Air travel tips for baby and mom

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - If you're busy booking flights to see family across the country this holiday season don't forget about planning some extra time and extra luggage for your baby.   I've pulled together some helpful travel trips if you're planning on flying the friendly skies this year that will hopefully help you keep your sanity.

Mom's Guide to Holiday Air Travel:

- Get a direct flight. Move heaven and earth to keep travel time to a minimum.

-Pack the pacifier even if your baby doesn't normally use one.  The sucking motion will help during take-off and landing.

- Baby entertainment is a must!  Bring a slew of toys, books, stuffed animals ect.  If baby gets fussy you'll want to be fully armed with a bag of tricks.

- Downsize the stroller.  Bring an umbrella stroller instead of your big rig, it will be easier to navigate through the airport lines and crowds.

- Brush up on breast milk and formula guidelines for carry-ons.  I think think is the most important travel tip for any mom.   I've pulled the following guidelines directly from the TSA website to share with you:

Child Airport Screenings:

-Children 12 and under can leave their shoes on during screenings.

-TSA will not ask travelers to do anything that will separate them from their child.

-You can NOT leave your baby in an infant carrier and attempt to put it through the X-ray machine.  You MUST carry your baby through the walk through detector.

-All carry-ons including children's toys, bags ect. will be screened.  If large child equipment won't fit it will be personally inspected by an officer.

-If the alarm on the walk-through metal detector sounds when you carry your child through, the officer will likely have to conduct additional screenings on you and your child.

Breast milk & formula screenings:

-Medically necessary liquids and gels including baby formula and food, breast milk and juice are exempt from the 3-1-1 rules and are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces.  

-They are not required to be in zip-top bags.

-Officers may ask travelers to open these items to conduct additional screenings and you should declare them for inspection at the checkpoint.