Best age to travel long way with baby

[Chloris33]

I am expecting first baby, and as all of DH's family live in Australia we are planning a trip there during my maternity leave. Long flight! Does anyone have any tips on optimal age for baby to travel? Not sure, for example if 3-4 months Bf ing baby would be easier than 6 months or later when baby is on solids. We will be staying with DH's Dad and also not sure I will feel comfortable constantly BFing in front of him, so there's the trip itself to think about, as well as the flight. Would be really grateful for any thoughts.

As early as you feel able and comfortable with considering the flight, accommodation, feeding etc. A young non mobile baby is easier to transport than a crawling, mobile one.

I have done a flight with a 2 month old and will be doing a flight with a 15 month old shortly. I can only imagine, in comparison, how much easier the 2 month old flight will have been
It obviously depends on the child but I'd say it's a lot easier whilst, as above, they aren't mobile. Also, whilst they're still taking multiple naps a day as opposed to one. AND a lot easier when they're just consuming milk and water.
As for breastfeeding, when the time comes, I'm sure you won't mind as much. You could get thin scarves or similar to cover yourself/babys head whilst you feed.

Early as possible.

We fly virtually every month with now 3 and 4 year olds since 6 and 8 weeks old.

IMO easiest was until 7 months when they could crawl. Easiest was first few months as literally breastfed in sling and slept.

12-18 months hardest - both could walk but couldn't really understand why they had to stay still etc.

2 years onwards a dream again as now in own seat whole time, can watch iPad, eat anything, and toilet trained so no nappy luggage!

Therefore I would aim for trip at say 3 months, retuning before 4 months. Then next trip 18 months later when almost 2 years if possible.

Any trips in between are fine tbh but shorter haul nicer for everyone.

The more you travel the easier they adapt also IMO. We have friends with 3 years olds who have never taken them on trains or planes and are terrified of how they will behave and react.
In comparison my 3 year old has flown approx 80 times (40 ish return flights). 4 year old more. They just see it like a bus/ car journey, and understand clearly now that for a few hours it's slightly boring, but they can watch unlimited films ( no TV at home), eat any crap they fancy and draw, and that they have fun on landing abroad.

4 months is ideal - 4 mo bf baby only need mum and a nappy.

a 6/7mo needs solids of the right temperature / right time which are a really hassle with airline regulations, and needs more toys / entertainments etc.