Did you know that car booster seats can NOT be used on airplanes?   The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that when flying, children should be securely fastened in approved child restraint systems (CRS) until they reach 40 lb.  After that, children should be secured with the airplane seat belts to help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence.  Children with disabilities, even though they may be older, may also travel with special FAA-approved restraint seats.  Always check the label (like the one shown above) to ensure the seat is approved by the FAA.  There are several other types of approved label, and you can look them up on the FAA’s website.

You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the FAA.

It might seem a little counter-intuitive that an older child may not use a car booster seat on an airplane;  however, there is a sound reason for this:

A key concern for backless booster seats used in airplane seats is the combined effect of seat back breakover and impact of an adult seated behind the child. Booster seats may expose the child occupant to potential abdominal injury due to the combined effects of these forces.

Also, you may have noticed that the placement of airplane lap belts is a little different than in vehicles.  Even when children are quite small, these belts usually rest over their thighs, not their abdomen, the area likely to suffer internal injury in motor vehicle accidents.

So what should you do if you are taking your child’s booster seat on vacation?  Well, you have several options involving checking it in, which is what the FAA recommends;  however, we also suggest you call your airline before you leave on your trip, just to be aware of any unexpected rule changes or airport limitations:

• the airlines are usually quite accommodating towards families traveling with children and they recognize that they normally have a few more necessary items than other passengers.  Usually, the baggage rules are a little more relaxed.  For example, Southwest allows two items of travel equipment (walkers, child safety seats or collapsible playpens) to be checked and transported in substitution of one piece of the free baggage allowance for each fare-paying passenger at no charge.
• some compact booster seats may be small enough to fit inside your check-in luggage, reducing some of the stuff you have to keep track of.  This can be convenient if you are traveling with several children or if you have a lot of carry-on luggage.
• in some cases, it could be more convenient to gate-check your car seat, though you will have to carry it around the airport.
• you may check in your child seat separately.  If your child uses a booster seat to get to the airport, you can carry it to the check-in counter and ask for a plastic bag to put it in.  While these bags are usually made of tough plastic and you can strengthen them further by wrapping tape around them, you should be aware that your airline will not accept any responsibility for any damage  occurring en route.  If your journey involves several stops, you can expect your seat to experience a bumpy trip.  Typically, this kind of luggage is packed on the plane with other non-standard items (e.g. bicycles, musical instruments and skis), and depending on the airport, you may have to retrieve it in a separate area from the suitcases.

Do remember that however you decide to travel, your booster seat, as well as any strollers or other child items, are well labeled with your name and contact phone number.

Bon voyage!

]]> http://www.clekbuzz.com/2009/12/17/flying-with-booster-seats/feed/ 1 http://www.clekbuzz.com/2009/12/07/car-seat-options-on-holiday/ http://www.clekbuzz.com/2009/12/07/car-seat-options-on-holiday/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:30:47 +0000 clekbuzz http://www.clekbuzz.com/?p=527

With the holidays coming up, many families are making travel plans.   We’ve put together a couple of pointers in case you’ve been wondering how to factor child seats into your trip:

• If you’re traveling out of state, do check the child restraint laws before you leave.  For cross-border travel using your own vehicle, the rules may be slightly different than for local residents, though you may be allowed to bring your car seat from home  – do check before you leave.   For example, in you are traveling out of the country to Canada, visitors to Ontario are told that:

You must follow Ontario’s child car seat rules if you are transporting an infant or a toddler, regardless of where your vehicle is registered.  If you are traveling in a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction, you are exempt from the booster seat requirement for the first 30 days that you are in the province.

You may use a child car seat or booster seat from your home jurisdiction if traveling in a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction.  If driving an Ontario-plated vehicle, you must use a seat that fully complies with Ontario’s child car seat laws.

• If you are traveling to a location with less regulation than where you live, please think carefully about your child’s safety.   We highly recommend you do what’s best for your child, not just the minimum required by the law.
• If you’re renting a vehicle, you may be considering bringing your own child seat with you.  Your child may be more comfortable with a familiar seat, but it can be bulky to travel with, especially if your trip involves flying to a vacation destination first.  Some people prefer to rent one when they pick up their rental vehicle.  Most rental companies provide child seats, though the price tends to add up quickly.  With the fees some companies charge, you may even find yourself paying more than the cost of a brand new seat!  If you do decide to rent, it is a good idea make an advance reservation.  Be sure to tell them your child’s age and size so they provide you with the appropriate seat.
• Another option is to rent a carseat from an independent rental company, usually for a weekly fee.  Normally they will deliver the seat to you on arrival at your destination.  This could be a more cost-efficient option if you’re planning to be away for more than a day or two.  There are rental services in many locations throughout the USA – a search on the term “carseat rental” shows there are many different providers.  One drawback of renting equipment from a third party is that it’s impossible to know for certain whether the seat has been involved in any accidents.  Use your best judgment to ensure you are dealing with a reputable provider, and accept delivery only if you feel comfortable that the seat is appropriate for your child’s needs.
• One last idea if your child is almost ready to move on to a new seat:  why not retire your old one before you leave home and purchase that new car seat you already have your eye on, immediately after your flight lands?  If you do this, you might want to research which stores have it in stock before you leave home, so you don’t waste any time before your vacation truly gets underway.

What do you normally do on vacation?  Have some great tips for other families?  We’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below.

Valentine’s Day for school-aged kids can be a day to look forward to or a day to dread, especially when young hearts are involved. Before they hit the bus stop with Valentine’s Day cards, candy or treats, be sure to affirm your unconditional love. You can spark the love bug by trying one or more of the following heartfelt activities:

• Make heart-shaped pancakes for a special breakfast
• Put a love note in their lunch box telling your child what you love about them
• Make Valentine’s Day crafts together
• Set a fancy table and cook a Valentine’s Day dinner and/or dessert together
• Write a family love poem and frame it with a family photo

Valentine’s Day trivia
Did you know that Valentine’s Day is the second most popular holiday to give greeting cards? According to Hallmark, more than 188 million cards are exchanged annually on Valentine’s Day.