Re the pram or stroller - most airlines will allow you to keep it with you until you board, at which point the cabin attendant will arrange for it to be placed in the hold, and returned to you upon landing. (This should NOT count towards your luggage allowance - check with your carrier). Mums with little kids are usually given additional cabin baggage allowance to provide for a nappy bag etc,

I am not sure re taking a "pack and play" - is that like a play pen? If the ailine will not give you extra luggage allowance, you could look at buying one and the donating it to a childrens home or hospital - I suppose it depends on how much you will use it, and how badly you need one.

My SIL has one of these for travelling - she uses it as a bath, and also to sit the baby in with a few toys on the lounge floor. It's inflatable so it takes up very little room.

Re seating / takeoff etc: Bulkhead seats have attachment points for "cots"supplied by the airline, however these are not always available on short-haul flights, and have to be stowed for take-off and landing. A "loop"seatbelt which goes through your belt and around the baby is provided for when the baby is on your lap. Another option for in-flight is one of those baby carriers that you strap onto yourself. It will keep him safe in your lap and free your hands up. (Could also be useful later for the trips to the beach, but make sure he is used to it a few times before you leave for the trip).[See here . Babycenter.com has loads of different models.

If there are multiple flights to the same destination, try to find out which one is the least full - they sill be less sticky about your luggage allowance if the plane is emptier. Book your seat WAY in advance to make sure you get the bulkhead seat.

For during the flight, (and travelling in general) start saving up the "sample size"products so you are not carrying huge bottles of shampoo, talc etc.

Some rental companies provide car seats for a nominal additional fee, so you may not have to take yours. Your carrier will take it as luggage - but be aware that it can get a bit "roughed up" if it is checked with the bags - wrap it in a tarp with a couple of elastci Boungie cords to protect it.

Disposable bibs are a LIFESAVER when travelling.

I have travelled quite a lot with young kids, so PM me if you have any other questions.