Tips for Traveling as a Family (6 years old + under!)

Tips for flying with children, toddlers and babies! We cover everything from packing, eating, dressing, entertaining + how to handle rude passengers when your baby cries.
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Tips for traveling with a baby, toddler or young child! We recently flew across the country as a family of 5 and I took note of my best travel tips. Since this video is super long and you may not have time to watch it I will also list some tips for traveling as a family here. If you have more that i missed please leave them in the comments below for other parents to see!

TIPS for traveling with a baby, toddler, or young children:
1) Consider when your kids sleep and don't assume they will sleep on the plane (until they are super super young) because sometimes the first couple flights are so exciting for them that they can't sleep. Our kids did best flying during the day. They napped in the stroller on the layover, or in the baby carrier on my chest.
2) If you are able to sign up for TSA PreCheck before you fly - it lasts 5 years - that helps streamline the security process. Only the parents need to do it and it means you are able to go through security super quickly without removing your shoes.
3) If you bring a stroller through security you'll have to fold it up and put it through the conveyer belt. If you need help doing that don't be afraid to ask someone.
4) You can usually wear your baby in a baby carrier through security, but if your baby carrier has a lot of metal on it they'll like ask you to take it off and put it through the scanner thing, so consider that when choosing how you'll wear your baby.
5) Bring some sort of identification for children.
6) Bring LOTS of snacks. They are both for hunger .. and also entertainment on the trip.
7) If you bring something for your kids to watch on a tablet, don't forget headphones. Toddler headphones a great, consider grabbing some before your trip.
8) Think through where your baby/toddler will sleep when you get where you are going. If you need to bring a portable crib with you, you can check it with your luggage.
9) Borrow as much as you can when traveling to see loved ones, that way you can pack lighter.
10) If you are afraid of your carseat or stroller being damaged on a plane then check it inside of a stroller or carseat bag.
11) If you can do laundry where you are doing then pack less clothing (maybe a week's worth?) for each person and wash it when you get there.
12) Use packing cubes inside a giant suitcase for you all, each person in the family can have their clothes inside of them. Clothes fit best if they are rolled, not folded.
13) Bring an extra change of clothes for the baby and toddler on the plane. If you will be traveling really late at night you could also bring their pjs and sleep stuff in your carryon so you are ready for sleep.
14) Sound machines are awesome, in my experience. Bring them if you like them.
15) Plan for the first day in the new place to be very chill, especially because they may be exhausted and need a nap.
16) If you are flying with a baby or toddler, make sure they are nursing, eating, drinking or sucking on something during take off and landing to help their ears adjust to the pressure.
17) Use layovers for them to nap, or run around like crazy and get their energy out.
18) Tiny babies tend to be great travelers (as long as the flight isn't during the evening "witching hour" where babies tend to be more fussy.) In my experience the plane provides white noise and they sleep super well.
19) My kids started sleeping on the plane after they got adjusted to flying. So it didn't happen on the first couple flights but eventually they became comfortable sleeping on planes.
20) As a child gets a bit older they are awesome to travel with because they know what's going on. Obviously if it is a road trip you'll need to stop for the bathroom and to stretch legs. On a plane though my oldest is content to rest, watch fun movies, and eat or draw.
21) Bring a little gift for the flight attendants so they know you respect them. It really helps.
22) We love Southwest airlines because they are the most accommodating for families and you can cancel your flight or change it if needed. They also have family boarding and each person gets two checked bags.

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What tips do you have? Leave them in the comments!