Baby on a long haul flight?

[SJC2014]

So.. I have booked to go to jamacia in march 2015 all inclusive for 2 weeks.. My mum is getting married there! Found out a couple of weeks ago I am 9 weeks pregnant- so the baby will be due in November I have spoken to thomas cook who said I can take the little one- anyone else taken a baby on a long haul flight? Or to a hot climate? I feel like I should cancel I will loose 2000 pounds and my mum will be so upset. Advice please this is my first baby xxx

I found it easier to fly with DD when she was a baby than when she became a toddler (the age before reason but with tantrums and a lot of energy!). DD was bf which helped enormously, she'd just eat and sleep in the plane and it was not a problem.

You just have to be a bit sensible in a hot climate. Use sunscreen (appropriate for a baby), keep the baby in the shade at all times and stay indoors from noon to 4pm. Does the hotel have air conditioning? I think that would be very useful for keeping cool in the afternoons.

Remember to take spare clothes with you on the flight not just for the baby but also for yourself just in case you get covered in vomit or worse!

I'm taking DS on a 20 hour flight to Oz when he'll be 8 months and am hoping the stories about babies being easier on long flights than toddlers are true! He loves noise so the plane noise may help lull him to sleep.

Best time to go is when they are tiny!

Take lots of spare clothes for baby AND you. We learned this the hard way when DS2 threw up all over DH on a fortunately short flight.

Take more more formula than you think you will need for the flight and buy it airside at the airport! I know Heathrow does a reserve and collect so you can guarantee it's there and waiting for you with 48 hour notice. Other UK airports might as well, check in advance. Cartons are best if you can get them, otherwise you can get containers to pre-measure powder. And it's even easier if you breastfeed.

You may want to email the hotel and ask about how to obtain formula and nappies in Jamaica - possibly if they can get it for you before you arrive and charge it to your room. Otherwise, get a couple of big tins of formula and lots of packs of nappies in your suitcase. Baby will probably drink more than usual if it's hot, so again bring more than you think you will need. You can use that space in your bags for souvenirs on the way home.

I took our baby long haul (Japan to London and back) 3 weeks ago. He was born mid-December so was just turning 4 months. It was fine, he slept or fed most of the time - but I didnt sleep very much. He was either in my lap or the bassinet and you have to take them out of the bassinet if there is turbulence.
I breastfed and definitely recommend that as it is way more convenient than messing around with bottles. Feed on take-off and landing as much as you can their ears may hurt otherwise.
Also, definitely book a bassinet as that guarantees a bulkhead seat with more space and maybe other families nearby.
At one point he did do an explosive poo all up the back, and we couldnt change him due to turbulence - that wasnt great but we sorted it as soon as the seatbelt sign was switched off. We just threw away those clothes - definitely dont dress baby up, cheap and comfortable is the way to go.
Have a thick skin about any crying.
We found staff everywhere, airport, customs, security, plane, all were great with us and way more helpful than normal.
Give yourself lots of time at the airport and take a pram/pushchair as you can use it right up to the gate and also when you get off the plane.
I also took hand sanitiser, and a lightweight changing mat, his favorite toy and extra snacks for myself to keep my strength up. The baby drank much more than normal because the air was dry and it was a bit hot at times on the plane.
We packed as lightly as we could for ourselves as you dont so many have free hands for bags. Backpacks work better than handbags, too.
Long flights are never that fun but you probably wont be bored! We were glad we went but that was mostly to do with being able to meet family.
It's your choice at the end of the day, I fretted about how the baby was doing all the way there and back, but it worked OK.
Last point: check that the baby's immunizations will be started and sufficient cover for the illnesses at your destination!

It will be fine. And lovely for your mum to have the baby there as well as extra people to help you when you he get there.

I took my high needs, refluxy non-sleeping DS to Australia when he was 5.5m. Booked pre birth or i wouldn't have gone. It was absolutely fine! He bf pretty much the whole way on and off but barely whinged.

Go. You'll v much regret it if you miss you're mum's wedding.

Ask for advice on the actual flights nearer the time - 3/4 weeks before you go, so you can get yourself organised. You will get loads from very experienced people, reminding you of everything you need and what you don't need.