Traveling with a baby or toddler can be a wonderful experience. If you are well prepared and have the correct travel gear, your holiday should be smooth sailing - or flying.
One big decision for parents is what to take on the flight to keep toddlers strapped in safely. We checked out the CARES Safety harness and decided to share what we found.
The CARES Harness, by CARES Kids Fly Safe, is not only lightweight and easy to travel with, but it's also currently the only FAA certified harness for airplanes.
CARES Harness vs Car Seat
If you're trying to decide whether to take a compact car seat or a toddler flight harness, you'll need to do some advance thinking.
Car seats can be useful once you land, but can also become a burden to carry with you.
The CARES child safety device will fold up and fit into your bag, but it cannot be used in a car - ever.
So, essentially, this is only going to help you during your flight, and not for any travels in and around your holiday destination.
Tip: Check out our top travel car seats and best car seats alternatives here.
CARES Airplane Harness Features
If you're wondering what exactly makes this flight harness so useful, have a look at its features below.
Compact
The CARES toddler flight harness weighs just 1 pound and fits compactly into its own 6-inch bag. If you're traveling light and trying to save space, the harness is a great option.
Fits almost every plane seat
The toddler airplane harness is adjustable, so it's able to fit most airplane seats. From economy class to first class, and across the different airlines as well.
Will last for a few holidays
The airplane harness is designed to fit children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. Meaning you can use this airplane for toddlers for a couple of years, at least until they are around three years old.
CARES Harness Pros and Cons
As with all products, there are both pros and cons. While we think the pros outway the cons, in this case, we've listed both below, for you to make your own decisions.
- Compact and lightweight, it comes in its own carry bag.
- Adjustable and able to fit most airplane seats.
- Quick and easy to install.
- No strap between legs, wiggly toddlers may find it quite easy to slip out of the bottom.
- Keeps the child upright and unable to sleep through the flight.
- Not permitted by some international airlines.
CARES Airplane Safety Harness: Final Verdict
If you're flying with a baby, or rather a toddler, this harness is worth the purchase. For any child over the age of one, this is the most effective.
Whenever you take your toddler on an airplane, you'll be required to have them strapped in safely.
This can be done with an FAA-approved car seat - but that means lugging a large seat with you throughout your travels. The Cares harness solves this problem.
Tip: If you do decide to rather take a car seat, have a look at some of the best car seat bags, carts and transporters to make your life easier.
>>> Check out the current prices for the CARES Flight Harness here.
Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.
