Pack Up Your Gear

Avoid the stress of last-minute packing! As soon as you book your flights, start packing. Make a list and divide it into categories: What you'll need and what each child will need (within reason—don't forget, they have stores where you're going!). Some first-line items include: bandages, children's pain reliever, wipes, a sippy cup, lollipops, chewing gum, change of clothes, and extra Ziploc bags for wet clothes and nausea. Hide away a few in-flight surprises (deck of cards, stickers, coloring books, new crayons). You'll be doing a lot of lugging, so remember: less is more. You will need free hands, so consider backpacks for your carry-on bags. Older tots can "help" pack their carry-ons. Make sure each child can carry his or her own pack (or else it will end up on your back!).

Safety First

Plan to dress your children in bright-colored, easy-to-spot clothing. Tuck a card with name/address/cell phone info in their pockets in case they get separated from you. Take a Polaroid the day of your flight or have a very recent picture of them with you. If your toddler is a real wanderer, especially if he is not verbal, insist that he remains strapped into his stroller until you board. Think about investing in child harnesses.

Take a Lap

Arrive at the airport with lots of time. While you "hurry up and wait" before boarding, walk around the airport with your child. Watch planes, shop, people-watch. Walk up and down the stairs, jump in place, do some yoga poses or dance moves. Burn off that extra energy (and calm any preflight nerves) before you are cooped up on board.

The Evil Eye

Remember the single-with-no-kids glares you used to dish out when children were on your flight? Now you're on the other side. When disapproving (and child-free) passengers glare, cluck, shake heads, shift in seats, and otherwise judge you (and they will), take a deep breath and . . . smile. They don't deserve any more of your time or energy.

Wardrobe

Forget your Sunday best. Put yourself and your family in layered, washable, elastic-waisted, slip-on outfits.

Bathroom Break

Airplane bathrooms are tiny. Before boarding, head for an airport bathroom. Change all diapers and disposable underwear. Put toddlers (and yourself while you're in there) on the potty, just in case. Put disposable training pants on potty-trainers just in case. Don't forget a change of clothes and an extra plastic bag.