[WORLD] When it comes to air travel, safety is always a top priority. While adults are aware of the risks, the safety of young children—especially babies and toddlers—on flights often gets overlooked. Many parents continue the practice of holding their children on their laps during the flight, believing it's harmless. However, experts stress the importance of having babies and toddlers in their own seats, secured in approved car seats or special restraints. This article delves into why it’s crucial for children to travel in their own seat, highlighting risks and providing expert recommendations.
The Risks of Holding a Child on Your Lap
Flying with a baby on your lap might seem convenient, but it poses significant risks during unexpected turbulence or, worse, in the event of a crash. The crash landing of a Delta Air Lines flight in Toronto underscored the dangers of holding a child during turbulence. Although the authorities have not confirmed whether the injured 18-month-old was on a lap, incidents like this show that young children are particularly vulnerable when unrestrained.
Even though plane crashes are rare, turbulence is common, and it can cause severe injuries if children are not properly secured. Former flight attendant Jan Brown shared her devastating experience from a 1989 crash near Sioux City, Iowa. She recalled the tragic moment when a mother, having lost her 22-month-old son in the crash, blamed herself for following the "safe" advice to keep him on her lap.
Expert Opinions on the Safety of Car Seats
Experts, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have long recommended that children under two years old should have their own seats, secured in certified car seats. This practice is endorsed by several aviation safety organizations and is considered crucial for reducing the risk of injury during a flight.
Despite these recommendations, many parents continue to avoid purchasing an extra seat due to the cost. In some cases, this leads to dangerous situations. The NTSB’s Tom Chapman explained that parents often overlook the potential risks involved in not purchasing an additional seat for their child, emphasizing that the safety of young children should outweigh the cost.
The Benefits of Securing Children in Car Seats
Car seats are specifically designed to protect children during sudden stops or turbulent movements, offering far more security than simply holding them on a lap. Studies and accident reports consistently show that the safest place for a young child in an airplane is in their own seat, fastened in a certified child safety seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major safety regulators back this advice, with the FAA recommending, though not mandating, the use of child safety seats. The reason for this recommendation is simple: in the event of an emergency, a child who is safely strapped into their seat is far less likely to sustain serious injury than one who is not properly restrained.
Understanding the Cost vs. Safety Debate
It’s no secret that air travel is expensive, and many families look for ways to cut costs. However, experts stress that the risk of harm to a child is not worth the savings. "We’ve all been there at that point in your life when you’ve got young children. You’re not swimming in money. You’re trying to save nickels and dimes any way you can," said NTSB member Tom Chapman. "It’s just that people don’t understand the risk that they are subjecting their child to by not buying that seat and properly restraining them."
The upfront cost of an additional ticket may seem daunting, but it pales in comparison to the potential medical costs or emotional toll of a child sustaining injuries during a flight. Moreover, many airlines offer discounted fares for young children, making the extra expense more manageable for families.
Real-Life Examples of the Dangers
The unfortunate reality is that there have been several incidents over the years where children were severely injured or killed while riding in a parent's lap. One tragic example is the case of a six-month-old boy who died in a 2012 crash after a plane in Nunavut, Canada, landed hard and overran the runway. Had the child been in an approved car seat, the outcome may have been different.
Another chilling near-miss occurred last year when three infants could have been sucked out of an Alaska Airlines plane after a door plug flew off mid-flight. Fortunately, none were sitting close enough to the opening, but the situation highlighted just how vulnerable lap children can be during a flight.
Airlines and Their Role in Child Safety
Despite these risks, many airlines continue to allow children under two to fly on a parent’s lap without requiring any special restraint systems. However, major airlines and flight crew members are increasingly advocating for better protection. As former flight attendant Jan Brown pointed out, the tragedy she witnessed on United Flight 232 propelled her into becoming a strong advocate for child seat safety. “I think that was the moment that I became a child seat advocate,” she said, reflecting on her experience with a grieving mother.
Brown’s experience serves as a reminder of the long-term emotional consequences that can result from inadequate safety measures. Her advocacy has helped raise awareness about the importance of securing children during flights, and more flight attendants and aviation experts are now joining this cause.
When it comes to plane safety, securing babies and toddlers in their own seats is non-negotiable. Although many parents may see it as an extra expense, the cost is nothing compared to the potential dangers of flying without proper restraints. Experts, aviation safety organizations, and even former flight attendants all agree that it is much safer for children to be in their own seats, strapped into approved car seats or special child safety restraints.
By prioritizing the safety of young passengers, families can travel with greater peace of mind. In light of the real risks and the numerous safety recommendations from authorities, parents should consider it an essential part of their travel preparations to secure their child properly, ensuring a safer journey for everyone on board.
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