The Holidays are around the corner. If you are a first time mom, who has never traveled with a baby up to age two by plane, you may want to read tips and tricks below. Traveling with a baby might give you an headache, but planning ahead may give you at least a chance at a smooth.

Here’s some tips how to survive the plane rides with a baby:

1. If possilbe, select seats in advance: either when booking the flight; or in some cases you can select seats and print out boarding passes online 24 hours before your flight. Find out if your flight offers pre-boarding for families with babies.
2. Babies under two can sit in your lap, but are safer in their own seat, strapped into a carseat; many airlines will discount a seat for a baby by 50%.
   Combined car-seat stroller units are the most convenient way to get that cumbersome gear on board. Make sure the car-seat is FAA approved for use on planes.
3. Bring three more diapers than you think you will need. Also bring zip-loc bags for any soiled clothes
4. For babies, bring several changes of clothes, and extra clothes for yourself if possible. An extra t-shirt for older kids can come in handy, too: it seems to be easy to spill drinks on planes
5. For bottle-feeding babies, bring ready-made formula, or powdered formula to be used with bottled water. Security rules forbid liquids in sizes over 3 oz., but formula, breast milk, and juice CAN be brought if you’re with a baby. As for water: currently, security rules don’t allow you to bring a bottle of water through the security gates, but you can bring an empty baby bottle or sippy cup, and then buy water once you’ve passed the security gate.
6. Bring snacks onboard: very few domestic flights these days serve any meals, so be sure to feed the kids before your flight and/or bring snacks along. Parents traveling with babies are allowed bring on-board baby food in cans or jars. If you’re with a toddler, buy bottled water after you pass through the security gate.
7. Bring along a plastic food container for storing a half-eaten or an untouched meal, for later. For example, on long flights meals are still provided but kids are sometimes fast asleep when the food is served. A food container is also useful if you grab a meal in the airport and your child only eats a bite or two: take the rest on the plane.
8. Bring baby-wipes even when traveling with older kids, to clean up dribbles down shirt-fronts, spills, etc.
9. Keep your stroller until the last possible moment: the stroller gives you mobility in the airport; it can carry a lot of your stuff; and if your flight is delayed, your baby has a comfy place to nap.
10. To avoid ear pressure problems, have babies either nurse, or suck their bottles during takeoffs and landings; small kids can suck on a candy or chew gum.