Going through airport security with kids can be a mess, especially when each family member has their own carry-on bag crammed full of the things they need to stay entertained on a long flight. Parents have to keep track of multiple bags, which can go through the scanners out of order and can be difficult to keep track of when one or more bags are being checked.

Bags containing child-friendly items can also be particularly susceptible to extra inspection: They’re often filled with toys, electronics, and snacks, as well as things like medications and baby food that could be flagged by the TSA. If this happens, you’ll also want to make sure that anything removed is put back in the appropriate bag and that nothing is left behind at security.

Good news: this situation may be avoidable with strategic packaging.

Rather than risk screening delays and lost items, try to pack anything that might set off alarm bells into a single carry-on bag, which will then be watched over by you or another adult in your party. Children can still bring their own bags, but they should contain relatively safe items such as clothing, blankets, stuffed animals, and non-electronic toys.