CARES Harness/Taxis

[sop2sue]

1) We are flying from Cleveland to Orlando without a carseat because we will be relying on Disney Transportation once we are on resort AND because we don't want to have to lug it around. We are considering renting and/or buying a CARES Harness to accompany the seatbelt to help the squiggly little not quite 2.5 year old boy stay put! Anyone have any experience with these? Are they worth the "hassle?" Or - is this best utilized on a longer flight?

2) I'm getting mixed info re: being in a taxi with a little one. Do the taxi cabs services have car seats that you can request? Have you ever just hopped in a cab with your little one not in a carseat just to get from one place to the other a little faster? Please don't blast me with safety arguments!! I understand safety - but sometimes the thought of a quick fix vs. braving those bus crowds with a crank and bugging others in the process wins out.

Thank you!

 

[pooh4evr]

We haven't taken a carseat for flights- basically because I felt we had enough to keep up with, many people recommend the Cares harness and like it. If you are looking for just a seat for taxis maybe look at a bubble bum, I have sen them at Wal Mart, never used one but they are a portable (I think blow up) booster seat.

 

[tjmw2727]

You can request a taxi with a car seat - its easier to do when leaving the resort and it will take additional time if there doesn't happen to be one in the "line up" especially when exiting the parks.

Fl laws do require a 2yo to be in a car seat and taxi's are not exempt from this law in FL so you may have an issue trying to get a cab that will take you without a car seat.

 

[marlin2015]

When we were in NYC, we used a RSTV (Ride Safer Travel Vest) in taxis. It may not be something you would want to carry around at all times, but it would be an option if you knew you would be taking a cab.

 

[LottiesMommy]

We used the CARES harness when my daughter was 2-4 years. We fly about 3-4 times each year. The CARES is very easy to use.

I do not think it helps to keep a wiggly child stay put since it is not a typical carseat (it doesn't keep them tightly strapped in). However, it is much safer for your child if you hit turbulance. My sister is a flight attendant and used it for her son and was the one who suggested it to us for our daughter. It was quick to put on and I felt better knowing she was safer in the large seat.

The bubble bum is totally amazing and I LOVE using it when we travel, but it won't work for you since the child needs to be age 4 or older. I love it because it is so light and I can stuff it in my carry-on. My daughter loves using it and thinks it is comfortable.

Checking your carseat on the plane doesn't cost anything on any airline I have ever used. You can put it in a travel bag if you have a nicer car seat and want to protect it. Otherwise, a plastic bag works well too.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

1) We are flying from Cleveland to Orlando without a carseat because we will be relying on Disney Transportation once we are on resort AND because we don't want to have to lug it around. We are considering renting and/or buying a CARES Harness to accompany the seatbelt to help the squiggly little not quite 2.5 year old boy stay put! Anyone have any experience with these? Are they worth the "hassle?" Or - is this best utilized on a longer flight?

2) I'm getting mixed info re: being in a taxi with a little one. Do the taxi cabs services have car seats that you can request? Have you ever just hopped in a cab with your little one not in a carseat just to get from one place to the other a little faster? Please don't blast me with safety arguments!! I understand safety - but sometimes the thought of a quick fix vs. braving those bus crowds with a crank and bugging others in the process wins out.

Thank you!

As was pointed out, a cab won't let you just "hop in" with a lap child. They don't want to risk the fine and loss of their permit. So finding a cap with a car seat is your only option.