Can a baby fly as a lap infant, or should you use a child safety seat?
The short answer
The FAA says children under two are permitted to fly as lap children, but it strongly discourages this. It says the safest place for a child under two is in an approved child restraint system (CRS), not in your lap.
Lap child or own seat
The FAA says your arms cannot hold a lap child securely during unexpected turbulence. It strongly urges you to secure your child in an approved CRS or device for the whole flight. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee you can use a CRS for a child under two.
A lap-held device such as a baby carrier is not banned during the cruise portion of the flight, but airlines have their own policies. Check with your airline.
Approved child seats
- A CRS must be certified for use in aircraft. The seat should say that it is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, or carry the label of a foreign government approval.
- A CRS must be installed in an aircraft seat following the maker's instructions, facing the direction on its label.
- The FAA prohibits baby carriers, booster seats and backless CRSs during ground movement, takeoff and landing.
- If an approved CRS you bought a ticket for does not fit a seat, the airline must accommodate it in another seat in the same class of service.
- If the manual shows the CRS cannot be secured on a plane seat, you may be asked to check it as baggage.
The CARES harness
The CARES device is FAA-certified for children up to 40 inches tall who weigh 22 to 44 pounds, who can sit upright alone and have their own seat. It is used with the aircraft seat belt in all phases of flight. It is approved for aircraft only, not for cars. The FAA warns about counterfeits sold online and says to buy direct from the manufacturer. Rules change, check the official page before you travel.
Sources: FAA: Kids' Corner (Flying with Children), FAA: Which child restraint systems does FAA approve for use on aircraft?. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to hold my baby on my lap?
The FAA says children under two are permitted to travel as lap children, but it strongly discourages it.
Can I use a booster seat during takeoff?
No. The FAA prohibits booster seats, baby carriers and backless CRSs during ground movement, takeoff and landing.
Can I use my CARES harness in a car?
No. The FAA says CARES is approved for use on aircraft only.
Does a child over two need a CRS?
The FAA says if you choose to use a CRS or CARES for a child aged two or older, it must carry the required aircraft label and fit the child's weight and size limits.