Now there’s a daunting subject: traveling with an infant or toddler, particularly by airplane. We all know how unpredictable a young child’s behavior can be at times. Add to that flying in a large cylinder while squeezed next to other passengers… the whole scenario can cause anxiety for any new parent. But with a little planning and a dose of perspective, you too can conquer this challenge.

1) Choose Your Seats Carefully

I generally like sitting by the window. But when flying with Baby R, I opt for the aisle seat. This allows me a quick escape should there need to be an emergency diaper change or other such unexpected event.

In addition, choose a seat closer to the front of the plane. When traveling with a small child, you automatically get to board earlier than most passengers. By sitting towards the front, you also get to exit the plane sooner.

If you can afford it, upgrading to first class (especially when it’s just you and little one) will provide a little more elbow and leg room for you wiggly one. Plus, first class perks usually includes alcohol, so a glass of wine (or whatever your poison) to help calm your own nerves might not be such a bad thing.

2) Schedule Naps around Flight Times

I try to schedule flights for early afternoon then attempt to keep Baby R awake until we are on board the plane. While this may make it difficult to handle any temper tantrums or other tendencies your little one has when tired and cranky, I have found that I can generally get my toddler to sleep at least for an hour on the plane. That on board nap guarantees some peace and quiet for your neighbors.

3) Pack Light

Juggling carry-on luggage and a small child can be tedious and challenging. I recommend packing as lightly as you can by only taking the essentials. For instance, travel with a small diaper bag that can easily fit under the seat in front of you. In it, include the basics like diapers, wipes and snacks, along with your own personal identification and credit cards and/or cash.

If you want/need to navigate the airport with your child in a stroller, airlines will check that stroller at the gate before boarding. Beyond that, it is much easier to check all luggage at the ticketing counter.

4) Provide Terminal/Gate Entertainment

It’s important to keep your child aptly entertained in the waiting area. This is an opportunity for your little one to expend some energy, making him/her more tired for the actual flight.

Easy solutions include sitting by the window so he/she can sit in awe of the planes, birds and other sights. Walking around the terminal vs. sitting in one place for an extended period of time will help engage your little one’s attention. Providing some light snacks will keep your child occupied while filling his/her belly (which also will help with the on board napping). Depending on age, take some paper and crayons or some books as a distraction. I tend to visit a local dollar store before traveling to purchase some new items to capture Baby R’s attention and interest. You can customize your distraction tactics based on your own child’s interests.

5) Offer In-Flight Entertainment

Just as it is important to keep your child entertained in the airport, it is equally important (if not more so) to do so on board the plane. It’s critical to keep your little one entertained and in one place for as much of the flight as possible for your own peace of mind.

The easiest way to do this is by providing a movie/show to watch. There are clips available to hang on the seat in front of you that will keep your hand-held device beyond arm’s reach (and will relieve your own fingers/arms from holding for extended periods of time). In addition, you can purchase toddler headphones that won’t blow their little eardrums out and that are small enough to fit their little heads.

Be sure to feed your little one a bottle or let him/her suck on a pacifier or sucker during take-off and landing. This will help relieve any uncomfortable ear pain, which may prevent any unwanted crying during those times.

6) Don’t Feel the Need to Apologize

One of the greatest pieces of advice I received was that you never need to apologize for your child behaving like a child. (Of course, if your child is being flat-out rude or disrespectful…that’s a different story). If your child is talking or crying or doing anything else that normal children do… all passengers need to understand that your child is just that: a child. You DO NOT need to feel guilty for traveling with your precious cargo, nor should anyone else attempt to make you feel guilty. Plus, it’s healthy for your little one to become adapted to traveling at a young age!

7) Keep Calm

Most importantly, keep calm yourself. Children often play off of our own emotions. If you’re stressed, your child may show signs of stress and act out accordingly. But if you stay calm and talk to your little one in a soothing voice, you very well may benefit the results of a successful flight!

Safe travels, my friends!