Don’t wing it when when flying with your toddler.

Here is a list of “Flying with Little Kids” necessities.  Remember that what works for one child may not have the same mileage for the other, so come armed with options.

1. A personal roll-away suitcase:  Children love it when you entrust them with their own luggage. Small roll-aways provide the most amusement in a check-in line or departure lounge and are great for releasing pent-up energy.
2. Bulkhead seats:  Booking the roomiest cabin seats not only gives you easier bathroom access, it also makes your toddler feel less confined.  It also means you don’t get dagger stares or a rude lecture from the passenger whose chair your child will innocently thrash with endless kicks.  The only minus is that bulkhead seats don’t have movable arm rests, which means your child won’t have the option of lying on your lap.
3. Ear pressure know-how:  Little children aren’t the happiest people with pressure changes, so don’t forget to teach them how to “pop” their ears.  Sucking on pacifiers, milk bottles, and lollipops are all good for popping ears.  If they are mature enough to understand, instruct them to yawn or laugh.  
4. A huge packet of wipes:  Use these for cleaning your child and wiping down germy surfaces in the cabin bathroom. A small bottle of rubbing alcohol is also helpful for nuking toilet seats and gucky sinks.
5. Snacks:  Getting kids to sample airplane cuisine is a long shot.  Bring your child’s favorite biscuits, fruit, cheese, and pretzels instead.  Avoid the sugar unless you want to be chasing your child up and down darkened aisles while the rest of the passengers sleep.  Also, buy water and juice boxes after you get through security (if permitted), to avoid over-dependence on the busy crew.
6. Games and activities:  Parents usually have their own weapons of choice. Some parents love Crayola wonder packs with invisible ink, while others swear by electronic devices. Ipods, your laptop, a compact DVD Player will be your new best friends when facing the hell of delayed flights or an 18-hour trip.  
7. An in-flight ally: Ask for help if you need it. The one beauty about flying with little kids is that flight attendants are usually more eager to help you than the fastidious old man who wants more peanuts.  If your child can only eat the bread, ask for another bread roll.  If your child still bottle-feeds, ask them to heat the bottle.

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