This is what Jenny Smith from Spanish Fork, Utah, did before traveling with her son. Gabe had been born at 31 weeks gestation, and was just under 3 months old when he took his first flight. "It was RSV season," Smith says. "I was taking a preemie, who I hadn't even taken to the store very often, on a plane." She was understandably worried, but Gabe did well on the flight – and afterward.

One secret to a successful flight? Make like a boy scout and be prepared. "I wasn't too concerned about the flight," Caccavale Reynolds says. "I was worried about forgetting something."

Here's a look at the basics you'll need for air travel:

• Diapers, diapers and more diapers! (Dr. Sears recommends one diaper per each hour of travel, plus a few extras just in case.)
• Baby wipes.
• A changing mat.
• Disinfectant wipes. (These are great for cleaning off surfaces, including diaper changing stations, Dr. Sears says.)
• A change of clothes for Baby.
• Thermometer.
• Infant ibuprofen and acetaminophen (if your baby will be over 2 months old at the time of your trip) and medicine droppers.
• Ear-numbing drops (available by prescription from your pediatrician). "A few drops can quickly soothe a painful ear, whether the pain is from an ear infection or altitude pressure," Dr. Sears says.
• Nasal saline spray. "The biggest downside of airplane air is that it is very dry," Dr. Wheeler says. "It makes you feel miserable." A saline nasal spray used periodically during the flight will keep your little one's nasal passages moist.
• Plenty of pacifiers. Your baby will need to "pop" his ears by swallowing during takeoff and landing. If he doesn't want to be fed, a pacifier will help. "Even if you are anti-pacifier, this is the time to give in," says Kathryn Kaycoff-Manos, a mom of twins from Encino, Calif.
• If you are bringing along formula or expressed breast milk, be sure to bring it in a cooled, insulated container, Caccavale Reynolds says, as there may not be a fridge on board you can use.
• A few small, new toys. Try toys with many textures and black and white graphic patterns for this stage.
• One or two light blankets or wraps. These can double as burp cloths, provide warmth or even serve as a cover up for nursing if you're feeling self conscious.
• Anything else you think your baby will need.

Finally, expect delays. Travel is more stressful these days, especially for parents, Dr. Wheeler says. Make sure to get to the airport in plenty of time.

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