Traveling with a toddler can be a daunting prospect for many new parents, but it doesn't need to be so overwhelming that it prevents you from enjoying vacations with your family.
By following these five tips, you will make your time at the airport bearable, or even fun!

1. Get there early.
   When traveling with a toddler, arriving early at the airport will set the tone for your whole experience.
   If you are stressed about making it to the gate on time, you are more likely to be short with your toddler or snappy with your spouse, and your child's behavior will start to reflect that stress.
   Also, by being at your gate with lots of time to spare, you will be able to say "yes" when your child wants you to explore the interesting sights of the terminal with him.
   
2. Use the family lane at the TSA Security Checkpoint, if available.
   The family lane usually has a little more room and is better-staffed for the needs of a family traveling with a toddler by providing hand-checks of bulky items.
   Also, there is a little more room for you to help your child put her shoes back on and gather your belongings together without a steady stream of impatient business travelers pushing by you.
   
3. Have a plan for carrying the load.
   Probably the hardest thing about traveling with a toddler is physically managing all the gear you have to take along.
   If you are traveling with your spouse, assign items to each adult for the long-haul walking stretches (from security to gate, or gate to gate at your connecting airport).
   If you are the only adult traveling, make sure you are capable of carrying everything you're planning to bring with you by practicing at home before you leave.
   One great new tool for parents is the Gogo Kidz Travelmate, which allows you to roll your own car seat through the airport with your child strapped into it, much like a rolling suitcase.
   Since your child and your carseat are often the hardest two items to carry through the airport, this device is a lifesaver.
   
4. Wear 'em out before the flight.
   When traveling with a toddler, it's tempting to plop down in a seat at the gate, strap your child into his car seat or stroller, and rest.
   But now is the time to let your toddler run to his heart's content and hopefully tire himself out enough to sleep on the flight itself.
   Fortunately, the airport terminal has plenty of exciting new things that your toddler will likely want to explore, from the gift shops and food stands to the moving walkways.
   Even an interesting carpet pattern can provide a good stretch of imaginative play opportunities.
   
5. Pre-board.
   Most airlines allow (even encourage!) families to pre-board.
   This is an offer you should take advantage of, as it allows you to get onto the plane and get settled without the rest of the passengers trying to push by you.
   It is also a time when you can gate-check a stroller, car-seat, or other large item that you don't need to have with you in the cabin.
   

Traveling with a toddler can be a challenge, but by planning ahead you will be able to meet that challenge head on and enjoy a great vacation with your whole family.