My Packing Disaster

By Travel Toddler on July 18, 2010

I’d never thought much about packing before we had kids, it was just something to get done and often the night before a trip. Since all of our married-with-no-kids clothes were sitting in the wardrobe, all clean and ironed, there was really no challenge! Then, there was the novelty factor with baby # 1. I’d enjoy packing his ‘good’ clothes and marvel at how cute they looked in the suitcase with our things. Ahh baby makes 3. Things started to go pear shaped when baby # 2 came along though. And when did I start packing for my husband?

Our first major family trip for 4 involved multiple flights across the country. The trip was great, but the lead up to it was quite a disaster. I wanted to use up a flight $ credit for a holiday we’d cancelled (career changes, home renovation delays and unexpected baby on the way). Our cancellation policy was NO REFUND, but we could still use the $ value of the flights within 12 months of the original departure date – for 1 trip only. I found a small loophole though, it was still deemed to be the same trip, no matter how many stopovers we had before heading home. So, it was decided we would travel to an interstate Baptism, stay with family in the Hunter Valley and then head off to far north Queensland for a beach holiday. I arranged connecting flights in-between to save driving and hire cars. Sound fabulous?

Ok, so now I know – packing for multiple trips in different climates with 2 adults, a toddler and a baby is a pain. I, in fact, can’t do some things no matter how simple they may seem and yes, everything has changed since the kids came along. Apart from the travelling accessories, we needed; Baptism clothes and a gift, farm clothes and beach clothes. There were some unexpected annoyances too;
1. Shoes – too many to take, but what would we REALLY need (good shoes, heels, runners, gum boots, sandals, slippers, croc’s)?
2. Nappies and snacks. They take up more space than you’d think.
3. Presents – kind relatives showered our kids with gifts during the 1st stopover (all of which I now had to fit in the suitcase). I thought of posting some things home and probably should have.
4. Because it was our baby daughter’s 1st time meeting many of our family, I thought all the gorgeous baby girl gear was a necessity. She had so many cute outfits I couldn’t decide what she would need and I packed way too much for her.
5. Then of course my ‘dressy’ church Baptism-appropriate dress could not accommodate breastfeeding (without ripping off an arm or hiking up my skirt). It was awkward. When I look back now I wonder why I didn’t just race out and grab myself some new clothes…then I remember – no time and no inclination!

I left the final pack too late – with a slow burn that somehow led up to the night before our early flight. Nothing fit in the suitcase, the kids got sick and I couldn’t get them to sleep. I wondered why I was bothering at all. In the end, I wore the same clothes and shoes most of the trip. In a last minute (tired) effort to get the suitcase closed – I took out most of my things.

The good news is I’m fine with packing now. I think sometimes when you’re busy or tired it manifests itself into something. With me, it was packing for this trip. I think it was my way of telling myself I was a bit over everything. Even the thought of a holiday seemed exhausting! I’ve learned though, that with any family travel, we can’t expect everything to go smoothly. I love the expression “plan for the worst, expect the best”. On another note, my eldest son (now aged 4) has just asked me “why are there no pockets in underpants?” So I guess I’d better give that some thought now!

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Air New Zealand website update

By Travel Toddler on June 30, 2010

Great news for CARES users flying Air New Zealand!

Though the CARES is approved for use with Air NZ, we have been canvassing the airline to update their child restraint policy online, to specifically mention CARES.  Today they have advised they will be doing so,  joining other local airlines such as V Australia and Qantas.

Slowly but surely it’s becoming easier for young families to travel safely, and we’re progressing one airline at a time, and are thrilled with this result. Well done Air New Zealand!  I’ll attach a link when it’s available.

Donna

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CARES -tray tables, Qantas & Jetstar

By Travel Toddler on June 29, 2010

Sharon said: June 29th 2010 10:06 AM

Do you know if the cares harness goes under or over the tray tables on the jetstar planes (domestic flight) as I think their setup is a little different to Qantas planes

We flew Qantas with it last time and while we had to argue several times that it was safe to use as the hostesses had never seen them before we were finally fitted ok, lucky we took the letter from CASA with us!

Do you have any tips for getting the info on the booking and then not having to repeat yourself a thousand times at the airport and again on the plane

Many thanks

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: June 29th 2010 2:13 PM

Hi Sharon,

I haven’t had any problems installing the CARES on Jetstar (I regularly fly domestic to visit family). I’ve also listed the related Q&A, from the manufacturers website, at the end of this post. 

That’s great that you were able to use it on Qantas. I’m sorry you had to be persistent though, that can be tiring! I have been using it for 2 years+, mainly on Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. I would say I have had no problems. When boarding I explain I have a CARES harness & I carry the CASA letter with my boarding pass. If they look bewildered I explain that it is fully CASA/FAA approved & show them the letter. I suggest that I will install it and invite them back to have a look at it then. Once they see it they have been fine (even complimentary) about it.

I would say though that the recognition with the flight crew is certainly improving. I have been told the flight crew are trained on its use, but it depends on when they last did the training etc. Also, we’ve successfully worked with Qantas to update their website, which now specifically mentions CARES. This can be seen here under Child Restraint Devices; http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/travelling-with-children-infants/global/en. Your next Qantas flight should be easier!

With relation to Jetstar, we recently had a Little Gulliver customer phone us, after some frustrating Jetstar phone calls. She was wanting to get the CARES listed on her flight booking, as you have mentioned. So, we put it to the test and phoned ourselves (we have a Jetstar trip coming up). We explained it is CASA/FAA approved and TOLD them to add it to the booking as we WILL be using it. This may sound a bit harsh, but as it is fully approved I feel confident in doing this. So, I guess my tip is to sound confident, stress that it is fully approved, manufactured by Amsafe and that you will be using it. Please add it to the booking! Having said that, I’ve used it and never (until now) had it added to the booking. But I can see that it could make it easier.

There is a happy ending though. We canvas the airlines regularly about updating their policies and websites to get the information out there and make life easier for us all. Jetstar has been our main focus in previous months and there is some good news coming up!  Watch this space.

Finally though, I have generally been able to use CARES without flight crew barely giving it a second glance. Sometimes I think their main concern is doing their final check (before takeoff) and noting that the waist belt is done up and that our bags are stowed correctly! 

I’ve waffled a bit, but I hope it helps & let us know how you go. Comments from other users most welcome.

Regards,

Donna

Here’s a copy of a Q&A on the Kids Fly Safe website. It can be located at http://www.kidsflysafe.com/faqs;

Q. Does CARES affect the operation of the tray behind the child’s seat?

A. No. Ensuring that CARES did not adversely affect the functionality of the tray was an important FAA criteria for certifying CARES. The tray is lowered for only a minute while the red webbing loop is adjusted around the seat, and then is closed and locked in place, covering up the CARES loop. CARES does not affect the functioning or use of the tray.

In some older style seats found occasionally on small planes, the tray fits into a plastic cavity with recessed sides. In these the CARES red loop, when pulled taut, could prevent the tray from closing securely. In this case, the CARES loop should be installed around the seat and OVER the stowed tray for taxiing, turbulence, take off, and landing. (See FAA Advisory Circular 120-87A “Use of Child Restraints on Aircraft”, which can be found in the “In-flight Documents” section of this website.)

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Installing a CARES – step by step guide

By Travel Toddler on June 28, 2010

Kylie said: June 28th 2010 8:37 AM

Hi

I am very interested in the CARES travel harness for my 2 yo. However it looks like the harness would effect the lowering of the tray for the passenger seated behind my daughter. Is this a possibility or has this been taken into account in the design?

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: June 28th 2010 2:42 PM

Hi Kylie,

Good question, it does look like it could effect the tray table & you’re not the first to ask! Actually, you do lower the tray table behind your child’s seat while installing, as you suggested. After the red strap is in place the tray table can then be closed again, over the strap. It actually doesn’t impede the use of the tray table at all and has been extensively tested by the manufacturer.

I’ve included a step by step installation guide below, with some photo’s. I’m hoping the photo’s make it easier to understand than my rambling! 

Also, you may be interested in a previous post which shows video of how it is installed. It can be viewed here http://traveltoddler.com.au/2010/05/installing-a-cares-video-2/. The installation part begins at around 1.40 minutes into the video.

 
Step One:
Seat your child in the aeroplane seat they will occupy.
Step Two:
Lower the tray table behind your child’s seat.
Step Three:
Slide the RED LOOP of the CARES restraint over the seat back, adjust the height of the RED LOOP so it is just above your child’s shoulders and tighten it. Then close the tray table (covering the Red Loop).
Step Four:
Place the BLACK SHOULDER STRAPS over your child’s shoulders. Slide both ends of the aeroplane seat belt through the loops at the bottom. 
Step Five:
Buckle the seat belt and pull it snugly across your child’s lap, as you normally would do. Then buckle the chest clip (adjust the height – so it fits comfortably over your child’s chest if necessary). 

That’s it, the CARES is installed! CARES is recommended for kids in their own seat weighing between 10 – 20 kilos and up to a metre tall. It is certified for used during all phases of flight; taxiing, take off , cruising and landing.

Anything I’ve missed or any other comments are most welcome.

Regards,

Donna

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CARES for Special Needs Kids

By Travel Toddler on June 26, 2010

Are you Flying with a child who has Special Needs?

If your child has a disability that requires hauling a brace to provide upper body support in an aeroplane seat, you know what a hassle it is to make arrangements months in advance with the airline. And you have to do it again before each subsequent trip! Check with your child’s physician or physical therapist to determine if the CARES child aviation restraint provides sufficient upper body support for your child. If it does – no more having to make arrangement weeks or months in advance with airlines because CARES is already certified for kids 10-20 kilos for all phases of flight. So, just book your flight, carry your CARES on board in your pocket or purse, install it on any seat in one minute. And know that your child is secure for taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing.

Is your Special Needs Child larger than 20 kilos and taller than 1 metre?

If so and if CARES provides sufficient upper body support (check with your physical therapist or physician) you can still use CARES. In the USA, the FAA has approved the use of CARES with special needs children as long as the child sits in a seat where no one behind him/her would have to brace against it in the event of turbulence. Effectively, this means the row in front of the bulkhead – the last row of any section of the plane. Australian CASA guidelines generally reflect those of the FAA. So if CARES is suitable for your child - remember to book the last row and install the CARES on any seat in that row.

For more information:

We have found CARES has brought great relief and has been successful in making travel easier for many Australian families with a special needs child. Remember though, CARES does not have a crotch strap which has meant it may not be suitable for some children. For more information or to discuss if CARES may be suitable for you, please contact us. We welcome your comments.

Please note, some information for this post was sourced from www.KidsFlySafe.com. And for more great kids travel items and purchase of CARES in Australia / New Zealand please visit our online store at www.LittleGulliver.com.au.  

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NTSB supports Aeroplane Child Restraints

By Travel Toddler on June 14, 2010

American NTSB Safety Alert urges parents to use Child Restraint Devices on Aeroplanes

May 28, 2010

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) today issued a Safety Alert to advise parents of the dangers to young children on aircraft when not restrained in an approved child restraint system or device. The Safety Alert notes that preventable injuries and deaths have occurred in children younger than 2 years who were unrestrained.

Specific child passenger safety issues on aircraft include the likelihood that parents and caregivers may not be able to maintain a secure hold on a lap-held child during turbulence and survivable accidents. Additionally, unrestrained children have become separated from their parents during survivable crashes and parents were unable to locate them during the evacuation.

“As the summer travel season gets underway, the NTSB would like to remind families traveling with children that child restraints are the best way to keep youngsters safe – whether traveling by car or air,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “While the NTSB would still like to see a federal regulation requiring the use of child restraints on aircraft, we continue to recommend that, when traveling by air, all parents purchase an airline ticket for every child in the family and place each child in a size-appropriate restraint system to ensure that everyone travels safely.”

The Safety Alert can be found on the NTSB website here: http://ntsb.gov/alerts/SA_015.pdf. Additional information about past NTSB safety recommendations on child passenger safety on aircraft can be found on the website here: http://ntsb.gov/aviation/aviation.htm

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CBS report – Safety for Lap Held Children

By Travel Toddler on June 14, 2010

When you’re watching this – remember it is a US report. Lap held children in the USA are completely unrestrained. Infants on Australian aircraft are by law required to be held in a lap belt which is attached to the parents seat belt. The report they refer to is by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The CARES harness is suitable for children from 10 – 20 kilos and up to a metre tall.

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What the blogs are saying about CARES

By Travel Toddler on May 24, 2010

We keep an eye on some of the local blogs, here’s what people are saying about CARES;

Bub Hub

Wont let me take a car seat onto the plane!

http://www.tas.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=288269&page=3

Flying Qantas from US with a carseat or CARES?

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?p=4558135

Essential Baby

Child restraint / car seat on flight

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t693528.html

ido.com.au

Toddlers on flights, Did anybody use a CARES harness?

http://community.i-do.com.au/index.php?showtopic=135569

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Video – Installing a CARES

By Travel Toddler on May 23, 2010

Here’s a video showing some information and how to install a CARES. It’s a US video, so keep the metric conversions of 10-20 kilos and up to a metre in mind. There may be no Academy Award imminent, but it covers the topic well. If you’ve never seen a CARES in action, its worth a look.

CARES is available in Australia/New Zealand at www.LittleGulliver.com.au

 

Before you travel, I also recommend practising installing a CARES on a dining chair at home. While doing so you can adjust the shoulder straps to fit comfortably across your child. When you’ve done this and are comfortable with how to install the harness, extend the red strap a little (as you will be placing this around the plane seat). This leaves fewer adjustments to do on the day.

I love how calm and relaxed the kids are in the video…I’m still hoping for a trip like this!

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Choosing an aeroplane seat

By Travel Toddler on May 18, 2010

Obviously there are many seating options. I saw one helpful website suggest First or Business class as a best option – well theres a suprise! Anyway, while travelling BC (before children) you may not have minded where you sat. But when travelling with a toddler, you may have some additional considerations. I’ve looked at these below. 

Your airline may be able to recommend which seating will suit your family’s needs. I also love Seat Guru, a website for travellers which explains the interiors and amenities of different planes. Once you know the model of plane you will be travelling in check www.seatguru.com. You may be able to work out where you would like to sit based on where the toilets are, change tables etc. Generally, with kids,  it is recommended to sit at the front of the plane if you can. This gives you less juggling down the aisles, you are more likely to be fed first and are close to the amenities.

Bulkheads

The aircraft bassinettes are generally attached to the bulkheads. This area also provides the extra oxygen masks necessary for infants and toddlers not in their own seats. Although there is extra leg room, often the armrests do not go up – which may make it more difficult for toddlers to get comfortable. Look out for movie screens, which may be on the wall in front of you and difficult to see. And with no under seat storage for carryon bags, all of your luggage has to be accessed from the overhead locker.

Aisle

If you don’t buy a seat for your child, perhaps choose an aisle seat so you can easily reach around and get to amenities. If there is a spare seat, sit on the aisle with the child next to you, blocking them in. There is much less temptation for a wander up and down the aisle and still plenty of other passengers to stare at! Just watch your elbows or childs head on those food carts.

Back

Be aware that some back row seats may be fixed, therefore are not able to recline or fix a CARES to. Some back rows do not have windows and it can also be a noisy area if close to the engines. For long haul flights, watch out for a block of toilets where passengers may queue while you’re trying to get someone off to sleep. 

Emergency row

Yes more legroom, but not an option when travelling with small children. Most airlines require passengers to be over 18.

Centre aisle

A good choice for families travelling together, if you can fit in one row and don’t miss a window. It can potentially give you 2 exit point to the amenities via the left or right aisle. More of a roomy feel? Maybe!

Split in front and behind

Maybe not a good option if one of your party has a lap child, especially a baby. I’ve travelled with my husband and two kids both in front and behind me at times (while I’ve nursed our baby). I found it annoying as its hard to communicate to the rest of the family and difficult to ask for something if the baby is settling. This situation also makes it more difficult to pass the baby to someone while you eat. I do like this option, however, for travelling with other families, friends or grandparents. It allows for a little “privacy”, some movement and perhaps the adults can briefly swap for a bit of time out from the kids row.

Split across the aisle

For larger families travelling together this is a great option. I prefer this myself as I can see all the kids and it makes communication with them and my partner a little easier.

Near the galley and toilets

This can be convenient, especially if you want a bottle warmed or will be making frequent trips to the bathroom (ours love the excuse of a jaunt to the toilet on planes). Our kids also love the food available as there is a good chance of a sweet biscuit or an ice cream!

Window

In Far North Queensland recently, we discovered our 2 year old doesn’t like heights. She was seated by the window in a 13 seater aircraft. Fortunately she fell asleep quickly, but missed the spectacular view! In the larger planes this shouldn’t be a problem. I still think there is little reward for a view with toddlers (unless you have all the seats in a row), especially if you’ve just started potty training and/or are on a longer flight.

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CARES vs. Car Seats

By Travel Toddler on May 16, 2010

kate said:   May 9th, 2010 2:09 pm

we are travelling 12 hours on a plane overseas with our toddler who doesnt sleep and gets hyper. She has her own seat this time but we cannot decide whether to look into bringing her car seat or not . We are thinking of buying the wheels accessory to push her in the airport . But we cannot decide to go this route or buy a safety harness instead. Would love some feedback . I suppose we need to be sure both airlines accept car seats . thank you .

Donna @ Travel Toddler said:   May 9th, 2010 5:25 pm

Hello Kate,

CARES vs. car seats on planes: CARES is superior to a carseat when travelling with toddlers on planes* and I see it as the best alternative.

I dont like the idea of taking the seat out of the car, making sure its fitted back in correctly and then the potential of damage to the seat in transit. I like that CARES fits directly onto the aircraft seat and allows it to flex as intended, while supporting the childs upper torso. And, its light and fits in my carry-on luggage! This is why I created my business (Little Gulliver) and brought the CARES to Australia*.

Some people use a car seat believing their children will sleep better in them, as they do in a car. Others say they wont use car seats on planes again as the child has been uncomfortable. Many times the airline seat cant recline with the car seat in it, the tray table can’t lower over the childs legs, I’ve heard of angry fellow passengers as the child can kick the back of the seat in front! I guess the main problem is that once you have the car seat on board there isnt really an option to remove it if things go awry.

I’ve never had any problem with my children sleeping in a CARES, remembering that plane travel is never that pleasant for everyone anyway. We alway’s take the standard snacks, activities and soft toys from home and hope for the best. I think a good place to start is to see if your particular car seat is approved by your airlines, as you mentioned. Many makes and models are not, while Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways don’t allow car seats at all. Also, consider a travel stroller as an option if you do want wheels at the airport. There are some great travel strollers around (we use a Quicksmart) and Ive heard of people buying cheap umbrella strollers to use (strollers on planes though starts a whole new conversation)!

Thank you for your questions and feedback, I hope my comments help.

Happy Mothers Day to all!

Donna

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Flying With Babies

By Travel Toddler on May 15, 2010

Flying With Babies

Booking a Basinet
Check with your airline if you can book a bassinet. This may not be possible though, as not all airlines or planes have them. Also, there are a limited number of them available, so book early if a bassinet is really important to you.

Each basinet is quite different from each other and have different features. The one pictured here has straps to hold the infant in place, others have a stretchy netting which is pulled over the babies torso.

Also, check the weight limits of bassinettes with your airline. They vary. When planning future travel, the Child and Maternal Health graphs are handy at estimating your childs likely weight at a certain age

Lap restraints
Under 2 years, your baby is considered a “lap child”. In Australia this means the child is to be seated on your lap and a lap restraint is given to you for use by the airline. To use you must adjust your own seat belt and loop the babies belt through, then fasten and loop around your baby. Some airlines will let you purchase a seat for a child under 2 years at a reduced rate.

The lap belt provided by our airlines is not used in many overseas countries, where car seats and more recently the use of CARES is more common. Local authorities don’t see that a carseat provides adequate protection for a child on a plane, as the car seat cannot be bolted onto the seat as in cars.  

How to Help Babies Unblock their Ears?
Babies cannot intentionally pop their ears, but popping may occur if they are sucking on a bottle or pacifier. Feed your baby during the flight, and do not allow him or her to sleep during descent. Children are especially vulnerable to blockages because their Eustachian tubes are narrower than in adults.

Reference; The American Academy of Otolaryngology
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/earsAltitude.cfm

A word on Baby B’Air
Some consider, in an emergency situation that this restraint is no more ‘safe’ than the restraint already provided by our airlines. Don’t be confused by o/s blogs that talk about this product, as US airlines do not provide the lap restraint we have in Australia. Also, the Baby B’Air is NOT able to be used during take-off and landing.  

CASA article
‘Baby On Board, Parents Flying with Babies Face Tough Decisions’
http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/fsa/2004/feb/62.pdf
This article by Helen Waddington goes through the alternatives and the myriad of confusion that exists for parents. Little has changed since this article was published in ‘Flight Safety Australia’ in 2004.

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What is a CARES Harness?

By Travel Toddler on May 15, 2010

CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

Have you heard of CARES? Its a harness type restraint manufactured by AMSAFE, one of the world leading aircraft seatbelt manufacturers. It takes the worry many of us have about flying with children on planes. We use ours regularly on Qantas and Jetstar. However, it is approved by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) for use on Australian planes and other countries all over the world. 

If you’ve ever considered that our kids need car seats in cars, but only lap belts on planes, then you may have been as confused as I was. This is how I found the CARES! Invented by a US grandmother, the CARES protects the child upper torso by a secure harness which is attached to the aircraft seat. The aircraft seat belt goes through the bottom loop. 

It is not designed to keep children in the chairs (although this can be an added benefit), it is specifically designed for safety in turbulence or an emergency situation. (It is also not for use in cars).

The other alternative to a CARES is a carseat. However, there are many difficulties in having your carseat approved for use on the aircraft and there are no bolts (as in cars) to secure it. Other parents suggest their kids aren’t as comfortable during long haul trips in their carseat, while others report difficulty using the tray table and other irate passengers who can’t recline their seat in front of them.

If you’re flying and your child is in the recommended weight limit of 10 – 20 Kilos and up to a metre tall then the CARES may be for you.

More information is available at www.kidsflysafe.com. The product is available locally in Australia and New Zealand at www.LittleGulliver.com.au.

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