Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack, and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.

Preparation is Key

Before deciding where to stay, consider options for baby-proofing. Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs, and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony, or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates.

For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than 1 should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib, or playpen with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Traveling by Air

Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things. The biggest thing to think about is always safety and then, of course, their comfort. While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes.

Food and drink for babies and toddlers, including breast milk, formula, and puree pouches, are considered medically necessary liquids by the Transportation Security Administration. That means they are not subject to the standard 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on liquids.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.