Rule 1: Always pack all your child’s essentials — diapers, food, toys, any medication — in your carry-on. Prepare pack enough to account for flight delays and misplaced luggage.

Rapid changes in cabin pressure can make little ears “pop,” so keep drinks or pacifiers available for takeoffs and landings (sucking helps reduce ear sensitivity). Or bring along ear filters, which buffers eardrums against air pressure changes.

Airplanes present unique challenges for parents with young children. Kids under age two are not required by law to be restrained on airplanes, so it’s up to every parent to decide how to travel.

If you decide to ride with baby on your lap, consider a flight vest that secures your child to your lap belt. These vests are not designed for use during takeoff and landing, but for cruising, when turbulence most often occurs. (One Step Ahead has sold such a flight vest for many years. We’ve posted more than 50 reviews from parents who’ve used it, which you may find informative if you’re considering this option.)

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that small children be seated in a Child Restraint System, or CRS — i.e., a car seat. According to FAA guidelines:

• For babies less than 20 lbs., use a rear-facing car seat
• For children 20 – 40 lbs., use a forward-facing car seat
• For kids weighing more than 40 lbs., use the airplane seat belt
• Every restraint must bear a label indicating that it’s FAA approved, something to check in advance of your flight.

In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers these tips:

• The only way to guarantee that your child can use a CRS is to purchase a ticket. Some airlines offer discounted fares for kids under two, so ask. If that isn’t a possibility, select a non-peak flight time that’s more likely to have empty seats.
• Measure the width of your car seat; if it’s less than 16″ wide, it will most likely fit in an airplane seat.
• Always place your CRS in a window seat, so it won’t block the aisle or get jostled by people passing by.

Bringing your car seat on board is an excellent idea, but carrying it through the airport can be challenging. We carry a number of air travel accessories designed specifically to make flying with children easier.