Taking Baby LonghaulThe thought of a holiday that involves taking baby longhaul is rather worrying for any parent. And yes, it takes plenty of planning and packing organisation. The good news is, we have taken baby longhaul a few times now (first baby and then both babies!) and recorded the different things you might find helpful to consider before you go. Read my hints and tips on taking two babies longhaul for even more details including how to fly with baby on your own as a solo parent. Also check out the different things you should consider before your longhaul flight, listed below. Baby Jet LagSome say that it is a day of recovery for every hour of time difference multiplied by the number of days you are away. For example if you go from the UK to Dubai (3 hours difference) for a week - 3hrs x 7 days = 21 days recovery, to get over your jetlag.Sadly, taking baby longhaul means you'll likely face a big time difference and therefore a difficult time both adjusting and getting over it afterwards. We spent 5 weeks in the extreme difference of 12 hours with a baby and a toddler. It took all 5 weeks for the children to establish regular sleeping behaviour and at least 6 weeks back home before they were back to normal. This is really important to think about when planning your return to normal life. You will need to work out how it will effect nursery or school if you child is attending. Not to mention eating habits (breakfast at dinner time and dinner at breakfast!) It also alters your baby's ability to start sleeping through the night if they only a few months old - so again, you will need to alter your expectations on returning home after a baby longhaul holiday. Time Difference in flightConsider when will your baby need to eat and sleep during the flight, irrespecitive of the local time.I keep my watch on home time for the entire flight and holiday, so that I understand my childs behaviour and don't get confused with why they might be crying or upset. Packing carry onNaturally you will need to consider how long you need to be independent and take enough nappies and food. Carry-on checklist.Paracetamol for babiesWe have found it really useful to have the sachets available in case baby spikes an unusual temperature or seems poorly during the flight.WaterThe water in flight is boiling hot. I have used it to clean and re-use bottles (even for baby). You need to fill a few bottles as soon as you can, so they can cool down.Entertainment for your childIf your baby is very small, then mummy and daddy will be entertainment enough, but if you have a toddler read more for ideas on entertaining them longhaul.Baby Passport and visaBe sure to check you have your destination visa sorted for your baby as well as you.BuggyIf you are taking your buggy with you, it will need to go in the hold (unless its a takeoff buggy). You can take it all the way to the plane door, then leave it collapsed before stepping on to the plane.It will not be available in transit stops - once you say goodbye to it at the plane, you won't see it again until luggage collection on arrival at your destination. Some buggies come out on the carosel and sometimes they arrive at the OVERSIZE luggage section. You need to ask a member of staff at the carosel area of the airport where it will be. Some transit airports, such as singapore and Dubai provide transit strollers to borrow. Check out what to expect inflight when flying with baby.
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