LittleNotes

Tetra packs of milk are safe to carry on flights — airline cabin pressure does not affect sealed packs. Just do not put the straw in during takeoff and landing to avoid spills.

For flights with toddlers, any sucking action helps with ear pressure — drinking water, milk, or a lollipop during takeoff and landing. Wait to see if your child actually experiences discomfort before worrying.

Inflatable footrest pillows for flights are not allowed by many airlines as they can obstruct emergency exits. Even the Stokke Jet Kids is banned on some carriers. Always check with your specific airline before packing one.

For baby passport photos, lay the child on a white bedsheet and photograph from above. Take 20 or more photos to ensure at least one with eyes open and looking at the camera. Have someone dangle a toy near the camera lens.

When vacationing with 2 under 3, start with a nearby resort with a kids club rather than an international trip. Keep the baby on a large towel on the beach — at 4 months they cannot crawl away and eat sand yet.

For toddlers who refuse to walk on uneven terrain while traveling, try making the walk into a game like I Spy. A back-carry position in a carrier distributes weight better than front-carry for heavier toddlers.

After your infant's passport arrives, police verification may still be pending. Go to the station promptly — skipping this step can cause issues at immigration later.

For long flights with screen-free toddlers, try a slideshow of family photos, playdough, sticker books, busy books, and doing rounds in the plane. Most screen-free kids lose interest in screens within 5 minutes anyway.

Prani Sanctuary near Bangalore is stroller-friendly and a better option than Bannerghatta National Park for young children. Less crowded on weekdays and shaded enough for hot weather.