Is there a new car seat for airplanes and traveling?

[seetheworld]

I recently heard that a new car seat was approved for airplanes and traveling as well. It's suppose to be really safe, lighter weight and compact for folding. I didn't catch the name - has anyone heard of this? Maybe I am mistaken? Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.

 

[NotUrsula]

It's not a seat; it is a harness. It is called the CARES, and they are $75 each. It is approved for use by children weighing 22-40 lbs. on US carriers.

To purchase, go to http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

It is NOT approved for land-based motor vehicles; this is for flying only.

 

[DisneyDunns]

Has anyone used the CARES Harness I am thinking of getting one for my 2 year old??

 

[all4fun]

The CARES harness is the newest thing for airplane travel. It is only approved for use on airplanes - you can't use it in a vehicle. It's for toddlers/preschoolers who are in their own seat, approved for use from 22-44lbs. I've read some positive reviews of it. I'd buy one myself but we usually need the car seat at the destination anyway, so I have a hard time justifying the cost ($75).

There are some other travel seat options listed here:
http://www.carseatsite.com/bpbnicheseats.htm#Travel Seats

There are two that fold up - the SK Radian, which is a higher weight limit seat, can be used in airplanes and vehicles, but it's heavy! The other is the Safeguard "Go" and it can only be used in cars, it folds up for storage for the plane ride.

One lighter weight seat that is new on the market that isn't listed there is the Safety 1st "Uptown" It has taller top slots than the Scenera and would last a little longer. $99 at Walmart & Target.

ETA: anther way to get a car seat thru the airport is the Gogo Kidz cart here, or just bungee the seat to an inexpensive luggage cart.

Just some ideas. Hth.

 

[traci]

Does anyone know why it's safe enough for a plane but not for a car? I am just curious if that product is really worth $75?!

 

[stacy6552]

I just heard about this. Here's my concern. It looks complicated to get off in an emergency evacuation. If you get one. Practice getting it off quick a few times before taking off.

 

[Stimpy]

We've used the CARES and I love it! I pre-ordered it before it even came out LOL The customer service was excellent, they rushed it to me so we would have it for a trip in November.

After the first use, it is extremely easy to use. It easy to store and my DD is much more comfortable on the plane. We do travel often so it was well worth the $75 for us.

It does come with a DVD to show you how to use it and includes a section on emergencies. And yes, I did try it on the plane. All you do is unbuckle one part, leave it behind and your child is free to go. You do not have to undo the entire harness. It actually seemed easier to get her out of the CARES than getting her out of her usual car seat.

One of the reasons it's probably not approved for car travel is that it is designed to be worn on a lap belt and goes over the seat behind you. When the tray table behind you is up, it makes it a little tighter during take off & landing.

BTW, we still do bring her car seat and check it in the luggage compartment now for the rental car. It's just so much easier not dragging it through the airport with us and installing it on the plane.

 

[traci]

Thank you Stimpy for the explanation

 

[becca011906]

it probably on for airlines b/c in an airplan it only has to protect a child from turbulance, NOT from a cash impact of up to 500 # of force or more (ei child weight of 20lbs X's 25 mph). if a plan crashes, then sorry most aren't going to make it, if the plan has trubulance or a ruff take off or ruff landing it's still differant then crashing a car

 

[seetheworld]

Thank you everyone - I will check out the links. I appreciate your help!

 

[seetheworld]

We've used the CARES and I love it! I pre-ordered it before it even came out LOL The customer service was excellent, they rushed it to me so we would have it for a trip in November.

After the first use, it is extremely easy to use. It easy to store and my DD is much more comfortable on the plane. We do travel often so it was well worth the $75 for us.

It does come with a DVD to show you how to use it and includes a section on emergencies. And yes, I did try it on the plane. All you do is unbuckle one part, leave it behind and your child is free to go. You do not have to undo the entire harness. It actually seemed easier to get her out of the CARES than getting her out of her usual car seat.

One of the reasons it's probably not approved for car travel is that it is designed to be worn on a lap belt and goes over the seat behind you. When the tray table behind you is up, it makes it a little tighter during take off & landing.

BTW, we still do bring her car seat and check it in the luggage compartment now for the rental car. It's just so much easier not dragging it through the airport with us and installing it on the plane.

Is this just a harness only? Can your child fall asleep in it comfortably Thanks!

 

[Stimpy]

Is this just a harness only? Can your child fall asleep in it comfortably Thanks!

Yes, it's just a harness that attaches to the lap belt and goes over the seat behind the child. I can't say for sure if a child could sleep comfortably in it since my DD has never slept on a plane or in a car in her life I can say she was much more comfortable in the CARES than her car seat for almost 3 hours. She had more room to move around in the seat, play with her toys, look out the window. Her car seat kept her held back and the sides are high on hers so she couldn't see out or move too well...which is actually good for a younger baby! It also was great since she couldn't reach the seat in front and didn't kick it the whole flight.

I wouldn't recommend it for a baby, in fact I don't think you can use it until they are over 2 maybe? My DD is almost 3 now (but a peanut in the 5th percentile of height/weight).

 

[seetheworld]

Yes, it's just a harness that attaches to the lap belt and goes over the seat behind the child. I can't say for sure if a child could sleep comfortably in it since my DD has never slept on a plane or in a car in her life I can say she was much more comfortable in the CARES than her car seat for almost 3 hours. She had more room to move around in the seat, play with her toys, look out the window. Her car seat kept her held back and the sides are high on hers so she couldn't see out or move too well...which is actually good for a younger baby! It also was great since she couldn't reach the seat in front and didn't kick it the whole flight.

I wouldn't recommend it for a baby, in fact I don't think you can use it until they are over 2 maybe? My DD is almost 3 now (but a peanut in the 5th percentile of height/weight).

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your info. It sounds like this is exactly what I am looking for.