Flying with a baby

See my hints and tips for flying with a baby

• Children fly (almost) free until they are 2 years old so it is definitely worthwhile trying to get some travel in before they hit 2!
• Start with a short flight so you can see how you get on and decide whether you want to brave going further afield.
• Check what your airline allows you to bring extra for children on the flight - most airlines I have flown allow two additional pieces to check into the hold (like a pushchair and car seat).
• If flying long haul with a baby you might want to request the front row bulkhead seats so you can request a bassinet for your baby to use on the flight. Personally I quite like being near the back of the plane as I feel more out of the way but I make sure that we aren't at the very back so that there are people behind that the baby can look at. Both of my boys are so nosey (and friendly) that most of their entertainment came from smiling at the people in the row behind us.
• Pack like a pro - use packing cubes in your hand luggage (as well as your hold luggage) so you can have handy "grab bags" for nappies, wipes and travel change mat then another one for a change of clothes, another for snacks etc.
• Buy a protective bag for any of the baby items you are checking into the hold. We have one for the pram and one for the car seat.
• Check what your airport and airline allow you to take onboard for baby in terms of formula and baby food.
• Take a baby carrier - even if you have a pram that you are taking to the gate - a carrier is extremely handy particularly for getting on board!
• Take lots of toys to keep baby entertained. New ones are likely to keep them busier for longer. I am a big fan of the spinning toys as these kept my two busy for ages (relatively speaking).
• Try and feed baby during take off and landing to help ease the air pressure discomfort.
• You may get priority boarding but the least time onboard stuck in a seat the better so I try and board last (unless it works around timing for a nap or a feed).