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Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone had any experiences of flying long haul and carrying formula? I am flying to UK (so strict liquid retrictions) with my 4 month old and am a bit worried about having to carry enough food for 24 hours.
I've heard that if you get ready made cartons then they can make you open and taste 50%, so was planning to take 8 ready made bottles with cooled boiled water and then mix with powder.
Any other flying with baby tips??
Cheers!
im pretty sure it doesnt count towards formula
Yeah, baby formula isn't included in the liquids thing. We're flying to Singapore in a couple of weeks so I was just looking at all the baggage restrictions myself!
Have a great trip :)
Hi Lyra
It is tricky! My sis visited from the UK last year with a 4month old. She had the ready made formula and didn't have to taste it. I'm pretty sure she found it available for sale in transit lounge shops too.
BUT noting that different stopover / refuel cities have different rules when you get back on. eg Bangkok is really strict and annoying, they will take the water / coffee you just purchased in the transit lounge!! In contrast singapore is more reasonable.
I suggest you call your airline and ask to speak to someone who can give you reliable advice. Ask them about availability of water on board, taking on empty bottles, and how to bring premade formula on. They might suggest who else to consult with too.
I don't envy you, I know my sis was very stressed before hand but eventually got reliable advice and all went well. Good luck!
Hey hun, I have done it heaps of times in the last 9 years and I always take about 4 of the little ready-made cartons of formula (the little rectangular things like juice boxes) and then about 6 of the sachets of formula that are sealed. Then they can give you boiles water while your'e on the plane. I had to change the formula I used but thats not the end of the world :)
Thanks! I know it'll work out ok but it's just going to be stressful travelling alone with a baby. I know that formula doesn't count towards the liquid restriction -but all the advice I have received so far states that they will be "subject to further customs checks" which apparently means that they can make you taste it. This would be such a pain if you have taken cartons- cos then you can't use them! I think the best thing would be to take the sterilised water with pre-prepared water (which I can then taste without rendering useless if I have to) and add powder. I guess my main worry is that I don't want to be reliant on getting boiled water, and washing/sterilising bottles in airports/on planes ...so I;ll have to take enough for the whole trip- plus some extra just in case of delays. This means I'm going to be carrying A LOT of heavy bottles on my own, plus baby, plus nappies, clothes, some toys, etc etc. Wish I was breastfeeding! GRRR
Thanks for your support guys. Wish me luck.
LS x
CQueen- were you happy getting water form the air stewardesses? I was worried that they would be too busy and I'd end up with hungry screaming baby and water too hot!
Yep its a pain to get it when you need it...I took three empty bottles, asked them to fill with boiled water as soon as they had an oppertunity and then stored them around the seats so when I needed them they were cooled.
I've flown with the cartons heaps of times and they've never made me try them. As long as they're sealed it's fine.
With the bottles being sterilised it's tricky. How old is bub? I think the youngest I flew to the Uk with was 6 months old and I just had to bite the bullet and give a couple of bottles in un-steralised bottles. It's not the end of the world. You can ask them to put it in a container of boiling water for 5 minutes...they're usually happy to help :)
Who are you flying with?
CQueen- sorry another question!
Did you take enough bottles for whole trip or did you clean and sterilise on the go, and if so how? I was thinking of taking small container and Milton tablets, plus brush and small bottle washing up liquid as back up in case I run out.
My baby tends to feed small amounts often, eg will only take 60-100mls but has 7 feeds a day, so I think I need to take quite a few back up options in case of delay.
Thanks!
LS x
Think our posts crossed!
Bub is only just 4 months so I'm not sure I;m game to give unsterilised yet- but that's a good idea- I could just rinse out with boiled water after a good wash. I have images of me trying to do this in an airline seat while juggling baby but I guess the stewardesses will help if they can!
I'm flying Singapore which I was told was baby friendly... although when booking the tickets they weren't particularly helpful with advising me what to do with the formula. I guess the booking people don't really know how it works maybe??
Good to know someones' done it and not had any probs though!
Singapore are great and don't even worry about doing the washing out or anything. Just call them over and explain that you need it steralised and ask if they can wash it out with boiled water and maybe soak it if they can. They'll be happy to help.
I know the stewards/esses like to be busy and they'd rather help you out so you can look after the bub then you having to do it :)
GL, you'll be fine. Four months is be a great age to travel - they won't get bored, don't have to occupy them, don't have to do laps lol! Just wait till bubs in walking then the plane fun starts!!
Are you going by yourself or is there two of you?
Thanks for good wishes! Well yes there are 2 of us- me and him!! haha (I'm the only adult though)
Just praying that I get an extra seat next to me to help with juggling all the stuff. I have bulk head seat with bassinet but this means no space under seat in front for a bag- at least I've only got tiny legs!
Yeah loads have people have said that to me that 4 months is a good age to do it- his passport is pretty cute!!
The basinette is a god send except if there is turbulance and then you have to carry them but at that age he shouldn't wake up! You'll also have a load of space in front of you to store the bags which makes it easier...about two and a half feet I think which is great :)
The only bad thing about the front row is the arms don't come up to make the seats into one but at least you'll have leg room.
You'll be fine :) The last time I went back to the UK I flew on my own with an 18 month old, a 5 year old and 7 year old...thought I would suffer from PTSD it was that horrific! But you and a 4 month old will be easy.
Also I would request assistance at Heathrow - that way they will take you through customs, grab and push your bags for you. It's hard to do this on your own with a pram...trust me lol!
WOW that's impressive! 3 kids and you! OK will stop worrying now lol
Actually I was planning just to Baby Bjorn him cos he loves it and I reckon it'll be easier to keep him happy and carry stuff etc. I know at singapore they have little trolleys so I can put my hand baggage on that for transfer.
That's a good idea to ask for help though- I could definitely do with help getting the bags off the carousel and putting them on a trolley.
Thanks for your help :)