Anyone who has flown with a baby knows how nerve-wracking it can be. Aside from the extra luggage, myriad of baby equipment and intense planning required for the trip, parents are often terrified to face the ire of fellow passengers if their unpredictable infant cries during the flight.
Unlike most public places, planes are totally inescapable once the wailing begins, so parents wind up trapped with hundreds of strangers in a confined space, often for hours on end. Plus, airports are crowded and stressful, and flying can feel strange and uncomfortable to a little one, making a meltdown more likely.
For years, some anxious moms and dads have been adding an extra step to their travel preparations when they plan to fly with their babies: premature apologies in the form of goodie bags, aimed at winning over their fellow passengers and softening the harsh judgment that a crying baby might elicit. A recent example shared on Facebook has sparked a debate among commenters. Facing a ten-hour flight from South Korea to San Francisco with her four-month-old, a mother made over 200 goodie bags containing candies, earplugs, and a note written from her baby?s perspective.
?I?m a little bit nervous and scary because it?s my first flight in my life, which means that I may cry or make too much noise,? it read. ?I will try to go quietly, though I can?t make any promises. Please excuse me,? it continued. ?Please use [the goodie bag] when it?s too noisy because of me. Please enjoy your trip....