Postby BusterCat » Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:37 am
Having taken my 1 yr olds to NZ in past I have a couple of top tips - the most important of which is to contact your airline! They will be able to advise you as to the regulations regarding liquids and support you during the trip if they know in advance.
If you haven't already booked, opt for a night flight if you can. You can request a bulk head seat and a sky cot (depending on the weight of the baby) and book infant meals, but check what an 'infant meal' entails. The cabin crew will sterilise bottles etc for you and ensure the child is drinking on take-off and landing as it helps them equalise their ears. Check the airline will have cows milk on-board as a lot is UHT (ick). Also ask their policy regarding taking a buggy on board or if it needs to be checked luggage and where it will be made available to you at the end of the flight. Depending on the aircraft, sometimes you can take buggies on-board which is fabulous especially if you're travelling by yourself.
Take LOTS of snacks, these are always a good distraction for the child and obviously, colouring pencils and favourite activity toys but ideally not ones with lots of pieces which will go astray.
Take at least one change of clothes for yourself and probably two for the child. Don't forget nappies in your carry on luggage and a favourite blanket and cuddly toy.
Most of all don't fret - you know already how children feed off your vibes and if you can possibly remain calm, the child will sleep - you won't, but hey, you're used to that!
Good luck.
