BABY B'AIR FLIGHT SAFETY VEST (By Baby B'Air)
I never felt the need for a product like this more than when I recently traveled to Europe to visit my parents. It was my husband, my daughter (who is 4), my son (who is 2 1/2) and my little 13 month old making the trip. The older kids got their own seats as per the international airliner's rules and regulations, but my youngest was flying as a "lap-child".
According to FAA regulations, all forms of devices other than approved car seats are banned during takeoff, taxi and landing. But this FAA rule change doesn't prohibit the use of the Baby B'Air® during the cruise portions of the flight.
So upon my return, I committed to researching options in the market and came across Baby B'Air. The only safety solution for lap held babies. It's worn by the infant like a vest. It is placed over the child's head, and secured by adjustable straps on both sides under the baby's arms. The third strap comes from behind, between the baby's legs, and buckles to the front with another adjustable strap. The excess straps Velcro neatly to the vest so that there are no loose straps. Oh, if only I had something like this during my 9 1/2 hr flight especially when I felt like nodding off or we hit a bit of turbulence!
I mentioned this to a friend and she told me that the german airliner she usually flies offers an additional seatbelt attachment for babies, but it seems that the one I was traveling on (a US carrier did not) and most actually don't so this is a great option for parents. I was then fortunate enough to receive one to test out and was very pleased.
I used it on a local domestic flight and it was great. The applicable FAA regulation that I mentioned above, known as a CFR, is clearly marked on the back of each vest and in the card that comes with the vest for the benefit of the parent and flight personnel. I brought the card with me so there would be no question as to my ability to use the vest during the cruise portion of the flight and the flight attendant was good with it. My hands were free during the flight and my baby girl was secure.
What didn't change was that during take off, landing and taxi I still had to hold my baby myself. Still don't get why this is. I guess the thinking is that having a child restrained on you would cause more harm than good should anything happen. But I digress...
Definitely consider this if you travel often with your infant. They're moderately priced and come in 2 sizes: Small which has a neck opening of 16" and is made for babies up to 6 months) and Large which has a neck opening of 19 "and can be used with kids up to 2 yrs of age. For more info visit Baby B'Air.
Product Review Submitted By: Empowered Mommy Ivanna