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Q. I am flying with my daughter for the first time flying American Airlines from St Louis to Atlanta. Do I need to take her car seat or can we just use the lap belts in the seat? Is there a weight or age that you have to be before you can use just the lap belts? Also, does anyone know if St Louis airport has weekly parking rates or is it just by the day? Thanks!
She weighs around 46 lbs. I have a convertible car seat that we now use without the straps, just use the regular car belts. Is that good enough? I read some sites that said you can't use booster seats. So, I'm not sure if my carseat is considered a booster seat since it does have a back on it.
Answer
At this age she doesn't need her car seat, but I would recommend it. She is still young and small enough that the airline seat belts will not fit properly around her little waist and could pose a danger during turbulent weather. Better to be safe than sorry.
I also advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise know as a car seat) because apart from it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, it makes them feel secure.
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some more tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your babys documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. If you plan to travel internationally, you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your child as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is give your child a something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as books, a few toys, and any comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
I would also advise that you take your daughter to the store and let her pick out her own carry on bag. Allow her to buy a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane as well. This will help to keep her entertained during the flight, and excited about going on the flight. Make sure to also buy her a few things for her bag without her seeing so that she will have a surprise when she opens her bag.
4.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
5.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of the things you may need -diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.
6.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If she has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
7.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
8.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me
Has anyone used a Baby B'Air, for a toddler on a plane flight?
Me
This product looks interesting, but I am looking for feedback from someone who knows first hand. The child it would be for, will be 20 months old.
Will it be uncomfortable for my toddler, or me?
Has anyone had a good or bad experience with it?
Any other information would be great.
Thanks!
Answer
I would not recommend the Baby B'Air after looking at their website. http://www.babybair.com/ Airlines in the US and Europe used to have a similar belt for lap children, but did away with it when they realized that in the event of an emergency it actually does more harm than good. Because the child is secured to you, should you fall forward during turbulence or a crash, your body weight will crush the child. That is a major reason why in red print on their website they MUST warn that it is not allowed for taxi, take-off, and landing, which are considered the most probable times for a crash to occur.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your baby's documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. If you are flying international, you will also need a passport and possibly a visa for your child. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat).
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
2.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat (car seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If your child is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a non-perishable snacks such as cheerios, goldfish, dried fruit, etc, and a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. I also like to bring a few just add water packets such as baby cereal, oatmeal, etc. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Make sure to pack plenty things to entertain your child, such as toys, books, a portable DVD player and some movies (depending on the length of the flight) and some comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out his/her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without your child seeing so that he/she has an extra surprise when he/she opens his/her carry on.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child's diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.
7.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
It is a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his/her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
9.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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