What to pack in your carry-on for a plane trip (ages 5 to 8)

When packing your carry-on (a backpack works best because it frees up your hands), the general rule of thumb should be this: Prepare for delays and messes. Once your luggage is checked, your carry-on becomes a veritable magician's hat in these situations. Some things to have on hand:

• A change of clothes for your child (in case of a juice spill, for example). It's cold in airplanes, so pack a sweater or jacket, too.

• Resealable plastic bags to hold dirty clothes (see above), the crackers scattered everywhere during the flight, and so on.

• Any medicine your child is taking. If it's trapped in the suitcase, flight delays may keep you from reaching it at the scheduled dosage time.

• Gum to help relieve ear pressure during the descent.

• Fun snacks with minimal mess potential in resealable plastic bags. Some suggestions: Goldfish crackers, cheese, trail mix, pretzels, and peanuts.

• Several new toys, books, and craft ideas and supplies that will surprise your child.

• A Gameboy or a Walkman.

• Medical information and doctors' phone numbers — just in case.

• A color photo of your child — in case you become separated.

Also, your child will fill a small backpack with things he wants for the journey, better yet, he'll want to carry it himself, which will lighten your load.

Source: www.babycenter.com