long-haul travelling with a 5 mos baby

we just had a long holiday 3 weeks ago. the route were AMS - KUL - SMG - KUL - AMS

these are few tips that I think would be handy for people who would like to travel with their infant.





Point 1.
Our flight from AMS - KUL took about 12 hrs 55 minutes. at the time we bought the ticket, it wasn't the cheapest flight ticket available, but it was a direct flight.
so, if you are travelling with a baby, try to take a direct flight instead of those with transit/s.
the reasons are simple.
you have a baby with a stroller. it takes time to get the stroller back into the gate while you still have a plane to catch.
taking-off and landing is never easy with a baby under 10 mos, IMHO.
non-stop flight means a longer sleeping time for you and your baby.

Point 2.
most of the time, if you have a long-haul flight, you also have a big time gap between your origin to your destination. if it is still possible, try to choose the night flight or something close to your infant sleeping so that your baby would sleep in the flight. this would safe a lot of your energy.

Point 3.
if you are travelling with a commercial airlines, not the low-budget airlines, you should get a bassinet in the flight if your baby is 6 months or under or 10 kg or under. from our experience, it would be handy to take the toys that your baby usually play with. the purpose is to 'create' place which they are used to.

Point 4.
try to feed your baby during take-off and landing (I know this tip is VERY common. but, there's nothing wrong with it, right?)
however, from my experience, it was not very clear when to feed your baby when landing time, isn't it?! what i did the last time was, when the plane starting to decline, I fed my baby and then continue with her pacifier because my baby is not the type of long-feeding. mostly, it lasted for 5 minutes, while declining could take up to 30 minutes. it worked!

Point 5.
if you are travelling at night time, take enough clothes for your baby as it may get very cold in the plane.

I guess, that's about it. hope this would be helpful for a new-mother like me.