Hello I'm a FTM and my husband and I are getting ready to take a trip home with our LO for the first time from Eastern Europe to the US (CA) he'll be 12 weeks at that point (8weeksnow). Some tips to make this trip as smooth as possible will help! From how many diapers to what I can request from an airline ! Thanks!
Re: Travel Advice please!!
We flew from Western Europe to the US (tx) when DS was 8 wks over Xmas this year. Definitely try for the bulkhead - you should ask for a oct when you board and they can bring it after take off. We put our own blanket in the bottom.... Bring extra clothes for everyone. LO managed to have a blow out on our first leg of the trip covering both his clothes and mine. Also attacked the seatbelt
Breastfeed or give a bottle during take off and landing for ears. You can ask to pre-board with your infant (not always offered if there are lots of kids on the flight but if you ask they should let you) so you have time to put up your bags in a spot overhead that will be easily accessible in flight.
Indispensable for us: a boppy. Whether sleeping, playing, or eating it is a lifesaver for that long flight!!!
Also, I preferred having an aisle seat to BF so I could have his feet/my elbow stick out if needed.
I also was thankful that I happened to wear a semi transparent blue scarf - when LO would fall asleep on me I could drape that from my neck and over the boppy to give him a calmer light/less sensory overload. Also used as a cover for BFing.
If you are BFing make sure you stay extra hydrated.
If you fly British Airways they will give you a children's flight log book, too
Eta: bring some small plastic bags/a trash bag in case you have dirty clothes you need to pack away until you land...! I brought some of our diaper scented bags and those came in really handy...!
Make sure to call your airline ahead and reserve a bassinet, bring a change of clothes for about every 2-3 hours of flight time, same with diapers. You can usually bring breast milk in bottles or bottles with water to mix formula - we did both. But if you need more the flight attendants will five you all the water yiu need. A couple i know even had the ladies heat up milk for them since their LO hated cold Stuff. Favorite blanket, lovey and a few bags for dirty/wet clothes. Our DD had a massive blowout that leaked all over my H's lap just after takeoff during one trip. That was not pretty... A baby bag can be typically brought in addition to normal carry on items. You can also gate check a stroller AND car seat (typically) and i would recommend bringing a stroller so you don't have to lug all your bags AND the baby on you as you're rushing throught the airport. You can always babywear, just stick the carrier under the stroller....