I’ve written up some general tips about flying with a baby, however, different airlines have varying policies on things like bringing prams to the gate/onboard or bassinet seating so I thought it would be useful to provide some more detailed tips.

Things can change (obviously) and can vary based on the staff on any given day but I figure these can at least help you think about the types of questions to ask/things to be aware of when making your booking.

Booking

Air New Zealand infant fares can be booked online through their website (provided the baby isn’t planning on travelling alone). This isn’t always the case – some airlines do require you to call in and book infant fares through their call centre. An infant is classified as a child aged between 0-23 months.

Pram

Flying Air New Zealand internationally from the Sydney airport, if your pram cannot fit in the overhead compartment it will need to be checked with the rest of your luggage. This is free of charge. The airline provides a pram you can borrow up until the gate. The prams I saw were quite upright and didn’t look suitable for infants under six months.

Your pram will have to be collected from the oversize luggage area at your destination (some airlines, i.e. Singapore Airlines and Air Canada, will have your pram ready for you when you disembark).

Bassinet

On international aircraft Air New Zealand allows parents of children up to eight months to book a bassinet seat. For children over eight months these seats can be allocated on a first come first serve basis at check-in. For more information on Air New Zealand infant seating see: https://airnzau.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/481

Onboard amenities

There were change facilities in all bathrooms – these (like on most aircraft) are small and the surface is very hard. It would be good to bring a soft change mat. The staff gave us nappies and wipes but I wouldn’t rely on these. If your child has started puree you can pre-order a baby/infant meal that is suitable for children under two who are on solids (only available for long-haul international flights).

Staff

Every Air New Zealand staff member we came across was extrememly helpful with my son. I was alone each time I flew Air New Zealand with him and the staff would offer to hold Marshall while I went to the bathroom or eat and took the initiative to do things like get my bags down or ask if I had any bottles that needed cleaning.

It’s really cute/gorgeous and takes advantage of the iPad’s interactivity. A lot of effort has gone into the design and functionality – artists and developers were recruited from around the world.

The content is based on real-world stories: this issue features suggestions for activities kids can do with their parents around the world, a profile on India, Q&A column “Ask Auntie Rita”, and a kids’ guide to fighting global warming.

Available for free in the App Store

The baby sock monkey pattern as pictured is also currently on Canadian Living for free.

I’m not fond of the overuse of pastels – but you can obviously choose your own colour palate. For Marshall’s cardigan I’ve traded baby blue for an off-white embellished with awesome orange buttons from All Buttons Great and Small in Newtown, Sydney.

This pattern is great for first timers, as you knit it all in one piece so there is minimal finishing and you use the same pattern and colour throughout. You will need a stitch holder.

http://tinysartorialist.wordpress.com

While we were at the Australian National Maritime Museum we also learned that 23 March 2011 is World’s Biggest Playgroup Day and there will be some big things happening for children, including a special baby play area with baby karaoke. I struggle to imagine how baby karaoke will work, but I am excited to find out : )

World’s Biggest Playgroup Day at the Australian National Maritime Museum

23 March 2011 9.30 – 16.30

Due to congestion prams and strollers will need to be parked outside.

Captains mummy and Marshall driving the HMAS Destroyer

Bunnies, sailboats, moons, ice cream and cookies – all a bit abstract and squiggly with a lovely and diverse palate that reminds me a bit of Matte Stephens‘ colouring.

Apart from the usual – onesies, shorts, tops, skirts, dresses, etc – they have some cute bedspreads, bags and a “Bonjour Camille” book with illustrations I want to frame and put on my wall.

Go Bobo!

View the full Bobo Choses spring/summer 2011 Bonjour Camille lookbook