We will be flying Australia to U.S. later in the year when our DD will be 2.25 years old. I was happy to discover that the CARES harness is approved by the Australian government. ^ This means we won't have to lug a heavy carseat around the airports and my folks can install inexpensive carseats in their cars at our destinations.

I was wondering if anyone has an opinion or factual data about the safety of a CARES harness vs. a carseat for a toddler in this situation? After watching a crash test video of a lap-held baby on an airplane (both with and without the extra "belly belt") it looks to me like the major issue is stopping the child from lurching forward at the waist, which I'd think a harness would be just as good at doing. Would there be any other issues to consider?

Thanks!