Fly Baby

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Ready to get away. Well, whether your heading our east or to the East Coast, traveling with a baby or toddler means taking not only extra luggage, clothes and entertainment items, it means looking into the safety of your little one.

According to experts the safest way for your baby to travel, even via plane, is in an approved car seat that’s also got approval as a flight seat, or by implementing an approved flight harness. Experts suggest looking underneath your baby’s care seat for an FAA sticker of approval. If you can’t locate it, experts suggest looking at the manufacture’s instructions or get in touch with the manufacturer to find out whether or not it’s been approved.

It’s also a good idea, note experts to print a copy of the FAA’s “childproof your flight” information pamphlet/brochure and to read it thoroughly and make sure to bring it with you, especially if you are traveling out of the country and flying via a non-domestic airline, keeping in mind that they don’t always allow car seats without a bit of persuasion, which is why you need the guidelines and the brochure. However, you may want to note that most airlines request that car seats are situated by window seats, so that other passengers can move around easily

If you can’t get a seat for your under 2- year old child, you’ll simply have to hold him or her on your lap and abide by the laws and regulations for securing (or not securing) your child via belly belt during take-off, landing and in case of turbulence.

· European, Asian and Austalasian travel requires you keep your child secured on your lap using a belly belt or a travel vest during the main flight portion of your trip, but you’ll also be required to use the lap belt as extra security.

· North American travel including the U.S. and Canada mandates that children under two are help in your lap or in the burping position but does not require any form of harness. In fact, you’re only allowed to use a travel vest during the main flight portion of your trip but not during take-off or landing.

Long Island Travel & Leisure Articles > Fly Baby