straightforward (I've jinxed it now, sorry!).

You'll be fine.

Pack spare shirt for yourself (in case of vomit or spills), full change clothes for her, have wipes in several areas in bag (but take them out to go though machine as Heathrow are vvv picky- I got a whole bag searched and swabbed because I didn't realise they were to be removed); and nappy sack bags are very good too for cleaning up little spills etc. don't try and change her routine too much before the flight (ie. keep her awake in the hope shell sleep on the flight) as she may just end up grumpy and overtired. Make sure DP knows where everything is as well. Try and put baby things all in one bag; with the exception of wipes in every carry on bag.

A baby sling is good for using to get through customs and queues as you then have more hand space to carry stuff. I've got through scanners with an ergo and not had to take DC off (but had to remove my belt). Also good if you have to walk quickly for your flight. And if they are used to staying in it good for inflight use.

Chewable rusks take ages to eat and keep them occupied (hence need for 2nd shirt...) and maybe those squeezy pouch packs of food. Airplane baby food often a bit mismatched.

Good luck you'll be fine

Smile at every one as you and they board - then remember you will probably never see them again so try not to care if all goes awfully wrong.
I've told the story on here before but I will always love the BA Steward who on hearing "Mr Gumpy Pants" mutter about kids and moving seat when I sat down with my 18 month DS, announced loudly "and a glass of champagne for mummy" which he then brought through from Business Class!

Who are you flying with? BA and Virgin have bassinets available on long haul routes for babies and little reclining car-seat things for DC up to two. You need to reserve one before your flight though, so call the customer service team and speak to them to reserve one. Even if you're flying with a different airline, its often worth ringing customer service anyway to check specific things like: can you take your stroller to the gate (sometimes airlines will even stow folding push chairs for you in the cabin), will they have baby food available on the flight (very useful in case of delays). Most airlines have a section on their websites with extra information for people travelling with DC (e.g. BA Family Travel info

I flew from New York to London and back several times when DS1 was under the age of two and I found the airlines very helpful (as were my fellow passengers, to be fair). Certain things need to be reserved ahead though, so make sure you do this and ask what help/facilities will be available on board/in the airport. Remember if you take baby food through security you may be asked to open every single jar and taste it! Same with formula in cartons, so be warned as this can be very stressful. You can reserve baby food and supplies with Boots though (I think) and pick it up air-side. Another thing that's worth looking into.

Otherwise, take spare clothes (explosive poos or vomit are not unknown on flights), take more food than you think you'll need, take about 10 nappies, plenty of nappy sacks and wipes, plus some toys and books. Hopefully, your DD will sleep for a decent chunk of the flight - mine have always done.

Pack a small (less than 100ml) bottle of hand sanitizer so you can easily wash your hands after nappies etc.

Tip for hotel: make sure they'll provide a cot or travel cot. Ring them up or email them if this info is not immediately available on their website. The Novotel chain are good with families, but most of the chain hotels are good. Just let them know your needs when you book and if you need a microwave to heat up formula, use a 'suite hotel' as these have kitchenettes and often have a separate bedroom and living room, which is useful when travelling with a LO.

and remember that if she is noisy, people around you are actually sympathising and also secretly glad that it is not their problem. They also know that you also want her to stop crying and are trying your best.

longhaul economy is never fun, but it does end eventually.

ps go to the toilet using a roomier ground-based one as late as possible before boarding.

Virgin family travel info: www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/flying-with-children.html

I once helped a woman get her two small (one very small) children off a plane. I told her I thought she was brave with two such young ones and she replied that she had done it lots and that there were always kind people about who helped.
Don't worry and accept help it it's offered.

thanks all; yes we're flying at 11am from heathrow so will be up early, I cant see the seat I booked now but I think on the way I cldnt book bulkhead so I booked as close as poss and possibly did get bulkhead on the way home...and im going to call Air Canada nowas suggested...I am hoping the motion'll send her to sleep, last time (much shorter flight) ds was and dd1 ok...i'll be using food pouches..the heathrow website concurred with you Juneau ...it'll just be me and dd2 coz of the cost

You will be fine.

Remember if the worst comes to the worst you will never see any of those people again ;)

I prefer to use a rucksack for onboard baggage as it keeps your hands free while walking around the airport. If you are in a bulkhead seat you have to put it in the overhead locker during landing and take off so take the stuff out you need for that, then get your bag down as soon as you are in the air.

My top tip is to put all your electronic stuff, keys etc in a ziplock bag and make sure you aren't wearing a metal belt. Wear slip on shoes and don't carry any illegal items such as bottles of water. Wear trousers such as combats so you can have your passports and tickets to hand in your pocket so you don't have to rummage through your bag for them. I honestly found going through customs harder work than the flight so make that bit as easy as you can.

I don't know if anyone said already but some freezer bags are great for rubbish like dirty wet wipes, sweetie wrappers etc.

Take some snacks for yourself too!

I'm travelling with my three little ones this summer, we do long haul every summer so are used to it by now. I have a pretty thick skin for travelling. There are some people who are really rude about anyone travelling with kids no matter how quiet and well-behaved they are and some people who are just arseholes about travelling in general and determined to be miserable. Really don't worry about them. The more you stress about what everyone is thinking the harder it becomes so just relax and do your best.

My experience of flying with a small child is that if you book the child carry cot thing, you're assured of a bulkhead seat - they move other passengers to accommodate you because the baby seat can't be used with an ordinary seat in an ordinary row - it goes on a pull-down table that is only available with bulkhead seats. Anyway, call the airline and hopefully they'll sort it out for you. Good luck! It will be fine. The thought of travelling with LOs is nearly always worse than the reality.

thanks for all your help virgin were recommended to me but they don't fly to Toronto but air Canada are giving me bulkhead seats both ways, I'm now ordering sunsense for my hypersensitive skin see other threads very excited its really happening