Packing Guide for Family Carry-On Bags

Oct. 11, 2010— -- With so many size restrictions and federal regulations, what we can bring on a plane gets confusing enough without worrying about the right gear to bring with us for the kids. Here's a guide to help you make air travel with the family a piece of cake. (OK, so that was a stretch, since we all know flying with kids is never really a piece of cake, but we're here to make it easier!)

For more ideas on what to pack, be sure to check out our interactive packing list, where you can check off all the items you need to bring. Print and/or e-mail yourself the list so you can work with it.

What You Are Allowed to Bring

First, let's begin with what you can even consider bringing on a plane with you. Every ticketed passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on bag. Different airlines have different size standards for what they permit as carry-ons, and more and more airlines are grabbing passengers' carry-ons at the gate for being too large or when the overhead bulkhead is full (a common occurrence in winter, when everyone has coats and extra gear).

Some airlines are beginning to charge an extra fee if your carry-on gets checked at the gate. A good rule of thumb: keep the carry-on size small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. As long as it's that small, and you do not mind losing the legroom (my kids' feet cannot even touch the floor, so I don't mind using this space for their gear), you will always be able to bring the carry-on on the plane with you.

The 3-1-1 rule still applies for all carry-on baggage. This TSA regulation states that you cannot bring any liquid or gel that's more than three ounces, and you are permitted one quart-sized clear, zip-lock baggie per person in which to store them. Parents traveling with infants are permitted to break the three-ounce rule when packing breast milk, formula and baby food, but remove them from your carry-on before going through security and alert security personnel.

Because of the 3-1-1 rule, it's best not to bring any juice, water or other items you may typically have on hand for the tots. Instead, buy the items once you are through security, and store them in your carry-on to have them handy for thirsty kids who are impatient for beverage service.

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Infant carriers, car seats and strollers can be brought through security to make traveling with small children less taxing at the airport. Although infants and children under 2 can be held in the lap of a parent, it's recommended that a separate seat be purchased for the child, and the infant carrier or a car seat be installed in the seat to keep the child secure during the flight. Strollers will have to be gate-checked, but if you have a family of four traveling through the airport, it may make it easier to maneuver through an airport if holding a young child and a few carry-on pieces.

That said, I actually find it more cumbersome to travel with bulky gear and prefer to check strollers and car seats. Better yet: rent these items at your final destination. Rental car companies provide car seats with advance reservations, and some companies partner with hotels to provide stroller and car seat rentals. Ask ahead and avoid the extra trouble when you can. My rule of thumb: My kids, now 4 and 6, have to be able to carry their own carry-ons. Tough love? Perhaps. But it's never too early to turn them into experienced travelers.

What to Pack

Every person with a seat gets one carry-on bag, while mom and dad also get to bring one laptop bag, one purse, or one diaper bag. Now, what do you bring?

For Infants: Pack your standard diaper bag complete with all the items you need on an outing: diapers, changing pad, wipes, diaper cream, plastic bags for soiled clothes, blankets, tissues, pacifiers, teeth toys, extra change of clothes (two, just to be safe), a hat to keep baby's head warm when the plane gets cold, bibs, bottles, breast milk or formula, nursing pads for mom, baby food, infant feeding set, snacks, and a few of baby's favorite toys. If your baby has any medications or you're concerned about illness, bring medicines in your carry-on, including infant pain and fever reducers, teething relief and gas relief medication.

For Toddlers: Pack a backpack (preferably one your toddler can carry) with your essentials, as well as toys. Take a change of clothes for an accident, diapers or pull-ups, plastic bags for soiled clothes, diaper cream, snacks (plenty if the flight is long and your child won't eat the meal served), drinks purchased after security, small books, favorite toys, and your child's "lovey" that helps him keep calm and to sleep. Stash a small first aid kit with bandages, motion sickness relief, fever reducers, pain reducers, and any prescribed medications in this carry-on, or your own.

For School-Aged Kids: At this age, kids can definitely carry their own backpack or rollaway carry-on. Put your cell phone number and your name somewhere visible on the outside of the backpack, in case you become separated. Inside the backpack, allow your child to bring some favorite toys, such as crafts, video games and books to keep him occupied on the plane. Pack a sweater in case the flight gets chilly. Bring some snacks and purchase some beverages after security to carry, as well as gum to help reduce ear pressure. Stash a small first aid kit with bandages, motion sickness relief, fever reducers, pain reducers, and any prescribed medications in this carry-on, or your own.

Traveling Wtih Kids

For Teens: Teens can and will pack a carry-on for themselves, but make sure the essentials are in there, and that the rule-breakers are not. Teens should be sure to have their IDs and passports on them, and their wallets with cash. Let them carry their own tickets, and give them a copy of the itinerary in the event you are separated, as well as their cell phones. Put a copy of your insurance information in your teen's carry-on as well. Teens should also carry their own prescribed medicines, but have on hand aspirin and other basics in case they need it. Glasses and/or a spare set of contacts should also be carried on.

For Yourself: Be sure you have a bag with your wallet, IDs, passport, credit cards, at least some small cash, tickets, itineraries, insurance information, membership cards, prescription medicines, glasses and/or a spare set of contacts, jewelry, camera, cell phone, charger, book/magazine, laptop and charger, and anything you couldn't bear to lose if your luggage is lost. If you're traveling with an infant or small child, you may want to bring a change of clothes, or at least a shirt, in the event of a spit up or accident.

Don't forget to check out our interactive packing list, where you can check off all the items you need to bring and print and/or e-mail yourself a list to work with.

Family Vacation Critic features hundreds of hotel and resort reviews, as well as family vacation ideas, money-saving travel deals, and advice on traveling with kids of all ages.