I've been traveling with my son since he was 3months old. Yes being prepared is the key. It's not ideal having to lug around a huge bag full of stuff but it will soon be very useful once you're up in the air. I too pack tons and tons of snacks. I try to pack as much healthy snacks as possible. Yogurt, string cheese, fruit, etc. I keep them cold by bringing along a small lunch bag with ice packs. This also comes in handy for keeping his milk cold.
When my son was still a baby and not a toddler I found the window seat a better option for us. But now that he's more active having an aisle seat works out better than having to keep asking other passengers to let you out into the aisle and than back in to get to your seat.
I think the best advice that I can give to a parent that's traveling alone with an infant or toddler or just kids in general is to not only have your baby bag full of toys, food, and drinks but I also carry a small messenger bag (pretty much the size of a fanny pack, yes I said fanny pack :)) with me at all times. In this bag I have all of my personal and valuable items along with 2diapers, some wipes in a ziplock bag, and some sanitizer wipes. Yes it all fits if you organize well. This way if you need to walk up and down the aisle or you just need to do a diaper change on the plane you dont have to carry your baby bag into the tiny bathrooms and you dont have to worry about leaving your personal items behind. The most important things that you need will be at your finger tips.
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