Pack all items required for your child, according to U.S. Transport Security Administration regulations. Pack diapers, blankets and toys. Purchase saline solution and a syringe from a pharmacy and pack them. Your baby's nose can get stuffed during the flight and you can use these saline drops to ease the discomfort. Note that according to TSA regulations that can be found online at Tsa.gov, you can carry essential baby items such as milk formula, breast milk or juice in your carry-on luggage only in as much amounts as you would need to reach the destination. You should declare these items at the checkpoint for inspection. You can bring teethers filled with gel or liquid, and baby food in jars or cans in your carry-on.
Read TSA's list of allowed and prohibited items to know what to carry on and what not to in case you are carrying medications, creams or other essential baby items. If liquids, gels and aerosols are in your baby items, you should carry them in containers not exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and place them in one clear zip-top quart-size plastic bag.
Plan your transportation to the airport. The need for a car seat can make it difficult, so have a friend drop you off or hire a taxi. Look for a local car service that provides a car seat facility. They should pick you up at home and drop you off at the airport's curbside check-in. Book the car service well ahead of your trip and request for a car seat while booking. Confirm the type of car seat you require. Call the car service for reconfirmation on the time of travel as well as the car seat, before the travel. Note that the driver may not install the car seat. You should do it yourself to ensure safety. If in case the car service does install it, ensure firsthand that the installation is secure.
Reach the airport early. It helps you get through the time-consuming airport procedures rather than making a last-minute rush with a toddler in tow.
Prepare yourself for the airport screening process. According to TSA, all baby equipment including strollers and slings as well as carry-on items such as diaper bags, blankets and toys must go through the screening process. Make sure you attach a tag with your name, address and phone number to the stroller. At the checkpoint, remove any items from the stroller, fold them and put them on the X-ray belt for screening. If your stroller is too big for the X-ray machine, security officers will perform a visual and physical inspection of the stroller. Hold the child in your hands so the security officers can screen you and your child. Use the time after the screening to change diapers or put the baby to sleep.
Stay close to the gate and board the plane first if possible. A better option is for one parent to board first and organize the seating and other arrangements without the distraction of the child. The parent with the baby can board last.
Help your baby to clear his ears to decrease the pressure during takeoff and landing. If your baby is asleep, well and good. Otherwise give him a bottle or pacifier to accomplish the purpose. Nursing is another option, which not only helps the child with his ear pressure, but also serves as a mild sedative that can help to put your child to sleep.
Engage the baby with toys only when you find indications that could spell trouble. Until then, let him be content watching the plane or other passengers. When you come to toys, pick out one at a time to induce a sense of novelty at each period. Having some gift-wrapped toys helps keep your baby more entertained. Consider bringing toys that work as a set. This way you could add a toy each time until it forms a set.
Wait for the others to get off after landing. This will give enough space to gather your scattered toys and other belongings. This will also give your baby more sufficient breathing space than he would have in the crowd of exiting passengers.
