Air New Zealand's Skycouch lets you sleep alongside your baby

As we all know, sleeping in economy seats is a challenge at best.

At least on some Air New Zealand flights, they've added something it calls Skycouch, turning a row of seats into a flat-ish bed that was intended for couples to cuddle up with each other.

While the feature debuted in 2011, they've recently added a dedicated infant harness and belt, which allows them to lie down flat as the plane is cruising.

So you can rest easy next to them, a newly introduced infant pod will provide protection for younger passengers on the Skycouch.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The airline has also revised its Cuddle Belt, allowing two children to use it. Previously, the belt had only been certified to allow two adults or an adult and child travelling together to lie side-by-side with each other.

The Skycouch makes most sense for two children (or one person), anyway. A review from Traveller back in 2011 said Skycouch is a "tight fit" for two adults, making for "pretty sweltering spooning."

Air New Zealand said it initially marketed Skycouch to adults, but suited parents with young families especially well, hence the improvements.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Skycouch is available on long haul flights which use its Boeing 777 and 787-9, which operate between New Zealand to North and South America, the UK and throughout Asia.

And of course, Skycouch is an added extra. On a flight we looked up from Sydney to Los Angeles, it's A$1,099 (US$870) extra one way to add the feature, which makes the cost just shy of a premium economy ticket.