Air travel with a baby can be extremely challenging. I've done it a few times now (once immobilized in a leg brace) and wanted to share a some tips for flying with a baby to make it a little easier!
Bring the baby's birth certificate! Just in case.
1. Birth Certificate
2. Stroller
If you are not checking your stroller - always fold it down yourself. This will prevent the chances of it being broken when you get off the plane!
It is free to check a car seat and free to check a stroller. Take them with you to the gate and they will tag it for you or check them with your luggage.
3. Free checked items
4. Arrive early
Try to show up at your gate a little early. Sometimes a sympathetic employee can shuffle seats around so you can have a little extra room to yourself and even use the car seat.
5. Milk/Formula
If you have a baby you can bring breast milk or formula through security. You will have to take it out and show it to the security workers.