Three Hub Circus

There’s a solution to how to keep your toddler safe and restrained on an airplane. CARES (”Child Aviation Restraint System”) is a portable harness to be worn by children ages 1-4, between 22 and 44 pounds.  CARES is the only FAA-approved child restraint system for kids for airplane use, besides the car seat.  Designed by a grandmother, this harness weighs only 1 pound and installs in a minute or two. It is made by the a leading manufacturer of airplane seatbelts.

Why use it?

Children under the age of two are exempt from the FAA requirement that passengers must be restrained during take-off and landing. However, the FAA recommends, but does not require, a safety restraint for children under the age of two. Turbulence during a flight and the safety of your child on take-off and landing make this harness a wise idea.  For the child ages two to four, the harness is added safety for those smaller bodies.

There are additional,  practical reasons you may want to use CARES.  One big one is that it saves you from lugging heavy and bulky car seats aboard a plane for your kid.  And let’s face it; a toddler is a very energetic being and an airplane is not a place suitable for a lot of movement.  The buckle on an airplane seatbelt is very easy for any toddler to undo. One couple was recently asked to leave a flightbefore take-off because their child was having a tantrum and would not stay bucked in her seat. The CARES system may have helped in this situation. This restraint also stymies the larger toddler who loves to kick the seat in front of them when strapped into a car seat. Although you can’t blame them, considering that the car seat puts the child’s feet right against the tray table.

How Does It Work?

One strap of the CARES system is installed around the seatback, underneath the tray table behind it. No, it doesn’t interfere with the workings of the tray table. Two other straps then come down to attach to the airplane lap belt. The buckle from the CARES restraint is buckled at your child’s chest.  The restraint can also be used in most First Class seats, although may be more difficult in the widest seats.  Reviewers who have used the restraint, say that kids can sometimes submerge under the straps and may need to be propped up.

Your child must have their own seat to use the harness restraint and it can be used in private aircrafts. However, CARES is not approved for use in automobiles.

Buying

The CARES system is pricey at $74.95 and appears to only available through the official Web site. The convenience and safety, however, make this item well worth it’s price.

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