I’m at that age where many of my friends are settling down and having kids. Lately these friends have been asking me what they should do when traveling with their little one. Here are a few tips to help lessen the stress of traveling with your bundle of joy.

1. Check with your airlines to be sure no additional steps are required. Whether it is checking a car seat, stroller, or having the right documentation for a lap child. You don’t want to show up at the airport and be surprised that you are missing important documentation or haven’t allowed enough time for the additional process.
2. It is a hit or miss game when traveling with your little one for the first time. You just never know how your baby will react. One flight they may be the perfect angel and the next flight they’ll be screaming the entire flight for reasons unknown. Just know that babies cry sometimes, it’s what they do. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you are a bad parent just because your child is crying. Do your best to sooth your child. As long as your are trying it shows you are making some sort of effort and that is appreciated (at least my this particular passenger).
3. Be prepared. Make sure you have enough diapers as most airlines/airports may not carry any. Have snacks, milk, toys, and a blanket for the flight. It is not the responsibility of the airline to feed and care for your child.
4. Be aware of what’s going on around you. If the plane is boarding, don’t stand in the aisle with your baby. When you slow up the boarding process it delays the departure of the flight. You also do not want to get in the way of the flight attendants. The aisle is their work space and they will be going up and down the aisle for their meal/beverage services and answering call lights.
5. The flight attendants are NOT your hired nanny. Their job is to get you and your family safely from point A to point B. It is not their job to watch your child for the entirety of the flight. They can assist you but when you try to pawn your child off to them, they can no longer do their job effectively. Also in the unlikely event of an emergency the plane will be short one flight attendant as now their responsibility is YOUR child and not the safety of the rest of the passengers on the flight.

Traveling with a child is not the easiest task. Hope these 5 tips will help you on your next trip with your little one.