CARES Harness and Safeseat base questions

[HIU8]

Where is the best place to order a CARES Harness? I have decided that for my sanity and DS's that I will use the CARES Harness for him on an upcoming flight and gate check his MA. Doing this alone with DS and DD I think it will just be easier that installing the MA and Safeseat on the plane by myself. DS will enjoy being able to use the tray and he will still be able to sleep on the flight.

[mom2binsd]

Heather...so you're going to lug the MA all the way to the gate but not take it on...I've found it's so easy to install/ takes a minute or so...not sure if you've done it before or not...are you planning on traveling a lot to make the expense of the CARES worthwhile??? I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I just figured if you're bringing the MA all through the airport why not onboard..DS could use your tray table if needed for DVD...I'd bring the infant seat base in your luggage (a large duffle bag- they may not even charge you for it if you say it's for your carseat!) it makes it so much easier once at your destination, but don't bring it on board...

[joyful mommy]

I'm wondering the same as Heather. Regardless of how quickly the car seats can be installed, it's getting on board (on your own) with two squirming little ones, 2 convertible car seats, and your carry-on necessities... then having to install both seats (even quickly) without both DCs or something else getting away from you.

We've travelled a few times with one child, but looking at a long flight with two coming up and seriously considering the CARES harness for the older one (who'll be 4 yo). Anyone had experience with this new system yet? I'd love to hear some feedback and recommendations on where to purchase.

BTW, we probably will use this at least a few times, if not several in the next few years -- so cost seems worthwhile to me.

[HIU8]

I figure we will use it around twice a year for the next couple of years with DS. Then DD can use it b/c DS will probably just sit in the seat using just the seatbelt.

[hillview]

If you are considering taking it on with you, consider finding someone who can help you lug it on. I always find some married man who maybe also has kids and ask him if he wouldn't mind grabbing this or that. What can they say?? And I will NEVER see him again
/hillary

[bubbaray]

What about getting a RideSafe vest for the car -- CARES harness for the plane, RideSafe for the car. NO MA at all.

That is what I would do for my DD#1 if I were in the US (RideSafe isn't legal in Canada, CARES is). No way would I lug her RN or MA if I could help it.

From what I understand, both vests hold their value well, so you could CL down the road, plus you can pass them down to your other child.

[WatchingThemGrow]

We've used it with DD when she was 22 mos. Worked really well for our 1.5 hour flight. It made getting on board with 2 babies a bit less stressful, especially since SW doesn't allow families w/children to preboard anymore Our flight wasn't during a naptime, so there was no way she was going to sleep. For us, a carseat just seemed too much.

For use with your 4yo, I just read this on the kidsflysafe.com website( although I know some will not feel comfortable with this statement):
Q. What is the upper age limit for children to use CARES?
A. Children who are 4 years old, weigh at least 44 pounds and are more than 40 inches tall are considered old enough and strong enough to travel without an airplane child safety belt.

You can rent them from someone on eBay, as well.

[niccig]

We used the CARES harness when DS was 2.5 yo. Unfortunately, he's an escape artist and figured out how to undo the seat belt very quickly. Now that he's older, it could be worth trying again - we borrowed a harness from a friend. She uses it all the time with her 5 yo and loves it. We always need a seat at the end and it's only DS, so we just bring the Safety First Uptown - it's so light, fits nicely on to the stroller or luggage cart. But 2 kids and 2 seats, I would serious consider using it, but I don't like the thought of a checking or gate checking a seat.

[HIU8]

I'm not crazy about the vest. DS falls asleep every time we are in the car. He is 3.5 yrs old, 33 lbs and 38ish inches. I just don't feel safe unless DS is secured in a carseat.