• A few simple steps can make traveling with an infant less stressful.young traveler image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
  
  From tantrums and meltdowns to long lines and excessive wait times, traveling with an infant can be the most stressful part of any parent's vacation. With rules and regulations changing almost daily, it can be especially daunting to make sure everyone's needs are met. A little pre-planning and organization go a long way to make the flight a pleasant one.
  
  

Pre-flight

• The simplest tasks can become increasingly difficult when time is short. Parents can save a lot of trouble and headaches by making sure they arrive at the airport early. Avoiding the last minute dash to the gate will save stress, as well as leave room for relaxing, bathroom breaks and any other emergencies that may arise.
  
  With the cushion of additional time, parents can secure seating assignments and make sure they have in-flight necessities available. Pack the itinerary, boarding passes where they will be readily available. Check online for the airline's limits on size and weight of carry-on bags.
  
  

Checking In

• Consider taking advantage of on-line or curbside check in, which provide faster and more convenient options. Curbside checkin provides the option to drop off checked bags before you enter the airport. Most airlines will allow you to wheel strollers until you get to the gate, and will then check them before you board. Some may even allow a small stroller onboard the aircraft if space is available.
  
  All airlines have individual rules regarding infants and their travel arrangements. Check with the airline prior to boarding if a free seat is used for infants or if a car seat is necessary. Some have baggage restrictions for infants, especially on international flights. Some will allow lap infants to have a checked bag while others will charge extra for car seats, strollers and other baby items.
  
  

Carry-on items

• Keep your carry-on bag as light as possible since mom or dad will end up lugging it through the airport with other bags and baby necessities. A simple backpack is usually ideal, and has several pockets and compartments for wallets, boarding passes and other travel paperwork. To avoid problems, carefully observe TSA Guidelines regarding liquids and the amounts allowed on board.
  A well-stocked infant carry-on will be complete with twice the number of diapers normally in a diaper bag, plus wipes and changing pads. If medications are necessary, clearly label the bottle with dosage information and store liquids in a separate plastic bag. Pack additional bags for diaper disposal or to store dirty clothing. Remember additional clothes for mom and baby as well as low-sugar, non- perishable snacks complete with spoon.
  
  For formula-fed infants, powdered is usually the easiest to handle on the plane. Pre-measure a few bottles and just add water. Milk can be tricky, as it must be purchased after you go through security, and not all airlines provide it during the trip.