Strangers become “lifesaver” to parents on plane traveling with baby

Traveling with a baby can be challenging at best—a nightmare at worst—for some parents.

But one lucky couple came across “the best of people” on a recent flight from Toronto, to Cancun on May 13 that quelled their worries about traveling with their baby daughter, who will be a year old on June 1.

The unexpected moment of relief was captured in a viral TikTok video posted by Jenna Robins (@therobinshome), a 31-year-old new mom and content creator from Toronto who is also the owner of the Gold n Blooms jewelry company. The video has garnered 4 million views since it was first shared on May 15.

Robins told Newsweek: “We didn’t notice the people sitting behind us until we started flying. My daughter first noticed them and started to peek her head in between the seats to play peekaboo. The people immediately interacted with her by smiling, waving and saying, ‘peekaboo.’ This continued every 20 minutes for the entirety of the flight.

“It was such a lifesaver for us, as not only did it keep her entertained, but we were so relieved they were OK with it,” she added.

While many parents may fear being shunned for bringing their young kids on a flight, most travelers are accepting of small children on a plane, according to a June 2023 survey conducted on behalf of the travel booking website Kayak.

Those surveyed said “you are allowed to bring a baby” on board because 74 percent of travelers “aren’t monsters,” and you’re also “allowed to bring a toddler” because 78 percent of travelers “don’t put themselves before the well-being of families.”

The survey also found that passengers believe “you are not allowed to tell off other people’s kids for misbehaving” because 90 percent of them think “that’s not your job.”

‘Best Flight Ever’

Robins told Newsweek that her baby daughter “loves to smile at everyone and most people do engage with her.” However, “we’re always worried when we travel, that we’ll be sitting near someone who might not enjoy sitting near a baby.”

A note overlaid on the latest viral clip reads: “POV: You have people who actually like babies sitting behind you on your flight to Mexico.”

The footage shows the baby standing on a plane seat, interacting with some passengers in the row behind her.

A caption shared with the post says: “we love you 6E + 6F [plane seat numbers].”

Users on TikTok were delighted by the scene in the latest clip.

Gina Wicentowich said: “I got to do this on a plane once and it was the best flight ever. So precious.”

“Mexico always brings the best of people,” said @gigiannap.

“She is so ADORABLE! I’d love to be on a flight with her,” noted katertot1978.

Laura asked “Who wouldn’t want to play with that little cutie??” and another user agreed, saying “Idk how anyone wouldn’t love this.”

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