Flying with carseat or no carseat?

[meloneyb21]

We're taking our DD1 to DW in April and we didn't intend to bring a carseat for her. I know tons of people who say "no problem, just hold her in your lap" and I'm also hearing the other side of the story.....Now, we have absolutely no problem with holding her in one of our laps, but some people make it seem like it's such a bad thing to do. We have never flown before and are a very fast-paced city family and we think that a carseat is just extra baggage that would slow us down. We like making things as convenient and quick as possible. Some things just seem a little bit unnecessary and, I hate to say it, but what good would a carseat do if there were a plane crash anyway.........I plan to have her tightly during take-off and landing and during a chance of turbulence, so what more could I do?......She also hates carseats because she is determined to be a big girl . I want her to be safe and comfortable.........I plan on sitting her in my lap. Any advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

BTW we are flying Southwest

 

[txm]

I never bring carseats except the infant car seats when my kids were infants. It's a pain to log around, takes up too much space and they don't like to sit in it for very long anyway.

 

[tiggerzpalz]

We have two kids and flown with and without. Now, only without. My DS's are 3.5 and 1.5. On our last trip, and we took SW as well, neither had a carseat, although they did have their own seats, and it worked out wonderfully. My youngest hates his carseat and both times prior when we had it, he screamed and kicked the whole team. He was so much happier without it. I think he enjoyed the independence. He watched his movie, looked at the window, fell asleep for a bit and played with his toys. On take-off and landing my DH just held him and then sat him down. It was so nice to have a quiet and smooth flight. If you can though, get an extra seat. It works out so well.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

Our son will be 18 months. We're planning on holding him too. I am however, going to book a non-stop flight if I can. This will cut our flying time in half.

 

[RangerPooh]

We have flown with DD 11 months numerous times over the last year and have never used a car seat. For us it would have been extra baggage , plus she can't stand to be in it either. We usually fly non-stop but this time one wasn't available for a good price so we have a connection. I origionally viewed this as a bad thing but now I'm thinking differently. I think DD will be happy to sprawl out during a layover.

 

[justhat]

The point of the carseat is not for a crash, it's for turbulence, hard landings, collisions while on the ground, that type of thing. Despite what you think, you cannot hold a child securly in your lap in the case of unexpected turbulence or the like. That 20 pound child needs to be multipied by 9.8 (the force of gravity), so it's like holding a 200 pound sack through a sudden jolt, which is impossible. The child will be thrown into the seat in front of you, into the top of the plane above your, or like a missile through the cabin.

Now yes, those things are rare, which is why flying without the carseat isn't the biggest risk I've ever heard of. And while we've always flown with our daughter's carseat in a seat we bought her, I'm debating not bringing it along next time as I'm flying alone with her and I'll be 17 weeks pregnant so I don't know if I'll be able to lug it around as well as her, the diaper bag, and the stroller by myself. But my daughter will be 2 and I feel she'll sit properly in her seat with her belt on so I'm not too worried. The only thing I'm concerned about is that the FAA (I think it's them, or maybe the AAP) says that children under 40 pounds can be injured by the seatbelts on planes and my daughter will only be 25 pounds.

Oh, and my daughter hated her carseat till she was 10 months old too (and after that didn't love it, but didn't scream hysterically when she was in it), but the way I looked at it was "She hates it in the car but I don't say 'well okay, since you don't like it, just ride around unrestrained cause you'll be happy' so I thought 'why would I think any differently on the plane?'". So she goes in the carseat and she knows now that it's non-negotiable.

Now, don't take my comments as putting down anyone who doesn't use a carseat cause I could honestly care less what other people do (plus I may not be using one myself on our next trip). I just wanted to explain why people on these boards suggest bringing them to answer your question.

 

[all4fun]

The FAA and AAP recommend children under 40lbs be in an airline approved car seat during air travel. Here's the FAA's site:
Click here
and here's a site on Airline Travel and Child Safety

finally here's a quote from the AAP's site:

A child on the lap of an adult cannot be effectively restrained in a motor vehicle or aircraft crash. A child who travels on the lap of another occupant or unrestrained in a motor vehicle has a substantially greater risk of injury and death, compared with a restrained child.16-18 Hazards associated with the on-lap position are also well documented in aircraft crash investigations. Three children on the laps of adults were fatally injured and others nonfatally injured in the 1987 crash in Denver, CO, the 1989 crash in Sioux City, IA, and the 1994 crash in Charlotte, NC---which were all caused by turbulence.19-21 The NTSB has reported 2 crashes in which CSSs were used and provided protection to children.3

For me safety comes first, then convenience. Jmho. hth.

 

[meloneyb21]

I think I may sit her on my lap or she'll have her own seat, but a carseat for us is just a little bit unncecessary. You can't prevent everything from happening and I refuse to be paranoid about it.

 

[justhat]

Those aren't allowed to be used during takeoff or landing, which is when a lot of those non-fatal collisions take place. Just wanted to let you know so you're not surprised when the FA tells you that you can't use it for takeoff/landing.

I just wanted to add that we live in a city too so we're also used to a very fast pace, but we don't find that the carseat slows us down at all. I get off the plane with my daughter and head to baggage claim (usually stopping for a diaper change on the way). By the time my husband gets off with the carseat and picks up the gate-checked stroller (which is never there when I get off of the plane and 90% of the time not there when he gets off either) he generally arrives in baggage claim before I do (though part of that is I let my daughter walk after a couple of hours of being cooped up on the plane). We still have to wait for our luggage to come out so in no way were we slowed down by her carseat.

 

[meloneyb21]

 

[momto2girls]

I think it is obviously a personal decision, but the PP posters were right when they said that the carseats are to protect your child during hard turbulence or incidents during take-off and landing. There is no way that you would be able to hold on to your child if these things should occur.

We just returned from WDW yesterday. My 2.75 year old daughter was in her carseat. My 5.5 year old DD was not. I think I stopped taking a car seat for her when she was 4.

 

[tjmw2727]

Thank you, but I was well aware of that when I first read it in BOLD when I purchased it.......

Ok - it seem to me people were trying to be helpful and answering your question.

You have no idea how many posts I have read about the baby b air and how the parent is so happy they finally found something they could use to baby safe especially during take off and landing. Most are very very surpriseed when someone mentions they can't be used on take off and landing. It wasn't always mentioned on the website so I am glad to hear at least that is clearly mentioned now.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you may not be able to use the BBA at all. Many airlines won't allow them to be used at all despite the mfg claims. AA, Delta and SWA will not allow any device that dosen't have the sticker indicating the device is approved for airline travel. I have seen one parent who was not allowed to use the BBA at all, this was on AA.

Here is what AA says, from the aa.com website if you want to read more.

Non-Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
The following may not be used:
Any device without an approval label
Booster seats without an approval label or shoulder harness
Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult
Return to top

You did ask for advice and if your still "really struggling with the decision" just read some of the links. Consider the fact that both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FAA recommend that children under 40lbs use a CRS. Also consider that in the event of a problem a baby on a parents lap could become a projectile or act as the parents airbag.

HTH
TJ

 

[Chip126]

I have flown with my now 17 month old son 3 times - when he was 3 months, 9 months, and 15 months - and I always held him on my lap. I will also be flying with him when he is 19 months on my lap. I have never had any problems and hope that I never do.

I have never brought his car seat. In fact, we always use town car service and one has been provided for transportation to and from the airport.

All, but once I was very lucky in that we had an empty seat between my 13 year old son and I which helped as far as "space" for the baby.

I just booked my flight for April with a very good "ding" and I am sorry I didn't book a separate seat for my son. If the "ding" comes back, however, I will definately purchase him his own seat. I may even do it without the "ding". He will be safer and at this age he will probably feel like a really big boy!!!

Good Luck in whatever you decide!

 

[meloneyb21]

My DD will be 21 months when we go and I will sit her in my lap or in her own seat. That's it. I refuse to be uptight and paranoid.

 

[tjmw2727]

My DD will be 21 months when we go and I will sit her in my lap or in her own seat. That's it. I refuse to be uptight and paranoid.

I am glad you made a decision, millions of people fly with lap babies every day and do so safely and happliy.

I personally chose to use a CRS with my kids on every fligh as do my friends and relatives and I can honestly say none of us are "uptight and paranoid".

Generally when someone posts a question they want responses, some of which they will agree with and some they won't. This usually leads to an informed decision - for the OP and others reading later in time with similar questions. Lots of people shared experience and information on this thread its a shame that rudness and name calling had to become a part of it.

TJ

 

[meloneyb21]

Not once did I call anyone a name. Not once did I call anyone specifically "uptight and paranoid", so please do get the facts straight before pointing fingers. I'm sorry, but if you seem to have taken that as personal insult, than maybe you are. I was saying what I won't be, not what you or anybody else are because obviously I don't know you

Here's some pixiedust to brighten up your day

 

[DisneyPhD]

We normally fly with lap babies. We have done it many times and I have never actually seen anyone bring their car seat on the plane. (but from reading the Dis I know it happens. )

If we go in May on Southwest the prices are so low that I think it would be worth an extra $100 not to have to hold my 20 month old on my lap. DH doesn't want to buy her a seat, but I always end up the one holding her.

However I am not sure I want to bring the car seat on the plane. (we plan to bring it as we are renting a car, but it is an older car seat that used to be my brothers kids.) Ours in our car has an over the head thing that is a major pain in the bum to transport. I am pretty sure the car seat we have is not FAA aproved. Can I fly with her seatbelted in between us, or if we buy a ticket do we need to bring the car seat on the plane?

Also does anyone have a car seat (for a tolder and up, front facing) that they recomend as a good one to bring on a plane (and isn't really expensive.) I worry about her being in the car seat kicking the seat in front of us and getting it on the plane. It is difficult as it is getting us and our things on (with 2 kids) Especailly if the kids fall sleep like last time. I can't imagine trying to carry that car seat on in addtion.

 

[o2bacelt]

We've only flown with our seat but the only flight my DD (20 mos.) has been on has been on was to England last summer from Washington, DC. No way was I holding her overnight on a plane, she would have had a giant fit.

We're leaving for Disney in four weeks and we will again be flying with her in a seat. She'll have more fun being able to play, color, listen to music and watch movies while in her own seat. My DD just isn't passive enough to sit still in someone's lap for more than about 10 minutes but she'll sit in her own chair if given something to do. We also need the seat in Florida for the rental car so it winds up being cheaper for us to cart it along. But that's just us, adjust for your own situation.

Our seat is FAA approved, we have a Britax, but I'm sure that there are other seats out there that are front facing that don't cost as much. If you look on Babies R Us online, all the seats will say if they are FAA approved that way you'll know without having to leave the house.

Hope that helps!

 

[justhat]

We normally fly with lap babies. We have done it many times and I have never actually seen anyone bring their car seat on the plane. (but from reading the Dis I know it happens. )

If we go in May on Southwest the prices are so low that I think it would be worth an extra $100 not to have to hold my 20 month old on my lap. DH doesn't want to buy her a seat, but I always end up the one holding her.

However I am not sure I want to bring the car seat on the plane. (we plan to bring it as we are renting a car, but it is an older car seat that used to be my brothers kids.) Ours in our car has an over the head thing that is a major pain in the bum to transport. I am pretty sure the car seat we have is not FAA aproved. Can I fly with her seatbelted in between us, or if we buy a ticket do we need to bring the car seat on the plane?

Also does anyone have a car seat (for a tolder and up, front facing) that they recomend as a good one to bring on a plane (and isn't really expensive.) I worry about her being in the car seat kicking the seat in front of us and getting it on the plane. It is difficult as it is getting us and our things on (with 2 kids) Especailly if the kids fall sleep like last time. I can't imagine trying to carry that car seat on in addtion.

DisneyPhD, I know you've said this before, but I have to laugh cause I too would be the one holding Madison if she didn't have her own seat. Once she got to the wiggly age I made it very clear to my husband that if she was out of her seat then he would be responsible for her and that has stopped that idea. And like I've said, we really do it for the convenience cause I am not a huge fan of flying to begin with so the idea of holding Madison on my lap makes me dread going on vacation. Oh, and I was told once that I had to use the carseat for Madison since I bought her a seat, but she was 3 months old then so that might have been why. I would think at 20 months they'd let her sit in a regular seat if you want. We flew on Southwest to Nashville (without Madison) and the woman behind us had a lap baby, around Lily's age I'd guess, and there was an empty seat between her and her son (around 5) and they told her that if the kid fit in the seat she could sit her there and buckle her so that's what the mom did. She lokoed so funny cause she was so tiny in this huge seat!

On another similar thread that I posted, you can find some recommendations for a couple of lightweight carseat. I wouldn't worry too much about Lily kicking the seat cause Madison can't really reach the seat in front of us yet if we take off her shoes. I'm guessing Lily can't be any taller than Madison so you should be okay (well, I guess maybe she has really long legs or something and that would throw things off) if you take off her shoes. Madison usually falls asleep on the flights too so I just lift her out and carry her off while Joey packs up the carseat and throws it on his back (with the diaper bag in the carseat bag and then he wheels off our other carryon). If she's still asleep then I stop outside the gate and sit in a chair and wait for him to get the stroller so I don't have to carry the dead weight.

And to the OP, I just wanted to post that warning about the Baby B'air cause I've seen many people on these boards post that they bought it to use for the flight and they didn't know it wasn't approved for certain parts. We own one too and I never knew that till reading it on these boards so I thought I'd be helpful. But apparently it is now printed on the package in bold so you didn't need any help. Really though, like I've said before I honestly couldn't care less what other people do with their kids, I just tried to give some unbiased info on why people bring carseats since I thought that was your initial question that you were struggling with. Since it wasn't really a debate for you I'm not sure why you even bothered posting since the replies seemed to annoy you and make you think people who do use carseats are paranoid. I can assure you I am not one of them as I'm probably the most relaxed parent you'll meet. I just like being able to enjoy a flight without worrying that my kid will try to run around the plane and bringing her carseat on guarantees that.

 

[tjmw2727]

Not once did I call anyone a name. Not once did I call anyone specifically "uptight and paranoid", so please do get the facts straight before pointing fingers. I'm sorry, but if you seem to have taken that as personal insult, than maybe you are. I was saying what I won't be, not what you or anybody else are because obviously I don't know you

Here's some pixiedust to brighten up your day

No dusting necessary - off to play boardgames with my kiddos - probably life but hopefully Uno or scrabble. My day has been excellent!

Nope, you are right you didn't outwright call anyone names but IMHO you implied that those who's views and advice differed from yours were uptight and paranoid. Also you replied in a "tense" way to someone who was just trying to give you information. Just the way I saw it -

Honestly I do wonder why you posted a question indicating you were struggling with a decision when its seems to me that you had already made up your mind. Just me wondering - no biggie.

One of the main reasons I posted a response is for future parents who are struggling with this decision and do a search that leads them to this thread.

We as parents face lots every day - hopefully we can learn to share information without shame or blame and that is honestly what I was trying to do. I can accept that many parents make decsions I don't agree with and wouldn't make - that dosen't make it wright or wrong, just different. I don't find fault with that and I hope they won't find fault with my decisions either.

FWIW - we are traveling at the same time! Just look for the uptight mom having a wonderful time with her sister and sister in law on our moms only trip to the world, should be fun!

Have a great trip.
TJ