I feel like I had a thread about this last year, too, but the circumstances have changed a bit. August is the annual Muppet family reunion in New Hampshire. Last year, we all flew up. Andrew was a lap kid at that point. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't too bad. He did like to kick the seat in front of him, so that was a challenge. Well, this year, he's two. He'll need his own seat. Andplusalso, DH won't be coming with us. That leaves little ol me to handle the flight with a spirited two year old. I was planning on bringing his car seat and strapping him in. BUT, it's a hassle to carry that, push the stroller, etc. Plus, the car seat would put his feet closer to the seat in front of him and lead him to kick even more. Well, we have access to a safe car seat on the other end, so I thought about skipping it. I just don't know how Andrew would handle in just the regular seat.
Have any of you used a CARES harness? Likes? Dislikes? Suggestions for something else? Halp!
Post by travelingturtle on May 4, 2014 15:35:25 GMT -5
I'm an odd case in that we haven't had issues with car seats, so I try to use them when we can. But, they're a pain to deal with. My son hates the cares, but had he loved it and sat calmly without escaping, it would have been great. I vote for you to get it, see how it goes, and if he doesn't like it try it again each time you fly. The resell value is decent. The other option is he likes it - even better!
I also recommend talking to him about flying expectations and getting him some fun books about flying so he knows what to expect. My son, who tends to be a maniac most of the time, actually does surprisingly well on most flights now.
I also recommend talking to him about flying expectations and getting him some fun books about flying so he knows what to expect. My son, who tends to be a maniac most of the time, actually does surprisingly well on most flights now.
I'm going to try that, but he JUST turned two and he has ASD. His receptive language is a little behind and I'm not sure he really gets it at this point.
Maybe I should bring my own car seat, but check it with the luggage. That way, if the harness is a total waste on the flight there, I have a backup for the flight back. I don't know.
We have used them. We bought 2 for our kids and then sold them on ebay after they were too big. I liked them. I was so nervous about fitting the car seat in the seat and then the kids kicking the seat in front of them. They were convenient and the kids liked them. I will say it was sometimes awkward telling the person behind you that you needed to undo their tray table to strap it on (hee).
edited to add: we also had bags of goodies to keep them occupied on the flight (5 or 6 different things, including triangle crayons so they wouldn't roll away) and videos.
Post by travelingturtle on May 6, 2014 5:22:51 GMT -5
Yeah, you never know if talking about it will help - but, it doesn't hurt. You also don't know if past experiences are any indication of future behavior, so I try not to get too excited and assume my son will be well-behaved just because he has been. If you think it's something he'd like, sit him next to the window.