As a parent, your child's safety is of utmost importance. Read on for safety tips that will make your family's plane trip injury-free and safe.
The biggest concern among parents flying with young children is, "Do I need a car seat?" Both the airlines and the Air Transport Association say "yes" for kids up to 40 pounds. Safety seats have been proven to prevent and reduce the severity of injuries suffered by small children during turbulence, rough landings and other situations. No matter how tight your grip on your child nestled in your lap, you won't be able to hold onto her in an emergency, and the weight of your body could actually crush her.
However, there is no legislation requiring the use of these restraints, so the choice is yours.
Children under two fly free provided they sit in a parent's lap. You can bring an approved child safety seat on board in hopes of finding an empty seat for your child, but if you want to guarantee a space, you must purchase a ticket for your child, even if she's under two.
Although flight attendants rarely check, your child safety seat must have a label on it that states conformity with federal safety standards for use on a plane. Most seats manufactured after January 1, 1981, have these stickers. If you're not sure, call the National Department of Transportation's Auto Safety hot line (NHTSA) at 800-424-9393.
For more tips on flying with kids, click on the following links: Plane Advice about Kids, Plane Sense Checklist, Plane Trips with Babies, Flying with Toddlers, and Flying with School-Age Children.
Jeanne Muchnick is the former editor of BABY MAGAZINE.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
