Traveling with an infant doesn't have to be the stuff of nightmares. You don't have to be the mom or dad that everybody glares at mid air, when your child is throwing a tantrum. Flying with a baby requires a lot more planning and foresight than flying with preschoolers or older kids. Plan accordingly, make sure your carry on luggage includes a few essentials and you can have a relatively hassle free flight without going hysterical.

First, take your car seat along. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends that children below the age of 2 years be strapped to a child seat on flight. This makes it easier for you, because you won't be left holding the baby uncomfortably on your lap. Your baby is also likely to feel more comfortable in a familiar car seat, and therefore less cranky. Remember to book your child's eat in advance, and take care of seating assignments. Car seats are normally allowed for window seats, or at the center of a row in between aisles.

If you balk at the thought of purchasing another ticket for your baby, remember some parents will give you a free seat for your baby during off season times when planes tend to be not so full. While making reservations, confirm with your travel agent that the airline is open to giving you an available free seat for your baby.

Some airlines will also allow you to book a baby bassinet or cot, although your child will have to be lesser than 8 months old to take advantage of this.

Your carry on bag should contain disposable bibs for meal times, a bowl and spoon, and feeding bottles. Make sure you take along a small tin of baby food - although crew might offer you baby food, it might not be the one you're baby's used to eating. Take along a bottle of pre boiled water which you can then ask the crew to warm up again if you need.

A good idea for breastfeeding moms - Ask for a window seat. Take a small blanket or thick sheet and use a couple of pins to attach it to your seat and the seat in front, to create a privacy screen for you. If you don't have a window seat, ask other passengers if they can trade. Put on your most helpless look, add a pleading tone to your voice and no one will say no!