A mother’s travel “hack” has recently gone viral online, sparking mixed opinions from social media users. Lisa Flom, a mother of two from Minneapolis, Minnesota, shared a TikTok video demonstrating how she used a common household fastener to secure her baby to an airplane seat. In the video, Flom appears to fasten her toddler onto the seat to prevent them from wiggling around or getting up during the flight.
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 25 million views and more than 5,500 comments. While some people viewed the video as a joke, others questioned the safety and legitimacy of the method. Safety experts have advised against using such practices, emphasizing the importance of following established safety guidelines when traveling with children.
One user cautioned, “Please do not stick adhesive to the seat … just watch your child.” Another user expressed doubt, saying, “I’m pretty sure you can’t do that,” accompanied by laughing emojis. Despite the skepticism, some individuals found humor in the video. One user humorously suggested, “Mother of 12 here. Safer in the cargo hold and cheaper when you put them in one cage!! Good luck, momma.” Another user joked, “I just use staples.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website specifies that the safest place for a child under the age of 2 is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, rather than on a parent’s lap. The website highlights the limitations of holding a child securely during turbulence and stresses the importance of purchasing a separate seat for the child to ensure safety.
Michelle Pratt, a nationally certified child passenger safety technician, weighed in on the controversial method, emphasizing the superior safety of using a car seat over unconventional fastening techniques. Pratt emphasized that while the idea may seem innovative, it is not practical or safe compared to utilizing a car seat for air travel as well as car rides.
In light of the FAA guidelines, experts like Pratt stress the importance of following established safety protocols to ensure the well-being of young travelers. These guidelines not only safeguard children during air travel but also promote safe practices for all car trips.
Brittany Kasko, a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital, highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to established regulations when traveling with children. As the discussion around Flom’s unconventional “hack” continues, it serves as a reminder of the critical role safety measures play in ensuring the well-being of young travelers.
