anyone use a CARES harness?

mlf625

I'm traveling alone with both kids in May (um, yikes) and I'm thinking this might be easier than taking DS's car seat on board.  I really want to take the double stroller to/through the airport, so that kind of rules out doing the GoGoKidz thing.  This is really portable and seems easy enough to use.

Just wondering if anyone has used one and how it worked for you.  I know if I just try to lap belt DS in, he's going to wiggle and try to get out. This thing might trick him into thinking he's in his car seat.

Any reviews? 

naclh2otaffy

I have used one and like it.  When they are little, it is a tad more difficult.  There is no strap that goes between the legs, so they can scootch down and out of the harness. But it beats taking a car seat when you don't need one at your destination.  You also need to be cognizant of getting it tight across the seat back.  I've had passengers behind me loosen it during flight, since it does interact with their seat tray.  Most airplanes, you lower the tray behind you and then install the CARES, then put the tray back.  Some planes you actually have to put it across the tray while it is up, so that the tray is then not usable.  But that's rare.

michelleaxo

You are a brave woman!

Duckie07

No reviews of the CARES system, but have you thought about wearing your DD and then using the GoGoKidz thing for your DS's car seat?  It just might work.  And I agree with PP, you are a brave, brave woman.  :-)

mlf625

naclh- thank you, as always, for your wise advice/input!   

Duckie07:

No reviews of the CARES system, but have you thought about wearing your DD and then using the GoGoKidz thing for your DS's car seat?  It just might work.  And I agree with PP, you are a brave, brave woman.  :-)

That was my original plan.  I'm definitely wearing DD no matter what, but I realllllly want my double stroller in CA (we do a lot of walking and shopping and mom just has a single).  Plus, I think putting DS and the ginormous diaper bag in the stroller and just wearing DD would be easier than wearing DD, carrying the ginormous diaper bag, and pulling DS along on the GGK.  

As far as being brave, some may just say I'm crazy, and I'll surely be the "omg please please please don't let me sit in their row" lady.  My parents have been instructed to bring my margarita(s) right to the baggage claim.

emabend

Ditto naclh.  I have used it and liked it pretty well.  I did have the scooching down problem because there is no strap between the legs but it was still better than dealing with a car seat.  My only issue was every single plane I have been on, the strap has covered the person's tray table behind me.  I have yet to be on a plane where I can lower the tray and use it.  I have had 2 very unhappy travelers behind me because of that.  One guy just smashed the belt down and pratically hung my DD during a flight.  Other than that issue, I have loved it.  What I prefer is being in the last row of the plane, then there is no one behind me to be p!ssed.  :-)

Good luck with your trip.  I can't decide if you are crazy or brave.  Although, my next flight is a 6:30am direct flight to Baltimore with DD.  That'll be fun.  :-)

MrsHoyt

You know, if you took your friend from the other side of 35 with you, you wouldn't need to lug all of that gear by yourself.  And, I could make you margs on the plane!

lucky_charm

I have used ours for several flights and LOVE it. I have had no problems with it interfering with the seat tray (I would usually tell the people what it was for so they wouldn't play with it.) I did have an issue with the scooting out problem. To fix it we took a strap (leash like piece) from one of the walking child harnesses. Hooked part if it around the lap belt and the other end snapped it on to the back strap. Works like a charm!

Good Luck!

mlf625

MrsHoyt - I'd say pack your chit and come along, but I think Circle C would shrivel up and DIE without their mayor.  That would be tragic.  

lucky_charm:

 To fix it we took a strap (leash like piece) from one of the walking child harnesses. Hooked part if it around the lap belt and the other end snapped it on to the back strap. Works like a charm!

Geniousness!  THANKS! 

mlf625

emabend:

 I have had 2 very unhappy travelers behind me because of that.  One guy just smashed the belt down and pratically hung my DD during a flight.  

So how did he react when you throat punched him?

Pretty sure that's what I'd do if someone nearly hung my kid inflight.  Jackass!