By Erika Lenkert, author of The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy

There’s no way to plan for all the unexpected adventures that accompany traveling with a little one. But there are ways to ensure that you have enough fun to make you want to lug half the house onto a plane again. Check out these 10 tips for traveling with children.

1. Make a checklist of BYO essentials; baby shampoo and sunscreen don't seem like necessities until you're at a hotel that doesn't have any.

2. If changing time zones and you can afford it, look for suite accommodations; that way if your child crashes at 5 p.m. you don't have to turn off the lights and go to bed too or watch DVDs on your laptop in the bathroom.

3. Alert the hotel beforehand that you are traveling with young children. Often they will childproof the room free of charge, provide welcome toys, and even add blackout drapes for light-sensitive nappers.

4. Pack familiar items from home, especially any related to sleep—a small fan for white noise, favorite blankets and bedtime books, even a special pillow will help lull your little one.

5. Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. It's always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected delays. Have healthy munchies on hand so you won't have to subsist on airline pretzels; travel-friendly options include crackers, cheese, bananas, apples, and trail mix.

6. Load your carry-on bag with kid essentials: Include a change of clothes since leaks and spills are as expected as flight delays, and throw in entertaining items such as books, a mini DVD player, and small stuffed animals. A placated traveling child equals happy parents and fellow passengers.

7. Pack lots of earplugs and homemade cookies for long flights if traveling with a cranky infant. Pass them out to passengers around you and you are likely to get more sympathy and fewer dirty looks when Baby starts wailing.

8. Buy water once you’ve passed through security. While you may be able to bring along some liquid for your little one, you should set yourself and your child(ren) up for good hydration in case there are onboard delays.

9. While it seems counterintuitive, forget preboarding an airplane. Get on last. The less time trapped in an airplane seat with a fidgety child the better. If you've got tons of carry-on gear and are traveling with another adult, send one of you ahead with the load. Also, if you’re traveling with a lap child, politely ask gate personnel to put you next to an empty seat if possible; traveling with children makes even the most jaded airline employees surprisingly sympathetic and helpful.

10. Be prepared to roll with the punches. Children thrive on routine, but they also adore adventure, so long as they're with you and you embrace the unknown too. Don't expect everything to go smoothly. Sleep routines regularly get fouled up during travel, and tantrums are not out of the ordinary. Keep your cool and you'll help your tot regain his.

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