Travel with 6 week old baby?

[dazedandconfused]

DH and I are trying to decide what to do - my parents are living in France and have kindly offered to come and take away 2DCs for a 10-day holiday at their place when baby no.3 is born. We would join them for a week when DC3 is 6 weeks, and bring all 3 DCs back on the plane. This seems such a great offer, but I can't really remember how I was with a 6-week old baby (5 year age gap!) - only that I know there's no sleep pattern until 8-weeks or so. Is it a bit ambitious? Or would we be better muddling through with all DCs at home? Any advice appreciated.

6 weeks after your due date? What happens if you go to 42 weeks, have an EMCS, can't get a passport?

Worst case scenarios...

In theory it's doable. I'd plan to do it. But I'd also have a backup plan in case.

4 weeks is the absolute earliest I'd personally fly with a baby, although in an emergency you can fly from as young as 1 week, so a 6 week old should be fine - I'd have them checked by a GP before flying though, just to be safe!

Think of the logistics of luggage, DCs etc. A sling is a must and more practical than a pram, especially for going through security IMO.

The only thing that would put me off is the passport issue. We were lucky as DD was born in Oman and they made her passport while I waited.
The other issue for me would be your other children not being around when DC3 is born.

I'm pregnant for the first time, so can't offer any experienced advice.

How long will it take to get a passport for baby no.3? That's my first thought.

Second thought is that travel to/from your home to parents should be a lot easier than to a hotel / somewhere you don't know. If you are able to travel by direct flight too that should help. Will you have to drive far to the airports? Can you manage transporting all the kit you will need to take?

There is a chance I will have to travel from France to the UK to see PIL ASAP after my baby is born, so I'm also thinking about flying with a small baby.

You can get a passport pretty much guaranteed delivery 1 week from application if you use the fast track service in the UK but still delays can happen!

I flew with my LO at 8 weeks and it was no problem at all... I was alone too. I think you would be fine esp if you are used to travelling with your older dc's and also if they are old enough to walk/take care of themselves a little.
I would do it!

We went to France when ds2 was 6wks old, on a ferry though. We had a 15month old as well. It was not a problem at all, and a much needed break for me having help from dh for 2 wks. You can get a passport pretty quickly using the priority service at Post Office. Definitely do it, it sounds like a lovely idea for you all

We went on holiday to Cornwall (so no flying / passport issue) when DS was 3 weeks old and DD was 19mths. We met up with Hubby's Nan, MIL, SIL, Nephew and my Mum who had flown in from SA. It worked out well as there were plenty of people to keep DD occupied while I looked after DS. They are very easy when they are young esp if you are bf. A sling is a must. I even fed him in one on the move as necessary.

If you can sort out the passport issue - go for it. We had a wonderful time.

My first flight was at two weeks old as my parents were moving country. I had to have a US passport couriered across the country by the local congressman

My parents now also live in France and I'm considering doing something similar to you although this is my first. I've been looking into it and have talked to other travel mad friends with babies. There are really strict rules on passport photos for newborns, which is ridiculous, but my plan is to get the forms ASAP (baby is due in April) and I'm researching photo places nearby that specialise in baby passport pics so I know they'll be right first time.

I'll be taking the ferry rather than flying but I know plenty of people who have taken babies younger than six weeks with no problems. If you want to book the flights rebirth some airlines will allow you to book for yet unborn infants but make sure you check.

Good luck!