He didn't suggest. He asked, and asked politely. Travelling with children is such a nightmare for parents. For some strange reason, children are so unwelcome in the UK compared with other European countries. Some are odious, it is true, but then I tend to find that adults are far worse in most occasions. If I were passing, I'd guest the little one. He or she would be far more entertaining that the usual stressed or self absorbed faces you see in there. I was often the on-board Auntie for those flights at this time of year with all the children heading to Hong Kong or such places.

That does not answer the OP's question, but just to let him know that I sympathise.