CARES harnes for plane

[evedein]

Need advice. We're taking my 2 yr old grandson to WDW in December. Does anyone have experience using the CARES harness restraint system on the plane? Any pros or cons? Would we do better getting an airline approved toddler car seat for the plane? We won't have a car at WDW so we won't need a car seat once we're there. If you've used CARES before, did you rent or buy?

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

We've never used it, but buybuybaby.com has a video of it. It shows how to use it and the age/size requirements for use.

 

[melmel]

I don't have any advice, I'm just popping in because I'd like to know as well. I have a very squirmy boy and have heard that they can easily escape through the bottom of the harness, so I'm concerned if this will work for me as well.

 

[strmtroopr96]

We rented a CARES Harness from Ebay and used it on our September 2009 trip. Youngest DD was 3 yrs and 3 mos at the time. Before that w had used a Cosco Scenera car seat but decided to try the CARES to avoid the hassle of lugging a car seat.

There are 4 of us so we put DH and older DD in back of younger DD and myself. That way they could quickly attach the CARES and it wouldn't be in a stranger's way. It worked fine although she did have a problem with slipping down on the seat and needing to be unbuckled to scooch back up comfortably. I had read the tip about using a rubber shelf liner to avoid the slipping but forgot to buy some but I'm sure that would have helped. Only other issue was that she had a harder time reaching her tray to color or whatever. But she is petite and I think the plane trays didn't slide towards us (this was a US Air flight) like they do on other airlines.

The CARES was so much better than lugging a car seat though and I felt she was more secure being in it at that age than just using the lap belt. We just flew in May again but didn't rent the CARES. She had no problem sitting still with the lap belt but I think as far as safety goes, we still should have gone with the CARES.

 

[casper_jj11]

We've used CARES on numerous trips for DD and now DS2. Its WONDERFUL! Very easy to use. We've never had anyone behind us complain since it still allows them to use their tray. Just don't book the last row on the plane. It backs on the wall and there's no way to get the strap around the seat. HTH

 

[SkinsFan76]

We have used the CARES harness for the last two years since our son was 1. It is easy to put on and take off the seat and we've never had an issue with it. It is defiantely worth the money. We bought ours and have used it for about 7 different trips. Our son expects to wear it when he is in the seat and hasn't had any problems.