what's best thing to carry on board plane? can i take my handbag? etc.etc.

[cutekids]

probably been covered before somewhere but just wanted some honest advice from anyone who's recently travelled on a shorthaul flight with kids.
i normally take my handbag (PASSPORTS,MONEY,INSURANCE POLICIES,etc.)and i usually put my contact-lens solutions in there too along with storage case and glasses etc. oh, and a comb!
Is this possible anymore?
Also,what about kids'nintendos etc?
Can they take things that they've bought in the airport etc?
and as for the stuff like toiletries etc.which i usually pack in my suitcase, is this still ok? (I usually have a fair amount of fluidy things with me). Can I put watery things like contact-lens solution in my suitcase?( WELL WRAPPED IN PAPER BAGS TO AVOID LEAKAGE!!!)?
sorry,not travelling until September but already panicking!

remember if you take your handbag then you can't take another bag as well. Strictly one piece of baggage.

you can't take drinks through security but once you're through you can buy drinks and carry those on board.

Contact solution would have to be in less than 100ml container and in a clear plastic bag for hand luggage, no restriction for checked case. Rest should be ok and whatver you buy after Security

I usually put all liquids in checked baggage. Take a new bottle of lens stuff as is less likely to leak and put in a plastic bag.

Your children can take a bag each as hand luggage. My DS has one of those pull along trolleys and takes some toys, books, Leapster snacks etc. No drinks though.

I take the necessary things I would have in handbag - passports, tickets, wallet, etc. in a larger than normal handbag or a rucksack and I pack an empty light handbag.

You can take drinks that you buy once you are through security and anything else - duty free, books, toys, magazines etc.

Thanks all!

I sometimes take a tote/shopper style bag for my book, scarf, magazine, handwipes etc. I still have a seperate small shoulder strap handbag with stuff like my purse, passport and tickets. Before going through security I put my small handbag into my tote bag to comply with the 1 piece of handluggage rule.

Kids nintendos etc are fine as long as it all fits into their back packs.

If contact solutions are over 100mls put them in poly bags tied tightly and put in suitcase, if under 100mls put in a clear bag and carry seperatly through security. Bags are availible at check in and in the lanes approaching security checks.