Top 11 tips for flying with young kids

Yes, you can take your little guy along on vacation—and even enjoy it. Just relax, pack light and check out the following hints from veteran travelers who’ve logged many a mile with kids in tow:

Timing is everything Early-morning flights are rough on everyone, but for a new parent, a 7am departure can be especially awkward—queuing up with your mountain of baby gear won’t win you any points with the business crowd. Instead, go for a midday flight; planes are usually less crowded then, and you may even score an empty row.

Choose the right route “Nonstop is best for a baby,” says Shelly Rivoli, author of Travels with Baby and a mom of two. “Fewer ups and downs mean less pressure on little ears and a shorter trip overall,” which you’ll appreciate if she starts to howl. Squirmy toddlers, on the other hand, need to burn off energy—so for longer trips, consider a stopover that allows them to leave the plane and run around.

Respect airport security Even little kids will be asked to remove their shoes, so think Crocs, Merrells or other slip-on footwear. Also, be prepared to unbuckle your snoozing babe from her stroller or unstrap her from a sling or baby carrier, all of which must go through the X-ray machine. “And leave the Play-Doh at home,” warns Rivoli. Although it’s not officially banned, it has been disallowed in certain cases because of its resemblance to a plastic explosive.

Bring your wheels with you An umbrella stroller or a lightweight double (good for an older sib and baby) lets you zoom through the airport—and you can drape coats and bags on the handles. Check your rig at the gate, and it’ll be there right when you get off.

Ease the pressure Nursing or sucking on a bottle helps a baby relieve ear pain; chewy snacks like fruit leather are ideal for weaned tykes who are too young for gum. Or try ear plugs specifically designed for air travel. Long Island mom Marianna Kirikian swears by EarPlanes (safe for children ages one to 11) for her five-year-old daughter.

Never let ’em see you sweat If you lose it in front of neighboring passengers every time your tot tosses his sippy cup or grinds crackers into the seat, you’ll be seen as a raving lunatic before you’ve reached cruising altitude. Be Zen about it: Simply pick up the mess and look the other way.

Pack extra togs—for all Count on a massive diaper blowout as soon as you’re airborne, a lapful of knocked-over Bloody Mary mix at the first sign of turbulence and toddler puke during landing. Packing backup clothes in your carry-on will save the day.

Two words: Odor Vault Not a whiff of poo will escape these airtight silver pouches. Stash dirty diapers and other stinky items in ’em and your fellow travelers will thank you.

Don’t take a seat Airlines do not require you to purchase a ticket for children under age two, and some parents say that’s for good reason. “It’s just not worth the money to get a seat for a baby [under a year old],” says Sloan Schickler, a New York City mom of two. On a trip to London, Schickler’s then eight-month-old daughter screamed for five straight hours. “Having a seat wouldn’t have helped in the least—I had to hold her the whole time anyway to get her to calm down.” Another option if you do decide to buy a seat? Some car seats are FAA approved and as easy to secure on an airplane as they are in your SUV.

Fly the friendly skies Before boarding a flight, pick up a few Starbucks gift cards to pass out to people in the seats surrounding your family in case your kid gets fussy. Add a note—written in your child's voice, of course—asking for their patience. You'll make instant allies who very well may go out of their way to entertain your progeny.

Top picks to pack Stretchy lizards, Hot Wheels cars, sewing cards, lollipops, mini cereal boxes and books with felt or magnetic pieces. Also, if you’re toting a car seat, consider a travel tray that snaps onto it, as younger kids may not be able to reach the seat-back table. What not to pack: Legos, puzzles, bead kits, and mega packs of markers and crayons—you’ll constantly be reaching under the seats for the Lego man’s head and marker caps.