What I packed for my 7 week old for 12 hour overnight flight

Long gone are the days when I used to travel with my stolen business class pack of moisturiser, fancy eye mask and homeopathic spray....  For my 7 week old I packed the following (am not breastfeeding)

• Nappy bag with 8 nappies, wipes, nappy sacks
• 6 sterilised bottles
• 2 pots containing 3 servings each of Aptamil powder
• Premade Aptamil formula in carton (on HK side they let me carry them through and UK side I had preordered them at the Boots airside)
• Grobag
• 2 spare sleepsuits
• Blanket
• Hat
• 2 muslins
• 3 material bibs

What I packed for my 2.5 year old for 12 hour overnight flight

I recently flew back to the UK and got the overnight BA flight from HK which leaves around midnight.  Although I had a backpack for my own hand luggage, this is now taken up with things for the baby so I ended up using my daughter's Trunki for most items (very useful!)

• DVD player, headphones & DVDs (didn't use this at all as she watched the TV)
• Sticker book (brilliant)
• 1 book
• Pyjamas
• 3 sleep nappies (I will write a post about travelling with potty trained child)
• Cereal bar (BA had raisins etc that I gave to her on the plane)
• Her teddy bear
• Calpol
• 1 plastic bib

I forgot to pack her water bottle so just bought her some Evian at airport when she started to get thirsty.  Other than that I think this time I finally packed quite sensibly!

I heart my Trunki!

What a brilliant invention the Trunki is.  My parents bought one for Daisy for her 2nd birthday but I feel that only now (she's 2 and 8 mths) is she really able to use it.
The only downside is if they are too young to be able to carry it themselves and therefore you end up with another piece of hand luggage.
Now on to the positives:
-  Loads more hand luggage space for you (this came in most useful with all the bottles I was carrying for the baby)
-  Fun games in the airport with her sitting on the Trunki and me pulling it
-  Somewhere for her to sit
- Introducing her to the concept of packing and having her own bag - she was very excited about selecting some books and games for the plane

Flying short haul with a 6 month old - London to Stockholm BA!

My sister and her husband took my gorgeous niece away for a weekend to Stockholm from London.  Here's her flight review full of some top tips:

We booked British Airways to fly from London for a weekend in Stockholm with our 6 month old baby.  Infants get their own luggage allowance, and at Heathrow you can take the buggy all the way to the plane.  On our return flight from Arlanda airport we had to check our buggy in and were given an airport buggy to use until we boarded.  This was a bit annoying (no bag/clips on it to hold a bag) and was a very basic buggy and may have been uncomfortable for a very small baby.  On the positive side our buggy was wrapped very securely in a big plastic bag so I was less worried about it being damaged during the flight.

In my hand luggage I had several pouches of food, cartons of milk, sterilised bottles and a sippy cup of water.  I also preordered some formula and food pouches at the airside Boots just in case this was taken away from me at security.  If you plan to do this they are very helpful (even talked me through all the different flavours of food on the phone) but make sure that you call at least a week in advance.  At Heathrow they have a special lane for families to go through security which was great on a quiet Friday morning during termtime, but probably a nightmare during school holidays.  At both Heathrow and Arlanda I was asked to taste one food pouch and to sip from the water cup, but I did not have to open the cartons of formula.  At Heathrow our little girl was asleep as we passed through security so they didn't ask us to take her out of the buggy, just took it the side and searched it thoroughly.  At Arlanda I had to carry Abbie through the x-ray machine, and when I set off the metal detector a member of staff insisted on holding Abbie while I was checked.  This wasn't strictly necessary as my husband was just behind me - I found it quite irritating but I think that she just wanted to have a cuddle with a baby!

At the gate at Heathrow while everyone was waiting to board, a member of staff ushered us straight to the desk and changed our seat numbers so that two of us could have a full row of three seats to stretch out on.  We checked in the buggy at this point and walked straight onto the plane, no stairs.  At Arlanda the staff weren't so friendly when we asked to move seats and said that we had to remain in our assigned seats as infants are specifically put in certain rows on the plane.

The flights themselves were easy, although Abbie is now too big to just lie across my lap for the whole journey.  She sucked on a bottle or dummy for takeoff and landing - if you are using a dummy it's a good idea to take a dummy clip to stop it from falling on the floor and rolling around the plane.  The staff onboard were lovely, even giving Abbie a view of the flight deck when we got off in Stockholm.  

Back in business! (sadly not talking the plane version)

Hooray, it's so nice to finally be updating this! Which means I've had my 2nd offspring and started travelling again.
My 2nd daughter was born in early October and with my brother in law's wedding on the horizon it meant her very first long haul flight at a tiny 6 weeks old...  I'll update that trip later but the next post will be from my sister who's turning my niece into something of a jetsetter...

My sister's review of her first flight (Ryanair) with a 4 month old

Being heavily pregnant, I've been sadly lacking any travel so having to live vicariously through others!  My sister and her gorgeous daughter Abbie recently took a trip from the UK to France and I asked her to review it below.....

 

At first we were reluctant to book a holiday with our newborn, especially given how much stuff we have to pack just for an overnight stay at the grandparents.  However, everyone kept telling us how easy it was to travel with a baby that isn't even crawling yet, so we bit the bullet and I'm so glad we did.  We flew Ryanair from London Stansted to Bergerac and stayed in a farmhouse we found via www.babyfriendlyboltholes.com.  Here are some things that we discovered along the way: 

- Luggage.  On Ryanair you are allowed one collapsible pushchair for free (we took our Mothercare My4 pram) and you can pay extra for 'infant items' such as a carseat or travel cot.  We took our own car seat for ease (it also fits onto the chassis of our pram) and peace of mind, and packed it in a car seat bag (available from www.kiddicare.com).  They didn't check inside the car seat bag for other items, so you could chance it and put some additional luggage in there too.  Don't forget a pound coin for the luggage trolley at Stansted, and bring your own transparent resealable clear plastic bags for liquids in your hand luggage, unless you want to part with more cash.  And no, they wouldn't let me use a nappy sack instead! 

- Airport security.  At Stansted they searched the buggy by hand, whereas at Bergerac they put it through the x-ray.  Rules on liquids seem to vary.  At Stansted I decided not to stress about taking liquids through so I packed a sterilised bottle in my hand luggage and bought a carton of formula from Boots (they stock plenty of Aptamil and you can phone in advance to reserve some).  At Bergerac I took several cartons through security and was not asked to open them.   

- Changing and Feeding.  Stansted have a number of baby changing rooms, with private areas for feeding.  At Bergerac this was much more basic, with a baby changing mat in the middle of the ladies toilet.  We took sterilising tablets with us which were very easy to use each day.   

- Flying.  We paid extra for Priority Boarding, which was worth it just for not having to rush to the gate and stand in a queue, although I imagine that they let families with small children board pretty quickly anyway.  We used a Baby Bjorn to carry her and left the buggy at the bottom of the steps.  I have heard of some people packing the buggy in a special bag.  We didn't have one, but we did pull the raincover over in order to protect the carry cot a little.  The flight itself was completely fine, our baby fed or sucked on a dummy for the whole flight and barely seemed aware of anything that was going on!  On the way out and on the way back the buggy was there at the bottom of the stairs for us.  

Aeroplane travel with a bump! (pregnancy not the turbulent kind)

I have flown during both of my pregnancies from as early as 4 weeks to as late as 33 weeks.  Although I fly often, I am absolutely petrified of flying and normally I like to take a lovely combination of sleeping pills & wine to get me through!  However, whilst pregnant I get to enjoy(!) flying naturally again and here are some tips:

• Check with your airline how late you in your pregnancy they will take you
• Check with your insurance how late in your pregnancy you can travel
• After about 20 weeks + of pregnancy and when you are really showing, I think it's definitely worth getting a doctor's note permitting you to fly.  You will most certainly need one anyway if you are flying over 27 weeks.  I have been asked numerous times at check in to produce one
• Parade your bump at check in. Sometimes it might get you a better seat or even upgraded!
• For long haul flights get proper support stockings that reduce risk of DVT
• Drink lots of water
• Bring lots of snacks
• Move around on the plane

I know some people are concerned about flying whilst pregnant but if you read any medical websites, they will all say it's perfectly fine.  They do suggest the best time to fly is between 14 to 28 weeks when the risk of miscarriage and premature labour are lower.  As with all my travel advice, I can only say if you are feeling good - go for it!

Travelling & potty training

I started potty training my 27 month old daughter a week ago.  First few days were a total DISASTER but then it finally seemed to click...  We've still had the odd accident but we're getting there.  I've been loosely following the Gina Ford 'Potty Training In One Week'.  Unlike her other books which are written in a very strict, slightly mental tone, I've found this book useful and easy to follow.

After Day 3 of potty training I decided to take my daughter out & about.  A friend recommended this great product for travelling with your child - the Potette Plus which is a travel potty and trainer seat in one.  It's easy to use, lightweight and comes with disposable bags.  My daughter seems happy to use it and I love the fact that I can either assemble it as potty or use it as trainer seat on public toilets.

http://www.bibsandstuff.co.uk/acatalog/Potette_Plus.html

I am still keeping my daughter in nappies for her lunchtime and bedtime sleep.  I also think I will put her in a pull up nappy for our next long plane journey, will keep you posted as to how that goes....

Renting a car on holiday - the car seat dilemma

We have rented a car several times on holiday and when you have a young child i.e. still in a baby car seat I'm really in two minds as to whether you should bring your own or rent one with the car.

On the one hand, if you bring your own then you are guaranteed a safe car seat.  You don't have to worry about 'one not suddenly being available' when you are in a long queue for hiring your car.  You can then use it attached to your buggy for dinners out and transporting baby.  As mentioned in a previous post, if you are bringing your own, invest in a cheap bag to put it in when you check it into the hold.

When hiring a car in the South of France we were actually given a toddler front facing car seat rather than a baby one.  Our daughter was about 4 months old and I wasn't that happy about using it but we weren't using the car extensively and we strapped her in pretty tightly.

If you hire one with the car then it's one less piece of luggage to have to carry and avoid losing/getting damaged.  In fact, as I type this post, I think the best piece of advice would be to hire one with the car but keep phoning the car rental company in advance to confirm what kind of car seat they will be giving you.

and finally.... don't forget to pack your baby!

Short haul plane travel with young baby

My sister had a baby in May (my gorgeous new niece!) and she was asking my travel tips for their first adventure in August.
She lives in the UK and they initially wanted to take the car and drive over to France.  I told her she was mad and should embrace the option of budget airlines for short haul travel and go by air.  I honestly think that traveling by plane can be a lot easier than a loooooong car drive, particularly if you are still breastfeeding.

Things to remember:

• If you have a big buggy (eg Bugaboo Chameleon), check with airline how they can store it.  Are you able to take it to gate or do you have to disassemble the whole kit & caboodle at check in
• If you do have an enormous buggy, maybe it's wise to invest in a cheaper, lightweight one for your trip?  We travelled with friends who had to undo their entire buggy every time they went through security which wouldn't have been fun if the parent was traveling alone
• Check the updated liquids policy, this seems to change all the time.  You can carry formula in powder versions and sometimes ask for boiled water on the plane.  I have also used bottled water on planes, I really don't think it's going to harm your child for a few feeds!  I have also carried on cartons of premixed Aptamil.  If you think security are going to remove these from you, you can call ahead to the airport Boots and reserve some to pick up
• Take your baby carrier with you e.g. Baby Bjorn.  You might have to wait a while for them to deliver the buggy to the aircraft door or in some cases it's gone straight to the luggage carousel.
• Carry lots of nappies & wipes!  You never know if you will be delayed. If you don't want to carry a big changing purse you can also buy a disposable changing mat.
• If taking formula in bottles, overfill them as you will have to drink some yourself at security (gulp!) to prove that you are not taking dodgy chemicals on board
• If your buggy/car seat is going in the hold, invest in a bag for it (available online pretty cheaply to avoid damage)
• 1 or 2 changes of clothes for baby.  I have had a vomiting incident within seconds of sitting down on the plane
• Change of top for you!  See above
• Bibs if you are bottle feeding
• Blanket (If you use a big muslin for breastfeeding this could also double up)
• Grobag (You might want to ignore this for really short flight)
• Several dummies
• Calpol sachets - just in case
• I don't reckon young babies really need many toys and you should save room in your hand luggage for yourself!  If they are getting to the chewy stage and like something to hold then a wooden ring or a magical Sophie Giraffe is good  http://www.sophiegiraffeusa.com/

Flight Review: Bangkok Airways - Hong Kong to Koh Samui

I normally like this flight as it's just under 3 hours so is bearable with a screaming child!

http://www.bangkokair.com/en/index.php

I don't think you can check in online but our travel agent normally assigns our seats together.  They don't have a bassinet so be prepared to hold your baby for the flight. Again, I don't think they necessarily assign bulkhead to people travelling with babies, on this flight there weren't any kids travelling in those seats.
Check in is easy although at Terminal 2.  This means you have quite a distance to get to the gate including 2 trains and lots of escalators so I would take your buggy to the gate.
The plane is clean, fairly new and staff pretty friendly.
There are no seatback TVs but a few dotted around the cabin to show an in flight movie.  We took our trusty DVD player so all was good.
I/my travel agent forgot to order a child meal but my daughter wolfed down the adult meal of noodles which wasn't too spicy.
On our outbound flight they had sat us right at the back row.  Being 7 months pregnant this was fairly uncomfortable and as a nervous flyer you can feel every bump!  However, this proved to be a wise seating choice as they open both the front and back doors at Koh Samui airport.  We were able to rush off the plane, hop on the transit bus and race to the front of the immigration queue which can be lengthy. And then you are in paradise....

Travel necessity - the portable DVD player

A friend recommended that I buy a portable DVD player and it has been a LIFESAVER.
I wish I had used it earlier but I think her attention span for TV watching has only really developed from 18 months.
There are loads of options out there, if you've got ipad, iphone etc.  We don't travel with a laptop or tablet so my husband bought a super cheap DVD player in Hong Kong (no, i've never heard of the brand Top Smart either!)  It's pretty good, fairly robust, battery life just under 2 hours which can be a problem but I have used sockets on planes and always remember to charge it up before I go.
I've also put a few Peppa Pigs and Angelina Ballerina cartoons on my iphone.
We recently had a very peaceful flight from Thailand to Hong Kong where there was no entertainment system so she happily sat and watched her DVDs. And I read a book - magic!!

Cheap portable DVD player from the Wanchai computer centre in Hong Kong.  We use it with some small headphones he found for her

Packing hand luggage for long haul flight with toddler

Try to go for less is more!  That said, there have been times when my plane has been delayed and I've been thankful for those extra nappies.   I think it's a lot easier to pack hand luggage for a toddler than a baby as they can eat the plane food, use less nappies and can watch the in flight entertainment system.  I now try and keep it to the following:

• Pink teddy (she cannot sleep without it!)
• Grobag
• Pyjamas (these can double up as a change of clothes)
• 5 nappies, small pack of wipes, small cream and a few nappy bags
• 1 book
• 1 'surprise' toy (cheap toy that she's never seen that will entertain her for all of 5 seconds)
• 1 snack e.g. raisins or cereal bar
• Portable DVD player
• Calpol/Nurofen and syringe

As mentioned in previous post, I can have her carry a few bits in her rucksack.  The rest I get to lug around the airport.

I now just buy a bottle of water and give that to her or water from a cup on the plane to save carrying around her big bottle.  

Very useful airport product - toddler backpack with reins

I do a lot of travel on my own and once my toddler found her feet.... she was off!  If you are pushing a luggage trolley it's also impossible to push a buggy so I either stick her in the basket of the trolley (if there is one) or use her Little Life backpack.
I think it's a UK brand, my mum bought it for me in John Lewis. I sneakily put some nappies, wipes, books etc in there so she's carrying it around and away we go!
There are lots of similar products on the market and I think they are very useful.  I get the odd look of 'why is that woman walking her child' but to be fair, if they were in my position I think they would happily do the same!
http://www.littlelife.co.uk/html/toddler_daysacks/runabout-pink.html

Origins of the blog

I really wish I'd started the blog sooner.  I have a toddler and am due again in October and am afraid I've forgotten all my own advice about how to travel with kids!  I'm from the UK but for 7 years have lived in Asia, including the last 4 in Hong Kong.  My first daughter was born in April 2009 and we were determined not to let that get in the way of our wanderlust.  Combined with that the fact our families live in the UK and the number of weddings etc we were expected to attend, our little daughter has been on a plane more times than hot dinners.  I get asked all the time about advice on travelling with a baby, especially long haul as I've had to do this on numerous occasions by myself.  My advice is to just get over the fear and go for it!