When traveling with a child on a large commercial airliner or small general aviation plane, there are easy and reasonable measures that you can take to improve the child's safety.
A standard car seat should be used for any child under 40 pounds. The Child Restraint System should have a label attached stating it is approved for aircraft. Use a rear-facing seat for children less than 20 pounds and forward-facing seat for children between 20 and 40 pounds.
Avoid dressing the child in shirts with buttons in the front that can easily tear off if you are trying to pull the child to safety during an emergency.
Be certain you are able to remove the child from his seat in a reflex manner, since there may be panic setting in during a need to evacuate. Be extra vigilant of the locations of exits.
If the need for oxygen occurs, be certain you put your mask on first. You will not be able to help the child if you succumb to hypoxia.
Do not seat the child near the aisle or leave her unattended at any time.
