International baby of mystery: Flying with a baby!

I am embarking on a journey destined to be fraught with disaster. I am taking my baby on his first flight in a couple of weeks! We are off to join family in the French Alps which is sure to be enjoyable but the idea of travelling with a baby for the first time is daunting!

Even more so because my husband can't come, so I am going sans partner! Am I mad?! I do have other family members travelling with me but not having my partner in crime with me is going to be hard. You can't really hand over your baby to family members as easily as you can with your husband.

All this has meant I am planning the holiday, especially the journey part, with military precision.

Here is how I have prepared for babies first flight;

Firstly, if you are a UK resident, like me, taking your baby on their first international adventure they will need their own passport. This comes with its own set of issues but the biggest one is the passport photo! Trying to get a baby to stay still for a passport photo takes dedication, patience and lots of arms. Here is a link to the company I used to print pictures I took myself, called PhotoLizard, they also have a very useful tutorial on taking a suitable photo for your babies passport, which you can find here.

Pack everything! I feel like I am going to being taking my entire house with me, just in my carry on bag alone. My bag will include:

• Comforters (dummies, blanket, favourite teddy), whatever my little one needs to feel comforted. Dummies are especially good for the air pressure at take off and landing.
• Entertainment: baby book and teddy/toys
• Practical essentials: nappies, wipes, nappy cream, bottles, bibs and muslin squares etc.
• Formula: as I formula feed I am going to need to take formula for the journey. I am taking ready made formula as it is so convenient. Note: the usual restrictions (of 100ml max) on liquids don't apply to formula and breast milk but you need to give it security staff to screen separately. For more information always check with the airport you are flying from. 
• Change of clothes: I am taking 2 sets of spare clothes for my baby and 1 spare top for me (because of baby messes, need I say more).
• Baby carrier: I have the NCT Close Baby Caboo and it folds down nicely to fit into a bag and it will be useful for holding my baby close in the airport and during the flight. 
• Pram and car seat system: most airlines let you take 2 pieces of extra "luggage" for a baby. I am taking the car seat and pram base (which the car seat goes into) so my baby has all the travel essentials while in France.

A great formula tip is that you can order formula with the Boots in the airport and pick it up on the way through. If you go onto the Boots website and look at their click and collect section it is all on there. For most airports you need to leave 5 days between ordering and collecting. This means you don't have to worry about finding the right formula in the country you are going to.

Air pressure on take off and landing can upset babies so breastfeeding or bottle feeding during these times can help alleviate the pressure in your babies ears! I am also taking a dummy for this purpose.

I would advise getting an aisle seat because it is highly likely you will need to use the toilets to change your baby during your flight. Also try and get a seat close to the front/near the toilet as when stewardess come down the aisle with the trolleys you can get blocked in. If your baby has a bad nappy eruption (you know what I mean) and your are blocked in (unable to get to toilets) it can create problems.

I am sure there will be something I have forgotten... Wish me bonne chance (good luck)!

My Top 5 New Mummy Must Haves (Under £20)

Being a parent can be expensive! Isn't the cost of having a child something like the cost of a house now, over their first 18 years?

I know I have reviewed a few expensive items lately so I wanted to also review some of the cheaper items I have bought, and loved, over the first few months of being a Mum.

Here is my top 5 new mummy items under £20...

One: Muslin Squares
I know most new Mums go on and on about muslin squares but there is a reason. They are so versatile but also very needed. Babies posset (aka spit up) a lot! So having these muslin squares handy is a necessity. I can't count the number of times that a bib just hasn't been enough to wipe up projectile baby sick.
They can also be used to dry off a baby, as a light blanket during hot days, as a cover over a pram on sunny days and I have had to use them to mop up wee after my son peed on me during a nappy change... as I said, they are very handy to have around!
They can be as cheap as a pack of 5 for £5.00. I would advise getting a couple of packs as well, as they are useful to have all around the house and always keep some in your changing bag.


Two: Baby Healthcare Kit
I bought this healthcare kit online and it is really useful. It has all the essentials in it, including:

Baby Care Kit

• 1 x Scissors
• 1 x Nasal Aspirator
• 1 x Teether
• 1 x Thermometer Strips
• 1 x Nail Clippers
• 1 x Medicine Dropper
• 1 x Spoon
• 1 x Gum Massager
• 1 x Carry Case
• 1 x Pen Thermometer
• 1 x Emergency Card

I have already used most of the items. The scissors are perfect for cutting your babies fingernails, which is essential as they will scratch their faces. I used the thermometer strips after my son had his first injections and got a temperature. It is really handy as it says if it is just a light fever or full fever (when you would need to consult a doctor). I also used the pen thermometer during this time and found it very handy.

The nasal aspirator is also a necessity for when a baby has a cold. Babies aren't able to clear their noses and the aspirator helps them do this if they have a snotty nose.

Three: Dummies

My little cutie pie!

I appreciate this is a bit of a controversial item. Some people are very averse to the idea of using a dummy, and I understand why. However, I am happy to use one. My son started sucking his thumb, when he could find it, from very early on and I really wanted to avoid him doing this. I believe it is easier to take away a dummy at an appropriate age than to stop a child sucking their thumb. So, as I formula feed now and he has shown signs of sucking for comfort (sucking his thumb) I have been giving him a dummy. This has been very handy in helping sooth him and it does get him to sleep quickly.
Often babies will find an item to use for comfort, whether it is a teddy, dummy or blanket. Especially when they go off to nursery and may suffer from separation anxiety. In my mind, if the dummy will help him through this stage then I am happy for him to have one.
Of course, there are pros and cons to a dummy, as there is with most things for parenting and it is worth looking into these before deciding either way. Also, if you are breastfeeding it is advised you don't give your baby a dummy until he is at least a month old.

Four: My Buggy Buddy Clip
Love, love, love my Buggy Buddy Clip. I got it in one of the Sassy Bloom boxes I get delivered and it is very handy. I love being able to clip my handbag onto the handle of my pram. I have more hands free this way, it is secure, my bag isn't falling off my shoulder constantly and it is great for shopping!
I really recommend getting one!

Five: Nursing Pillow
Any nursing pillow is great, but I have linked to the one I got. Though the prices are showing at around £25.00, I got it free with a voucher I was given on my first (12 week) pregnancy scan. I think it was in the Bounty pack?! I can't remember completely, but I know it was given to be by the NHS on my first visit.

I am assuming this is something they give out to everyone, so keep an eye out when you go along to your first scan.
If you don't have this voucher you can get 40% off with this promo code: 51A3EF
It does cost you postage, which is around £13 to the UK.
I have found this nursing pillow very useful. It makes breast or formula feeding a lot more comfortable, and less strenuous on your arms. My baby loves lying in/on it in general and even I use it to give support to my lower back when sitting, or even use it for naps on the sofa (when the baby is sleeping). It is a very comfy pillow!