All Posts – Little Gulliver

Using a Standard or Special CARES aviation harness in Australia / New Zealand

The Standard CARES is pre-approved by most local airlines for children weighing 10-20kgs and up to 102cm tall and who are capable of sitting upright alone in a forward facing position. It can be used in most seats except Exit rows and where seats have airbags installed.

The Special CARES requires individual approval for use by each airline prior to flights and was designed for larger special needs flyers above 147cm tall.

When looking to use either CARES harness for a flyer above the 10-20kg/102cm range you are effectively requesting an exemption from an Airline’s standard Restraint Devices policy.

This normally starts with talking to the Airline customer service teams and explaining your particular needs and why you’d like to use the CARES harness. Seek to have the CARES harness usage noted on your booking details.

Users seeking these exemptions should then be seated in the rows immediately in front of a plane bulkhead where no passengers are situated behind them. This allows the CARES to be set up at a taller height without impacting passengers behind.

Key Points:

The standard CARES child aviation restraint is FAA approved for children up to 20kgs and approx 102cm tall.
The standard CARES has been accepted for use by CASA (Australian aviation authority) and the majority of Australian based airlines. The Airlines reference CARES directly or indirectly on their websites in the Child Restraint Device policies. See our listings here at Little Gulliver Airline Child Travel Policies page
The US inventor of CARES has advised us that the standard CARES harness can actually fit a flyer up to 4 foot, 10 inches tall (147cm) and 80lbs (36kgs).
For flyers outside these parameters, a Special CARES is also available (on request to Little Gulliver) that has longer shoulder straps to fit adult size flyers taller than 147cm.
When using either the standard or special CARES and being above the standard 20kg/102cm parameters, the traveller needs to be seated in the row directly in front of a bulkhead to ensure there is no seat behind theirs. This then allows the CARES main red anchor strap to be set up at the appropriate level for their height and not impact any traveller behind.
The main challenge in using either the standard or Special CARES for flyers above 20kgs/102cm will be asking the airline for approval, having this noted on the booking and ensuring an ‘in front of bulkhead’ seat is allocated.

There should be no need for the airline to assist in the setting up of the unit when onboard.

We’ve been told that the CARES harness is a better fitting and less bulky unit than the traditional special needs harness the airlines allocate. The airline units tend to be aimed at adult size flyers.

The customer service team may need to be pointed to their own web policies on the use of certain Child Restraint Devices and this can prove to be frustrating at times. CARES is a unique device, the only harness of its type fully tested and approved for use on aircraft and so they may be unfamiliar with it.

The US CARES manufacturer also states the following on their FAQ page. It is based on US regulations, but may help explain to staff how CARES is being used globally.

Can CARES be used for children with special needs?

CARES has been used successfully by many children with special needs. Parents should check with their physician or physical therapist to determine whether CARES provides sufficient upper body support for their child. If it does, parents need make no special or advance arrangements with the airline– just carry the CARES on board and install it as directed. Abilitations, a comprehensive catalog for equipment for children with special needs now carries CARES in their catalog, see www.abilitations.com.

Can CARES be used for special needs children who are over the 44 lb weight and 40 inch height limitations?

If your special needs child is over the weight/height limitation for which CARES is currently certified, and your child’s medical advisor thinks CARES is an appropriate restraint, you can request an “Exemption” (from current regulations) from the FAA so you can use it. Larger special needs youngsters who are granted this exemption will be seated in the last row of a section of the plane, so no one sits behind the child who might brace against that seat. The FAA exemption will be valid on all US airlines.

Over the years we’ve had a number of Australian customers query the use of CARES for a special needs flyers and reach agreement with their airline that they will use the CARES.

Success appears to come down to how helpful the airline wishes to be and speaking to the right airline staff.

To purchase a Standard CARES please see the Little Gulliver CARES harness listing here

Please note the Special CARES is not available for general purchase. It’s important to discuss an individual’s needs and ensure the right CARES is matched to your requirements.

Please contact Little Gulliver on 03 9824 6770 or email to discuss further.

Puzzle to Go – perfect for trains and planes!

As a kids travel store, it is always exciting to discover a new product which fills a gap in our offering. Mudpuppy bring us some of our favourite kids travel journals, but we have recently expanded our range to include the ‘Puzzle to go – airplane’.

Such a cute puzzle, it would be perfect if the only travel it did was from the bedroom to the family room…however, it comes complete with its own drawstring bag and is destined for travel further afield!

Age 3+

Packaging Size; approx H 16 cm, W 13 cm, D 3 cm

Puzzle size; 30.5 x 23 cm

Details;

drawstring bag
36 pieces
greyboard puzzle 90 % recycled, packaging 70% recycled
printed with non toxic inks

It depicts a happy animals travel scene. The red aeroplane is piloted by a bird, with other furry passengers enjoying the view. Don’t forget to send the included postcard to a friend or maybe even post it home to greet you when you get back from your trip!

In stock now at Little Gulliver.

Need a travel table? Check out the Playette – Kids travel tray.

How American Airlines got it wrong…

I read an article this morning on an American consumer affairs blog ‘Consumerist‘. A family have described their recent experience (not) using the CARES Harness on American Airlines with their 2.5 year old. (Local Australian families may also have experience with American Airlines due to their links with Qantas and the Oneworld alliance of airlines).

The article explains that the child was safely secured in their CARES restraint, when support crew decided it was a problem. The family emphasised its FAA approval and noted they had used it on their 11 previous flight legs. Unhelpful crew informed them “the pilot refuses to take off while the child is restrained”. With the only other option of leaving the aircraft, the family felt pressured to hold their child as a lap child during take off and landing.

This story reminds me of the early days with CARES back in 2007, where we were still trying to inform the airlines of the existence of CARES (yes, even though it was approved for use on airlines internationally). Airlines at the time explained to us that the product was being discussed and demonstrated to crew members in their training updates. Slowly, during travel with our kids (we had 3 under 2.5), we were questioned by crew less and less. Back then, we would carry the local CASA certification with us and in those early days, even provided a photocopy with all CARES sales on Little Gulliver. With our youngest now 7 we no longer use the device. However, we are proud of our efforts to inform the airlines of the CARES certifications and can boast that most Australian airlines now mention the CARES directly or mention it as an “FAA approved device” on their websites. We rarely (not in the last few years) hear of any airline push-back from our customers.

Here’s the link to the article which inspired today’s rant;

American Airlines Should Not Have Told Family They Couldn’t Use FAA-Approved Safety Harness

We have always found persistence pays with the big airlines, parents know best. I’ve always said a concerned parent is one of the best researchers on the planet – we know what is safe/approved for our children! And just for good measure -here’s the American Airlines policy for travelling with children (note the reference to FAA approved devices, which includes the CARES).

American Airlines are “continuing to review these allegations.”

Travel with Children – Tips from the raising children website

The ‘raising children’ website is always a handy go to when you have your first kids. Travel is no exception – they have a great section on travel with children that is worth a look before your first big trip…

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/travel_with_children.html

Travelling to family with your young kids

For those of us who live away from where we grew up, visiting family back “home” with your children is a wonderful thing. All of you get to experience new things, while your extended family get to see a sneak peak into your daily life. It can be crazy tiring though, because often your partner isn’t making the trip with you.

Help at hand?

Your family will want to help out though, but you’ll find yourself the go to person for everything from lunches to bath-time schedules. For those who live quite a distance from family, you have all the packing and organising to do beforehand and generally can’t rest during the trip because you may be sleeping with one eye open or catering to various needs.

On the other hand, you may have to completely relinquish all control over your little ones to someone who “knows best” and thinks you need a break. In all these scenarios, just be honest. You have the right to let people know how you wish your children to be tended to – especially when you are a new mum with your first children.

Getting to know the extended family

I love this blog post, it has some great ideas. I love the ‘family book’ idea – a book with pictures of the people you are taking your children to visit – worth a read http://www.ahaparenting.com/ask-the-doctor-1/visiting-family-at-holidays. For toddlers, it could be lots of fun to have a little photo album to look at while they are travelling. Maybe use a little masking tape below each picture and write the name of the family member.

Recently, my whole extended family got together and my children got to be part of their group of 13 cousins for the first time ever. (It made for an absolutely beautiful photo to see all the ‘kids’ aged from 6 to 34). Even though we spend a lot of time talking about Aunty’s and Uncles etc, one of the cousins wrote down all the names for my kids and who was part of who’s family. They were amazed. A partner thought it was quite cute when our youngest asked him “are you a cousin too?” They were able to check their list.

Making the journey

For me, travelling with babies was fun. I saw it as a great chance just to sit and cuddle – before they need solids its fairly simple. It can be difficult to comfort them sometimes though, that seatbelt sign can come on when you and your child dont want it. I found humming their favourite tune in their ear or busily turing pages of a favourite book is a good distraction. It is always a good idea to take any medications with you though, in case of any illness or discomfort. (Certainly have them in your suitcase – you don’t want to get to your destination sick and needing to hit the shops – ‘normal’ people don’t keep Children’s Panadol in their medicine cabinet)!

Toddlers are a different kettle of fish, as they are happy to let you and everyone else know when they aren’t happy. I try and stick to a program of food and various activities from drawing, to cards, to viewing movies.

Older than this they are happy to find an activity for themselves and will often assist if you have younger ones with you.

At all ages I would suggest letting them pick a favourite thing to carry, generally teddies travel with us on car and plane trips. Longer trips you may like to swap for something smaller or something with a toggle you can attach to a backpack. Have you seen our kimochis range)?

Once you are there

I generally arrive at my destination quite tired. Luckily we are generally picked up from the airport. Enthusiastic Aunty’s normally have various snacks and suprises ready in the car. After collecting our bags we normally head for the toilets. I try and pick a ‘family’ room, something like a changing room etc is ideal. I like this as I can keep track on each of the kids and while a nappy is being changed, someone can be on the toilet or washing hands etc. If you have to go into a cubicle, I have in the past made the kids stand right in front of the door and insist that I have to be able to see their their feet. I insist they not move from there. I have also learnt that with some kids, even if they say they don’t need to go, THEY DO and if you leave the toilets you’ll have to go back (no doubt you already know if you have one of these always busy types).

Routine suits the littlies

We try and stick to routine when we’re away and make the first one an early night if we can. Normally my kids have a bit of trouble getting to bed the first night or 2. They also share rooms when we’re away, so the older they get the more exciting this is. At toddler age (our 3 kids were born within 2.5 years) one liked a night light, while another didn’t, so sharing a room was a tad problematic (hence Little Gulliver stock the swivel night light ;).

And remember

I think the main thing is to just enjoy yourself and try to keep it about your family. I remember being appalled (when my kids were barely on solids), a well meaning distant relo presented them with a Giant Freddo each! ‘Thanks’, as you quickly put it away for years and years later. Also, you may want to really catch up with your loved ones, but once the kids are on the scene it may be a little different. While you may have found you could never finish a sentence at mothers group, it will be the same when you catch up with your mum and dad. Always try and cover the important issues when you can, particularly when you get to catch up with older family members. Photos…photos…photos…

The warm and fuzzy bit

Most of all, no-one will know much effort and how hard it is for you to make the visit – so just enjoy and be pleased that you are there. It will pay off for your children, as they grow, with regular visits. They will form some beautiful relationships and have precious memories. I’ve done this for my children and if you are like me, you will enjoy this post; 16 things only people who live away from their families will understand.

Make the effort when they are young, believe me – it does get easier. Happy travels!

Donna

‘Should babies and toddlers be required to fly in child safety seats?’

During a difficult first pregnancy I got to thinking about child safety when travelling. I spent a lot of time thinking about car seats and strollers and cots and child carriers and…. Then I started to think about the inevitable plane flights to visit relatives with bub. What about babies and toddlers on planes?

Fortunately I discovered the CARES harness and always travelled with these, finding them a simple alternative to travelling with a car seat. Like so many families I found myself with a baby and toddler in quick succession. Travelling on my own with them and a car seat + assorted baby paraphernalia as ‘carry on’ was not desirable for me. I got to thinking and after some more thinking during a flight to FNQ, Little Gulliver was born.

Although our children are now over the weight limits for the CARES, it still interests me how difficult it is to come across information for those parents who asked the same questions I did. While as a mum and a business owner I certainly do not want to alarm anyone, I’ll give some links below of an interesting article I have just read. Carrying a CARES or even a car seat on board is an option worth considering.

Please contact us with an questions or comments. We are always happy to hear from our customers!

Donna

http://fox59.com/2014/11/20/should-babies-toddlers-be-required-to-fly-in-child-safety-seats/
http://childseats.weebly.com/
https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/

CARES harness in Qantas Business and Economy Class

Sent: Monday, 14 July 2014 9:47 PM
Name: Fiona
Message:

Please can you confirm if this can be used with Business Class seats & do you know if it is approved for use on Qantas flights. Many thanks – Fiona

**************************************************************

Hello Fiona,

Thank you for your CARES harness query.

Yes, we have customers using the CARES in both economy and business class with Qantas and most other local and international airlines daily. The type of seat restrictions we have seen in place are typically:

– CARES not to be used in Exit rows and
– no seats that have built in air bags.

The Qantas Child Safety Seat policy stating CARES is pre-approved for use onboard is located here:

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/travelling-with-children-infants/global/en

If you have any concerns, we always recommend contacting the airline to confirm the seat configuration on your particular flight.

The key with business class seats is being able to access the rear of the seat to install the CARES main red anchor strap.

source:www.qantas.com.au

CARES harness on Emirates

Name = Megan
Sent: Wednesday, 20 November 2013 3:21 PM
Comments = Hi there We are flying to Europe in December on Emirates. I am not clear if the CARES harness is acceptable by them? Can you please advise?

***********************************************************

Hello Megan,

Thanks for your CARES harness query.

Yes, CARES is a suitable child restraint device (CRD) for use on Emirates. It is FAA approved and complies with the Emirates requirement:

“Child restraint devices (CRD) approved for use in aircraft only by any Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Transport Canada may be used, if marked accordingly.”

The FAA approval is stitched onto the CARES unit and it also clearly states that the CARES is approved for use on aircraft. The diagram below shows where the FAA approval is stitched onto the main red anchor strap.

CARES and Air Asia premium flat bed seats

From: Sarah
Sent: Monday, 16 April 2012 8:51 PM
Subject: CARES harness

Hi
I was reading about the CARES harness and was wondering if you know if it fits the Air Asia premium flat bed seats?

***************************************************************************

Hello Sarah,

Thanks for your CARES query, the Air Asia premium flat beds look very comfy!

We’ve not had any specific feedback on CARES being used in these seats but there appears to be no reason why they shouldn’t work.

The CARES is highly adjustable to fit larger and smaller children and different size airline seats including most of the new cocoon type economy and business seats. The key is having enough clear space to place the main anchor strap over the top of the seat and down to an appropriate level just above the child’s shoulders The diagram below appears to show there is clear space to place the CARES main red anchor strap.

source: http://www.airasia.com

CARES installation diagram:

(CARES red anchor strap will be installed approx midway down seat back and loops over the top of the seat.)

In bed formation, the CARES harness should still work and you will most likely need to loosen the shoulder straps to provide the extra length required while a child sleeps. The Air Asia bed format looks like this:

source: http://www.airasia.com

(Place CARES anchor strap as low down as possible and extend the shoulder straps)

Cares harness flying with air NZ and Aer Lingus

Name: Jude
E-Mail:
Sent: Tuesday, 6 December 2011 9:19 AM

Subject: Cares harness flying with air NZ and Aer Lingus
Message: Hi,I just purchased a Cares harness for long haul flight from New Zealand to Ireland with 2 children on my own.

I wanted to avoid lugging the bulky carseat around airports esp as I haven’t got the spare hands! Air NZ specify the cares harness but unsure of Aer lingus, where can I get a letter for crew if I come across any problems? Many thanks.

********************************************************************************

Hello Jude,

Thanks for your CARES query.

The best approach with Aer Lingus seems to be the approach followed by a customer recently on the USA CARES facebook page. Back in Sept 2011 they said they emailed Aer Lingus saying they were using the CARES and received the following email:

New Aer Lingus statement:
AMSAFE CARES harnesses are permitted on board, but not as the primary restraint. The harness must be used in conjunction with the aircraft seat belt.
Harnesses by other manufacturers such as CRELLING require special Irish Aviation Authority authorisation. This authorisation requires some extra time to arrange, therefore passengers who require such a harness should contact Aer Lingus special assistance; specialassistance@aerlingus.com as soon as possible in advance of the flight. The make and model of the harness should be included along with details of any other particular requirements.

The CARES customer then received a further Aer Lingus email:

“And my final follow up-Received an email this morning from aer lingus stating CARES is permitted and that cabin crew have now been made aware and given instruction on how to use it. This is from the Aer Lingus head office in Dublin.”

It’s also worth noting that Aer Lingus are not very clear with their car seat approval process either and seem to leave it at the discretion of the staff on the day. This is from their website:

“Please be advised that with the number and variety of infant car seats available on the market it is not possible for us to guarantee in advance that any particular seat is suitable for use. In the interests of safety, Aer Lingus reserves the right to refuse permission for the use of certain types of car seats on the aircraft or during take off and landing. In these circumstances the infant must be carried on the adult’s lap (under 2 years) or in a seat using the standard lap belt (2 years and over). Safety is always our first consideration.”

We’d recommend taking a copy of our airline list (attached) that shows what our local airlines say on their website about the approved use of CARES. Also, try and have it noted on your booking that you intend to use the CARES harness. Also, show any curious airline staff the tag on the CARES unit that states FAA approval and “Approved for Aircraft Use”.

Hope this helps, have a great trip.

Little Gulliver