Does My 16 Month Old Need Her Own Seat?

Yes please. She will be so much safer. If you bring her own carseat on the plane, provided that it is approved for air flight, she will be happier and more likely to calm. Maybe even take a nap??? Have DH go on the plane ahead to install the seat if you can. (Asumming you are not going alone.) Otherwise you board early so that yo can put her down in one seat while you install her seat w/ seat belts. I have traveled with and without help for the kids and I. I always wore a backpack so that my hands were free.

If you have a carseat you can use a luggage cart to pull it along while you push a stroller.This gadget is cool but pricey. If you plan on doing a lot of traveling it may be worth it. http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Some airline will allow you to bring her carseat for free. I think it's a good idea. When they know they can move, they want to. However, my son usually will sleep, eat, look at book s & toys, IF he knows he is confined to the seat.

Absolutely she needs a seat. I'm a former flight attendant retired and trust me she needs a seat. I don't know the current rules but you may be able to use her car seat on the airplane. Call the airline and ask.

Most airlines don't require her to have her own seat until she's 2 years old. However, if you can afford it, get her her own seat. I travel all the time with my kids and other than when they were small infants I always get them a seat. For a 3 hour flight I wouldn't bring the car seat on the flight because she'll want to move around and get up and down, etc...

Do not check the car seat with luggage. Take it to the gate and check it as you board the plane like you would a stroller. There's a lot less chance of damage that way.

If your daughter is like mine - she's not going to be happy in her seat or your lap. I've always kept our kids on the lap - it's a lot of money to pay for a seat that she's not going to stay in. Be sure to take advantage of being able to walk up and down the aisle. Bring lots of things for her to do.

I've never had a car seat damaged- though one time our luggage was lost and then gave us a loaner.

That being said it probably is safer for her to be in a car seat in her own seat. And if it's just the 2 of you - the car seat is a good place to put her when you need to do something like get something out of your bag or try to drink your drink without her hands all over it.

Good luck!

Hi L.,

Getting her her own seat is entirely up to you. We've traveled often with our daughter (now 19 months) and have kept her on our lap the whole time, or followed her up and down the aisle.
About checking her car seat... the last time we checked in my daugter's car seat on the plane, the airline broke it! Needless to say, it was not very useful to us when we arrived at our destination.
A friend of mine suggested carrying the car seat to the gate and doing a gate check (similar to what you would do with a stroller). I have also seen people attach wheels to the car seat to turn it into a stroller at the airport. Then they just check it in at the gate.

Good luck!

I have traveled quite a bit with my two children and always utilized the free option when they were under 2. I remember If it is just the two of you and you will be sitting next to one or two strangers then I would recommend purchasing her a seat if you can swing it. It can really help. However, if you think she is the type that will want to sit on your lap anyway (like my daughter) then that is a factor because if you purchase a seat for her then she has to sit in it for take off and landing.

We had one rough flight when my son was close to 2 because he was just too big/active to be on our laps. However, now that we are a family purchasing 3 tickets, it is much easier to have my daughter on our lap because we have three of us in a row and she an freely move amongst us (no stranger to bother!).

We flew when my daughter was 18 months. I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing her a seat -- for her safety and your sanity!! Bring that babyseat on board and strap her in. Couple of other tips: fly during her naptime if at all possible, bring a couple of Dum Dum small lollipops for takeoff/landing ear issues, bring a change of clothing for both of you (you never know when you may need it and sitting in baby vomit is not fun!), bring lots of snacks for baby, "quiet" entertainment for her so as not to disturb other passengers, favorite books, lovies, etc. You'll end up bringing a ton of stuff, but you'll need all your distractionary devices you can carry). Good luck and have fun!!

Yes,purchase the extra seat. Call the airline and let them know it is for a toddler, the last time we flew,we were able to get the seat at 50% the child rate. Have fun!

If you can afford it, the CARES belt system worked wonders for my toddler, the first few times we traveled I either held him or he sat next to me in an empty seat but he was super squrmy, this last time we flew on virgin america so I was able to keep an eye online to see if the plane was full. Since it wasn't full I didn't buy a ticket for my son. Once at the airport I checked in and verified we were in an empty row. Then on board I installed the cares belt and strapped him in, he slept the entire flight (it was a little over an hour in air) but mostly because I think the cares belt made him feel like he was in a car seat and therefore not squrmy in the least

It's been awhile since we flew, but as I recall, airlines don't always let you take the carseat onboard. If you do need to check it, I think they have plastic bags that help protect the seat. Call your airline.

We recently traveled to Kauai and are soon going to the east coast with our now 21 month old son (he was 18 months for the Kauai trip). We decided b/c of prior experience with turbulence on trips to the islands to purchase a seat for him and also to bring his carseat aboard for him to sit in. It worked well for us - he was excited about being in an airplane and somehow we were seated around a lot of kid-friendly people. We decided to do the same for our east coast trip, plus we are taking the red eye so that he'll sleep most of the trip. We'll be exhausted but hopefully he'll get on the east coast time zone pretty quickly.

Good luck with your trip!!

Hi L.,
I am the mother of a 22-month-old and I travel a lot for business. I highly recommend purchasing the extra seat if you can afford it. If you are traveling coach, the space in between you and the person in front of you is small to say the least. If your daughter is on your lap and the person in front of you decides to recline their seat, it will quickly turn into the longest 3-hours of your life. You and your daughter will be much more comfortable if each of you has your own seat. Plus, it will give your daughter some wiggle room.
As for the car seat, take it with you to the gate. They will tag it and stow it under the plane. Then it will be one of the first items removed from the plane and brought directly up to the jet bridge for you to retrieve, ensuring the least amount of people touch it thus minimizing the damage.
Good luck! Have a safe trip!

I believe most airlines will let parents hold a child under 2 on their laps. However, when my husband and I flew from California to Missouri to see my dad, we got our son (then 23 months) his own seat. First, he was used to long car trips in his car seat. Second, it meant that neither of us had to deal with squirmy, cranky kid. Yeah, it cost extra but we never regretted that decision.

As for entertainment, I would encourage you to bring small, quiet stuff she already enjoys. If you have a portable dvd player and she enjoys movies that would be great (remember to keep the volume very low or have your daughter wear earbuds so as not to disturb the rest of the passengers.

Good luck!

She's over 12 months so you have to pay for a seat, so you might as well use it. I'd put her carseat right there in the airplane seat. You can strap her in...very important. If you just have her sit in the seat, she will be EVERYWHERE! Most airlines let you preboard if you have young children. Have a lot of fun stuff (new that she hasn't seen before if you can) and lots of snacks.

Good luck
J. Oops, just remembered, it's free under 2. If you can afford it, bring the seat, if not...it's only 3 hours. If you take an isle seat and sit her down in the middle...I highly doubt anyone will try to sit with you two, LOL!

According to the airlines, she can share a seat with you until she is two. However, if you can afford the second seat, it is WAY EASIER. My daughter (who is now 3) and I take the two seats and just create our own little planet on the side of the plane. That way you don't worry about who you're bumping or if she's drooling on a stranger.

Helps to have a beverage (bottle, whatever) in case her ears get plugged. I used a portable DVD player with Little Einstein DVDs to keep her distracted during the flight (our battery only last 2 hrs). Take an extra change of clothes for her and YOU in case she throws up on you. It's a pretty gross smell if you have to sit in that for the whole flight.

Get her a frequent flier mileage card and have fun!

Get your child the extra seat! Many of my friends didn't and they were sorry. My daughter has had her own seat each time we've flown and she uses the little tray to color, eat snacks, etc. She likes music so I let her listen to my Ipod. She's usually good anyways, but I was definitely worried. She has never napped on a flight. And to the below poster...I wouldn't drug my child to sleep.

I would say no. 3 hours isn't bad... Check her car seat and stroller at the gate- also, at that point there are times they will just give you a seat for your daughter.

DVD player
Books
Her favorite thing
A new thing/activity
snacks and a cup for drinks

:)

Some posts related to sleep and travel:
-http://www.lullabyluna.com/2008/07/summer-travels-airplan...
-http://www.lullabyluna.com/2008/07/sleep-ponderings-from-...
-http://www.lullabyluna.com/2009/06/sunday-sleep-dilemma.html
-

C., mother of 3, sleep consultant, sleep blog writer www.lullabyluna.com

if shes active i would get her her own seat. we always get my daughter her own seat so my hands are free. if you dont want to use her carseat for the flight check it when you get on the plane instead of putting it under the plane. also take advantage of preboarding!!! good luck!!

I used to be a flight attendant. A seat of her own is always much easier for you. I have 3 little ones under age 5 and have never actually purchased a seat for them until I had to when they turned two. Call the airline and ask how full the flight is, I have always been lucky enough to be on flights that aren't full so my kids have ended up with their own seats (not purchased). Of course, you do run the risk of the flight filling up, but if you can save the money on another seat...I've always risked it. If you don't buy a seat, let the flight attendants know your situation and if it's assigned seating, or not, they'll hopefully guide you to some seats next to an open one.
Also, baggage guys will put your carseat in a plastic bag that will, at least, protect the fabric. Mine has always made it through just fine.
DVD, DVD, DVD!

Hi L.,
It is much easier if you purchase a seat for your daughter. If the flight was under an hour I would say not to get her her own seat but 3 hours is a long time to have her on your lap... it's good to have a place to put her down. Also with summer weather the way it is, there may be delays so you want to be as comfortable as possible. I have never traveled with the car seat. When my son was little I always let him just sit or sleep on the seat next to me and would hold him for take off and landing. We would rent a car seat with the rental car or a family member would pick us up with a car seat.

I started flying with my son when he was 6 months old (twice a year from LA to NY). Up until he was about 4 years old he would fall asleep as soon as the plane took off (from the sound of the engine). The most important thing is that your daughter is sucking on something for take off and landing to keep her ears from popping (my son is 6 now and he takes dramamine or bonine for kids before we fly). Also bring plenty of snacks, favorite stuffed animal or blanket, books, coloring books and little toys you can play with on the plane (no little pieces that can get lost). Bring plenty of wipes too! If you have a portable DVD player that would be great too... it has saved us many times on the long flights.

Hope this helps!

I just took a 3 hour flight with my non-stop going 15 month old daughter. She goes stir crazy sitting on my lap so..... I had a plan. We flew Southwest and checked in early to try to get the front row. Surprised that most people don't pick that row. Anyway, I chose the window (in case the flight was full- she went as a lap child)and sat in the middle seat to try to defer others from picking that row (most people don't want to sit with a toddler anyway). Gave her milk on the take off and landing to ease her ears. Then it was playtime. I brought a large bag of toys, books, blankets, snacks, etc.... After we were in the air I set her down on the floor with the bag of goodies and let her play the entire flight. She had her own spot and could climb up or stay down and the fact that she could stand was the best. She was so content, a little squirmy when she was on my lap, but I just let her stand and look at everyone behind us. The more you let them do, the better. Checked the car seat, I had a cover on it though and it came back perfect. Good luck

She doesn't need her own seat. She can sit on your lap until she's 2. I know what you mean about the car seat getting damaged. One suggestion is they may offer you the bulkhead seat so you have more room. It is actually more of a pain. You can't keep your carry on down with you since there's no seat in front of you to put it under. You will have to keep getting up to get them out of the overhead. For my kids I bring coloring books and crayons in a baggie, books to read, snacks, and favorite stuffed animal. I've traveled alone with my kids a few times. They were very good for me. They are very active too. Maybe its the vibration from the engines. They seem to mellow out. Good Luck!

My advice is second hand, because I'm relating what a friend told me.

She said that having done it both ways, getting her son his own seat was the ONLY way she would ever travel. She brought the car seat INSIDE the cabin, attached it to the chair, and he rode in that.

It was also the safest way to ride: keeps them belted in for turbulence, etc.

Good luck!

I totally agree with Christy! The CARES system has been FABULOUS for us as well. If your child is on the small side, it might not be as tight as it could be, but it has been a life saver! I took our giant Britax car seat on the plane, and man, I will never do that again! I've also tried taking our other smaller car seat on the plane- again, not the greatest experience. I've flown multiple times with my daughter, the first time we did not buy her a seat, as she was 4 months old, and that worked fine, but for the next trip she was 16 months, and we did buy her a seat and we were soooo glad! She was able to sleep, and play in her own seat. I've flown by myself with my daughter as well, both with a car seat, and with the CARES system, and it is soo much easier to fly with that strap system- much less to carry and it only took 5 minutes to get her settled in her seat instead of 20 minutes as it did with the Britax. Good luck- it can be quite fun to travel with kids, but stressful, too! Try to enjoy it! :)

You don't need a car seat, but if your child is really active then it would definitely help. If money is tight then think about the time of year you are travelling. I traveled quite a bit when my daughter was younger and only once did she have her own seat (military paid for it). But since we were traveling off season there was always at least one open seat that I was able to use.

We will be flying w/our 16 month old this coming weekend, & we went ahead & purchased the extra seat on the plane...We will be putting her in her carseat in the airplane seat. She is VERY active as well, and frankly, I prefer for her to be in a seat that she is comfortable in & is used to. It is a short flight (1 hr.), so I don't forsee any problems. Plus, I just like the added security that a carseat gives, ya know? Maybe I'm silly, but oh well! :-) good luck to you, mama!

Hi L.,

Well, we have 3 kids ages 5 and under...and since they've been able to walk have always bought them their own seats, for several reasons (not necessarily in this order!):

1) We usually fly at night - it's hard to sleep holding a toddler and this way they can sit in their own car seat and get some much needed sleep as well.

2) It's no fun for anyone chasing a toddler up and down the aisles.

3) It's the safest way to fly them.

That being said, we used to have to drag on 2, yes 2, HUGE carseats!! OUCH! Then, we finally learned about a harness-type seatbelt that attaches directly to the seat and uses the airplane seat belt as well. It's GENIUS!! It's just like a 5-point harness from a carseat, and it's made specifically for airplanes. We used it just recently on a flight from Los Angeles to Tampa, and it was absolutely fabulous. Fits in the diaper bag or in our case my purse!! You can get one at: http://www.kidsflysafe.com.

If you need her car seat where you are going...then you can buy large car seat travel bags at Babies R Us...they're pretty durable and are big enough to fit the car seat and other stuff like blankies, etc. Also, if you are checking a stroller at the gate, make sure you get ALL your parts back. Lots of times trays and cup holders get taken off, and you don't realize it until your long gone...and that stinks!

One note - if you can, pack her her very own little "backpack"...with toys, coloring books or anything "cheap" so if it gets lost no harm done. I keep a stockpile of things from the dollar store or the $1 section at Target...stickers are awesome too. Also pack some snacks she loves or ones that she doesn't always get as a special treat. It will keep her busy for most of the ride! I never let the kids see what's in their backpacks until the plane takes off - and they love the anticipation and surprise!!!

Good luck!

I checked my sons carseat and it was fine. we did have to buy him a seat since he was over 2 but I am glad we had to bc he liked having his own space and seat. also it sounds like your child is active and will not want to spend the whole time in someones lap.

I've flown twice since my daughter was mobile. She has been on my lap and she is also very active! If you can afford the extra ticket to bring the seat do it! But if money is tight, lap can be done, its simply exhausting. many will recommend benadryl to make them sleep in the plane. But I would caution you, it may just tick your kid off, make them tired and grumpy and still unable to sleep in the unusual conditions.

She can be a lap baby until 2. Feel free to get up and walk her up and down the aisles when she gets antsy(as long as the fasten seatbelt light isn't on, of course). We always check the carseat and it is fine. It's come on a different flight a few times but they give you a nice loaner and deliver yours to you. The carseat is too hard to take through the airport in my opinion. You need to travel as light as possible so you can chase your little girl. get her some new activities from the dollar store, show her a movie on your laptop, etc... Last time i flew with my two boys alone I found it nice to sit in the very back of the plane by the flight attendants- they were very helpful and there were fewer people sitting back there to disturb. Good luck! Have fun!

Some airlines offer a cheaper toddler price for those under two- doesn't hurt to ask!

Hi L.,

It depends - will your daughter fall asleep in the carseat during the trip? If so, get her a seat - it will be worth it. If you are pretty sure that she'll be crawling all over you anyway, don't bother.

L.:
You do not have to use a car seat on the airplane.

Unrestrained babies in airplanes are subject to more risks than unrestrained adults. It takes less turbulence to fling them around the cabin, and once they have gotten misplaced in the cabin, they cannot find themselves and can get trapped under seats and in small spaces, making them hard to evacuate. (There isn't good data on this because adults are usually belted.

You know that you will arrive at the other end with your car seat intact, ready to install in a taxi or rental car, not damaged or lost in the luggage handling process. But you have to pay for a seat to guarantee you will be able to use the car seat. This is extra especially in this economy.

Hope this helps

Nana F.

I've been traveling with my daughter since she was 3 months..mostly alone. I've never purchased a seat for her. I've learned with trial and error that she does best on flights scheduled at night so she will sleep most of the way. I haven't had a lot of luck with nap time rides (she only sleeps 30 min). I wear her (ergo) thru security. Find a empty place at the gate and let her run around and eat. I buy cheap throw away toys at the dollar store for her to play with. I also bring a portable dvd player. Basically keeping her busy! :) Usually at the gate I ask if anyone is in my row or for an empty row too. Just my opinion but I don't let my lil one run up and down the aisle. I saw a little girl fall when unexpected turbelance happened and she hit her mouth on the metal part of the seat. She injured herself pretty bad. Good Luck.

You can take the car seat up to the gate with the stroller and check it in there. You will have to carry it around with you until you board but they are much more gentle with things that way.
I have always bought the extra plane seat for my son, but the flights were always 6 hours or longer and sometimes I was alone. If you fly with a friend/husband 3 hours should be more than manageable. Usually when the kids see everyone else sitting, they are more inclined to follow the "rule". Take lots of different small snacks and maybe some little toys. Good luck!

Hi L.,

When we fly we get our daughter her own seat. We put her car seat in place and put the tray down and I give her a couple of toys and a book or two. With her own seat she can nap if she wants. At the end of the flight we put the car seat in the rental car and go.

Have a safe flight.

Hi Mama...We have flown a number of times with our son, who is now 18 months old. Twice while he was pre-crawling. On these trips we took him as a lap child, checked the stroller at the gate, and rented a car seat from our car rental agency (call ahead to the local rental location and talk with their customer service person...you'll get much better service and a car seat in much better condition). This last time, we went when my son was about 17 months and walking...and running...and climbing...and VERY active. We got him his own seat and took our own car seat. (At this age you need the car seat for your child to sit safely in the seat.) We bought one of those GoGo Kidz Travelmate stroller adapters to use the car seat as a stroller in the airport and checked our regular travel stroller. I'm SO glad we did this instead of on the lap...there's no way we would have survived this trip otherwise. Make sure you have plenty of snacks, a DVD player with favorite videos is very helpful (and I'm not very big on TV/DVD at this age...but you need to do what you need to do in these circumstances). Bring a few books and small toys. Our timing was good so he napped for a good portion of the flights. Finally...VERY IMPORTANT...help your daughter to equalize her ears during take-off and landing. I can't stress this enough. They don't really know how to do this on their own and it is the easiest way to have a crying and irritable baby during your flight. You can help her any number of ways...sipping from her sippy cup or bottle, breastfeeding, or a pacifier. Feel free to email me if you want any more info and have a great trip!