Take advantage of pre-boarding for passengers traveling with children. Avoid pre-flight salty snacks. Children who consume salt, consume liquids. Breastfeed, or give your infant a bottle, during takeoff and landing. This releases ear pressure which can be bothersome to some children.
Older children can use gum or hard candy.
If your child has a pre-flight cold contact the pediatrician. The pressure of takeoff could potentially cause discomfort or damage to the eardrums. If your child has an attachment to a blankie or a toy, be sure to include it with carry-on luggage. Keep it out of sight in case you need an emergency fix for an unhappy child. Remember that a hungry toddler, observing the slow dispersion of meals to the fifty people in front of him, will not be a happy flyer.