I have had my share of traveling w/ a toddler and experienced just about everything. You are so right, pack for every contingency, esp. FOOD (grapes, crackers, pretzels, etc) and a change of clothes. A couple of things I would add. Try to determine if an airport has "family" bathrooms (esp. when its daddy and little girl). Not only eliminates the awkwardness, but for either parent, affords more room to address toddler "issues" (i.e. potty-training, change of clothes, "meltdowns"). Though it is harder now w/ freq. flight delays, but try to arrange travel that doesn't interfere w/ nap/sleep time. Trudging through an airport w/ a sleepy child is a recipe for a meltdown. It may not be possible for everyone financially but any device that can play video ( laptop, portable DVD, ipod, etc) will afford you 1-2 hours of peace.
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