Mom’s gift to passengers sitting near baby on plane divides the internet
For any new parent, the concept of checking in at the airport, passing through the gate and boarding a plane with a baby in one hand and hand luggage in the other can be beyond overwhelming.
What if the little one kicks off mid flight? What if there’s a poo explosion in the lavatory? Or perhaps nap time ends a little earlier than normal and all hell breaks loose at 30,000 feet.
That’s why one new mom has been praised for going above and beyond to make the flight experience of those passengers seated around her and her newborn a little more enjoyable if any of the above should unfold.
One of the passengers — Elliot — said the new mom handed out little care packages to passengers within her vicinity on the Delta flight, and it was an act that made him “want to cry”.
“A mom with her newborn in front of me on the plane gave me this,” he captioned the 20-second video.
“She’s already so busy and took the time to make these bags for everyone.”
The camera then pivoted to a small zip-locked bag with a note stuck to the front.
“It’s my first flight,” the note started.
“I made a deal to be on my best behaviour — but I can’t make any guarantees. I might cry if I get scared or if my ears start to hurt.
“Here are some treats to make your flight enjoyable. Thank you for being patient with us. Have a great flight.”
The bag was filled with several treats, including a packet of Starburst and a chocolate Twix.
Those who commented on the short clip, posted by TikTok user @callmebelly, said the gesture was “so sweet” but also “heartbreaking”.
“Dear new parents: no you don’t have to do this,” one commented on the video, which has been viewed 5.6 million times and received almost 6000 comments.
“Your babies have the right to exist and be. We all know babies cry. We know you try your best,” one said.
“This is so sweet but also … kind of breaks my heart that we live in a world in which parents feel the need to do that,” another added.
“No mom should be apologizing. Adults can control their emotions … babies not …. Hugging this mom from the distance,” another added.
“That poor mom probably spent nights awake … nervous about that flight, thinking of ways to keep strangers happy,” another commented.
