Air Travel Safety - 2 Year Old (Experience with CARES Harness vs Car Seats)

Updated on February 14, 2012
N.O. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

Hi,

I've traveled multiple times with my now 30 month old son, and we have an international trip coming up in a couple months. The last time we flew he was just 2 years old, and I had him in the car seat on the plane. It's just so big and bulky and feels like such a hassle.

What is really the best and safest option for him when he's about 32 months old. Still the car seat, despite the hassle, or is it safe enough to use the CARES harness? I'll deal with inconvenience if I need to, but if I don't need to, well....

Any insight is much appreciated!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the feedback! Ha, yes, my son has kicked the backs of seats so much and that would definitely be a bonus of him not being in a car seat. :)
I'm encouraged to hear some enthusiasm of the safety of the CARES harness. That's my number one priority - his safety - more than comfort or inconveniencing other passengers (sorry, it's true!) so if it's safe, then I'll use it.

Thanks 'traveling mamas'!

More Answers

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I have used the CARES harnesses with my girls (they're almost five) since they turned two, and I love them. My husband used to be a lobbyist for the airline industry and did tons of research on the safety of the harnesses - we were both satisfied that they're just as safe as car seats. And they're so easy. Seriously - I feel like the CARES people should hire me as their spokesperson I love the darn things so much. As long as your son is over 22 pounds, the harnesses will keep him totally contained and secure. My girls take naps on planes with the harnesses just fine too...

Have fun on your trip!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I have never taken my car seats on the plane, and have used the CARES harness since my oldest was 2. It is wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who asks. The car seats are bulky and difficult to take through planes and airports. I would suggest getting the harness because you will not regret it! Oh, and my kids have never been able to "get out of it."

1 mom found this helpful
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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

I used the cares harnesses when my twins were 3. They fit in them fine and it helped to keep them from thinking they could run around. I have used those harnesses on 5 flights (2 of which were back and forth to Jamaica) so far with my kids who are now 6 and they have been wonderful. As long as your son isn't extremely small, I would go ahead and use the harness.

The concern with the carseats was that they can kick the chair and when they can't go anywhere, that's all they want to do.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

Many airlines are no longer allowing the seats. I ended up just having my then-2 yr old DD in the regular seatbelt in her own seat. If they allow the harness, I would go with it and check the seat.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.G.

answers from Rockford on

We just used ours for the first time this past November for our 4 y/o. We had previously taken her car seat on board. The CARES system is FANTASTIC! DO read the weight limit & height requirements & make sure that you adjust properly for your son. It's super easy to use, lightweight, it is close to $80.00 but well worth it! Have a great trip!!!

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