Anonymous wrote:Those that bought seats for their older infants/toddlers - did you use a car seat or some sort of restraint (CARES)? Or just sit them in the seat?

I used a car seat until 2 years and a combination of a CARES harness and a bubble bum seat until about 4, and then a CARES harness to the present (nearly 5).

I've done it and seriously wanted to just jump off the damn plane mid-flight. Just horrible. If you're lucky the plane is not full and they usually give you an extra seat so you can bring a car seat and strap baby in. If the plane is full you're screwed for about 8 hrs. I wouldn't do it again. Like ever.

No. I got my almost 13 month old his own seat and used the CARES airplane travel harness. I can't imagine having to deal with having him on my lap the entire flight and it isn't as safe either.

Anonymous wrote:God no. I flew frequently overseas with DS when he was younger and I would have been homicidal if he had not had his own seat.

That's my stance, too. I know it's a lot of extra money and not everyone can swing it, but if you can -- get the seat. Even if the baby IS on your lap the whole time, it gives you much-needed extra room for a buffer zone, for the extra crap that kids require, for your sanity.

Those that bought seats for their older infants/toddlers - did you use a car seat or some sort of restraint (CARES)? Or just sit them in the seat?

God no. I flew frequently overseas with DS when he was younger and I would have been homicidal if he had not had his own seat.

OP here. I know I'm paranoid but I'm googling all of these lap baby deaths and injuries and just really seems unsafe. What IF there's sudden bad turbulence or a rough landing? On the other hand I imagine children that age are scared and want to be held during the flight (especially such a long one) and I wonder if the seat would be a waste of money. Ugh I wish we could just avoid going all together but we must visit family, some elderly and not doing well.

No.

I've never done it (but have flown to Portland or several times with a lap baby) and I would absolutely take the kid as a lap baby.

Hell no. I did a 1 hour flight with a toddler and wanted to shoot myself.

I did it. I did manage to get a bassinet (DD was 11 mo old.). Not exactly fun but I would much rather save the thousand bucks.

No. Not safe. Child should be in a car seat. Hit a rough patch of turbulence and baby will be in the ceiling

Anonymous wrote:Only if you are able to reserve a seat with a bassinet in front. If not, then no, too uncomfortable for everyone on a long flight.

Agree with this. I did it to Egypt, with a 16 month old. Reserve the bulkhead seats with a bassinet. Still, it was rough going. One flight to Europe would be a lot easier, and 12 months is probably easier than 16. My son didn't quite fit in the bassinet they provided. If you can spring for the extra cash to get him his own seat, it's worlds more comfortable.

Only if you are able to reserve a seat with a bassinet in front. If not, then no, too uncomfortable for everyone on a long flight.

We are flying to Europe in the spring. My husband wants to take ds on the plane as a lap baby since the airline allows it up to 2 yrs old - he will be 12 months when we go. I'm just not sure if this is safe (or will be comfortable in coach) and what other parents have done around that age?