UK in winter

[tully]

Hi all,

I am travelling to the UK this winter with 15mo son. I'm really keen for any tips you have about 1. The plane trip! (what to take on board, tips for the airport), and 2. What to pack! Especially whether to take an umbrella stroller or a baby backpack, or whether to hire a pram over there. (we will be based in one spot when we arrive, and prob get around by train)

Look forward to advice from other parents who have travelled lots with their toddlers!

Tully

[Manxie]

Hi Tully

There is some great advice under the forum destination suggestions, sorry I dont know how to do the fancy link!

I havent done the big trip yet but am planning mine for next Easter. Who are you flying with via. If you are going through Singapore they have got an airport hotel which you can book in 6 hour blooks for $50, you dont have to clear customs or anything to use it. They also have a simming pool/showers etc on the roof which you can use even if you dont get a hotel room, great for a freshen up before the last leg to the uk cost of this is $22 for two adults.

I'm not sure about the whole backpack/stroller thing but am thinking of getting a cheap stroller that reclines so that if the baby is sleeping she is comfortable (wishful thinking I know). Target are selling those three wheeled jobbies which are fairly light and fit into a backpack (supplied with them) they would be great for trains etc but I dont think they recline so I guess it depends whether thats important for you or not.

I also havent heard of hiring prams in the UK not sure if this is possible.

Will post again if I think of anything, dont forget your raincoat & jumpers!! :D

Hope you have a brilliant trip

[tully]

Thanks Manxie

I hadn't seen the discussion on the other thread - it has some really useful info.

Unfortunately due to a stuff up by our original travel agent :mad: , we weren't able to fly via Singapore - we know how good it is, so we were keen, but anyway - we are now going on Emirates via Dubai.

I have managed to find a few 'baby hire' places in the UK that are online, and had really quick responses back from them about availability/delivery fees etc for their products - you can hire just about anything!

Check out www.littlestars.co.uk if you are travelling to the UK and need to hire stuff - they were really helpful.

We are borrowing some back packs from friends in Aust before going to try them out and see if our little man is happy to be carted round in them - if not, then we will go with an umbrella stroller, I think.

Tully

[Chickadee]

My hub has flown Emirates and was very impressed. Though he didn't have a child with him, but I've heard nothing bad about them.

UK in England - expect drizzly rain at least some of the time. I'd probably want a pram that you can put a clear rain cover over. I'm not sure if the umbrella strollers would allow that.

[clairereid]

Hi Guys
I felw over from the UK with my son when he was 6 weeks old. It was difficult because I was alone with him as my Hubbie was here already, but as he was so small, he slept really well and was an angel.
Then I flew with him at 10 months to Singapore. I had toys galore with me to entertain him but all he wanted to play with was the seat buckle and the head sets. I would take a familiar toy that they recognise, but wouldnt go over board. In a new place they will be facinated by things they arnt allowed. Even watching the TV will keep them amused.
If you are happy enough at your transit airports with no stroller, then hiring one in UK is probably best. When we flew back to the UK in May we had a big stroller and it went straight from one plane to the other and we had to carry bub for 3 hours round Heathrow waiting for our connection (he was 10kilos).
And yes, jumpers and thermals for the UK in winter and definitely an unbrella for you!!

Hope you have a great time in UK. If you have time, take a trip to Scotland (but make sure you have double jumpers on!!)

xx