Flying long haul - with a baby

I'm no stranger to jumping on an airplane having lived in the UK for 10 years. However doing it with a baby, particularly one who started walking before our solo journey to Australia was...a daunting task. But it can be done.

Here are my tried and tested tips:

Tips for Flying Long Haul with a Baby

• Choose the Right Flight Times: Opt for flights that coincide with your baby's sleep schedule to maximise the chances of them sleeping during the journey.

• Book a Bassinet Seat: Many airlines offer bassinet seats for infants. Make sure to reserve one in advance, as they are limited and fill up quickly. However - note that you will have to negotiate turbulance and take baby out...just a warning as I learned the hard way.

• The Nappy Bag: This is second nature, I know. You do it everyday. However the biggest game changer for me, was having seperate plastic sleeves with a spare change/wondersuit, nappies and wipes. I dotted these in different bags and one in the seat pocket. Just in case. In total, I had 3 x sleeves with 3 x spare changes and a nappy and a few wipes. Also, take a mat for the toilet. Plus extra plastic sleeves for soiled nappies.

• Take a Thermos if you enjoy a hot drink, and herbal tea - the coffee and tea in flimsy cups are too risky and you will throw it down your throat (probably burn yourself in the process)

• Toys: Small, almost invisible/collapsible and silicone. Be ruthless and instead get creative on the flight. Lids are a winner as are empty water bottles served with the meal.

• Prepare for Takeoff and Landing: Feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. A bottle, pacifier, or breastfeeding - whatever works.

• Clothes: Bonds wondersuit all the way.

• Blanket: Don't bother and save the space. The airline have spares.- I. took one with me and wish I hadn't!

• Smile at passengers: It goes a long way and pacifies the energy in the cabin. Read the room - some love babies, some not.

• Take Breaks: If possible, walk up and down the aisle to break the monotony of sitting for long periods and avoid stagnation...body and mind

• Hydrate and Snack: Keep yourself hydrated and have snacks on hand. A well-fed and hydrated parent is better equipped to handle the journey.

• Be Flexible: Plan for delays or changes in your itinerary. Flexibility can help reduce stress for both you and your baby.

• Tag Team: If you are travelling with a partner, it is often helpful to share the load. I am lactose free so on my first journey with my daughter and husband, my meal came out early. This then gave us both the space to eat at an acceptable pace

• Nourish the joints: Simple wrist and ankle rotations go a long way to avoid stagnation and swelling and help the circulatory system. Add some mindful breathing. Just watch the breath, draw it deep down into the belly and let it go (I might do a seperate post on this - msg me direct if interested!). Also great one if you like to binge watch the inflight entertainment system!

This is an ongoing learning curve for me as I try to return once a year to Australia...so watch this space!