At the airport, if you are travelling with a toddler without a seat, ask if your flight is full upon checking in.  If you can block the seat next to you or sit next to a vacant seat, your flight will be substantially more pleasant. In the terminal and on the plane, have a harness for very small children. This ensures that they can walk around, you’ll have an arm free for luggage, and you won’t lose track of your child. A great option for babies is an infant frock pack.

For babies, an FAA approved car seat or a flight harness are safe options. If you aren’t able to purchase a seat for a child under 2, you will have to carry him or her on your lap, using a lap or belly belt for security.

If your child is still in diapers, be sure to take a small carry-on with all of the essentials and some emergency items to place in your seat pocket. When you need to change a diaper, ask a flight attendant to show the best location to do so, and ask for assistance if you need help lowering the change table.

When packing, keep in mind that few airports allow strollers on board. Bring a larger purse for extra carry-on items and ask children to carry their own backpacks to help you. Bring toys and books for the plane ride to keep kids entertained.

An often over-looked challenge of flying with children is eating. Check the temperature of food before your child digs in, as it might be served too hot. If you have an infant on baby food, bring your own along with the necessary utensils. Disposable items, such as paper bowls and plastic spoons, would be the best choice. Ask a member of the crew to heat any bottles or meals well in advance of when you’ll need them.

Kids big and small can tend to get anxious or sick on a plane. For emergencies, bring diaper sacks as sick bags, and tie them up after use. For older children and adults with nausea, bring a bottle of Rescue Remedy. For time shifts, bring No Jet-Lag tablets. Talk to your doctor about using sedatives.

As you adjust your children to the flight, stick as close to your normal routine as possible. This will help to settle your child in the new and strange environment of an airplane. And don’t forget, despite the challenges, a flight with kids can be fun! Try to keep smiling and encourage your child to enjoy the adventure of flying.