I'm an ex-Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.

Any toy that makes any noise as a pp said "must die" or rather, either checked or if she wont be parted with it, remove the batteries. The problem is that they love to play these things again, and again, and again... Rattles are especially deadly as they can be "bashed" against things.

Go for play dough, pipe cleaners, any drawing stuff, stickers, chunky books with windows that open, etc. I've managed well with bags of new plastic cars, animals, etc.

To avoid ear problems, make sure you take her to the doctor in the week before you fly. Either schedule a "well-baby" visit to coincide. Healthy ears can handle pressurization. If you can get her to suck on something during ascent, great but please don't wake her up. Her ears will adjust and it's unnecessary. Descent is a little trickier and the critical time is not landing but when the plane first leaves cruising altitude. This is usually an hour to an hour and a half before landing.

For the record, I've never had any ear issues with my kids on all those flights and one had a history of ear infectios (but we caught one before leaving!!) I also didn't see problems that often when flying.

The AAP suggest that babies simply be awake at the top of descent. If you can get her to drink, great but don't force the issue. Just moving her head around and babbling can help. I hate to say it but crying really clears the ears and that's what she'll do if she's really uncomfortable.

http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm

You actually can take bottles of formula on board. The TSA exempts those flying with children from some of the restrictions;

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...n/formula.shtm

I used the bottles with plastic liners and premeasured the powder before leaving. This was very convenient for flying because all I had to do was add water. Since warming a bottle has no health-benefit, make sure she's used to it at room temperature. Sure, they warm it on the plane but that service is not available in the check-in line, security line or boarding area lol! This will make travel easier.

If you have a good baby carrier, I really suggest bringing it. Unfortunately, I see far too many "front packs" like the Bjorn used. These are very hot and uncomfortable and are usually finished by this age. If you have a sling, wrap or pouch, these are g-dsends for travel. I can't tell you how many times I've calmed my babies on transatlantic flights with my sling. It was also my blanket, sun cover (for the guy who wouldn't lower his shade across the aisle), breastfeeding coverup (yes, did that too), and baby changer. She's also old enough for a Mei Tai, Becco or Ergo carrier if you prefer that style (although less flexible IMHO).

Even if you haven't booked a seat, find out if the flight is full and try to get an empty seat next to you. Having the car seat is much more comfortable for both you and those around you. It's also the only way to fly safely with a child. Babies under two are allowed on laps for marketing reasons. More in the link below (which is totally non-commerical). Never check a car seat as luggage since it risks loss and/or damage. Having it on board means that it gets to your destination in one piece and you leave the airport with her in it (road travel is riskier than air travel, right?)

I've never drugged my kids because I'm allergic to antihistimines and it runs in my family (so obviously a genetic risk here). I've seen it work on airplanes but a couple of times it's gone wrong and wired the child. This is a common reaction. Make sure you talk to your doctor, tried it at home and lower the dose since every drug is stronger in the air (including that glass of wine). I wouldn't recommend this unless it's a night flight and/or long haul, 6 hours or more.

The debate about whether it's easier to send one parent ahead of time is kind of entertaining for me. I can count on one hand how many times my husband has been with us and only one was a transatlantic and that was when we only had one child! My dh insists on staying together (doesn't cope well alone with them) so that's one tip I've passed on but haven't tried myself.

Oh and trust me, when flying out of Frankfurt Airport alone with three small, closely spaced children, you bring a stroller! I admit, the baby was in the sling more than in the stroller but was it handy for the carry-on bags! (and depending on their ages, an older sibling).

Good luck and have a good flight!
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com