• Allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.
• Similar to travel in motor vehicles, a child is best protected on an airplane when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child, meeting standards for aircraft until the child weighs more than 40 lbs. and can use the aircraft seat belt. You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage so you have them for use in rental cars and taxis.
• Although the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult's lap, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families explore options to ensure that each child has his own seat. Discounted fares may be available. If it is not feasible for you to purchase a ticket for a small child, try to select a flight that is likely to have empty seats.
• Take along a few interesting toys that you have purchased especially for the trip and that your baby hasn't seen before. Avoid noisy toys. Board or cloth books with flaps and textures are good for traveling.
• If your child has a special toy or blanket make sure you bring it with you for security.
• Pack all the food your baby would normally eat then put in a bit extra in case of delays. Make sure you bring food that your baby enjoys - now is not the time to try him on pureed peas if he has never tried them before. Some airlines provide food for older babies, but you can't guarantee that your baby will like it.
• If you are not breastfeeding then have plenty of drinks available in their familiar sippy cup or bottle.
• It is a good idea to take a spare set of clothes for the whole family in your cabin bag. Spills, toileting accidents and vomiting are a possibility. Include a couple of plastic bags, baby wipes and spare diapers.
• If your baby gets car sick, chances are they may get air sick as well. Sitting near the front of the plane can help or see your pediatrician for travel sickness medication.
• In order to decrease ear pain during descent, encourage your infant to nurse or suck on a bottle or pacifier.
• Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or baby who has chronic heart or lung problems or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms.
• Consult your pediatrician if flying within 2 weeks of an episode of an ear infection or ear surgery.

International Travel

• If traveling internationally, make sure your baby is up to date on her vaccinations and check with your doctor to see if she might need additional vaccines.
• In order to avoid jet lag, try  to adjust your baby's sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. After arrival, babies should be encouraged to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours to promote adjustment.
• Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the U.S. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.
• When traveling, be aware that cribs or play yards provided by hotels may not meet all current safety standards. If you have any doubt about the safety of the crib or play yard, ask for a replacement or consider other options.
• For travel restrictions and advice for what you can an cannot take on board see www.tsa.gov

Further information