Flying with a 1 Year Old - Warrenton,VA

After my last flight (alone), I would NEVER hold an infant in my lap again (which I have done many times in the past)! We hit an air pocket and everything went upwards. The flight attendant was in the middle of serving drinks and ice flew up and hit the ceiling of the plane and went everywhere (amongst a lot of other stuff). He also flew up and hit his head on one of the overhead luggage bins. He was bleeding a lot and I am quite sure he needed stitches. My recommendation would be to BUY THE SEAT, no question.

PLEASE buy your child a seat and use an approved car seat. On your lap, yourchild will NOT be secure and as safe as possible. Also - in the event that the airplane loses cabin pressure - there is the issue of the oxygen mask. Flying is a good way to travel with a child but it is best to do everything possible to make it the safest and most comfotable experience posssible. YOU and the child will be more comfortable if the child is in a carseat and not on your lap. I know there is the extra expense of another seat BUT if at all possible - if you can anyway afford it - buy the baby a seat.

I have travelled several times with my boys when they were BOTH under 3. Get the seat for your child, all of the responses that I have read have great reasons for both. Try it with him on your lap for this short flight, but make sure that he has a seat of his own on longer flights.

I used to fly with son all the time when he was a baby and all I can say is: GET THE EXTRA SEAT! Seriously, even if you end up holding him on your lap for most of the flight, just having the extra room to sit him down for a minute while you get out a snack, etc. is absolutely worth it.

The flight from Chicago to my parents in Ohio is about 45 minutes. I know an hour and a half or 45 minutes doesn't SOUND long, but if you are holding the baby, even in a sling, the whole way, you are going to get off that plane with aching arms and back.

Also, if - god forbid- he gets sick or fussy, you really don't want him right in your face that entire time, without being able to put him down for just a few minutes to get a drink of water or eat an apple.

Last but not least, think of your fellow passengers. Everyone knows that babies can cry on planes, it is part of life. But if you are squished right into a seat beside a crying baby... that can just make the whole flight unpleasant- especially if mom is jockeying around trying to get the spare binky out of the diaper bag under the seat while Baby is drooling on your armrest. ;)

Take your stroller to the gate and make them give it to you when you deplane. Do early boarding and get the extra seat! Have a great trip- I did this often with my son and if you're prepared, it will all go just fine!

It really depends on your child and if you can financially afford it. My son flew 4 times before the age of 2 and I never paid for an extra seat, even on a 12 hour international flight. My husband was always with me so it was easy to lay him down across our laps to sleep. My son loves to be held and isn't fussy, so it wasn't an issue holding him. If you're by yourself, it would probably be really nice to have the extra seat esp. if you have a fussy child. If he/she likes to be held, then I would save your money since it's such a short flight. If you can get a first row seat, you'll have much more room. Some airlines charge a little extra for that, but it's worth it if you're not buying an extra seat. Also, some airlines will give you first row priority with a lap child for free if you call and ask.

I've done it both ways. I had his own seat for an international flight and infant in arms for domestic. If your flights are that short, I would hold him as opposed to paying for an extra seat. Just make sure to bring a stroller for the airport connection and they can check it at the gate. An hour and a half isn't too long to keep him entertained. I would get a window seat so he can look out at the clouds, bring a few toys, and juice or milk to drink while taking off and landing. Good luck!

We did not buy an extra seat for our 18 mon. old. When I made reservations, I bought the window and aisle seats for me and my spouse in hopes that single fliers wouldn't want to book a middle seat. I also noted that I would be flying with a child under 2. I reiterated this to the person at the counter when we got to the airport and thankfully, they were able to keep the middle seat open and so he essentially had his own seat. We didn't use a carseat b/c I had a lap harness.

When my children were under 2 I always flew "infant in arms". My flights were similar timewise to yours. We packed books, stickers and snacks. Stroller checked at the gate is a must. If your plane is a smaller plane then get the front row - usually more room to move. People have always been kind to me and I was generally amazed at how well my children traveled - always just me and the kids because dad could never go with us. It will be stressful but only for a short time and then you will be at your destination.

Buy a seat for your child. Take your car seat if it is FAA approved, and use it for your baby.

These are our two reasons:

1. SAFETY FIRST. Take offs and landings in an airplane are the most likely time that an accident will occur. Having your child in a car seat is safer than you having him in your arms.

2. You'll need your car seat at your destination.

And I agree with the things Elizabeth R. wrote.

Have fun.

you might be okay with the connecting flight, and i know how difficult it is to find $ for an extra seat. but an hour and a half can be infinitely long to hold a baby, even if he's not fussing. i'd go for a carseat.
khairete
S.

I've never flown with someone on my lap, but I've flow with things on my lap and at times turbulence has flung that stuff all over the cabin. They do make lap belt for when the baby is on your lap (Leaps and Bounds, I believe). I'd at least get one of those, you know, just in case. Have a great time!