Originally Posted by
Anna Phor
So we have flown a decent amount with our child as a lap baby, including the longest of the long-hauls (DCA to PER) and a trans-Atlantic, plus numerous domestic flights in the US. He will be 2 in November, so will require his own seat. We are doing Thanksgiving with grandparents in Buffalo, NY--about an hour's flight--and I'm looking at the CARES harness. Anyone used this? It looks like it doesn't have a crotch strap, and I'm a bit worried that he could slide out of the bottom.
So is it worth the money? Any other alternatives to a car seat (since we won't need one at our destination)?
We've used it with no problems. Your flight is super short I don't think you'll have any issues at all. Since you fly a lot you'll get about two years worth. I believe the upper limit is 4 yrs 40 inches. I regretted not buying it sooner. Before this I struggled with the sit n stroll (I rec this one too esp if you need a stroller also, but it is very bulky and also not the most comfy - def not for long 24 hour flights) So I only got one year use of cares before my daughter got too tall. A carseat usually sits so far forward making it inevitable the child will kick the seat in front. And you have a problem if the person in front reclines a lot since the tray will be in the child's chest. This is not the case with cares. For smaller children I also think it,s more comfortable since they can rest their legs on the airplane seat rather than hanging out of e carseat. This was my experience.
I was surprised to learn the airlines don't actually require a restraint for two yr olds in their own seat. It is really for the parents peace of mind.
In my opinion it it worth the money vs a carseat. I wish there was an equivalent that can be used in rental cars.