Many mothers dread the thought of getting on an airplane with a baby or young child. The responsibilities are seemingly endless, with minor passports, nursing, changing diapers, and other motherly duties. Each minute a new challenge appears, and with the right amount of planning, you can have a nice, relaxed flight.

Preparation can ultimately make or break your flight experience, and there is no such thing as being to prepared. When your travel plans are formulated, and you've begun to shop for airline tickets, double check to see if your airline provides a free flight for your child. Most airlines allow a child under two years of age to sit on your lap but check just in case. If your airline doesn't provide this, you will need to use a carseat. Booking your significant other in a seat separate from you may prove to be useful, especially on long flights. This arrangement allows you and your loved one to switch off baby responsibilities, letting one rest. Check your airline's stroller policy. Most airlines now don't allow strollers to be stored in the overhead compartment, so they have to be stowed.

A few weeks in advance, make sure you know where your family's passports are. If you can't find them, reapply for a new one as soon as possible. Be sure you have a birth certificate to present at the airport as well. Planning ahead can help you reduce stress leading up to your flight time. You will need to get a new one if you've been recently married or divorced, as well as if you have had yours for over 10 years. A child passport is only valid for 5 years, so check each accordingly. Arrange to be picked up from the airport if you don't plan on getting a rental car, and make sure there is a seat for your baby.

The day of your flight, pack a big purse with everything your baby might need, from a bottle with formula, to a clean diaper, small toys and snacks, baby food with utensils, and a pacifier for the descent, which can hurt their ears. If you think you may need to nurse your baby, pack a baby blanket, so you could have some privacy. Change and feed your baby as close to boarding time as you possible can. This reduces the probability that you will have to do either on the flight. Let a flight attendant know if your baby needs to be changed, because he or she may be able to set up a changing table for you in a bigger bathroom.

Traveling with Baby doesn't have to be a traumatic experience, and, with planning, it can be a good start to a great vacation. Getting started on your pasport application is something that doesn't need to be last minute, especially if you have already booked your flight. You will need to get a passport for infants for anyone under the age of 16, and an adult one for anyone 16 and over. Make sure to have stuff to keep baby fed and happy. If people give you a hard time if your baby is upset, ignore them. No one knows your child like you do, and no one knows what's best for him or her like you do. So sit back and enjoy your trip!