In a perfect world of "cooperative" pediatric patients, there is no question that practice supports and regulation requires securing the little tyke (infant, toddler or child). However, given the choice of a screaming, hysterical, flailing tyke with respiratory distress in a car seat with increased oxygen demand and exacerbation of bronchospasm, vs. a quiet tyke sitting in moms lap with a nebulizer. It all depends on the specific case, circumstances, risks and benefits. Hypoxic? Retractions? Crowing? Trauma? Oncology? Oh dark thirty with a rough takeoff/landing in a storm? Clear and smooth? Blizzard with snow/ice covered roads? Parental attitude? Rotor? Fixed wing? Pilot input? There are always options that experience and judgment will reveal.
Have seen more than one case of an infant riding in mom's lap on a Part 121 flight.
In advance, thanks for your consideration.
