Travelling to London with 7 month old who cries when tired or held for long periods

We are flying to London next week with our beautiful DS. He is almost 7 months and generally sleeps very well in his cot but not anywhere else.

He loves a cuddle but not for long periods. At times he screams to be put down. He also screams hysterically when he is tired and being held on to. He railroad cries and can do so for half an hour even with lots of loving cuddles. Sometimes it is best to put him down & he calms down almost immediately.


We have requested a bassinet but no guarantee as he is over 6 months. I have bought some black breathable fabric to drape over the bassinet if we get one (bluetak & pegs on the bulkhead to keep it up) and have chamomilla (a homeopathic remedy for restlessness) but don't have faith that we will get through the flight without a lot of screaming.

I am worried about the flight and the way people will look at us (DH & I) when we are trying to comfort DS and put him to sleep. Also worried how we will cope when we are very tired.

A friend told me we should set our watches to UK time when we get on the plane & start DS in the new routine then. I feel like I just need to go with what he needs but not sure if this is the right approach.

Also wondering how my boobs adjust to the change in time zone....and feeding at different times of the day. I am a bit worried about this as I have had a lot of problems in the past with Mastitis and blocked ducts.

I am trying to not worry & just go with it but not too successfully.

Any advice / experiences would be great.

Does anyone have any tips?