Mom gives out candy on plane to ‘apologize’ for baby—should she have to?
A viral TikTok video with over 9.3 million views is reigniting the conversation around flying with babies—and the unfair pressure moms feel to make everyone else comfortable.
The now-viral clip captures the goodie bags a new mom handed out filled with candy and a note for passengers seated near her newborn on a flight. The note—both sweet and slightly heartbreaking—read:
“It’s my first flight! I made a deal to be on my best behavior—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 TikTok user @CallMeBelly who posted the video was deeply moved by the gesture, writing:
“I want to cry. A mom with her newborn in front of me on the plane gave me this. She’s already so busy and took the time to make these bags for everyone.”
Why are moms expected to manage everyone else’s emotions?
While the intention behind the goody bags was undeniably kind, the video has struck a nerve with parents everywhere. Why do moms feel pressured to make sure everyone around them is comfortable, while no one does the same for them?
Moms already juggle diaper changes in tiny airplane bathrooms, mid-flight feedings, and overtired meltdowns. Add to that the pressure to make sure no one is “inconvenienced” by their baby’s presence, and flying becomes an emotional and logistical minefield.
Meanwhile, other loud or disruptive travelers—think snoring seatmates, rowdy groups, or passengers with blaring headphones—aren’t expected to apologize.
Related: Woman says she’d rather hear a baby crying on an airplane instead of people’s phones
What moms on planes actually need
Instead of expecting moms to preemptively apologize for their child’s existence, what if fellow passengers lightened the load instead of adding to it?
Here’s how:
Offer to help. If a mom is juggling a stroller, luggage, and a baby, a simple “Can I help?” can make all the difference.
Be patient. Babies cry. It’s normal. No mom wants her child to be uncomfortable mid-flight, and a little compassion goes a long way.
Normalize kids in public spaces. Babies and young children are part of society. If you can handle turbulence, you can handle a few baby noises.
Related: Baby cries for 2 hours on a plane—passenger’s reaction wins the internet
The bigger picture: Moms deserve more grace
This viral moment is about more than just a thoughtful mom handing out candy. It’s a reflection of how society treats moms and babies—especially in public spaces.
Maybe the real takeaway isn’t that moms should be bribing passengers with treats. Maybe it’s that they should never have felt the need to do this at all.
