Job Discussion Forums

[MES]

We're flying HK to Sydney next week and for the first time with our 8mth old son. Has anyone flown long distance with a baby and did you take a baby's car/flight seat? I'm wondering if it's possible to hire one, e.g. from a car rental company (although one place I called said they don't)? As we don't have a car we'd rather not buy one. Help/tips appreciated.

[Rebekah]

I'm in exactly the same pickle as I am expecting a baby and planning to fly home with the wee bean soon after. I don't actually need a car seat where we live, but I think it's probably a good investment for a few reasons...one, you can use it as a carrier and a wee cradle for rocking him/her back to sleep...two: if you get one with a snap-in stroller it's all purpose...Three: they are safer for taxi travel and surely you will need to get into a car even if it isn't yours between now and when the kids is old enough to ride in the back seat with a safety belt alone (about 3 or four I think), they often can last from infancy to toddler-hood if you get the right model.

It might be a bit pricey, but I bet you could find one on Ebay for cheap! Besides, they won't let you fly without it. Check out babycenter.com for a great selection of name brands.

[Scott in Incheon]

You can fly without one. I have phone back to Canada twice from Hong Kong and once from Korea without taking car seat with me. My family provides one for us when we get home.

You should reserve the bulkhead seats early though, so you can get the bassinet that attaches to the wall...the little one can sleep there...but these spots go fast so reserve as soon as possible...

[vivalgos]

Those bassinets in the plane are really small. I flew from HK to Perth a couple of months ago and the young couple who had reserved it for their baby found that he was too big...He looked about 7 months old... sitting up anyway. They nursed him all the way.. but you could also make a little bed on the floor if you have a bulkhead seat. (that was what they intended)

[MES]

Thanks everyone for your input. Yep, I know about the bassinets but I'm pretty sure my son would be too big for one....he's 8mths old and above ave size. Re bulkhead seats and sleeping on the floor....good idea but what about sudden turbulence.....everyone's strapped in but the baby! Don't fancy holding him on a long flight either!! Seems buying a car seat that's permitted for use on planes is the safest, most comfortable way for him (and us). If anyone else has more input/advice please post it. Thanks.

[Scott in Incheon]

Two things about car seats...

First..if the baby has never been in one make sure you get them used to it before you get on the plane...our little one was never in a car seat in Hong Kong and screamed like a banshee the first few times she was in one in Canada...

Second...not sure about this...but unless you plan to keep the car seat on your lap...you might have to buy a seat for the little one....infant fares don't guarantee a seat...you would have to buy a child fare for that...

[MES]

[once again]

You might also like to think of some way to pacify the child to ensure that it does not disturb the other passengers..not everyone will be enamoured at sharing an expensive journey with a screaming small person in the cabin.

[Rebekah]

[quote="once again"]You might also like to think of some way to pacify the child to ensure that it does not disturb the other passengers..not everyone will be enamoured at sharing an expensive journey with a screaming small person in the cabin.[/quote]

You mean that isn't part of the entertainment package for economy class? Well shoot, I thought that was the sardine-can-class version of the soft music they play in first...

[foster]

Pacifiying is important, as a crying child on a long haul flight can truly be the world's most annoying thing...have to agree with onceagain on that one.

[Rebekah]

You've clearly never been stuck between two snorers...Now THAT is annoying.