Travelling with 10 wk old infant - some questions

[ludoh]

Hi.
my wife is traveling to Europe (I will join later in the trip) with our 10wk old daughter - SYD-HKG-AMS-DUB-ARN-AMS-LHR-SIN-SYD. Partly in F and J but also some sectors in Y - as this is the first time we'll be traveling with an infant I have a few questions:
* Can we take a collapsible stroller to the gate (where I presume it is then taken and given back when we get to the other end) ?
* Will there be blankets for bassinet or do we need to bring some ?

Any other tips would be good as well (already checked what liquids can be brought)!

Seen many infants on planes but it is a bit different when it is your own

Thanks

 

[medhead]

I would suggest not taking a stroller as I don't think anyone will take it on boarding so your wife is going to have to the fold it up and carry it into the aircraft. All the time while carrying your daughter.

Probably better to check it in when your wife is traveling alone and then decide what to do when your together.

 

[ludoh]

I thought you could take a stroller to the plane where it was then put into the hold until the other end of the flight ?
Maybe this is depending on airline ? Reason for the stroller would be that otherwise my wife would have to carry the baby in a baby bjorn (or similar) which could be quite heavy (and she will have a 5-6 hr layover in HKG.

 

[markis10]

I would suggest not taking a stroller as I don't think anyone will take it on boarding so your wife is going to have to the fold it up and carry it into the aircraft. All the time while carrying your daughter.

Probably better to check it in when your wife is traveling alone and then decide what to do when your together.

Pretty much all airports have a facility to take the stroller at the gate and then transfer it to the hold (often used for carry on thats discovered to be not carry on......), its a PITA for domestic and IMHO not worth the effort but given the longer time between formalities and boarding for international flights it can make all the difference. I would also look at a sling or similar to assist with carrying the baby when a stroller is not on hand, such as transfers/transits.

Most stollers checked at the gate will come out with the oversize baggage rather than on the belt.

 

[StevePER]

Most airports allow strollers to be checked at the gate, the only noticeable exception on our international travels has been PER (typical). I think it is worth the effort to hold on to it where possible, especially for such a young child.

All airlines should provide blankets for the bassinet.

Good luck! Premium class travel isn't the same with a little one.

 

[medhead]

Just realized about the transit. Please ignore my previous as a stroller would probably be very useful in transit to avoid carrying the baby the whole time. Unless the lounge will have a bassinet or similar

 

[Princess Fiona]

Pretty much all airports have a facility to take the stroller at the gate and then transfer it to the hold (often used for carry on thats discovered to be not carry on......), its a PITA for domestic and IMHO not worth the effort but given the longer time between formalities and boarding for international flights it can make all the difference. I would also look at a sling or similar to assist with carrying the baby when a stroller is not on hand, such as transfers/transits.

Most stollers checked at the gate will come out with the oversize baggage rather than on the belt.

Agree re baby carrier. They are great for traveling and transiting. Give you free hands. Gate checked strollers will not usually be given back to you during transit, hence the need for baby carrier. Bassinets vary between airlines. Most are a vinyl covered box, with a mattress. BA has baby car seat type. I would bring a blanket from home, bear in mind most babies ( certainly all 4 of mine!) don't like the bassinet unless fast asleep. Usual things, toys, if breastfeeding latch baby on during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressurisation. If not breastfeeding some liquid sucrose on a dummy is just as good.
Best of luck with your travels!

 

[markis10]

Here is a good article on some of the key points to keep in mind, also what airline are you flying with, as it makes a difference:

Travelling with kids made easy - travel.com.au