If you're about to head off on a summer holiday abroad with your funky little baby, the first in our series of Funky Little Baby Guides has got some top tips to make the flight an easier and more pleasurable experience...

The summer holiday season is upon us so you may be planning a trip with your funky little baby. If this is your first flight ‘en famille’ then be prepared – gone are the days of relaxing on the plane with a stack of magazines, the latest best-seller or your favourite party tunes on the ipod … but you probably suspected that already!

The question is … can a flight with a baby in tow ever be a pleasurable experience?

That depends on many things. One thing’s for sure, if you’re prepared, you’ve got as good a chance as any. Here are our top tips.

• If possible, try and sit next to an empty seat – you’ll really appreciate the extra space. As long as the flight isn’t full this shouldn’t be a problem. Just ask at the check-in – or get on the plane early if you’re flying with a budget airline.
• Bring a sling – really helpful for holding baby as you’re going through security (and have to fold up your buggy to go through the x-ray) and also if you have to use the steps to get on and off the plane.
• Swap you’re usual change bag for a rucksack/backpack – it’s much easier to have your hands free.
• Depending on the length of the flight toys are useful to keep baby amused, but the inflight magazine and safety card will also keep her entertained!
• Give baby some milk during take-off and landing – the sucking will help stop her little ears popping. If you’re giving her a bottle don’t get it out until you are actually on the runway – just in case you’re held in a queue and she drinks it all before you’ve even taken off!
• If your baby has been weaned and will need feeding on the flight/during the trip, the pouches of baby food are really convenient and easier to taste from than jars when you take them through security.
• Make sure baby is dressed in comfortable clothes – funky babgrows and sleepsuits are ideal – just make sure there are poppers at the legs to make nappy changing a bit easier.
• Finally, if your baby does cry, try to ignore any impatient or irritated fellow passengers. Unfortunately babies often cry, but your baby has just as much right to be on the plane as everyone else. So if someone has a problem with it then it’s their problem not yours.
• And if it really is a nightmare journey, just remember that this is only a few hours out of what will be a far longer, far more enjoyable holiday! Have fun!

What are your top tips for making a flight with a baby easier and more enjoyable for everyone? Share your comments below...

By the way… if you were thinking of flying first class with Malaysia Airlines with your baby, think again!

The airline has controversially banned infants because of complaints from passengers who "spend money on 1st class and can't sleep due to crying infants"!