Flying with a baby is always a nerve-wracking experience for parents.
When traveling with children, especially when you have an infant, consider many things first.
One thing to prioritize is whether you should take a lap child on an airplane. Most airline regulations and FAA rules do not require separate seats for infants and toddlers under two years old. Buying a separate seat for the little ones in the family is tough. Unfortunately, many families do not purchase those seats to save money.
However, is it a sound decision to skip purchasing separate seats for your infant? In this guide, we listed tips to help you decide how to choose the right airplane seats when flying with a baby. Read on to learn to make your journey more manageable on your family travels.
Should you purchase an airplane seat for your baby? Here are several factors to consider:
Mind your budget since the cost of plane tickets is what most families first consider when flying. Airline tickets can be expensive, and buying an additional plane ticket or two can affect your family budget. Naturally, it is understandable that parents want to delay that extra cost of purchasing seats for a year or two.
If you can spare some room in your budget, consider the value of having a separate seat for your baby. Think about whether it is comfortable being stuck in tight economy seats if your flight is six hours or more. Finally, be on the lookout for a great flight deal, so purchasing an extra ticket will not affect the costs so much.
How long is your flight? The flight duration is another factor to consider when flying with a baby. Enduring a trip for a couple of hours with a lap baby is easy for some parents. However, you must be realistic about whether you can manage a crying baby or a screaming toddler for longer hours on the plane.
For international or cross-country flights, purchasing separate seats is recommended when traveling with older babies. But flying with an infant on international flights is better done with bassinets and bulkhead seats. Here, having a bassinet can give you a hands-free experience and a less stressful experience.
How is old your child? For needing a separated seat, the age of your child matters. An older baby who is more mobile is a challenge to hold onto compared to infants. Once your child can walk or crawl, having a seat for them can be helpful.
Having their seat enables older babies and toddlers to have a safe space to explore without leaving the row. A bigger child, especially one who is almost two years old, may not comfortably fit on your lap during the plane ride.
Think about your child’s personality when deciding whether to get a separate seat. Children all have different traits, and this factor matters in your decision when purchasing a seat.
For independent and active babies, consider the extra space you need to maintain your calm. Meanwhile, a timid baby attached to parents may want to be carried by someone for the entire duration of the flight.
Consider your travel companions. If you are traveling alone with your baby, remember that you will not have someone else to help you. An extra seat is handy for a break and more space in an instance such as this.
If you are traveling with a partner and another child, you may get away with not purchasing an extra seat. However, since children are small and will not take up the entire area, you can count on the extra space. This strategy is best when traveling in a group that takes up a set of contiguous seats or an entire row.
Choose the Right Airplane Seats when Flying with your Child
Whether you have decided on purchasing a separate seat for your baby on your flight, you must choose the correct seats to ensure a smooth flight for everyone. Here are tips on choosing the right airplane seats when flying with an infant or several children:
First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying.
Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin’s front wall. Being placed in this spot help babies move around and sleep better than being in a regular plane seat. An important tip is to call your airlines ahead since most airlines require passengers to call ahead to request the bulkhead.
Third, most children will enjoy window seats since the soothing views can engage them better than the cabin interior. For older children, seats near a toilet are convenient because they are more likely to need toilet breaks.
Finally, a day flight instead of an overnight flight is perfect for uneasy parents who think their baby would be noisy. Flying during the day can ease the worries of keeping other passengers awake when your baby or toddler has loud tantrums.
Choose a Kidmoto Car Service with Car Seats for Your Travel Convenience
While it might be tempting to bring along a car seat for your child to sleep in during the flight, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using car seats as a sleeping device for babies. Car seats should not replace cribs or bassinets.
Even though it is safe for babies to sleep in the car seat while riding a vehicle, sleeping there during the flight is not recommended. Parents cannot monitor babies sleeping in car seats when asleep during the flight.
Besides, do not worry about having car service with car seats when traveling to or from the airport because Kidmoto is here for you. By booking a Kidmoto ride, you can ditch the bulky car seats at home and have an easier time at the airport.
You can the NCAP-tested car seats provided in the vehicle are installed correctly by your professional Kidmoto driver.
Download the Kidmoto app to reserve a family-friendly ride anytime, anywhere! Nothing beats the convenience of having a vehicle waiting for your arrival at the airport, especially when tired from your flight. With Kidmoto, you are sure that the safety and convenience of your family are the priority.
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