CARES Flight Safety Restraint

Why Shelly recommends it: :

Turns the airplane seatbelt into a 4-point harness for children over 1 year old and weighing 22 lbs. to 44 lbs. CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) is ideal when children will be flying in their own airplane seats, but won't need their own car seat at the destination, as when you'll be renting a car seat at your destination or using another car seat alternative for your ground transportation. For very light travels, consider pairing the CARES with the Eddie Bauer portable car seat or RideSafer Vest for car seat alternatives in motor vehicles (see below). CARES is FAA-approved for use during all phases of a flight, including taxiing, take-off, and landing. First adjust the straps to fit around the airplane seat, then use the harness to secure your child to both the seat back and airplane seatbelt. Please note that CARES is approved for use in aircraft, but not in automobiles. If you're bringing along your car seat, but don't want to use it on the aircraft, I recommend you always gate-check your car seat rather than subject it to possible damage--which may or may not be visible--from the airport baggage system, or use one of the other car seat alternatives for your ground transportation. CARES weighs only 1 lb. and packs into a 6" stuff sack.

> Click here to read Shelly's detailed review of CARES.

Find it online at:   Amazon   

Tip: You can also rent CARES from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Click here foe info.

Why Shelly recommends it:

Turbulence is by far the leading cause of injuries in flight, and no one on board seems quite so vulnerable to injuries from turbulence than the little lightweight people riding as "lap children." This handy little vest slips over your lap child and attaches to your safety belt with a loop, securing babies and toddlers against unexpected bumps. Made of soft 100% cotton and fully adjustable side and crotch straps, it allows for shifting around as needed, even for breastfeeding. The Baby B'air is permitted for use in-flight by the FAA as noted on its tag, though not for taxiing, take-off, or landing. It slips into the side of your diaper bag or carryon with ease. Available in two sizes: Infant, recommended for newborns up to 8 months, and Toddler for up to 2 years.

Note:  Of course there's no safer position for a flying infant than in his car seat behind a 5-point harness (especially in the case of an unplanned landing), but I know that in the real world many parents will continue to fly with a lap child as long as it's allowed, and even children flying with their car seats often need to spend some amount of time out of them (nursing, burping, etc.). In either of those cases, the Baby B'Air is far preferable to no restraint at all. - Shelly

Find it online at:   Amazon.com   One Step Ahead    

Why Shelly recommends it: :

It's the answer to many parents' dilemma of whether to bring the car seat or not. While this "portable car seat" does not provide the same level of protection as car seats (approved as a travel harness, not as a car seat), it is a far better option than no car seat at all. Fold it flat to store in your carry-on, daypack, or underneath your stroller until you're ready to use. Then run the seatbelt through the back plate to lock it into the seating position, and buckle your child into the 5-point harness as you would in a normal car seat. It offers a little padding with a wipe-clean cover. Not approved for use in aircraft. Forward-facing only for children 22 lbs. to 40 lbs., and 34" to 43" tall. Weighs less than 4 lbs. Folds to 10" x 14.5" x 4".

Find it online at:    Amazon.com  Baby Age   One Step Ahead

Ride Safer Vest

Why Shelly recommends it:

With the Ride Safer Vest your child can travel safely without a car seat or booster from 3 years and 35 lbs. Think of it as a "wearable booster seat" you can pack in the outside pocket of your carry-on. After your flight, have your child put it on outside baggage claim while you wait in line for your cab. She can wear it like a normal vest, or add the optional crotch strap for the safety of a 5-point harness--something you won't get from a regular booster. This is also a great option when you want to save space in a small rental car and/or have another child in a car seat. At home, you can keep it handy in your trunk for carpooling with friends. Like booster seats, however, it is not approved for use in aircraft. A removable head rest offers extra comfort when desired. Weighs 2.5 lbs. without head rest, under 5 lbs. with it. Available in two sizes. Small for children 35 lbs. to 60 lbs. and 38" to 52" tall, and large for children 50 to 80 lbs. and 45" to 57" tall. Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS213).

Find it online at:  Amazon.com   Elite Car Seats