on October 01, 2025
You’d never drive without buckling your child into a car seat, so why would you trust your arms to hold them during turbulence? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bluntly states that the safest place for a child under two is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device—not in your lap. The agency warns that adult arms can’t hold an in‑lap child securely during unexpected turbulence and cites a National Institutes of Health study showing unrestrained lap children suffer more in‑flight injuries. Buying a ticket for your infant is the only way to guarantee you can use a CRS, and the FAA strongly urges families to do so.
A CRS is basically an FAA‑approved car seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. It must bear a label stating “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” and should be installed in a forward‑facing seat unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Don’t assume any booster or harness is allowed; check the FAA’s list of approved devices and avoid using baby carriers or backless boosters during takeoff and landing. When flying with older children who use a CARES harness, ensure it’s properly installed according to manufacturer instructions. And remember that you still need a car seat at your destination—lugging one through the airport is a pain, but lugging a child with a broken collarbone is worse.
Parents often balk at paying for an extra seat, but consider the alternative: turbulence doesn’t care if you’re on a budget. If funds are tight, look for airlines that offer discounted infant fares or use reward points. Gate‑check your stroller, pack light and enlist flight attendants to help stow your CRS. In the end, a safe, strapped‑in child means one less thing to worry about when you’re hurtling through the sky in a metal tube.
