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Original poster

Baby and jet-lag

10 replies

tertle · 10/08/2014 10:53

I'm planning a trip to New York in October with my dd who will be 7 months old.

I was really looking forward to it but now I'm beginning to worry about the time difference. Does anyone have any tips of how to help a baby cope with the time difference (both when there and we we get back to Europe)?

Thanks!

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Original poster
tertle · 11/08/2014 09:22

Bump...

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burrito · 11/08/2014 09:29

No real advice other than allow about 3 days. I took my 7 month old to Australia and it took 3-4 days for him to adjust and pre flight his night time sleep was horrendous! So you may find it easier?

Encourage as much eating and drinking as you can and try to adjust to local time as best you can. Use any support you have on the other end to keep them awake that little bit longer etc.

burrito · 11/08/2014 09:31

I mean all his night time sleeping was horrendous- not just the night bf...(hence flying solo to Australia for a break !!)

Artandco · 11/08/2014 09:38

I don't really find jet lag affects babies that much, as they can sleep to and from airport, at airport and on plane.

I always encourage more sleep on plane as more relaxing then and on landing they are awake, can come out to eat etc late

Original poster
tertle · 11/08/2014 11:22

Thanks for the replies. I suppose I'm just concerned that when we get there dd will be waking up at about 1am! But I'll try to keep her awake as much as possible once we arrive.

Encouraged to hear that it won't take too long to adapt and she won't be too affected. DH is grumbling that she'll suffer terribly for it (he's not coming...!) so I was starting to get a bit worried.

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Artandco · 11/08/2014 11:33

What time are you due to arrive?

Best IMO is to take outside if light on arrival and feed like others said to keep awake a bit. If it's before 7pm I would just let nap anyway and aim for sleep in pram in restaurant or in hotel any time between 9pm-Midnight.

It's much easier to collect luggage/ travel to accomadation with a sleeping baby and worry about it later

In the morning I wake by 9am if still asleep to help establish day and night ( mine sleep 9pm-9am at home anyway)

Original poster
tertle · 11/08/2014 12:01

We will arrive at 2:30pm. We're staying at my sister's so I'll try to keep her awake during the afternoon and then get her to bed at about 7pm. She doesn't sleep very much so she'll probably be up early the next day but hopefully not at 1am!

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Artandco · 11/08/2014 12:08

2.30pm arrival I would just let her sleep on route to family so not exhausted on arrival there. Then aim for 9pm bed. Will allow to see family, and let you all sleep overnight

Do you have a sling for airport and in New York? I recommend getting a boba 4g. Lasts newborn to 3/4 year olds on front them back. Lifesaver when you have 40mins luggage wait for pushchair and they are tired as they can jut sleep

queenofthepirates · 11/08/2014 19:58

I second the sling, if the plane is delayed, you can amuse them in it and not have much hassle. NY is not very buggy friendly, especially the underground so sling is really handy.

If you haven't booked one, make sure you ask for a skycot as soon after take off as possible. The staff are normally busying themselves with getting food out and sometimes overlook the cots so you may have to push but it makes all the difference to be able to get them sleeping early.

Original poster
tertle · 11/08/2014 23:21

Good idea re: the sling! It's true that the subway is generally stairs so that'll be useful. Will look into the skycot, thanks for the tip.

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