6 month baby and a 12 hour flight - MAD???

[Linguini]

Hello,

My brother is getting married, he lives 12 hours away by plane.

LO (1st ever!) will be approx 6 months (hasn't arrived in the world yet).

I would so much love, more than anything, to be able to introduce my brother and his wonderful Fianc to our new family member! (and of course to show him or her off to everyone)

I have never had a baby before. I read that you can take them on flights, but I cant imagine such a long haul being any good for the baby, especially as their ears can hurt from the air pressure, the bad air germs being recycled around, smelly nappies! Crying! Bringing bottles of liquid on the plane ??!

It pains me to think of going on my own (DP can stay with LO at home) or could all three of us go together??

Does anyone have any experience of tiny babies on a plane?

Can anyone advise on whether its do-able or just madness?!!?

THANKS

Thanks for your reply! Very much hoping it's ok...

You'll be fine. Book a bassinet seat. Ask for help. If you are breastfeeding it will make it simpler. At 6 month baby might be eating so take a little food for the plane for them but also snacks for yourself, in case you can't eat when they are serving meals. Other passengers are normally helpful as are the crew.

oh dear...
Thanks, much re-assured now (still scary prospect tho!)

they aren't that fragile. You can fly with them after two weeks or so, before that they explode if taken on the plane...

just kidding. The limit varies and is more to do with your health than theirs.

there are dispensations to allow you to take milk on board, or you can buy as much as you want after security.

of course the kid may howl for six hours...

Best time to do IME.

I'm taking a 2yr old and a 4 month old on a 10hr flight by myself after Easter. It's the toddler I'm worried about.

We did an 11 hour flight with 7 month old DD. It was fine - I think it's the easiest age to do a long flight. We did a 4.5 hour flight the following year when DD was 20 months and it was much more challenging as DD wanted to explore everywhere!