7 Must-Know Airplane Safety Tips for Parents
In addition to packing in your carry-on baggage necessities such as baby food, diapers, medicine and items that will keep your child entertained, there are more steps that you should take to make the flight safer for yourself and your baby. Debra Holtzman, JD, MA an internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of the book, and author of the popular new book, "The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety" (Sentient Publications, 2005) offers these tips.
Fly Nonstop
Plan Ahead for the Appropriate CSS to be Used on the Plane
Inform the Airline That You Will be Traveling with a Child
Become Familiar with the Aircraft
Keep Your Safety Belt On
Remember: Your Oxygen Mask Comes First
Don't Panic!
It is more than inconvenient to have to change planes, running the risk of missing a connecting flight and racing through a busy airport carrying a baby or toddler and all of her gear. A nonstop flight is actually safer. Most crashes occur during takeoff, climbing, descending and landing than the flight itself.
Sometimes changing planes cannot be avoided. Most airlines will provide assistance in transporting your child, child safety seat (CSS) and luggage. Arrange for this in advance.
Although the FAA permits children under age 2 to fly in a parents arm, imagine trying to hold on to a child in turbulence or in an emergency.
Look for a label that says, "This restraint is certified
for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts. In order to fit on an
airplane seat, the seat CSS cannot be wider than 16 inches.
All children 40 pounds and under should be in child safety seats on an airplane. The same age and weight rules apply for planes as for cars. In order to sit facing forward safely, a child should be at least 12 months and weigh at least 20 pounds. Rear-facing infant seats fit best on airplanes, but you can use a rear-facing convertible seat. Children weighing more than 40 pounds should be secured by the standard-issue aircraft safety belt. Even though some booster seats and harness vests can be used safely in a car, they are banned from use in aircraft during taxi, take-off and landing.
Some airlines may have special policies for transporting children. Be sure to ask. You may also get a break in price, even though the child is, essentially, taking up as much space as an adult. Some airlines offer discounted tickets for children younger than 2 years of who will be traveling in a CSS.
If you can, avoid the busiest days and times for flying; this will make it more likely that you will have adequate space. The CSS must be installed in a window seat so other passengers are not prevented from getting out into the aisle. And children cannot ride in emergency exit rooms.
As you board the plane, take your seat and locate the exits closet to you. Count the number of rows to the nearest exits (toward the front and back of the plane) In a smoke-filled cabin, you'll be able to feel your way to the exit.
Check to see if there are seat-back telephones available. Read the written safety instructions. You've glanced at them dozens of times, of course, but a quick review will prepare you to handle an emergency should it arise. And pay close attention to the flight attendant's preflight emergency briefing. Reviewing what you already know can help you act quickly if there is a need.
Throughout the flight, stay belted and keep your child in the child-restraint system. If the plane hits unexpected turbulence and the pilot must negotiate unusual maneuvers, you'll be ready.
If emergency masks come down, grab the one dangling in front of you and put it on first. If your brain is starved of oxygen, you can pass out or get disoriented, in such a situation, you won't be able to help your child get out of a plane.
In the unlikely event there is an emergency situation, you need to remain calm so that you can focus on the directions of the flight attendant and crew.
Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, has a master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety and is an attorney. She has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health fields. Debra is the safety expert on the Discovery Health Channel. "The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety" (Sentient Publications, 2005) is in bookstores everywhere.
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7 Must-Know Airplane Safety Tips for Parents
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