Flying BA with a baby/toddler - MILK??

[ksh]

We have the pleasure of an 11 hour flight with a 1 year old and a 2 year old next week. Does anyone know if BA provides full fat milk (in serious quantities) for babies' bottles?

Any other tips gratefully received too!

Thanks

[jesska]

I had lots of 12hr flights with two under two when we lived in Japan. I didn't use bottles on our flights, so I'm sorry I can't tell you for sure what the milk situation will be, but this forum post discusses options (looks like you might want to stock up once you are through security?)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1277640-got-milk-drinks-toddlers.html

My main tips are bring lots of little NEW playthings, snacks galore, and allow them to play on your ipad/iphone/watch tv until the cows come home if they are up for that yet. Mine rarely slept during those flights and it was truly exhausting (in pre-iPhone days). But you will eventually get there and it will be fine. Oh and feel free to ignore anyone who dares to give you the hairy eyeball for bringing children on a plane.

good luck!

[jimnem]

I flew BA to LA a few months ago with my then 18 month old daughter. I emailed BA before hand and got a very unhelpful response just telling me what is on their website and doesn't answer the question about whether they can provide cow's milk for children.

As I was flying business class I took the chance that they would have some for me and they did, however I was made to feel like it was a difficulty for them and an unusual request. They also didn't provide any food for her (although she didn't have her own seat, so kind of understandable)

I would advise it'a probably best to buy some milk once through security and then ask them to refrigerate it for you in the plane and take lots of snacks.

[ksh]

Thanks for the tips. Think we'll take a flask of fresh milk and some emergency formula. Urgh,sooooooo much hand luggage!

[hazelnunhead]

I think you are allowed to take milk through

Th. When you go through security they make you take a sip of it!

Of course this may have changed, but is what I have done previously.

Try if possible to book the seat where you get the sleeping bassinet the for your one year old. Really useful. Take lots of snacks! Little cushions also help to get toddlers and yourself comfortable.

For the 2 year old I would suggest a lolly or some chewy sweets for take off and landing as the chewing or sucking action helps with sore ears. One year old can feed which also helps!

I also pack a bag of tricks, little toys, pens & paper, those post it pads are great to keep them amused when you are waiting for take off, landing. Last time my daughter covered the seat in front of us with post it's!

You can usually take your pushchair right up Tull you board the plane which helps with lugging all the stuff!

[vch]

When flying BA, we brought our own milk. And when asked if we could store it in their fridge, they just provided us with some ice to keep the milk cold. If you're bringing pre-made formula, perhaps you could call Boots and order in advance, then pick up from the other side of security. Otherwise, security will make you open half your supply of formula.

[Tickle1978]

Would recommend taking a pillow, pain to carry with all other stuff but a god send for our flight from Syd, if you have turbulence/seat belt sign is on, you cannot put bub in bassinet, so on our flight , baby slept on pillow a lot of time due to turbulence.