Flying with baby, no problem

If you're flying with baby for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. Will there be a changing table on the plane, will your baby cry, will their ears hurt, can you bring formula through security?

Before our baby's first flight, I spent a lot of time doing research. I read mommy blogs, asked questions, and looked over airline websites. Here's what helped us prepare and what we learned flying with baby:

1. Check your stroller and car seat for free either at the gate, ticket counter or curbside. You can easily bring these through security so I recommend checking it at the gate. When the flight is over, these items will be waiting for you when you exit the plane.  If you don't need these items in the airport then check them with your bags.  If you purchased a seat for your baby, then bring the car seat for the flight.

2. Purchase a gate check bag for your stroller. These keep your stroller clean and undamaged and are available on Amazon for $14 - $100 depending on the size and quality you need. Joggers or double strollers require an extra large bag.

3. Security Check - Your baby carrier or folded stroller can be put directly on the X-ray belt. If it doesn't fit, then they will inspect it separately. Take baby formula or breast milk out of your carryon and let TSA know so they can screen it. This is considered a medically necessary liquid so you can bring more than 3.4 ounces.

4. Have baby safe sanitizing wipes to clean the tray, arm rests and seats. You'll also need regular hypoallergenic water wipes to clean everything else like their hands, pacifiers, toys, bottles, basically anything baby might put their mouth on. Wipes with alcohol is toxic and could irritate their sensitive skin.

5. Cabin Pressure - During take off and landing, give your child a pacifier, bottle or if they're old enough to eat, have a variety of snacks. It will help alleviate the pressure from the ears.

6. Changing tables - It depends on the size of the plane, but usually changing tables are located in the bathrooms near the back of the plane. Check your airlines website for the most current information.

7. Zip lock bags - Have a small stack of these. Fill some with snacks and extra pacifiers, because these will get dropped! Also, if you need to change your baby at the seat, you'll need something air-tight to keep it in until you can throw it away.

8. The BASICS - Baby wipes, tissues, blanket, teething toys, medicine, pacifiers, books, toys, stuffy or anything that your baby loves that helps soothe or keep them occupied.

Stroller Travel Bag Available on Amazon for $25

Car Seat Travel Bag Available on Amazon for $20