Traveling With Kids: Product Reviews

Traveling With Kids: Product ReviewsÂ

I reviewed these toppers in my last newsletter for their use around the house, and promised to review them in flight.
Well, these little toppers are wonderful in flight as well as at home.

The toppers are available as two toppers for different size water bottles or as a combo pack including a blue and yellow topper for water bottles and a green topper fitting most juice bottles.

These toppers prevent the liquid from spilling even if the bottle is tipped upside down.

Lil’ toppers are available for purchase at www.JetWithKids.com/product_carry

2. CARES HARNESSÂ

This product is my favorite travel product. Every time I fly I cannot believe what a difference this small 1 lb. harness has made in my life! No more lugging the car seat through the airport and sweating while I try to install it on the plane.

I had worried at first that my son wouldn’t be as comfortable (or able to sleep) as he is in his car seat.Â Actually, the opposite is true! He sleeps great and has more room to get comfortable than he did in the confined car seat.

Another gate agent and all the flight attendants today asked me how I liked the CARES harness. They were familiar with it as the airline industry has begun training employees on this new product.

Still, the gate agent said, “Oh that looks so great, but isn’t it like $300 or something?” The flight attendant asked, “Where can you buy one?” So there is still more training needed.

It sells for $74.95 and can be found here.

Believe me, the investment is worth it, and can make a huge difference in your flight experience.

The CARES harness is now approved for use on all US airlines, as well as Australian, and Israeli airlines.
Inventor Louise Stoll emailed this week stating that she has just returned from Europe, and she is working on obtaining approval from the European Union.

3. MAXXUM BACKPACK

This sturdy stand alone backpack made by Swiss Gear (the makers of the Swiss Army Knife) has 4 major pockets and a total of 13 pockets, a great variety of places to store the necessities for flight.

I travel with a laptop as well as a toddler, and this bag allows me to protect my computer as well as carry diapers, toys, food and drink on board. The padded shoulder straps are amazing for comfort and the small pocket at the top allows me to quickly reach my cell phone, wallet, and “surprise” toy if needed.

Since my camera is in action on all flights and airports, the side pocket is great for easy access. There is also a place for headphones of iPods/iTunes/MP3 players so that the electronic item can be stored safely inside the bag, with the
convenience of the headphone outlet for listening.

What also attracted me to this bag was the open pocket on the front, which I place our ziplock bags for security and the small essential pack used when we first sit down on the plane.

The bag that I reviewed is red and black, but it is also available in blue and gray. See www.JetWithKids.com/product_luggage for more information about purchasing this backpack which allows parents to travel hands free!

4. SWISS GEAR PATRIOT BAG

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This smooth rolling carry on bag looks more business than baby, but the 4 large pockets once again allow the business traveler to carry a laptop and baby’s supplies for carry on.

The largest compartment stores needed things such as the first aid kit, an extra pair of clothes, and diapers and wipes, while the middle compartment holds a laptop (with a separate removable laptop bag included).

The front large pocket is great for storing medical records, books, and toys and the front smaller pocket will keep all documentation in order as well as miscellaneous items.

The extra long handle which extends to your desired length folds away into another zippered compartment, and the bag
fits nicely into the overhead compartment. For smaller planes, remove the inside laptop bag to make the bag thinner.

I have found that this bag is nice by itself for shorter flights and a great combination to the backpack for those longer flights were more supplies are needed.

Many parents and grandparents are combining careers and family, so these bags are a great fit!

You can find this bag at www.JetWithKids.com/product_luggage

**For more travel product and service reviews, as well as photos of products in use,Â visit us at Â