Categories

• Flying with your baby in your lap

  
  07 August 2008
  
  There's been a recent debate around the safety of putting your baby in your lap when you fly.  Regardless of your point of view, the FAA does have this on its website:

  "Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap? ... FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do."

  Well, what is a CRS?

  A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

  FAA has also approved a harness-type restraint appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of device provides an alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles.

  This restraint is called CARES:

  The AmSafe Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is the world's first aviation alternative to a car seat. It's a belt-and-buckle device that attaches directly to the airplane seatbelt.  It's pretty simple to install, and is usable in most seats with the exception of those in exit rows. CARES has been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for children weighing between 20-44 pounds sitting in their own seat.

  Now parents can now check the bulky car seat through as luggage.

  Weighing only one pound and fitting into a small carrying case, it's perfect for flying with your baby traveler.