Many moms and dads have been asking - how can I make airline travel easier with my toddlers?!  Here's some recommendations from Baby Travel Pros co-founder Raquel of Las Vegas Baby Equipment Rentals, mom of 3.

• Plan ahead- When travel arrangements are set, begin thinking about where the kids will sleep, how they will get from the airport to your destination (will they need a car seat?), will you be doing a lot of walking (will they need a stroller?).  Consider using a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) onboard instead of a car seat or using a Go Go Kidz Travelmate to turn your car seat into a stroller.  When answering these questions, you can explore baby gear rental options.  Many baby gear rental companies can deliver the items to hotels, airports, relative's homes, or ship small items such as CARES harnesses. When renting baby equipment you save yourself the trouble of packing and lugging the gear with you, which in turn helps you to avoid additional airline baggage fees or risking damage to your items (ripped pack-n-plays, cracked car seats) or even loss by the airline.  Some baby rental companies can also supply you with diapers, wipes, formula and other baby consumables that take up luggage room.  All members of Baby Travel Pros meet specific standards to ensure safety and cleanliness.

• The carry-on- Be sure to pack snacks, favorite toys, and books.  Be careful when selecting toys that have lots of small pieces because children are prone to dropping them and then they roll around on the airplane floor and you are constantly fetching them.  Portable DVD players and a new video can also be lifesavers.  For younger children, you can make a DVD from your home computer with pictures of family and friends- they love this!

• Navigating the airport- Put one parent or adult in charge of the carry-ons, the luggage, the tickets.  Check baggage curbside.  The other parent is in charge of the child(ren) until on the plane.  Be sure everyone is wearing comfortable clothes and easy shoes to take on and off at airport security.  Everyone should "potty" before loading onto the plane.  And avoid pre-boarding!  Keep the children off of the plane until the last possible minute and let them walk around- the less time they are confined to their seat space the easier it will be on you and them.