April 11, 2008, Newsletter Issue #62: Safety And Plane Travel

Tip of the Week

Many parents decide to travel to their destination by plane. Some infants and toddlers just can’t handle the long car rides, and the travel itinerary includes faraway places. If you’ll be doing some plane travel with your infant in tow, there are some safety measures you can take.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says the safest place on the plane for baby is in her own seat in an approved restraint system. This is especially true during heavy flight turbulence. If you do decide to buy your child a seat, remember that the FAA requires car seats to be attached at a window seat. Remember that your seat will likely be in the middle.Most U.S. made car seats have FAA approval for use on airplanes. If you want to double-check, it should say, “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only”. Foreign made seats must have a stamp of approval from their government or the United Nations. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the airline as car seats wider than 16” across may not fit on an airplane seat.An alternative to the infant car seat is the first harness child safety device approved by the FAA in 2006 for use on airplanes only. The Cares Device, by AmSafe Aviation, is a shoulder harness and belt for children 22 pounds to 44 pounds in weight, so it’s appropriate for most older infants, toddlers, and young children.

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