I've done it several times. Yes, it's not the most comfortable, but it's just such a huge extra expense that I didn't even consider it. Also, even after 2 my kids wanted to be in my lap for most of the flight as soon as the seatbelt sign was off, so I would have been essentially just paying for take off and landing

How long is the flight? I would to Europe. I took a HUGE 1 year old on my lap to Hawaii and it was fine. Just make sure you get a aisle seat. The first row in the cabin is also helpful. Save the money while you can!

I've done it (more than once). It's not the funnest experience in the world, but it won't kill you. You have another adult traveling with you, yes? Pick seats where you have just two together (look at the back of the plane for these seats) so you don't have a stranger in your row. The bulkhead/bassinet seats are a crapshoot. Some have reduced legroom at the bulkhead. And you have to take the kid out of the bassinet for take-off/landing/if there's any turbulence.

I've done it at least three times and it was fine. Uncomfortable? Yes. But worth it not to pay $1000+ each time? Hell yes.

We got the seat when ours was 13 motns, and it was worth it. She spent a bunch of time asleep in one of our arms (and the flight attendants gave us a special baby harness that attaches to the adult's seatbelt),adn the rest of the time in her seat with a CARES.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is he a lap baby in your car?

These situations are not comparable.

Indeed. Do you strap your child into a car seat on a metro bus? You should if you think it's necessary on a plane, because bus travel is far riskier than plane travel.

Anonymous wrote:Is he a lap baby in your car?

These situations are not comparable.

No. I buy a seat for mine for trips over 3 hours

Anonymous wrote:

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).

Isn't the bubble bum a backless booster? Why would you use that on a plane, as opposed to just lowering the cares harness to the appropriate height?

No way. No way. And I have flown multiple times overseas with little ones.

PP: I've traveled all over the world with my kids including 21 hr flights with a child in my lap. So did my mom. It's not awesome but getting a seat for a young child is a waste of money.

Yes. It's not a big deal. Save that money for later.

I guess it all depends on your cash flow. I would never consider spending $1000 or more when I didn't need to. I flew by myself to Europe (no spouse) with my 18 month old DD on my lap and my 4-year old DS. We took a red eye, and both my kids slept most of the time. I didn't sleep, but of course I didn't expect to sleep. My DD slept some of the time on me and some of the time on a "bed" on the floor (we were in the bulkhead). I travel a ton w/ my kids alone (DH hates to travel), and it's all manageable if you don't make too big a deal of it.

No way. Buy a seat.

Is he a lap baby in your car?