Traveling with a toddler is never easy. Traveling with a toddler while lugging a car seat through an airport is even worse. So when we found out about the CARES harness, we knew it was the way to go. Who wouldn't choose a 5 point harness that actually folds up and fits in your bag?
We recently took a trip overseas with our 2.5 year old son, and while this is a trip we have made many times it was the first time we have done it without carrying on the car seat. We weren't sure how CARES would work, especially on the overnight flight, but it was fantastic. He feels like a big guy sitting in a regular seat, and his legs aren't long enough to kick the seat in front of him, a huge drawback of the car seat on board. He slept just as soundly as he ever has.
The harness, a 5 point system that works like a car seat in the sense that it gives your child the same safety features of a car seat without the bulk, is perfect for kids who can sit up and are over the age of 1 and 22 pounds. It is the only FAA approved device of this type. After the initial use it takes us less than 3 minutes to 'install', which consists of sliding it over the back of the seat, underneath the tray table of the person behind you, and looping the airline seatbelt through the bottom. It comes with an instructional dvd, as well as a sheet you can bring with you, and it shows it is FAA approved, in case anyone questions that.
I won't say this revolutionizes travel - and as the parent of a toddler on any flight you still get those looks from people who think your child will scream the whole time - but CARES definitely makes the whole process a little bit easier!
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