Do Toddlers Need a Car Seat on an Airplane

May 11
10:51

2015

Jason Kassel, PhD

Jason Kassel, PhD

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Taking a toddler on an airplane is stressful at times. There is a lot on your mind, including how you are going to keep him or her secured throughout the flight. Holding your toddler might seem perfectly fine, but it does come with dangers. If something were to go wrong during the flight, there is a high risk of serious injury. The use of a car seat is the safest option. Of course, like most people, you may wonder if it is necessary or even required. Before going on any flight, you should inform yourself about the requirements and rules related to car seats for any toddler with you.

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It is not legally required for you to use a car seat when taking your baby or toddler on a flight. There is no law or rule that states you must use a car seat. This means that you are welcome to bring your toddler with you and carry him or her on your lap throughout the duration of the flight. A toddler does not have to be secured for takeoff,Do Toddlers Need a Car Seat on an Airplane Articles turbulence, or landing, either. The only concern here is safety. When your child is not secured, there is a higher risk of injury if something goes wrong during the flight.

There are car seats approved for use in airplanes. If you want to secure your toddler for a flight, you will want to find one that is ready to use with minimal concerns. These approved car seats will give your child a safer way to stay seated while flying and they are the more comfortable option for everyone. If something goes wrong during the flight at all, there is a lower risk of injury. Your child has a higher chance of survival and of minimal damage, if any. Make sure that you choose approved car seats if you are going to use one.

The bottom line is that car seats are not required, but they are important. Choosing to take your child on a flight without a car seat opens them up to risks that are entirely avoidable or that you could lessen the severity of if you have a car seat. The use of a car seat will ensure that your toddler remains secured and safe from takeoff to landing, even through turbulence and trouble in the air. Even in the most dangerous of situations, such as a crash, your child is safer with a car seat.