Can anyone tell me about flying with a child in lap

[goofy4tink]

We took DD on her first trip at 6 months, flying non-stop from San Francisco to Boston. She traveled many, many times as a lap-child. Just be constantly aware of holding on to your child firmly all the time. Don't lay him in an empty seat, don't let ANY young child walk through the aisles without holding a hand, etc. (I don't understand how any parents let toddlers walk the aisles- one little bump and that cute face will hit an armrest...) anyhow...

DD was always a good traveler. Take something to suck on for take-off and landings to help with ear pressure. Ask the flight attendants if you can use you car seat if there's an empty seat. It's clear you understand the risks; just play it smart and you'll be fine.

(and for all of those who are making judgements about flying with a lap child, can I assume that you won't be using Disney transportation as there is no way to safely secure a child in a bus? Heck, you, the parent, can't even be safely secured in a bus!)

There is no way to compare a car or bus with a plane. In a car, there are seat belts..they are to be used. No lap babies allowed, period. Buses are relatively safe when compared with cars....no seatbelts, no way to restrain anyone, let alone a baby. BUT....a plane has seatbelts. There are times when the pilot requires you to keep yourself belted in. A baby may be kept on your lap, but that baby may not be strapped in with you when taking off or landing.

People....there is no room for anything that is less than civil here. Lap babies are allowed on planes. If someone wishes to have their child seated on their laps, so be it..that is their choice. We are all free to make whatever choices we want. There will be no berating of someone simply because they make a different choice than you would.
I wouldn't fly with a child in my lap......but that doesn't mean it isn't going to be someone else's choice. It's legal, it's allowed...period.

 

[Pinnie]

On a flight from BNA to DTW, we hit an unexpected patch of turbulance. The lap baby sitting across the aisle from me smacked his head on a tray table and raised a huge goose egg. Unfortunately, the flight attendents were ordered to their seats and there was no one to give the mom any ice. That poor child screamed in pain. No way in H e double hockey sticks will a grandchild of mine ever fly in anyone's lap after seeing that happen.

Also, as a frequent flier, (tomorrow DTW - MDW - MSP) please be sure your child does NOT kick my seat back and realize that not everyone on your flight is on vacation. Respect the fact that some of us actually work on a plane.

pinnie

 

[leshunlenese]

My daughters doctor told me it was fine to fly with a lap child, just to be smart about it. Don't let her run around, keep her in your LAP and make sure my seat belt was on al all times. We did encounter turblance and actually having her in my lap helped me stay calm... I didn't want to scare her.

You are right that it not going to help fighting about if it's the best option or not. OP just asked for suggestions on keeping her child occupied... not for a moral debate!!!!!

Wow! this is not a debate we all have opinons. Thank you and thank u for everyone who actually read my first post about tips or suggestions with flying with a lap child. if there is no way u will ride a plane with a lap baby then why r yall on here..when i said its not an option or for discussion thats what i meant. i have read threads about lap babies and they all end up as a debate and i was trying to avoid that. i honestly believe its safer to be in my lap on a plane than in a car in a car seat but that does not mean im going to suggest to others that they shouldnt take a child in a car. We all have our opinons and what works for others does not for another.I Think it is very rude for others to say i dont care about my child because i will fly him in my lap i was on bed rest for 5 months for this one so dont even dare to say that. if anyone wants to gadly make another seat on the plane or pay for cancelltation on one reservation and pay for another seat please be my guest!

 

[maxiesmom]

I have no problem with those who choose to have lap babies because they feel it is safe. I do have a problem with the comments about money being the main concern. If you feel it isn't safe, and the only thing holding you back from buying another seat is cost, then that is truly disturbing. Statements such as "buy another seat for us" come across as you are putting the cost of the seat ahead of your child's well being.

That worries me.

 

[leshunlenese]

I have no problem with those who choose to have lap babies because they feel it is safe. I do have a problem with the comments about money being the main concern. If you feel it isn't safe, and the only thing holding you back from buying another seat is cost, then that is truly disturbing. Statements such as "buy another seat for us" come across as you are putting the cost of the seat ahead of your child's well being.

That worries me.

then dont put out there that i should buy a seat. it made it seem as if i should buy a seat for my child or not fly at all. dont say "dont fly at all" if money is a concern and i wouldnt have bought it up.if u are not here to answer my question then leave. my child is number one no matter what anyone thinks.

 

[maxiesmom]

then dont put out there that i should buy a seat. it made it seem as if i should buy a seat for my child or not fly at all. dont say "dont fly at all" if money is a concern and i wouldnt have bought it up.if u are not here to answer my question then leave. my child is number one no matter what anyone thinks.

I never said that you should buy a seat or not fly.

And here is the thing about message boards: You cannot tell others what to post, or how to reply to something you have posted. If you put something out there in cyber-space people are free to comment on it how they see fit. And I have yet to see the post where everyone all agreed on everything.

As a general rule, if you can't handle disagreement then you shouldn't be posting on a message board. Though if people get downright nasty, the Mods will take care of them.

I'm not trying to anger you, but you seem to be becoming quite upset. Try not to let what a bunch of strangers think get you to.

 

[jodifla]

Wow! this is not a debate we all have opinons. Thank you and thank u for everyone who actually read my first post about tips or suggestions with flying with a lap child. if there is no way u will ride a plane with a lap baby then why r yall on here..when i said its not an option or for discussion thats what i meant. i have read threads about lap babies and they all end up as a debate and i was trying to avoid that. i honestly believe its safer to be in my lap on a plane than in a car in a car seat but that does not mean im going to suggest to others that they shouldnt take a child in a car. We all have our opinons and what works for others does not for another.I Think it is very rude for others to say i dont care about my child because i will fly him in my lap i was on bed rest for 5 months for this one so dont even dare to say that. if anyone wants to gadly make another seat on the plane or pay for cancelltation on one reservation and pay for another seat please be my guest!

Yes, unfortunately, it happens all the time when people ask a LEGITIMATE question about a lap baby.

While the DISboarder car seat police don't like it, people -- like me -- travel with lap babies all the time. And it's fine. Like I said, just try to be prepared.....with drinks, snacks, backup outfit, toys your child might like.

Have a great trip!

Oh, and pretty much EVERYBODY does a lap baby because of the money. Only other reason I can think of is nursing.

 

[leshunlenese]

I never said that you should buy a seat or not fly.

And here is the thing about message boards: You cannot tell others what to post, or how to reply to something you have posted. If you put something out there in cyber-space people are free to comment on it how they see fit. And I have yet to see the post where everyone all agreed on everything.

As a general rule, if you can't handle disagreement then you shouldn't be posting on a message board. Though if people get downright nasty, the Mods will take care of them.

I'm not trying to anger you, but you seem to be becoming quite upset. Try not to let what a bunch of strangers think get you to.

i dont know who it was and i wasnt applying that it was you but it was said and rude and u r right people r free to post what they want and i have also not seen where people agree but i was asking for suggestions not what people think is best . if something is going off topic i would think that person would start a new thread. nothing against you or anyone i do appreciate everyones concern but i think everyone needs to calm down.

 

[Pinnie]

Yes, unfortunately, it happens all the time when people ask a LEGITIMATE question about a lap baby.

While the DISboarder car seat police don't like it, people -- like me -- travel with lap babies all the time. And it's fine. Like I said, just try to be prepared.....with drinks, snacks, backup outfit, toys your child might like.

Have a great trip!

Oh, and pretty much EVERYBODY does a lap baby because of the money. Only other reason I can think of is nursing.

Yes, people ask a "LEGITIMATE" question and they get "LEGITIMATE" answers from those on both sides of the issues.

I agree, money is the issue there are lap babies on planes.

Maybe the OP should practice sitting in a chair in a confined area with the child on her lap for the duration of the flight time and see what special things help her kiddo.

pinnie

 

[maxiesmom]

Oh, and pretty much EVERYBODY does a lap baby because of the money. Only other reason I can think of is nursing.

I agree. But I think there is a difference between someone who does it and believes it is safe, and someone who doesn't think it is safe but values the money more than the preceived safety of the child.

Maybe that only makes sense to my brain though.

 

[Sleuth]

It's really not that big of a deal flying with a lap baby. I have three children and have done it several times with all of them at various times.

Yes you have to keep them busy, yes it's tiring for you. I found my little ones often fell asleep with a bottle on my lap.

I don't find it dangerous at all. It's an airplane. If it's going down you all are going down no matter if you're in a seat or not. Just my two cents and I'm sure I'll get flamed for that, but the way I look at it, why would the airlines allow this for children under two if it was "so irresponsible"?

OP, you'll be fine so don't worry.

 

[jodifla]

Yes, people ask a "LEGITIMATE" question and they get "LEGITIMATE" answers from those on both sides of the issues.

I agree, money is the issue there are lap babies on planes.

Maybe the OP should practice sitting in a chair in a confined area with the child on her lap for the duration of the flight time and see what special things help her kiddo.

pinnie

Really, that's not the same thing. I found that once we were by the window, DS was normally pretty enthralled.

 

[tjmw2727]

then dont put out there that i should buy a seat. it made it seem as if i should buy a seat for my child or not fly at all. dont say "dont fly at all" if money is a concern and i wouldnt have bought it up.if u are not here to answer my question then leave. my child is number one no matter what anyone thinks.

Just read through the posts and take some with a grain of salt.

I think there has been lots of great advice given along with opinions so hopefully you will have found some helpful hints.

My best suggestions are on page one so I won't repeat myself. I also think the advice about not buckling the baby in with you is also worth heeding!

I will repeat though that IMHO the airlines website and TSA.gov are websites very well worth visiting esp the sections on traveling with a baby.

 

[azdizzymom]

i dont know who it was and i wasnt applying that it was you but it was said and rude and u r right people r free to post what they want and i have also not seen where people agree but i was asking for suggestions not what people think is best . if something is going off topic i would think that person would start a new thread. nothing against you or anyone i do appreciate everyones concern but i think everyone needs to calm down.

Amazing! Your child's welfare should be your number one priority. In your OP you state it is $100 for a seat for your child. As I stated previously I wouldn't bat an eyelash to pay for a seat for my children no matter how SHORT the flight. One bit of turbulence and medical bills could be $1000's more than that $100. I have flown with a 13 month old while 5 months pregnant with layover and swapped carseats BY MYSELF! People are great about helping. Guess we all differ on priorities and what we think is important. We all agree to disagree on these boards. As others stated you can't post something and then say don't say I should buy a seat, it is not an option. Well IT SHOULD BE for your child's safety and your peace of mind. Guess we all parent differently and view child safety differently.

 

[Pinnie]

Amazing! Your child's welfare should be your number one priority. In your OP you state it is $100 for a seat for your child. As I stated previously I wouldn't bat an eyelash to pay for a seat for my children no matter how SHORT the flight. One bit of turbulence and medical bills could be $1000's more than that $100. I have flown with a 13 month old while 5 months pregnant with layover and swapped carseats BY MYSELF! People are great about helping. Guess we all differ on priorities and what we think is important. We all agree to disagree on these boards. As others stated you can't post something and then say don't say I should buy a seat, it is not an option. Well IT SHOULD BE for your child's safety and your peace of mind. Guess we all parent differently and view child safety differently.

ITA! The OP DID post that money was an issue. It amazes me that they have to tie down a coffee pot on a flight but a precious child is a missle. I usually ask to be reseated when I am near a lap child because I tell the FA I don't want to be a target.

pinnie

 

[leshunlenese]

Amazing! Your child's welfare should be your number one priority. In your OP you state it is $100 for a seat for your child. As I stated previously I wouldn't bat an eyelash to pay for a seat for my children no matter how SHORT the flight. One bit of turbulence and medical bills could be $1000's more than that $100. I have flown with a 13 month old while 5 months pregnant with layover and swapped carseats BY MYSELF! People are great about helping. Guess we all differ on priorities and what we think is important. We all agree to disagree on these boards. As others stated you can't post something and then say don't say I should buy a seat, it is not an option. Well IT SHOULD BE for your child's safety and your peace of mind. Guess we all parent differently and view child safety differently.

I said that trying to avoid this whole lap baby debate becasue ive read other threads and they always end up to this debate but like someone mentioned before people are all different and r free to post whatever and we cant tell them what to post. just like some poeple dont believe in spanking there kids and others do its different all parenting is different and no one should bash another parent IMP

 

[kaytieeldr]

then dont put out there that i should buy a seat. it made it seem as if i should buy a seat for my child or not fly at all. dont say "dont fly at all" if money is a concern and i wouldnt have bought it up.if u are not here to answer my question then leave. my child is number one no matter what anyone thinks.

This

if anyone wants to gadly make another seat on the plane or pay for cancelltation on one reservation and pay for another seat please be my guest!

is difficult to understand. Are you saying the only reason transporting your son as a lap child instead of buying him a seat is that there were no more seats available on the flight your entire party booked? That sort of makes sense, although given the huge selection of flights from Atlanta, there were probably options that would have allowed every person in your party to have a seat - even the baby.

As for "... then leave", well, no. This is an open forum, and as long as everybody behaves and posts according to the furums rules (and the Moderators' requests), the only people who can 'control' who posts and what they say are the Moderators and WebMasters - and then ONLY if there are violations.

 

[kaytieeldr]

i dont know who it was and i wasnt applying that it was you but it was said and rude and u r right people r free to post

Respectfully, since this is a message board and not text messaging - would you please use complete words and not text abbreviations? Thanks!

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

ITA! The OP DID post that money was an issue. It amazes me that they have to tie down a coffee pot on a flight but a precious child is a missle. I usually ask to be reseated when I am near a lap child because I tell the FA I don't want to be a target.

pinnie

I would hope that you also ask to be re-seated if the person next to you is using a laptop, dvd player or something similar.

I would imagine that it's just as likely, if not more so, to become airborne during turbulence.

 

[leshunlenese]

Respectfully, since this is a message board and not text messaging - would you please use complete words and not text abbreviations? Thanks!

yeah its so a habit