5 Creative Tips for Traveling With Baby

In your former life you were a "road warrior." You could make it from the taxi stand to your business class seat in less than 15 minutes. Now, you're taking Junior to see Grandma for the holidays and your air travel anxiety is running high. Here are five helpful tips to get you and your toddler from gate to gate without incurring angry glares from business travelers.

Request preboarding if it isn't offered to you. During a busy travel season, your little traveling companion may be overlooked by busy airline personnel. Check out your airline's Web site for policies for traveling with infants and young children.

Extra tip: Southwest Airlines has a special Kids Korner on its Web site with great tips for traveling with youngsters.

Consider a car seat with wheels and handles for easy transport through the airport. Or purchase a standard wheeled luggage carrier at your local superstore for about $10. Strap the car seat to the luggage carrier and you're off.

Extra tip: See the Gogo Kidz Travelmate at gogobabyz.com or Sit'n'Roll car seats at www.onestepahead.com

Keep your hands free with baby carriers and backpacks. Your little cherub is strapped to your front in her baby carrier and your gear is in a backpack on your back, leaving your hands free to manage tickets and other airport necessities.

Extra tip: Check out www.babysherpa.com for their handy travel backpack.

Help your tot to learn that less is more, especially when traveling. Tell your little one that he or she can pick only three favorite toys to take to Granny's. Then get them their own suitcase with wheels. It will take some of the weight off you and makes your child feel grownup. Most kids' suitcases can be easily stowed under the seat in front of you.

Extra tip: Check out the great kids suitcases at www.containerstore.com.

Use resealable plastic bags to organize your carry-on or diaper bag. Use one bag for small toys, one for crayons and coloring books, one for snacks, another for pacifiers, and finally, one for diapers and diapering products.

Extra tip: Keep one empty bag stored away for storage of dirty items -- just in case. This plan keeps everything clean, dry, and easily accessible.

Originally published on AmericanBaby.com, August 2006.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.