Tips for flying with babies

1. The cost of carrying an infant on you lap varies from one airline to another. Check scheduled and no-frills prices.
2. Try to book flights that coincide with sleep times. Night flights can work well.
3. If you are taking a long haul flight you can book at bassinet for a baby of up to 18kg to sleep in.
4. On shorter trips (and smaller planes) the changing stations are at the back of the aircraft, so get a back seat if you are offered a choice (and it's a no smoking flight). The engine is louder back there, too. This is useful for absorbing the sound of crying and soothing those babies who love hoovers , washing machines and car engines.
5. Buggies and car seats if they click together, can be brought right down to the steps of the airplane and recovered immediately on landing (that's one load off your baggage allowance).
6. Try to feed baby at time of take off and landing. Breast or bottle feeding during these times helps to ease pressure on the baby's ears and may even send him off to sleep. Straws in cartons also work the same way with toddlers and children.
7. When you get on a plane with an infant (any child under the age of two) you will be given an extension to your own seat belt to secure him on your lap. It is a simple device, if your baby is inclined to wriggle he will slip out. This is another reason to feed at take off. It will keep the child still and buckled in.
8. Feeding in the air is no less messy than anywhere else, but changing clothes is a major inconvenience so stick to neutral coloured baby food.
9. Bring enough food and nappies to cover extra hours at the airport and don't check in the buggy in case your are left hanging around.
10. At smaller airports with fewer ground crew you might be pressured to check buggies through rather than take them to the aircraft steps. Resist this unless you are travelling with at least 10 relatives to help share the load. Remember that this is what you are paying the infant charge for.