CARES Harness: Ensuring Child Safety in the Skies
An Introduction to the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System
Flying can be a rather stressful experience, especially when having to do it with young children. In order to enhance child safety and alleviate parents stress, CARES is likely to come across as a standout product. This harness, developed by AMSAFE, an industry leader in aircraft seatbelt manufacturing, is meant to be used by children big enough to be out of a baby seat, but not up to the appropriate size yet, to use the actual seat belts latching onto the plane seats.
Why Choose the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System?
In recent years, the CARES harness has closed a very important gap in in-flight safety. We all know about the child car seat requirements in our vehicles, but this level of safety has not been available in aircraft until recently. As such, it is not only a system that just holds the children in their seats – it is designed to protect them in case of airplane turbulence or any other type of unlikely incident.
Particularly, it can be mentioned that it is not usable in cars – only in aircraft. It uses the regular seat belt of the airplane in order to connect its lower loop and uses a special method to get attached both to the child and the airplane seat.
Special Considerations for the CARES Harness
The CARES harness is suitable for children between 10kgs/20lbs and 20kgs/44lbs and up to 102cm/40in tall, who are capable of sitting upright alone in a forward-facing seat. Except for a few exceptions, the harness can safely be installed in any seat.
The airline approval is needed for the harness to be used for children or for special need flyers above the standard mentioned earlier. To do so, travelers are required to let the airline’s customer not the booking timeline of the specific needs and their intention to use the harness before the flight. Air carriers allocate these flyers in the rows before a bulkhead in order to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Securing Approval for Special Needs Use
Parents of children with special needs should consult with their physician or physical therapist to determine if the CARES provides sufficient upper body support. If approved, no special arrangements with the airline are typically necessary—just bring the CARES onboard and install it as directed.
Comprehensive Safety Features of the CARES Harness
CARES harness is not just another device for travelling – it is a highly important safety device thoroughly engineered to provide children with the maximum possible protection.
Its design is simple, yet efficient: it is an additional belt that embraces the airplane’s seat, creating a shoulder harness for the child. As the child’s trajectory during any turbulence or sharp stop becomes predefined and limited by the harness, the risk remarkably diminishes. Light and easy to pack, CARES harness does not add any extra weight, unlike the car seats. That is the reason why I am positive about the idea of using one in the upcoming flight with my family.
Regulatory Approval and Airline Compatibility
The single outstanding advantage of the CARES harness seems to be its wide acceptance by airlines, since this device has been acknowledged by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia. Therefore, the device is considered relatively safe, which makes it easier for parents to make a choice in favor of CARES.
Nevertheless, while it is generally allowed on airplanes, parents still need to make sure that the airline they are hiring is okay with the device. This step is necessary because, though rare, there can be exceptions to the general rule. Thus, by checking the regulations of the airline that may employ the instrument, one can make the trip truly safe.
Special Needs Considerations
A CARES harness is a vital tool for families with special needs children, as it sometimes impossible to accommodate the mobility and stability needs of these children by means of the standard airline seat belt. A special health care professional should be consulted, so that the parents were able to define whether the given safety device met the needs of their child.
If the child’s weight and height exceed the given limitations, an exemption will have to be obtained for the child. The given procedure presupposes obtaining a formal exemption from the aviation administration.
Installation and Usage Tips
The CARES harness is easy to install and is designed in a way that the process is quick and does not bother the busy cabin area. Thus, a few of the tips for its installation and use include the following.
- First, it is important to check if the type of seat is appropriate for its installation. As a rule, it is forbidden to use the harness in the seats of the emergency exit rows and with airbags onboard.
- Then, one shall place the harness over the seatback, adjusting the height to accommodate the child’s size and adjusting and securing the straps, as needed.
- For the final step, the airplane seat belt is put through the bottom part of the harness and is fastened around the lap.
- Finally, it is crucial to adjust the harness so that it fits snugly about the child’s torso.
The Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Beyond the physical safety benefits, using a CARES harness can also provide psychological comfort for both the child and the parents. Knowing that their child is securely restrained can significantly reduce the stress levels of parents, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable flight experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion
If your child falls within the recommended weight and height limits, or if you have special requirements exceeding these limits, the CARES harness might be the perfect solution for your next flight. It ensures safety without sacrificing comfort, allowing you and your child a more relaxed journey.
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is a testament to innovative design focused on child safety and parental peace of mind. By combining ease of use, rigorous safety standards, and flexibility for special needs, it represents an indispensable solution for family travel. Its approval by major aviation authorities and compatibility with most airline seats makes it an excellent choice for families on the go.
For more information on the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System or to make a purchase, visit Travel Gear. Explore our range of child travel safety products, including those specifically tailored for special needs at Travel Gear Australia.