Worrying about Flying with a "lap child"

[K and K's Mommy]

I have flown with all three of my children as lap children. I have no horror stories, and the oldest even went to Alaska at 15 months. I bring snack, coloring things, books, and small toys that are new. We usually take a couple of walks, but not too many. Don't forget a sippy because it helps with ears.

Actually, now that I think about it, I do have one horror story. My youngest was two on our last trip and screamed during take-off because he wanted Mommy's lap!

 

[bumbershoot]

crayons with coloring book/doodle pad
washable markers

With those things, dont' forget to bring something to wash the marker and crayon off of the airplane...magic eraser (bring on the plane dry) will get the crayon off the window and window cover if you're in the window seat. Not sure about the marker, b/c we discovered that the washable products were far more of a pain than the non-washable (actually we just flat out don't use *markers* for DS).


Honestly, you guys are going to very likely be exhausted after this flight. We flew with our 15ish month old son, on a two hour flight from Seattle to San Diego, and it was awful. My arms, which are VERY used to holding him for hours on end, were shaking by the time we landed. DH has a big belly and coudln't hold him on the plane, so it was all up to me.

There's NO chance I would have walked the aisles with him...with a newborn, yes, but with a tall kicky 1 year old!? NO CHANCE. Then again I'm short, so if DS had kicked, it would have kicked people in the face. If your DH is very very tall, then it might work. As long as he doesn't walk past anyone else who is very very tall.

We couldn't do anything for our flight home that time, but I can't imagine a time I would do the lap baby thing again. Too exhausting!

By the way, have you checked with the airline to see if they have an under-2 fare?

 

[TinkerValkyrie]

Here's an option to make it safer since your hubby won't buy a ticket

http://www.babybair.com/

It's 34.95 and attaches to your seatbelt. It prevents the baby getting tossed around due to turbulence. I don't think you can have it attached during take off and landing, but you can use it during the cruise portion of the flight.

 

[jodifla]

OP, we flew all the time with DS as a lap child. Never any problems with turbulence. He did hit an age around 18 months where he was more squirmy, so that was trickier. We brought a portable DVD player, so that kept him entertained.

There's lots to look at out the airplane window, so that might keep your child entertained for quite a while. Also, my DS ALWAYS fell asleep during the trip.

 

[Hannathy]

First thing first they do not have you put them on the floor anymore!!!! they have not done that for years- I have a 15 yr old and they never told us to do that when I flew with her even in a semi emergency landing where they went over the procedures for everyone. you hold them facing you with your arm across their back and your other arm in front of your head braced on the set in front.


I have flown extensively with both my children as lap babies. With my DD enough for us to be in the premier category on United because of our miles. I never bought a seat till I had to. I never had a problem even in turbulence. My DD loved the turbulence saying weeeeee when others were throwing up. I have flown with them on little puddle jumpers and on huge jets, no problem. Sit by the window and they can look out, take a bunch of books and toys and schedule near nap time if possible. Relax and start looking forward to your trip.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I checked out the Baby-Baire. Looks interesting, but not sure how much good it would do- you cant use it for taxi, take off or landing. They use an example of a parent who fell asleep and baby slipped off their lap- hardly likely with a 15 month old. Although the sizing is small and large- infant-toddler.

I am going to start hoping for an open seat and bringing car seat to the gate with me. We will probably more closely resemble a pack of camels carrying all the stuff- car seat- stroller-diaper bag-"activity bag"-laptop-carry on LOL.
Our seats are already assigned- so I dont know if theres much hope for juggling seats.

I dont know why, but since I became a Mom I worry about EVERYTHING- I have always been a planner, but never a worrywort.

 

[viscohana]

We are flying Southwest next week, and when I contacted the airline to advise that we were flying with our 18 month old twins as lapchildren, I was told that we would not be able to sit in the same row, even though only two of us required seats. The Southwest customer service rep said that this was because there are three seats in a row, and therefore three oxygen masks. Should we need the oxygen masks, there wouldn’t be enough for all four of us in one row. Based on this explanation, I would think that the airline has to leave an empty seat for a lapchild in the event the flight is full. Does this make sense?

 

[Hensandchickens]

I have flown with my kids as "lap child" four times. We never had a problem. Three of the times I was by myself. These were always long flights from the west coast to the east coast. We've always had to change planes, with the longest leg being 4 hours. I always brought a few new, small toys and snacks. I didn't have any trouble with the tray table. My kids would walk the aisle a few times. Mostly they loved playing with all the new stuff (the seat pocket full of stuff, the window shade, the phone (planes still have these)) I have always read (a lot) to my kids, so books really keep them entertained. Even with a 1 yr old and a 3 yr old we didn't have any problems. One thing the three of you can do is raise the arm rest of all the seats and have one "couch" that should fit the four of you. Your child will have the attention of three people and all this new stuff. You'll be fine. Like you, we could not afford to pay for an extra seat at the time.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I know all marriages are different but as far as "asking" to purchase a ticket -if I really wanted to get a ticket for my baby I would just get it.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[allyphoe]

The Southwest customer service rep said that this was because there are three seats in a row, and therefore three oxygen masks.

There are actually 4 masks for a 3-seat row. No rows have 5 masks for a 3-seat row. If you have two adults, each with a lap child, plus a third ticketed passenger in a row, you need 5 masks.

 

[Colinsmom]

We are flying Southwest next week, and when I contacted the airline to advise that we were flying with our 18 month old twins as lapchildren, I was told that we would not be able to sit in the same row, even though only two of us required seats. The Southwest customer service rep said that this was because there are three seats in a row, and therefore three oxygen masks. Should we need the oxygen masks, there wouldn’t be enough for all four of us in one row. Based on this explanation, I would think that the airline has to leave an empty seat for a lapchild in the event the flight is full. Does this make sense?

There are four oxygen masks per row - three for the three seats and one for a lap child. They don't want both of you in the same row since that means that no one could use the third seat; in reality, if the flight isn't full, you probably could sit in the same row and no one would give you any trouble.

Back to the OP, whose husband plans to walk the aisles with the baby during the flight. On the last few flights I've been on, they have asked passengers to stay seated whenever possible (obviously they could go to the restroom when seat belt lights are off) so I doubt that he'll be allowed to walk the plane. It's about traffic control (aisles are so narrow already - what if every lap child was being walked on the plane?) and security.

 

[viscohana]

Oh darn, there goes my empty seat - thank you for the info!

 

[ceiligh1]

I have not read all the posts so I may be repeating some. We flew on a 2+ hour flight with my then 17 mo old this spring. We risked it and did not buy a seat. We did however take our car seat up with us to the gate and the agents were able to find an empty seat for him. We asked if we could have two seats together and one seat in the row infront of one of the seats. That way if he kicked a seat it would be one of us. So they asked the passengers in front if they would like to move, they jumped at the chance to be as far away from the baby as they could get.
Our son is a very active child so we were worried. We brought lots of crackers, a little milk and toys that we wrapped up. We had 1 toy for every 15 min of flight time. We also brought books. He doesnt like tv or movies so we didnt bother with the dvd player but we did load one episode of sesame street onto our zune just in case he decided he was interested.
We lucked out though I planned our flight times very early in the morning or around his nap so he ended up sleeping most of the flights.
What we did learn thought this whole process is that we would never again fly with a child who did not have their own seat. The whole process was stressful and difficult enough to go through with him having a seat I cant imagine what we would done with out one. We had flights were the passengers were not cleared ot move due to turbulence so walking the aisle was not an option.
To do over my DH (who by the way was the one who didnt want to buy the seats) said he would buy a seat in the future for our son or for any future kids.

 

[djmeredith]

Former flight attendant and frequent traveler chiming in...it is safest to buy the child a seat AND use an approved car seat. Although many families, including my own sister's, choose not to spend the money (or can't afford). If you spend the money for the seat, use a car seat...they are not safe in an emergency without it.

If you don't have a seat for your child, do not plan on walking the aisles with the child. The drink carts will be out for about 1 hour of your flight and you just can't be in the aisles during that time. Also, it is very annoying to other passengers to have a baby/toddler wandering (or being carried) through the aisles. Walking the aisles is also not safe for the adult or child...in case of unexpected turbulence (which happens more than you realize) both are at risk of serious injury...that's why the announcement says stay seated with seat belt fastened (unless you have to go to the "disgusting" plane bathrooms).

DVD players are great for kids (and adults) on planes. However, please remember to bring headphones. Not everyone wants to hear Dora, Big Bird etc. A tip I got from another parent on here was to turn the volume off/down and tell the child they can only see the picture with no sound unless the headphones are used.

Good Luck!

 

[firsttimermd]

I just wanted to add a tip I read--bring window clings. The kids love pulling them off and putting them back up and you can grab them at a dollar store. And no one has mentioned Benadryl!!


To our flight attendant/travel helper friend: Do you know if they allow the front baby carriers to be worn during the flight? I've heard that is no longer allowed.

Take care and have a fun and safe trip!

 

[Princess-in-Training]

OK, look, I've heard people suggest Benadryl before, and, aside from my own feelings about drugging children unnecessarily, PLEASE DO NOT do this unless you know your own child's reaction!!! My DS has the OPPOSITE reaction to Benadryl, and many, many other children do, too. We once flew with him when he was sick and was on Benadryl as prescribed. He was absolutely bouncing of the walls because of it for 2 hours on our flight!! It was the worst trip EVER! I know the PP may have been mentioning that tongue-in-cheek, but I always have to share my experience with Benadryl.

That being said, we've flown many times with lap babies, usually without problems. We always bring TONS of snacks (lots of different kinds), books, with DVD player and without one, lots and lots of activities (I read once to have one activity per 30 mins of flight).

I just bought "earplanes" to help with ear pressure during flight, but snacks/drinks (lollipops were our special treat) also work. I bought them this time because my DD (21 months now), for some reason, would not eat/drink last flight and was quite bothered.

I never felt that they were unsafe. We've even been through turbulence, but I held on to my babies so tight I could have squished them!

I have to admit that I'm nervous, too, about this flight, only because DD has, in the past 2 weeks, become a squirmer/runner and I don't know how this flight will go. In the past, the hum of the engines almost always put them to sleep for awhile

best of luck!!!

in training

 

[firsttimermd]

I was absolutely joking about the Benadryl--sorry my little icon didn't express that clearly. And yes, I have heard many a horror story about the meds hyping up the kids as opposed to making them tired--not fun on a plane!! I'll be sure to make my jokes more clear in the future. These darn internet notes sure are hard to interpret sometimes!!

Well, have a great evening!

 

[emma'smom]

I've flown with my dd's as lap babies countless times....from age four months on up to age 2 exactly. We never had any problems.When they were little they would just sleep...as they grew, they sat on my lap to read stories, etc. There were often extra seats that we were free to use after take off. My dd likes to stand and would often stand between our legs and we were fine.

 

[annie1995]

We are flying with our DS14 months on our lap next month. I am kinda nervous too. I might end up caving in and buying a seat just for my sanity

 

[Perditamarie]

This will be the longest flight of your life! However, the DVD player will save your sanity -- bring some new DVDs to catch her interest for both to and from(Disney sing a longs are awesome). I always stick a few dumdum lollipops in my pocket as a special treat/melt-down averter. Be sure to have a good supply of snacks and pace the drinks as changing pants can be very tricky.

Keep in mind your tray probably won't come all the way down, so some activities may be awkward, but here are some activity ideas:

*Crayola color wonder markers - only mark on the special paper that comes with them, so absolutely no mess

* travel magnadoodle

* delicious board books

* view pics in digital camera

* can you bring playdough onboard?

* pipecleaners

When they come by w/drinks, ask for the whole can (w/straw) to avoid spillage! Oh, and don't forget the birth certificate.

I hope you have a great trip!