Travelling abroad with a very young baby

[JoelleGulmez]

Hi all,

So I had my first baby boy via c-section almost 5 weeks ago and am looking to take him to turkey as soon as possible as his dad/my husband is Turkish meaning not only did he miss the birth but he also is yet to meet him as he can’t get to the UK😩

As I said I’m looking to go as soon as possible and was initially going to wait until after his 8 week injections however am now considering trying to quickly take him over for a couple of weeks before then! Anyone got any experience of flying with such a small baby or anyone advise for or against taking him so young? Also any advice on how I can keep him as comfortable and happy as possible during the flight would be greatly appreciated!

I've flown with a 6 week old long haul- much easier than a 6 month old! 😊

Probably worth asking your HV about risks of taking them pre vaccinations, it depends a bit on what's about and also how long the vaccine takes to work - also if you are bfing that's extra protection.

I found it was easier to sort bookings over the phone with the airline, I bought lots of antiseptic wipes to clean bassinet etc and muslins to lay him on. Next time I'd bring a few extra also to make a screen for light, to cover up when he bfed to sleep and for coughing people hanging around waiting for the loo!
Also a sling if you have one is great even on the plane and much quicker through security etc (you can then check in your stroller), and a backpack means you have hands free.
Good luck - and what an exciting reunion!!!

Have you sorted a passport out ? This can take a while.
Otherwise babies tend to sleep on flights - it's very useful if you are breastfeeding as they can just have a long feed.

Have a baby bag packed to take on board with you - nappies, wet wipes, change of clothes...

He might scream on landing before his ears pop though.

Try to keep LO sucking during takeoff and landing, whether that’s by nursing, a bottle, or a pacifier and give regular drinks of water during the flight too, as babies are particularly prone to dehydration.

I flew back to Saudi Arabia with a 5 week old, much easier than when she was older and did the return journey at 9 months old. She had her 8 week vaccs in Saudi and all others at appropriate ages plus others needed for living there.
It was a really much easie flight r than I'd thought before the flight and I was on my own with 5 week old and 4 yr old on 8 hr flight.

I hadn't even managed to register the birth by that point (couldn't get an appointment) and it takes a while to get a passport. By the time that's sorted you should be fine.

Congratulations on the birth of your little boy - it must be hard being away from your husband at this time.
DD flew at 3 months iirc - and that was just a holiday! She was easy - breastfed on landing and takeoff to protect ears, but otherwise no bother, tbh. It got harder once she got mobile...!