Experiences with CARES Air Travel Harness?

Updated on August 18, 2009
E.P. asks from Mountain View, CA
5 answers

I would like to hear experiences with the CARES air travel harness, as an alternative to using a carseat on flights. We usually travel long haul (to Europe) and have previously used a sit and stroll. I'd like to lighten the load and give ourselves more space on our next flight, and this harness looks ideal. I'm a bit concerned as whether he'll be comfortable for long durations.

Also hoping it'll stop him kicking the seat in front!

Thanks for your input,
E.

1 mom found this helpful

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone. I think I will try it and see....so much better than hauling a carseat along with all the other stuff I have to take on the plane!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from San Francisco on

We used the CARES harness when my son was about 19 months old. He's average height(he was 32" tall at his 18 month check-up). He didn't like the harness at all, although distracting him with a granola bar helped for a few minutes. But we ended up just holding him for most of take-off; he fell asleep before we landed so we just held him then too. The problem was the buckles for adjusting the shoulder straps hit right at his neck, so I don't think it was comfortable for him.

I imagine it'll be better as he gets taller, and we're still planning on trying it for our upcoming trip, when he'll be 21 months.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from San Francisco on

We have used the CARES harness 3 times with our son and LOVE it. He was 15 months old (although he is quite big for his age) the first time we used it, and it fit well. It is very adjustable. We also had a problem with it slipping on the leather seat, but on the return flight, my husband put the belt above the tray table arms and it worked like a charm. It is very light weight and small and easy to install. We recommend it highly.
Safe travels.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I have one and LOVE it! Easy to install, lightweight to carry, and I feel like it keeps my daughter safer than a lapbelt alone. I first bought the CARES when my daughter was 2 years old and am still using it at almost 4.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I've never used one, but found a thorough review by a certified Child Passenger Safety Tech at this blog: http://carseatblog.com/?p=1909

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

we liked our experience on the first flight, but the second flight had leather seats and our daughter kept slipping down. it's not like a 5 pt harness and has nothing between the legs to keep the kid from sliding off the chair. on our last trip, we put the CARES strap a little lower on her chest/tummy. it helped a little but on the flight home we just used the regular air line seat belt, but it was only an hour flight. good luck!

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