Always pack a little more than what you need for the flights. Food, nappies, wipes, change of clothes. especially for the long haul trip

Try to get your baby to have a drink during take-off and soon as the plane begins to descend a few minutes before landing. Sucking a dummy would be a good alternative. Take about double the nappies you would normally use for that length of time. On two occasions our baby got an upset tummy part way through long flights. We didn’t rely on the plane having baby food after that. We took our own commercial (sealed) baby food after trying it beforehand to see if our baby would eat it. I prefer home prepared food for my children. Find a way of anchoring baby toy to the seat belt or something else so it doesn’t go on the floor. Regards of whether or not you have a bassinet you will have to hold your baby during take-off and landing. They will add to and adjust your seatbelt so your baby is held firmly in position too.

Pack more than you’d anticipate you meed! Bring some books, music, toys to keep him entertained on the flight. You can get formula canisters from Woolworths which makes it easier to bring on board. Dummy straps are a great idea and you can buy handheld battery powered sterilisers too incase it falls somewhere dirty.

Bela’s last comment reminded me of something that happened to me when we traveled to Europe. I had the nappy bag with me, with everything I usually use. Included the small scissors to cut my daughter’s nails. I didn’t even think about it. But they confiscated them. Stupid of me. So first thing I had to buy when I reached Europe were new baby nail scissors.

Take spare/extra everything so you’re not caught short. And be safe!

Me again!
Be sure to double check at the airport when checking in if they can get you a bassinet for the flight where bub will need to be on your lap. The ground staff are really great at being able to juggle things around to help accommodate families. Hope this helps.

If your son uses a pacifier be sure to use a dummy strap. You don’t want to be fumbling on the dirty floor in the dark looking for it.
You can get a brand of sterile water called Bebe from Coles and woolies. It comes with a teat and everything so pack those for the bub along with your pre-measured formula for easy on the for bottle feeding. It takes the worry of clean water out of the equation.
Take a change of clothes but also a spare on top of that. Even if bub isn’t a spewer, no doubt a nappy will leak or something will spill meaning you need an extra, extra outfit.
Food pouches are a great invention and are perfect for travel. Just make sure bub doesn’t grab and squeeze them all over the place (but you’ll have a spare set of clothes if that happens anyway )
That’s if for now but if I think of anything else I’ll come back and let you know.
FYI – if you’re travelling again when bub is a bit older, Play Doh is a GREAT entertainer. Good luck

The airline would be the best to liaise with as they should have strategies in place for children travelling. They do what they can to make the trip comfortable; including seats with room, etc.

In my experience it’s easier to travel with babies then with toddlers !

We traveled to Europe when my daughter was 10 months old, so a little older than your child. It was a very long trip and we had to change plane twice. But we managed it. With a lot of patience. And my daughter was crawling around at the time, smiling to everyone. That surely helped. We had the bassinet booked and it was a great help for sure. I remember a lot of books to read together, some colouring stuff, and some toys with no sounds as not to disturb the other passengers.

Take some activity to amuse your son on the flight and a favourite blanket or toy he is used to as this will help him be more comfortable. Also if you can give him something to drink or chew for take off and landing this helps with ear problems. Dont get stressed if he cries on the flight as he will pick up on your stress and that will make him worse especial as the surroundings are not familiar. Hope this is of use. Enjoy your trip.