Flying to Australia with a baby

Babies can also be useful as entertainment when you've seen all the films.

Now, I realise this isn't a topic for everyone, but it's a question I get asked quite often (although usually more along the lines of a comment like "You took a baby all the way to Australia? Are you mad!").

So, how do you manage a long-haul flight to Australia with a baby?

Now, I am only qualified to comment for a 4-5 month old here, as that is how old our daughter Alex was when we took her to Australia, BUT there are some tips that will apply no matter what age your baby I think (although once onto proper food, it's going to a little bit different — not to mention messy!).

So, first things first: pick a baby friendly airline — one that has flight attendants who actually like them (they all say they do...but I am not sure it's always true). We flew Emirates and they were great — we spent ages hanging out at the back of the plane having lots of cuddles (strangely more demands from the male FA's for baby cuddles!). They also took photos, and were generally very helpful.

Make sure you book a bassinet or sky-cot (double-check and call the airline to make sure) so you have somewhere for your little person to sleep.

Actually, maybe the first thing to mention should have been: don't forget to get a passport and a visa for your baby!

If travelling from the UK, then every bub (no matter how small!) needs their own passport, and as it's a 'first' passport you have to get photos signed and witnessed, etc..., so bear that in mind if you are booking last minute. You also need to get a tourist visa for the baby, which you can easily do online — see article DIY Australian Holiday Visa.

Now, in terms of 'managing' the flight, here are a few logistical tips that we did (or wish we had!):

To make sure your baby's ears pop:

• Feed on take off and landing (I was breastfeeding, which is easier to organise, but if not, then invest in some disposable pre-sterilised bottles and cartons of formula — much less messing about! We took some anyway for emergencies and locations not suited to breast-feeding!).
• Or allow your baby to scream on take off and landing (as advised by the purser when we were in Business Class for one leg of our journey— although that might be OK only when nearer the front of the plane, because of the noise-cancelling headphones supplied!)

To 'survive' the flight:

• Get noise-cancelling headphones (if travelling as a couple, and one of you wants a sleep) - you really can't hear anything!
• Have plenty of toys/books/things to chew on — as per what are your baby's favourites already.
• You can never have too many muslins (think this is a general rule of baby-wrangling, and not just on planes?!)
• Try and sort out little 'packs' for nappy changes e.g. put a clean nappy and some cotton wool or wipes into a nappy disposal bag so you don't have to cart the whole giant bag into the loo (you know how small it is in there!).
• Try and sleep when your baby does (yes I know, easier said than done!).
• Ignore everyone around you who is giving you evil looks! Actually, we were surprised at how nice lots of people were on the flight to us and the baby (this might change when Alex is a toddler!). Also, is quite likely you'll be near other kids too, so then it's not all your fault ;-) As long as you are obviously trying to calm your baby if they are screaming — no one can expect you to do more than that I say.

Getting around

• For airports, I strongly recommend using a baby carrier/sling (or back pack when they are a bit bigger), as this gives you free hands! Most airlines let you keep your buggy 'til just as you get on at departure, but for stops en route there aren't always buggies available, and when babies are little then a sling is best option anyway. Remember, you need hands free to hand over passports and boarding cards (and carry duty free!).

And don't forget...

• Last thing to mention is that if you have any baby food or formula still on you when you arrive in Australia (likely and a good idea!), then you will need to declare this to customs. Make sure you go through the red channel and tick the right boxes on your form. If you are travelling with a baby, then it's not a problem to bring in formula and other 'treated' food (still no fresh fruit and veg though), but you MUST declare it.

I'm sure Alex will be chuffed to know that her first holiday ever was all the way to Australia!