We were inspired to write this after reading some recent articles on how to travel with kids. Much of it was the same info that most of us have figured out by now – yes, bring a new toy to keep Junior occupied – but we were surprised to see how much of the advice out there is either outdated or just plain ill-advised. So here, COL’s new tips for flying with kids:

1. Ditch the DVD player. DVD players are so last century – literally. Since the advent of the ubiquitous iPod, there’s no reason to lug around a bulky DVD player and an equally-cumbersome set of discs, none of which will be the one Junior actually wants to watch. Instead, load up your video iPod or iTouch with cartoons and whatever soundtracks your little tyke likes – iTunes has a pretty good selection of both and you can always import any CDs you already have. Bonus: you’ve got your music and podcasts for your vacation or for when Junior takes a nap on the plane.
2. Avoid connections if possible, and schedule short flights. If your children are still in toddler phase or previous experience has shown them to be devilish fliers, you don’t really want to extend their time in the air. This may limit your options for vacation destinations, but only for a short while. For now, plan vacations around destinations you can get to on one relatively short flight. For the East Coast, you still get wonderful international choices like Bermuda, much of the Caribbean, some parts of Mexico and Latin America, and beautiful Canadian cities like Toronto or Montreal. West Coasters can jet to Hawaii, Los Cabos and lovely Vancouver.
3. Bring the baby bottles without fear. The whole 3-ounce liquid thing really sent travelers into a frenzy, and none more so than traveling moms, who had to worry about feeding little ones not only on in the air, but during those lengthy delays we’ve come to expect. According to the TSA’s revised rules, formula, bottled breast milk, and even juice for your little ones are exempt from the 3-ounce rule, as long as they are clearly separated from other liquids and you notify security personnel upfront that you have them. They will be inspected, but you and your tot won’t be required to verify their non-explosiveness via taste test. You can also bring on liquid or gel-filled teethers; check the TSA’s website for more complete information.
4. Pass on the Benadryl. While we haven’t actually seen too many people pushing the Benadryl in print, we all know that it’s on the whispered list of Tactics To Turn To. We’re not such big fans of dosing up the wee ones unless they’re genuinely ill; trust us, we have been sorely tempted, but with the recent pullback on so many children’s medications, spurred in part by the realization that growing children metabolize them differently than adults do, we think it’s safer to make sure that your children - and you – get a good and normal night of sleep before traveling. They’ll be less cranky and less prone to overtired meltdowns, and you’ll be more able to deal with whatever comes your way with patience and creativity.
5. Bring chewing gum and other ear savers. Even if, like us, you’re not fans of having your kids looking like they’re chewing their cud, gum can work wonders during descent when ears can start popping. For babies too young to indulge, be sure to have sippy cups, bottles and/or your nursing self at the ready – whatever can get them to swallow will help to relieve some of that pressure. Our daughter got a kick out of yet another method – continually opening her mouth really wide, which actually works but has the added benefit of looking ridiculous. Whatever method you’re using, start it as soon as the pilots mention the final descent, or when flight attendants start cleaning up in prep for landing.
6. Pack the books and magazines. We don’t mean books for the kids. We mean pack your books – in the checked luggage. Be realistic about what to expect on a plane: if you’re traveling with children, it’s unlikely that you’re going to get serious reading or work time in, and constantly being thwarted in your attempts to do so is only going to frustrate you. Instead, expect that this time is going to be about keeping the kids appropriately entertained – your fellow passengers and the flight crew aren’t babysitters, nor is plane another word for playground. Plan accordingly with in-seat games and activities of varying types that you know your kids will enjoy. Bring one or two mags for light reading in the lucky event that a nap brings you some downtime – but be prepared to forgo it. Special Note to Some Dads We Know: Getting on a plane is no excuse for you to curl up with GQ, take a snooze and watch the in-flight movie while mom plays at being Laurie Berkner for 3 hours.
7. Find fun at the airport. Given that the amount of time at the airport may well equal or surpass your time in the air, you need to find more to do than just sitting in the club lounge. Many domestic and international airports boast fun play facilities and other sites of interest to children. The spotless Changi Airport in Singapore, for instance, sports 5 gardens and a koi pond, and an Explorer’s Lounge where you can view programs from Discovery Channel and National Geographic; . To find information on what facilities are available at your departure or landing spot, Google the airport itself – most modern airports have their own websites where you’ll find listings of what’s available, along with airport maps showing you exactly where to find the fun and mayhem. Who knows – if the little ones use up enough energy before boarding, you might just get a chance to read that magazine after all.

Always remember this, though: despite your best efforts, there are going to be those flights that make you swear never to fly with your kids again. Make sure you’re well-rested and up to the task of dealing with them, and don’t lose sight of the fact that with each passing minute, the plane is that much closer to landing. For the time being, order a wine from the flight attendant, and enjoy being the entertainment!