Traveling with a Baby? Tips for Success...

1.  Stickers are a good distraction.  They also take up very little space in your bag.  Inflatable toys are also good for the same reason.

2.  Don't fly on ATA or the flight attendant may charge you $10 for a blanket.

3.  Take some new snacks that your baby will like.  I generally don't give Logan sweets, but when you are operating in less than 12 cubic feet of space, all rules are out the window.  Suckers and sugar cereal were my best friend.  Mind you, wait until the end of the flight to load the kid up on sugar.

4.  You can take your stroller and car seat up to the gate.  Check your stroller there, and it will be waiting for you when you disembark.  Even if you are holding your baby on  your lap, they will let you take the car seat on the plane if it is not full (i.e. a free seat for the baby).  If the flight is full, they will check it at the gate.  It is worth a try!

5.  Sucking on a bottle helps their ears during takeoff and landing.  When we couldn't get Logan to take his bottle, we just fed him so he would keep swallowing.

6.  Benadryl helped somewhat.  I hear it is great for some kids. Try it before you fly to make sure it doesn't make them hyper.

7.  Bungee cords were very helpful when traveling within the airport.  We could attach the car seat and extra baby stuff to a rolling suitcase to free up our hands.

8.  Baby food and formula are allowed even though they are liquids and powders.  Keep them easily accessible in your bag, because you have to take them out and have them inspected at security checkpoints.

9.  Mom and Dad should get enough to eat and drink lest you become short-tempered.

10. If the baby fusses too much, lock yourselves up in the lavatory.