Flying with baby for first time!
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Firstly you will be fine. Flying really isn’t that bad. Most airlines have the policy that you can take 2 ‘bulky’ items for the baby. This would include things like, car seat, one piece stroller, travel cot. You can take more but you will have to pay. We always stay in Airbnbs when we travel as we find it so much easier. They have almost always provided a travel cot and high chair. You can ask when you book. I usually take a car seat (BUT they do get a bit battered in the hold A depends if you mind that) you can hire them through car companies. Personally I find it easier to take enough supplies for 2 days and then do a big supermarket shop to stock up on nappies, wipes, food etc so you’re not taking EVERYTHING with you. For the flight, personally on a short flight to Spain I would have him on my knee. But up to you. Pack enough snacks to feed 10 children. Busy books, reusable stickers etc. the flight will whizz by. Leave plenty of time to get through the airport so not rushing.
At 14 months he'll be on your lap. We used a travel stroller that can be folded up to the size of hand luggage so we could push him around the airport with ease. Board the plane as late as you can, they let families board first but try to reduce your time on board. Have plenty of quiet toys and snacks with you on the plane. Changing a nappy is tight in the airplane bathroom but doable. See if you can get the flight to be around a naptime. If possible book an Airbnb that has a cot and highchair so less stuff to take with you.
I’ve flown all over for work with my baby girl from 10 weeks old so I’ve just popped in to say it’s absolutely fine, and people are very caring about babies and travel. And super helpful! It’s the kids kicking the seat when the parents just let them that bothers folk!
@Emily @Naomi @Katie @Yog I'm so sorry for the late reply! Thank you all so much for your lovely help and advice 😊 I really appreciate it!
I flew for the first time with my 18 month old, and it was fine! I made a snack box up for her, bought colouring, stickers and spinners. She slept for the first hour, and then we only had 1.5hrs to keep her happy. We flew to Portugal, and it was a morning flight so she was exhausted by the time we got on the plane. We took a stroller, which they took off us at boarding. I didn’t bother with a car seat or travel cot. We didn’t need a travel cot as the villa we stayed in a provided one ☺️