Babie and timezones

Hi,

I know there are various threads on the logistics of flying with a baby, but I'm more interested in hearing about how you found things once you arrived at your destination.

I am looking to take DS to the UK (so long haul destination experiences please). I haven't booked a flight yet but anticipate it being within the next couple of months ie whilst he still free, qualifies for a bassinet and isn't trying to run around the plane! So, maybe 7/8 months or so.

How did you find the timezone thing affected your little one? Seeing as how he has now (mostly!) got his days and his nights sorted out, is it going to be hard for him to do a complete about turn?

Thanks in anticipation

I did it, DS was 8 months old, the flight was yuck but it does end and they adjust to the timezone way quicker than you, I think we had one night he woke at 2 and one day he thought 5 was morning and after that it was all good. Coming back was easier think he slept through straight away.

I would say 8/9 months is a good time to fly, I would not want to do it from a year to 2, they are just too wiggly.

I flew alone, it was not easy, but like I said we got there and the thought of it all was harder than doing it.

flying alone is hard - hard for me as DH just started his I don't want others to hold me thing, combined with serious tiredness it meant going to the loo was tricky, I didn't eat or drink anything for 24 hours.

Forget fear of flying you'll be busy enough not to worry about that.

Air hostesses are SO helpful when flying alone as are other passengers, lots of offers to take my son, he just wouldn't go.

They just adjust really quickly and get on with stuff - resilient little things really

Thanks. Yeah, I realised after I posted that there is a cost for him, 10%. I'll def use my sling as with luck I'll be able to borrow a buggy while we're over there so won't be travelling with it.

Planning on flying with my favourite - S'pore Airlines, their cabin crew are awesome and I've seen them with other littlies.

I *think* I can reserve my seat at point of booking.

We took DS to the USA for three weeks when he was 23 months which was quite a different kettle of fish as he was too big for a basinet but old enough to get that when the lights are out you should be sleeping. Luckily there was a spare seat and he curled up and slept most of the way there and back. He was a little puzzled about sleeping on a plane then in a motel for the first few days but knew that bottle, teddy, blanket and bedtime story meant sleep so went with the flow. Plus we kept him awake and ran him ragged for the flight and on our first night there so he would crash once he stopped.

Family members went to the UK when their daughter was 11 months and they found it difficult as she was on their lap all the way there and back not sleeping. Once they arrived her time zones were out but between the two of them and two Grandparents they took turns watching her while others caught up on their sleep until she got back into a routine. The hardest part for them was that she wouldn't sleep unless she was in a completely dark room with no noise, which is just about impossible if you are staying with family or in hotels.

I think 8 months is probably the best age as long as you have a basinett but make sure you have someone to childmind when you arrive so you can catch up on some sleep. And sleep when the baby sleeps, this is not the time to watch movies.

We've just booked our flights to Rome. DD will be 16mths. I've been a little worried, so good to hear that it *shouldn't* be as bad as I've been thinking

ShellyBR - your DS' ticket coast nearly $1000 DD's was $130. (one way that is). Was that for his own seat? We thought about buying one but I can see her wanting to snuggle up to one of us so didn't see the point.

tishy wrote: Oh and Yvette, we're going at Easter until end of May. I'm doing the return trip on my own with the girls. eek!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! Are you allowed to do this? If I thought I could cope I would take the boys back to NZ on my own and let DH stay for another few weeks but I don't think I can (or would cope). I'm leaving at the end of May (I think) & only for a few weeks unfortunately.

What age were your girls when you last went? Oh & belated happy B-day for your girls - amazing cakes you made!

Well they're over 2 so it won't be any different to traveling with 2 kids. I seriously doubt that'll be a problem.

Are you getting seats for your boys? At this age the movies should be a decent distraction and they'll be able to understand a lot more of what's going on.
We might overlap, we'll be in Heathrow the afternoon of the 24th May

They were 10/11 months when we went last time. I'm glad we're going for that bit longer this time as 3 weeks was really not that long for the girls to adjust to timezone and so many rellies.

Oh and I just resign myself to the fact that it'll the worst 36 hours of my life and figure it can't be any worse than that

Tishy, I just realised, it's infants under 2 where they like it to be 1 adult per baby. But I still think you're very brave!