30 travel to NZ

[Milliesmum24]

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are flying to NZ in Feb with our daughter who will be 6 months old. She’s formula fed and at home we use a prep machine to prepare bottles. I’m a little anxious about feeding whilst we travel. Does anyone have any advice on preparing bottles (sterilising bottles vs taking enough and preparing formula) on a long haul flight? We’re reluctant to take ready made bottles as I know they can have an affect on their tummies, plus they’re not sold in NZ so unless we pack more we wouldn’t be able to use them on the return flight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😊

I'd be introducing some ready-made bottles gradually to get her a bit more used to it. She's likely to tolerate it better as she gets older? The ideal is to order enough for what you need to collect air side.

Failing that, buy more bottles and the powder dispenser containers then you can add a hot shot of boiling water and top the rest up with bottled water? The plane's filtered water will also be OK.

Sterilising: a soapy wash and then a sluice with boiling water should work.

By 6months you won't need to be so hardcore about sterilising, btw.

You can get microwave steriliser bags to use out there. I would consider sterilising enough bottles for the way there and using pre mixed formula bottles. Then for the way back, sterilise the bottles beforehand and ask for hot water. The aptimil tabs of formula might be easier than a box of powder. They will take up less space while you are travelling around and stay sterile.

Pack some powder for the other end, too but I would strongly try and get her used to the pre-made bottles for 80% less faff!

I would use pre mix for the flight. You can pre order this from boots to collect in the terminal. Then use powered formula when out there. I used the steriliser microwave bags when away generally. Although that relies on having access to a microwave. So would also take steriliser tablets which can be used in a bowl of water.

I wouldn't rely upon getting boiling water to make up bottle on a plane.

Thank you for the advice and recommendations :) I’ve just found out the airline we are flying with (Emirates) provide pre made formula bottles which is great! I’ve also bought a travel Milton cold water steriliser to take along with us.