Here's a couple tips, in no particular order.
1.) Take your time. Don't rush!
Accidents happen when you're rushing. Slips, trips, pinched fingers, etc. Just go slow. Whether you like it or not, people are going to look at you as a slowpoke because you've got babies/kids. If someone is behind you and looks annoyed or in a rush, I always just say "Hey, I'm gonna be a while, you guys feel free to go right on ahead of me!" I'm not going to rush just because that's what you do in the airport. Keep calm, breathe, and take it slow.
2.) They're gonna look anyways
Ya know how the security agents always have a million rules of what they want, in which bags, and what all else. They're the experts, let them dig through it themselves. Parents are traveling with a million "suspicious" things anyways, so let them have at it. I walk up to security and they're all yelling "Liquids here, laptops and tablets here, food here, belts here." I literally just throw the whole bag in the bin and send it through. Trust me, they're going to look through your stuff anyways, so might as well let them. Don't bother sorting through everything for them, just let them do it. They're gonna do it anyways and they're probably going to still be grumpy either way. You'll survive and they'll survive.
3.) The Brains & The Braun
This one is important. Divide and conquer when going through security. My wife's job when we go through security is to leave everything with me, get the kids through quickly, and then go find a bench past the exit where she can sit down with them. In the meantime, I'm in security, handling all their bags, toys, liquids, tablets, all that stuff. Wifey goes through hands free with the kids, nothing to carry. Her mind and attention should be 100% on the kids, nothing else, hence she's the brain. I'm doing all the mule work, dealing with the luggage, the security, letting them scan every food pouch (they will), etc. Then as the luggage comes out piece by piece, I bring it over to Wifey's bench and pile it up. When I'm all done getting everything, I reorganize and repack everything. Again, one person's focus should solely be on the kids and nothing else.
4.) Go Hands Free
You only have 2 hands. Keep them empty. You will need your hands. If you have something in your hands, you have an obstacle between you and your kids. People don't realize how quickly they get stressed when their hands are full. Use a backpack, wear your baby in a carrier, passports immediately back into your pocket, put your phone away. Your kids will need you, keep your hands free. My wife knows exactly what I'm going to say when I see her carrying a coffee. Pull over, put it in the thermos, and put the thermos in the backpack.
5.) Skip the Line
If you're traveling with a baby, just go in the expedited line. Usually though an agent will bring you to the family/handicapped lane. If not, just go anyways or ask.
6.) Don't Feel Pressured
Lastly, don't feel pressured or rushed by anyone. One person's sole focus should solely be on the kid. Let the other person handle all the logistics/navigating/luggage. Go at your own pace, be mindful about your pacing, and work to keep the stress low.
Jason
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