We recently tested our new CARES belts on a flight from Miami to Dallas (we purchased one from Kids Fly Safe, and they provided a complimentary one for review purposes). They worked just as easily and effectively as advertised. We didn’t have to lug aboard our car seats, yet the boys were still well-secured for take-off and landing.

They didn’t wear the belts much during the flight – they’re toddlers after all. But we did fasten them in again udring some turbulence.  As the boys get older and more willing to sit still, they can wear them for most of the flight.

Both CARES belts fit into the small outer pocket of one of backpacks, which was nice because when traveling with small children, space is at a premium (diapers! snacks! wipes! books! toys! more snacks! sippy cups! extra outfit! crayons! and even more snacks!). We slipped each belt over the back of the seat, then connected it to the airplane seat belt. Then the belts were just as easy to remove.

One flight attendant did ask us if the belts were FAA approved, which they are – and they’re made by the same company as most standard airplane seat belts.

Jonah wasn’t taking any chances, though. He still studied the emergency exits closely before takeoff:

We’ll be using the CARES belts several more times this year – I’ll keep you posted as to how they work, especially on overnight flights!

If you fly with young children, these are well-worth the investment. For more information, visit the Kids Fly Safe web site.