Has anyone ever used CARES?

[dinandmick]

Our 19 month old will have her own seat on the airplane and we're trying to decide what to do. The lap belt doesn't seem safe enough, but we aren't renting a car so lugging her car seat wouldn't be ideal.

The CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) (kidsflysafe.com) looks like it might be a good solution, but we don't know anyone who has actually used it.

Anybody have any experiences with it?

 

[Kerby626]

I have looked into it for my twins. The only downside to it is that if your child is on smaller side then it won't fit them properly. I bought a cheaper carseat for travel purposes on the plane. I think I paid about $40 for it. It was the Cosco from walmart
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Scenera-5-Point-Convertible-Car-Seat-Black-Santee/13004563

It is very light weight. when going through the aiport I took a bungee cord and strapped it to the back of our stroller. I have also extended the shoulders straps as far out as possibel and wore it like a back pack through the airport.

For me it was much better to do this that way they were fully strapped in and I wans't fighting with the airplane seat. Plus once the child figures out how to unbuckle the lap belt it will be a fight all the way.

 

[esther217]

Cares

We used it for our last trip and loved the convenience. We rented one off ebay and got it in plenty of time for the trip. It was easy to install and it kept our son safely secure for the whole flight. when we got home, we dropped it in the mail. It was only $16 for the week. I would highly recommend it! :sohappy:

 

[buseegal]

would watch out how the carseat is belted in the seat. plane seatbelt fastens in the middle instead of the side like a car belt. that could be very hard to fasten, esp with large hands.

 

[luvdisneyworld]

We used it for our last trip and loved the convenience. We rented one off ebay and got it in plenty of time for the trip. It was easy to install and it kept our son safely secure for the whole flight. when we got home, we dropped it in the mail. It was only $16 for the week. I would highly recommend it! :sohappy:

I am going in August 2012 with two granddaughters ages 3 and 4 and am wondering about this device for them. Would a 4 year old need it? I have only flown once in my life when I was 16 and am 43 now, so a lot has changed I know. I have not the first clue about the safety of children on planes with or without restraints but want to insure my granddaughters arrive safe and sound. Any thoughts?

 

[happymom52003]

I am going in August 2012 with two granddaughters ages 3 and 4 and am wondering about this device for them. Would a 4 year old need it? I have only flown once in my life when I was 16 and am 43 now, so a lot has changed I know. I have not the first clue about the safety of children on planes with or without restraints but want to insure my granddaughters arrive safe and sound. Any thoughts?

If the four year old is under 44 pounds, then yes, she can use CARES (it is for children 22-44 pounds). My six year old is very tiny and still uses it....she only weighs about 38 pounds. We've been using it since she was around 2 1/2 years old.

Children that are under 44 pounds can slip out of the seatbelt if the plane suddenly takes a huge drop quickly. Obviously I'm talking about the kind of turbulence that throws unbelted passengers to the ceiling...it is rare, but it happens. Better to be safe then sorry, especially when the device is SO easy to use and pack. I really don't see any downside to using it.

 

[luvdisneyworld]

If the four year old is under 44 pounds, then yes, she can use CARES (it is for children 22-44 pounds). My six year old is very tiny and still uses it....she only weighs about 38 pounds. We've been using it since she was around 2 1/2 years old.

Children that are under 44 pounds can slip out of the seatbelt if the plane suddenly takes a huge drop quickly. Obviously I'm talking about the kind of turbulence that throws unbelted passengers to the ceiling...it is rare, but it happens. Better to be safe then sorry, especially when the device is SO easy to use and pack. I really don't see any downside to using it.

Thanks! My oldest granddaughter was a preemie so she is tiny as well. She will be 4 in June she currently weighs close to 30 pounds. So she will probably be at the weight limit for using it. Her sister will be 3 in July and she weighs close to 30 herself but she was full term.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

We plan on using one in 12 days. Seemed to be a much better option than taking our huge car seat. We are renting one from EBay, was around $20 compared to $70 to buy for only one round trip.

 

[journ116]

@ "uncle lupe:" I've been searching the internet and for the life of me, I cannot find a way to rent the C.A.R.E.S. belt...could you send me a link from the rental site that you're using? Is it reputable? I really appreciate it!
I have an upcoming trip and really don't feel like lugging around a car seat in addition to my tandem double stroller.
I've often wondered about this system, so I'm glad to see Disney fans discussing this!

 

[Uncle Lupe]

@ "uncle lupe:" I've been searching the internet and for the life of me, I cannot find a way to rent the C.A.R.E.S. belt...could you send me a link from the rental site that you're using? Is it reputable? I really appreciate it!
I have an upcoming trip and really don't feel like lugging around a car seat in addition to my tandem double stroller.
I've often wondered about this system, so I'm glad to see Disney fans discussing this!

I sent you a private. The transaction was great and had no problems. It is always a risk but she has a history of rentals. I tried it on my computer chair seems so much better then using a car seat. When you see the bag it comes in you know it is a much better choice.

 

[dinandmick]

Thanks for all the info! We put in our order to rent one over the weekend.

 

[Frau Farbissina]

I used these with my twins when they were 20 months old. Overall, I was happy with them. The only thing I would recommend is that you practice a little bit before you get on the plane. We didn't and found that in the rush to get seated, etc., it was hard to put it together.