Despite reading through a number of old threads, checking the BA website and speaking to the Gold service line, I am struggling to answer a few questions around using Bassinets / Child Seats in Club / First so I am hoping that some of the experts on this forum might be able to help.

My husband and I are hoping to get reward seats to SYD for December 2017 in either Club or First (we know this will be hard) and will be travelling with EfficientTraveller Jnr who will be around 9 months at the time. Despite both being regular travelers, we are about to be first time parents and struggling to work out what the best arrangements are for traveling with a little one. I know the subject of small children in premium cabins is a contentious one and we are very conscious about the need to keep the baby quiet / entertained but our concern at the moment is what to book to make the journey as easy as possible.

I understand that it shouldn’t be a problem to book the reward seats at T-355 and add EfficientTraveller Jnr to the booking once we have a name etc. Is it possible however to make a booking at T-355 for “Baby EfficientTraveller” so that we can ensure we book bassinet seats (we are Gold so get free seat selection in any case) and then to change the name once the baby arrives?

We have also had a lot of conflicting advice around bassinets.

I understand BA offer both traditional bassinets and “child seats” for infants and that the “child seats” are likely to be more suitable for a 9 month old. However, the BA website says that the “child seats”, aren’t available in First. Is this right? Even if they are, I’ve seen several comments on here that the bassinet position in First is undesirable as it prevents use of the TV etc so would we be more comfortable in Club? Or would the dine on demand in First and ability to dine together while the baby (hopefully!) sleeps peacefully be a better solution?

The BA Gold line have thrown a further spanner in the works and told us that there is only one “baby seat” per flight and that it is first come first served so we should “bring our own”. Is it correct that there is only one seat and is there any way to reserve it in advance? If not, how would we bring our own? I know BA permits child car seats to be used onboard but I thought this was only in a full seat and if they were forward facing which doesn’t really work as UK car seats require rear facing anyway. Can anyone explain?

Many thanks in advance for all your expertise.