Everyone has heard horror stories about flying with a baby that cries non-stop. It’s stressful for the other passengers, for the parents and most of all for the baby.

On a recent trip to Washington DC with my nearly 7 month old, I learned a few tricks that I thought might benefit other parents flying with a baby:

1. Plan your flight around baby’s schedule. If your little one has a melt down at 8pm every night like mine does, that’s not the best time to be boarding an airplane! Try choosing a departure time when baby will be awake and happy. Once on board you can make him or her comfortable and deal with any problems that come up.

2. Help baby pressurize his or her ears by encouraging swallowing. Whether this means nursing, fedding a bottle or using a sippy cup - swallowing is the best way to help your baby avoid uncomfortable ear pressure. The most important times are on take off and landing. 

3. Make sure you have a change of clothes. For baby and for you! There will undoubtedly be spitup and spills so make sure you have something handy so that when you land you can both have a clean, fresh outfit.

4. Take a fully stocked diaper bag as one of your carry on items. Not only will you be thankful to have all of your supplies if you need them, but if for some reason your luggage is not waiting for you when you land you’ll have everything you need for baby. 

4. If your baby’s bedtime occurs during the flight, try to keep your usual routine. Most babies take their normal bedtime routine as a cue that it’s time to settle down for the night. If you usually put baby into pajamas and then read a bedtime story, do the same thing on the plane.

5. Ask for help if you need it. Flight attendants are generally very good about helping passengers with babies. If you need someone to give you a hand with something, don’t be afraid to ask.