Review: CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

A solution to child safety concerns when flying

Parents go to great lengths to keep their children safe at home and on the road but what about in the air? Children aged 2 years and over are required to occupy their own seat on an aeroplane, however restraining your child can be quite tricky. Traditionally you might use a car seat, however lugging this about, especially when travelling with more than one child is a nightmare; and some airlines ask that you have your car seat approved prior to flying. Your other option would be to just use the standard lap belt, but the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) strongly urge parents to secure their child in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size.

When travelling to Cyprus recently with my 28 month old son, Raife, I trialed CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) which is designed for children who weigh between 22lbs - 44lbs and who are sat in their own seat. The restraint is UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved and designed to be used during taxi, take off and landing or at any other time when the fasten seat belt sign is activated. CARES uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt to provide restraint for the upper part of the child's body.

My first impression of the harness was that it is small and light - it weighs just 1lb and fits into a 6 inch stuff sack, so perfect when travelling light. The general look and feel is that of sturdiness and quality. The manufacturer describes it as easy to use, and I'm sure with practice it would be. However when I found myself under pressure from other passengers who were trying to squeeze past to get to their seats, and having to ask the passenger behind to lower their seat tray (so I can put the strap around the seat), it all got a bit stressful! I would definitely recommend that you watch the step-by-step installation DVD which is included in the box prior to travelling and make sure you have the instruction card with you just in case. Once fitted though it does as it says and it safely restrained my son, much to his annoyance. The cabin crew also took great interest in the restraint and a senior stewardess was sent to question me on whether it is CAA approved, so again worth taking the instruction card which states that it is.

Interestingly, the stewardess told me that the airline actually carries a restraint that is similar to the CARES, although ridiculously they don't routinely hand them out. Having not used the airline’s own harness I cannot comment on it, but if you’re not a regular flyer, it might be worth checking whether your airline carries a similar harness before buying one.

Overall, my verdict is that the CARES is well worth a look for your next holiday as it definitely gives peace of mind for parents travelling with toddlers.

Where to buy the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

For more information on the CARES, you can visit their official website at www.kidsflysafe.com.

For a limited time only, there is also a £5 money off voucher in the Toddle About Offers section, when you buy the CARES from www.tinytottravellers.co.uk.