At the Airport

• Use curb-side check-in. If this service is available, it will make your life infinitely easier: you won't have to schlep items you don't need on the plane, and you won't have to wait in line.
• Keep your stroller with you. You can gate-check it just before you board the plane, but keeping it with you as long as possible makes it easier for your little one to travel through the airport and provides a safe, clean place to sit (or sleep!) while you wait for your plane.
• Know your child. For some families, taking advantage of early boarding is the best option: they use the time to stash bags before the overhead bins fill up, and to get everyone situated and happy. For others, sitting on the plane for even an extra minute spells disaster. These families have their kids stretch their legs in the airport until the last possible moment and then board with the late comers. Know what will work for you and don't let others talk you into any other course of action.

On the Plane

• Have a bag full of tricks. Include plenty of small toys, games, books and coloring materials in your bag. We like to bring a couple of new things to increase our kids' interest in the on-board items, remembering that we don't always have to buy something -- checking out new titles from the library works, too. If you have an ipod, load it with music your young one enjoys, and if you have a portable DVD player, then by all means, bring it (along with headphones -- we think it goes without saying that anything that might distract your fellow passengers shouldn't make it on the plane!)
• Don't use the airline's blankets or pillows unless they come in a sealed bag. These items are not always washed between flights and can therefore be rife with the germs of the gent who drooled on the pillow an hour ago. Do you really want your little one touching that?
• Move around. On long flights, encourage your child to get up and move around every hour or two to avoid cramped muscles and reduced circulation.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The liquids you can carry through the security check are limited, but you can buy plenty of bottled water once you pass the check point at the airport. And every time the flight attendants pass by with beverages, order something for everyone.

• Be prepared for the worst. Dress your child in bright, easy-to-recognize clothing and always carry a current photo in case you are separated.
• Carry a first aid kit. It should include items such as antibiotic ointment, band aids, and children's Tylenol.
• Keep things clean. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like Purell) or cleansing wipes with you to use when soap and water aren't available.