For most parents, safety rather than cost is the first consideration. Sure, we’d all like to get a good deal, or even a freebie if you can get away with it. But not if it’s going to put our kids in harm’s way. That’s the reason why parents are now so conscientious about putting their children in car seats. Even if it wasn’t mandatory, it would be downright irresponsible for a parent to let their kid travel unrestrained.
So why aren’t more parents putting their kids on car seats for plane travel? If you put your baby on a car seat for a short car ride, then why wouldn’t you use a car seat for a plane ride as well? In fact, studies made by the FAA, the NTSB and the AAP suggest that unrestrained babies are up to 9.6 times as likely to die in an airplane accident than restrained adults. The thing of it is, it’s not required for infants or toddlers to travel in car seats while on a plane. I will strongly recommend it, however, and here are some reasons why:
• All passengers, young or old, are always safer on an airplane when properly restrained, and not just for take-off or landing.
• Babies, being lighter than adults, are are naturally subject to more risks if left unrestrained. When you hit turbulence, it’s very hard to hold on to a baby. Chances are the baby will be flung around the cabin. And unlike adults, babies can’t pick themselves up, and stand a very good chance of getting trapped under seats and in small spaces.
• A baby in a bassinet is still considered an unrestrained baby.
• Using an extra loop around an adult seatbelt is not enough to keep babies safe. It stands the risk of causing abdominal injuries to the baby.
Are you now reconsidering bringing your baby as a lap child? Tomorrow, I’ll give you more considerations to mull over. Till then, keep safe!