Journey to Iran

Baby Peace was only four months old when her daddy and mummy first brought her along for their mission in Iran on a Crisis Relief mission. And since then, baby Peace, together with mummy Bee Yong, have been zipping across continents 27 more times (...and still more to come). Here's how mummy coped with baby while on the plane.

How old was Peace when you first brought her abroad?

Peace was 4 1/2 months old when we first brought her out. It was a long and tedious trip from Singapore to Dubai (transit), then 2 hours later a 2-hour flight from Dubai to Tehran, Iran. After a ½ day lay over, a domestic flight of 2 hours to Bam, Iran. In all, we finally reach the location 20 hours after we left Singapore. There were mistakes made and lessons learnt from the trips.

Did you have any apprehensions, and what made you decide to go ahead?

Yes. We were unsure if baby could cope with the long flights, the transits (stay over) and the changes in time differences.

How did you cope during the plane ride? Any tips?

In-Flight- For baby: Breastfeed her on demand, and had fleece blanket on hand since it was a mid-night flight. It's very dry in the plane, so she gets thirsty easily.

As mum traveling for the first time with baby, I forgot to increase my intake of water. Usu in Singapore, I drink about 2.5 litres to 3 litres a day after I brgan breastfeeding. When we touched ground at the site, 20 hours later, I realized that I was quite dehydrated and there was insufficient milk for the baby. The temp then was about 5 degree celsius.

Any other tips on travel in general? What must traveling parents be prepared for?

a. A good bag with side pockets to put baby bottle (for water/milk), and a tumbler for mum (to rehydrate! Especially so if breastfeeding). I bought a black NIKE with 2 deep and wide side pockets that allow me to put in a small wash clothes, baby snacks and rattle.

b. Bring more then enough diapers and plastic bags for soiled diapers.

c. Found it useful to have 2 small towels in the bag. I am changing baby on my lap (I did that many times, esp when I did not get a bassinet seat that allows ease of movement. I put the towel on my lap to prevent wetting my clothes. When I change baby in the plane toilet/ or airport, I wet tissues and give babe a good wipe (instead of using just wet ones), and wipe with dry towel. It's important to wash the bottom whenever you have access to clean water. This is a good habit to keep.

d. Bring one or two piece of extra clothes for baby.

e. Don't over-clothe your baby. Air in the plane is dry and sometimes stuffy. May be unable if baby is all wrapped in clothes. Layer them as needed.

What was most difficult for you?

Having insufficient sleep esp when baby cries during the trip.

6) What are the "must-have" items?

a. Snack bars for mum - for that extra energy esp if u are already sleep deprived. Eat something even when u have no appetite because u will need the extra calories to feed your baby.

b. Water! Some air stewardess are really kind, they will give you a whole bottle of mineral water if you ask then for it. Set a target for yourself. E.g., I set a target to at least finish a 1.5 litre for a 8-hour flight, and at least 1 litre for a 3 hour flight It's really easy to forget.

c. Child panadol - incase of discomfort in baby - ease the pain. Or when baby is teething. Check with your physician.

d. Baby's familiar toy that he/she has by the bed (if any).

Any other thoughts and comments?

Important to check with travel agent, and double check with airline upon checking in for bassinet seat. Even if you do not use the bassinet seat, it sure helps to have the extra leg space to carry your baby to-and-fro toilet, or to walk the aisle to calm him/her down. For the extra leg space, you can put your bag and barang on the floor.

My husband and I have taken about 16 flights (one 8-hour long and 12 domestic flights with no bassinet seats and 4 international short tlights) with baby where we had to put the baby on our laps.

For many short flights, they do not allow passengers with child to take bassinet seats but do not offer bassinet seats due to the brevity of the flight. After a while, your legs can feel real numb. They extra space give you a chance to stretch your legs.

To find out more about Crisis Relief Singapore, visit their website at http://www.peaceiran.org/.
 

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