Moving to Oz - help!

[leonieandevie]

Can anyone give me some advice on the long haul journey to Sydney? I've been told by plenty of people that I should give DD (10 1/2 months) a big dose of calpol night, but would welcome other thoughts that don't necessarily include sedation!
We're moving to Sydney and DH is already there so I'll be on my own. Flying Singapore Air - anybody had good reports?
Also any help on life in Sydney greatfully appreciated. Mother and baby groups etc - we'll be living in the Balmain area initially. Scared s*less!

I am so envious, but can imagine the thought very daunting. Singapore Airlines are excellent. I have flown with children 3 times with them but not that age I must admit. Have you got a night flight?
I dress mine in tracksuits( comfy and warmer than pyjamas). Remember packet of wipes and nappies are easier than pull ups. Feed or drink for take off so ear pressure equalises, or dummy.
Lift flap books, favourite cuddly toy. You can't take more than 100ml liquid on board, so check with airline if not breastfeeding, what you can take on board. If bottle, Avent powder dispenser is great, I took two! Any snacks DD likes as food not brilliant for children.
Can't take ANY food into Australia so leave any on board.
Balmain is a lovely suburb , I'm from Brisbane so can't help with advice about there.
If formula fed,check before you leave what the equivalent is there call customer care number on tin. Huggies are best nappies there, no Pampers.
If you do give calpol or medised, don't until about to take off in case you get delayed, and she wakes just as you can't repeat the dose.
Take light weight buggy, you can then use in transit and when you arrive in Sydney. Will need it if she's asleep, trust me!
Singapore airport has showers in the transit hotel for making you feel human again, about $15 and includes towels etc. Play area at Changi is near coffee shops, overlooking runway.
Good Luck and remember,if DD is a nightmare on board , don't worry. They sit all parents together at the front of the sections so you get a lot of sympathy. Just remember you'll never see anyone on the flight again and it doesn't really matter!

Try posting in the 'Living Overseas' section there are loads of expats on there that will give you good advice.

We flew with DS UK and back to Aus when he was 11 months old. We did not sedate him at all and that worked for us. Our DS was large and did not fit bassinette or have his own seat so in that way we made it hard for ourselves. Does your DD have her own seat?

I would say just accept that you will not get any sleep for the entire flight. And if you use dummies expect to use them more than normal just to get through. Tis not a nice journey but you get through it.

pp

Wow you lucky devil! Have no advice, just very envious!

Just remrmbered that a lady who posted on here nickname: neuroticlady, also moved to Sidney so may be able to give you advice and also you could maybe chat as she's from the UK too. It might be nice if you support eachother out there. (Just a thought- tell me to bog off and mind my own business, I won't mind!) She posted a thread named "overwhelmed with new baby- please tell me it's normal to feel this." I hope she won't mind me saying this but I'm sure you would both welcome the support from eachother. Good luck in Australia

There is a playgroup association that should be able to set you up with a mothers group in your area - www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/

Balmain is lovely - pretty and trendy.

Just a thought as recently saw an ad on Gumtree see if there are any nannies/flying to OZ on that flight and see if they would be willing to help you out on the flight etc.

Thanks everyone - really helpful. Time is very near and its going to be an emotional rollercoaster leaving all my lovely family and friends but this weather's easing the pain!

i just went for an extended stay with family in Queensland with my then 2mo. I travelled back on my own with him at 5mo. Singapore Airlines were great. got back last friday.

i would recomend cutting your flight in 2 and staying at the transit hotel. check your luggage all the way thru to sydney so you don't need to worry about it.

also the airport have a passenger asistance scheme where someone will meet you at at the plane and help you to the exit/transit hotel or wherever you need in the airport. i used this both to and from the plane as our gate was such a long way from the main part of the terminal.

you will find that the flight attendants are very helpful and all you need do is ask, food nappies, toys, wipes are no problem.

try to book your flight for when its not busy ie not school holidays in australia/singapore and you should have a spare seat next to you.

i did give my ds some paracetamol but only as he is teething. something to suck at take off and landing is good but otherwise the decrease in cabin pressure due to alttitude usually makes them sleep well.

heathrow is rubbish compared to changi airport. like i said get an extended stoppover so you can have some r&r time