18 Airport Hacks All Parents Need to Know Before Their Next Flight

I know you want to show off your amazing Scrunchie bag, but backpacks are definitely the way to go when traveling. Besides the fact that it'll make going down the plane aisle so much easier, backpacks give you a hands-free experience in the airport, so you can chase after your kid without abandoning your stuff.

Well before your flight go to the Dollar Store, or grab some forgotten about toys and wrap them individually. These fun little presents are perfect to pull out in times of emergency. Task them with unwrap them, and once they are done, they'll have something new to play with.

Running around an airport can be pretty exhausting, so having a stroller nearby can help give both children and you a much needed rest is really a must. Just make sure your travel stroller is TSA-approved to be checked at the gate.

If your child is a good sleeper, you might want to consider a red-eye or scheduling the flight during nap time. If your children sleep on the plane, it will give you a chance to relax as well, making everyone happier once you land.

Even though young children don't have to remove shoes or light jackets when going through airport security, make sure their clothing is easy to get on and off. Spills and accidents, especially with children near the age of potty-training, can happen and you don't want to be cursing at a difficult toggle-button as you're trying to get them dry.

Accidents happen, and even if you think you've packed everything you could possibly need, pack a little more. If your flight gets delayed, it's better to be over prepared than under.

When planning your airport experience, know what your airline, TSA, and airport allow in terms of accommodations, things you can bring on, and whether or not they let families board first. This will save you time and a potential headache down the line.

Whether you're willing to pay the exorbitant fees to check the bags in the airport, or if you volunteer your bags at the gate, it's worth it to not have to negotiate car seats, strollers, children, backpacks, and suitcases down that narrow aisle of a plane.

Sure, maybe your kid is a mini-Picasso, but the airport is probably not the time to bust out the paints. Think of low mess activities like books, blocks, dolls, and trains to keep them entertained.

Pre-child I was a fan of planning for as little airport-time as possible. While this worked for me then, with a kid it's always better to give yourself more time than you think you'll need. There is nothing in life that goes as smoothly as you're hoping when you have a kid.