Long haul with a 4 month old... madness or not??

[MrsMar]

My mum and dad have very kindly invited me, dh and ds (who will be 4 months old by then) to St Lucia for 10 days in january. I've never flown with a small baby before let alone long haul. How difficult will it be? How do you cope with feeding (I'm bfing) and what do you do about jet lag? To be honest this is the deciding factor, cos I'd hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, but if it's hell on toast getting there it might ruin a lovely holiday. Any tips/advice much appreciated!

I travelled alone with DS when he was 4 months, including 2 transatlantic flights (+ 2 shorthaul & 2 domestic flights within 3 weeks). I would say it is a great age to do the trip - they're aren't moving too much and if you are breastfeeding, that makes everything so much simpler. I breastfed DS during takeoff & landing and whenever he felt like it on the flight.

The jet-lag is not fun but babies get over it quickly. I think it is worse travelling TO the UK than from it, so you should be ok in St. Lucia. GO, GO, GOOOOO

I also travelled alone (to South Africa - 11.5 hours) when ds was almost 4 mo. I was terrified beforehand, but as soon as I put him into the skycot he went to sleep for 10 hours (both directions)!

It was a really good experience, and the crew were very helpful. IMO it's the best time to take a small child abroad - much easier than when they're older.

It shouldn't be too bad. In fact, it's a very easy age to travel. No need to worry about food, since you are bf'ing.

The easiest way to travel with the baby is to have a sling, so that you can keep your hands free. DH can deal with all the luggage .

You can take the car seat on the plane if you buy a ticket - other than that, you have the baby on your lap or in a bassinett (go sit in a bulkhead seat, and the bassinett screws into the wall).

thanks for your replies, sorry I haven't been on for ages. I've decided to go, just gotta get ds' passport sorted pronto!!

There's a big chance I'll be doing at least one leg on my own, so I'm going to play the sympathy card and get ds to practice his ultra cute face so all the stewardesses take pity on me and help me out

Definitely keep up the breastfeeding - travelling is a doddle when you don't have to worry about bottles, sterilising etc etc.