flying with babies

This weekend will be the first time that my husband and I take our twins (5 months old) on a plane to Europe. It will be a night flight and I'd appreciate some advice as to how to make our trip as smooth as possible. Should we put them to sleep in their cots first, then wake them, put them in the babybjorn, take a taxi, airport express, check in with them or the earlier in the morning; take the baby car seats orr the buggy, wake them for feeds or let them sleep ... we will also only have one bassinett on the plane so that we can be together all 4 of us ... many questions ... any advice? Thanks.

I suggest skip the airport express and take a taxi service to the airport directly. The price is almost the same as taking the airport express and saves you the hassle of getting off the cab then on the train then off again. The less hassle while you've got 2 little ones the better.


I'd say stick to their routine as much as possible, except they will be sleeping in a different place. Don't try to keep them awake till you get on the plane coz I'm sure you know over tired babies don't sleep well at all.


When my son was 5 months old, he no longer fit in the bassinet, so I've always had him in the Baby Bjorn. He also slept better that way. If you're flying Cathay, they still insist you use the baby seatbelt extension even though the Baby Bjorn is far more secure in my opinion. The seatbelt extention could be a struggle to get on and off while you've got your baby in the Bjorn. Also while you've got your baby strapped to you, you won't be able to get your seat table out, so you and your husband will have to take turns eating. What I did when I traveled alone was to have my meal placed on the table where they put the bassinet on. They didn't let me do it at first, but when I told them then they'll have to hold my food for me or feed me, they gave me a stare and let me eat off of it.


I would totally let them sleep and don't wake them for anything!


You also have to keep in mind that during an air turbulence and the seatbelt sign is switched on, they will make you take your sleeping baby out of the bassinet and strapped on to you. That usually wakes my kids up and no more sleepy time. If they insist you take your baby out the bassinet, and since you and your husband won't have any free hands, make sure you TELL the flight attendant to help you strap the seatbelts on. Every single time that has happened to me, the flight attendants would sternly ask that I get my baby out and strap on my seatbelts then they hurriedly walk away. Since I find it difficult to hold a sleeping baby, loop my baby's seatbelt onto mine, strap mine on then his on, I've always given the attendants the look of death then TELL them they should offer to help me out instead of walking away then coming back in a huff since I haven't done it yet.


Are you breastfeeding? If so, that takes away the hassle of preparing bottles. If you are using bottles, make sure you have them ready a bit before you sense they'll be waking up for a feed. Don't worry about messing up the floor space in front of you. And ask the flight attendants to help you clean up whenever you can.


I also recommend using the bjorn and check-in your buggy instead of having to wait for it at the other end when you get there. Sometimes it might already be waiting for you when you step off the plane, sometimes you'll have to wait with 2 crying babies. But if you check it in, make sure make sure make sure you tell them you DON'T need it as you get off the plane but will collect it along with your luggage.


And most important of all is NOT to expect a smooth trip. Not that it will not be, but just be open minded that the unexpected could happen and your twins don't like the flight. But then again they could be angels and sleep all the way. Don't be worried or stressed out if people give you angry stares when your baby cries during the flight. I usually just give them an equally angry stare back. haha!


I've only traveled once with my 3 year old and 5 month old together coming back from the US. I can't begin to imagine how it would be with 2 5 month olds. Good thing you and your husband are traveling together.


Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

Beate,


why don't you try to get a seat on the window side with a cot and one on the middle row/aisle with a cot as well. at least both babies can lie down if they still fit into the cot. Mine was to big with 5 months and I booked an extra seat and took the carseat along. Another idea is to book (if you are flying on a Boeing) seat A and C at the window side with the hope that seat B will be blocked (if the plane is not fully booked). Problem is that you have to take them out of the cot when the seatbelt sign comes on as tly mentioned already.


Are you renting a car in Europe? then I would definitely take the carseats along. You can also strap them into the taxi enroute to the airport. Most rentals charge EURO 15/day and the carseats are never the cleanest. Just check them in at the airport.


Definitely would take a taxi to the airport. I always let my little man sleep until the luggage is packed in the taxi. I just carry him into the taxi and put him in this carseat. I always take the buggy along and pass it to the crew at the gate.


Hope that helps. Good luck. I will also be on a midnight flight to Europe this wend.

Dear AsiaXpat friends,

Thank you very much for your replies, I really appreciate your taking the time to write to me. Luckily I can still breastfeed and we will take the babybjorns and not wake the babies. I will certainly remember to ask for help and let the flight attendants know what we need. We've booked a minivan to take us to the airport as I assume we'll be traveling there with sleeping babies.

Thanks again and best wishes to you.

Beate


Wish I've read your message earlier as we took our twins (when they are 5 months old) to UK about 3 months ago and everything went really well.


I was really worried before the flight but things just worked out smoothly and I hope it's the same with you.


Just wanna wish you luck and have a fantasic time!