Flying with a 6mth old

I will be flying soon with my baby (6 mths) on both long haul and short flights. Does anyone have any tips they can give me? I have no idea about traveling with a baby. Can I take water on the flight for her bottles or should I ask the stewards/stewardesses for water? Can they heat up the water for me? Can I check-in her car seat? Will I need to take any bedding on the flight for her or will everything be supplied?


Would really appreciate any advice or tips anyone can give me.

6 months is not that bad actually.


- Make sure baby sucks on something during ascent and descent to minimize the effect of pressure change.

- You may bring a reasonable amount of baby food. Just tell security as you get there and show them.

- You can check in the car seat. Some companies allow that as an extra.

- Bedding is typically supplied if you get a bassinet. Do try to get one. Very practical.

- Many companies even provide a nappy or two. Depends on the airline.

- No need to bring your own water (though you can buy some after security). There is potable hot water on the plane and the attendants can get you that. Just remember that they are quite busy during mealtimes so you might want to ask for favors before and after. We've had plenty of attendants take a bottle with formula, fill with water and mix for us. No worries.

- Note that on-board water is VERY hot so be careful.

- At least one bathroom has a changing table that folds down.

- Finally: Ignore any dirty looks if your baby cries!

Call the airline or get online and check their baby policy. You generally get to check the carseat and pram [generally do not count toward baggage -- but not all of the people working the counter will know that - we once flew on a codeshare flight where our ticketing airline allowed carseat, pram and infant seat as free baggage but the airline providing the plane did not] either at the check-in counter or at the gate; certain carseats can be brought onto the plane [which for us seems like more trouble than it is worth, but for kids who do a lot of napping in the car it can really make sleeping on the plane more comfy.


Bring enough food for an extra meal at least, and calculate the number of diapers you think you will need and then add two, an extra change of clothes for the baby and for yourself [shorts&tshirt don't take up much room in your carryon, and much much better to carry a bit extra than to have to live with what leaked out of the diaper and all over your lap for hours...]


We always bring one old favorite and one new thing for the plane.

- some airlines provide jarred baby for if pre-ordered (before checkin)

- you might want to bring baby's own blanket if the smell might sooth them

- def. get a bassinet seat at the bulkhead if you can, as your baby is the right age now and won't be for long!

Flew with our baby first when he was 2 months old and did a couple of more times since then... Went to Sabah for CNY to similar to KL I guess... Haven't yet done long haul but do dread about it already...


Stuff in my rugsack - my baby's still on breast+formula milk only:

- Hotwater bottle with hot water (handy just in case flight attendents are too busy handing out meals and stuff. you can surely get some from them if you prefer.)

- Cold water (on board normally is mineral water which is not good for babies I heard)

- Milk powder in those kind of container which you pre-fill each meal's share

- 1 ready made bottle (for the takeoff) in a bottle warming bag

- Bottles (on board you'll need to make at least the bottle for decending)

- Nappies (i have an easy-to-grab small bag in the rugsack's side pocket with 2 nappies, wet wipes, plastic bags for smelly nappies)

- Wet wipes (for bum and for face+hands)

- Favourite toys

- Dummy (anything that might help if needed really)

- Muslins

- Spare change of clothes (just in case 'something' leaks out)

- Our passports etc


I normally big bigger bottles for travelling just in case (e.g. if baby normally takes 160ml each time, I make 180-200ml).


Agree better ask your agent or airline hotline to pre-arrange your seats and baby bassinet. Great to have the baby bassinet to put your baby in there for a bit if your baby lets you~


Dragonair provides jugs of baby juice and food and nappies. Haven't asked Malaysia Airways so don't know what they provide.


Our car-seat fits onto the buggy and we always push them all the way to the gate and the guys will take them away before you board and return to you after you land. Do remember to ask the check-in counter to print extra luggage tags for your car-seat+buggy.


Extra stuff for your KL trip: (not necesary to carry on board)

- mosquito repellent (not sure if KL has mosquito problem)

- stuff to soothe the itch just in case got bitten

- mosquito net for the buggy

- sunscreen

- after sun lotion

- swimming suits+hat


When we were leaving Sabah the guys at the airport did say I couldn't take in water with me as I was boarding a plane to HK. But I said I need it to make milk for my baby and they just let me through.


If you're travelling economy, do remember you can still board first as you have a baby!!


Good luck for your trips!

"- Cold water (on board normally is mineral water which is not good for babies I heard)"


Actually there is both bottled water and tap water. I don't know who says that mineral water is bad for babies. Perhaps if it is high in salts like Perrier but otherwise should be ok.