Taking a child through an airport can be an incredibly stressful experience.
The early stars, the long waits and the tension of going through security are perfect ingredients to turn any sweet toddler into a travel hub horror.
Once on the plane, having to endure the critical looks of your fellow passengers as your bundle of sweetness and joy wails throughout the flight is no one's dream.
Happily there are lots of things that can help your airport trip and flight go more smoothly according to fellow single parents.
Travel experts from eShores have collected some truly most shocking stories parents across the UK have shared, along with advice on how to avoid and deal with the challenges solo parents face when traveling alone with their babies.
Ask for and accept help
"I had to go to the loo with my baby on my lap because I didn't realise flight attendants would offer to hold her," mum Emily, 33, explained.
Flight attendants may offer to hold the baby if you need to use the toilet or need a break.
Instead of trying to fit your suitcase into the overhead while while juggling your little one, just ask someone to help you.
At check-in it is worth seeing if there are any extra seats on the flight and if anyone would be willing to move you and the baby to an extra open spot.
Layers and pockets are a must
"A male flight attendant threw a blanket at me while I was breastfeeding and said it was to make me more comfortable," Priya said.
During a nine-hour flight from London the 27-year-old had a blanket thrown over her by a flight attendant as she was feeding her baby.
You are legally allowed to breastfeed on a plane so don't cover if you don't want to.
Those who do prefer to cover may want to use a cardigan with pockets which serve a dual purpose if you are breastfeeding.
They can be used to drape over the baby, while also doubling up as somewhere to sore your essentials such as a phone, passport, tickets, headphones and other necessities.
Don't forget a carrier for the baby
"I dropped my much-needed coffee all over myself and my baby because I couldn't reach my boarding pass," mum Nina, 30, said.
Trying to juggle a baby, carry-on bags and passports is difficult.
As well as ensuring you have pockets for essentials, taking a baby carrier to make sure you have free hands to access them is a good idea.
Using a sling is a good way to keep a baby close to you while also leaving your hands free to grab your tickets, passport or coffee.
The only downside is you'll have to take it off to go through security, which can be tricky.
Bring a spare outfit
Clint, 34, remembered one unfortunate incident he endured while sailing through the air.
"After a massive poo explosion from my little one, I had to sit in the mess for the remainder of the four-hour flight. At least my baby had a lovely dry change of clothes!"
He was flying with his three-month-old son Otto, when the little one had a messy explosion.
Clint then had to sit in soiled clothing for the rest of the flight.
Babies under 12 months old go through three outfit changes a day, and travelling sadly doesn't change that bleak fact.
Always take an extra change of clothes (or two) for the baby in your carry-on luggage, as well as a change of clothes for yourself.
Check what you're entitled to
It is always worth checking if there's a special "family lane" at airport security and, if there isn't, seeing if you can join the fast track queue.
You are also entitled to priority boarding and get on the plane first with your kids.
Some airports like Heathrow even offer free children's meals when you buy an adult dish – just check the website to see if the deal is available when you're flying.
