The latest model RideSafer™ Travel Vest car seat has improved crash performance, restraint, portability, comfort and acceptance.

RideSafer™ is the smartest alternative to a booster seat you should carry for your child. It has IMPROVED CRASH PERFORMANCE, RESTRAINT, PORTABILITY, COMFORT, CONVENIENCE AND ACCEPTANCE.

IMPROVED CRASH PERFORMANCE

• The RideSafer™ Travel Vest car seat meets or exceeds the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. (FMVSS 213)
• It reduces head and knee excursion by allowing your child to sit directly on vehicle seat.
• It repositions the lap belt below the abdomen, protecting vital organs
• Reposition shoulder belt away from child’s neck
• The Travel Vest car seat is constructed from innovative energy absorbing components and the vest itself is designed to distribute the crash force over a wide area of the body and to decrease HIC(Head Injury Criteria).

IMPROVED DESIGN

• The RideSafer™ Travel Vest car seat repositions the shoulder belt away from a child’s neck
• It is constructed around an energy absorbing design
• It features a deformable multi-layered clip for the Top Tether System & Shoulder Belt Positioner
• It incorporates a foam, energy absorbing lamination
• It has reflective trim for low light conditions

IMPROVED RESTRAINT

• The top tether and the proper shoulder positioning provide improved upper body restraint.
• The vest positions the vehicles seat belts on your child in such a way that they move with the child, maintaining proper seat belt positioning.
• The vest is adjustable to fit growing children – with sizes extending up until children are able to fit adult vehicle seat belts.

PORTABILITY

• The vest can move with your child from one vehicle to another.
• It has been designed for use with vehicle lap-only belts or shoulder and lap seat belt systems.
• It is very lightweight, so it is very easy to pack for trips or vacations
• A child can continue to wear the travel vest car seat outside of the car, or a parent can easily carry it with them.

COMFORT

• The RideSafer™ Travel Vest car seat is made of soft fabric and padding (instead of hard plastics) for a comfortable fit,
• It has an djustable head pillow.
• It is also adjustable to fit growing children.

ACCEPTANCE

• The outward appearance of the travel car vest mimics an astronaut’s space suit, which appeals more to children based on market research.
• Children actually like to wear RideSafer™.
• Children have tended to show off to friends, rather than feeling embarassed to sit in a “Little Kids” booster seat.

KEY FEATURES

• Great for children outgrowing convertible CRS
• Has improved safety & design over currently available products
• The motor vehicle belts are positioned in front of the child
• Can be used in any rear seating position with a lap/shoulder belt or a lap only belt.
• It is light-weight, portable, compact and easy to use

RANGE OF DIMENSIONS
AGE	WEIGHT	HEIGHT
SMALL	30 TO 60 lbs	34 to 52 inches
3 – 6 YEAR OLD	(13.6-27.2 kg)	(86.4-132 cm)
LARGE	50 to 80 lbs	45 to 57 inches
5 – 8 YEAR OLD	(22.7-36.3 kg)	(114-145 cm)
PRODUCT USAGE
WEIGHT RANGE	LAP/SHOULDER BELT USAGE	LAP/TETHER BELT USAGE
SMALL 3 – 6 YEAR OLD	YES	YES
LARGE	YES	50-60 lbs: YES
5 – 8 YEAR OLD		Over 60 lbs: note*
*Note: Need special dual top tether, special order to manufacturer

The manufacturer further stated:

“A portable car seat is great for vacations or quick trips from home. It is easy to use, but still has all of the necessary features of a big time car seat. The Safety 1st Tote N Go DX works great with all models of car, it it a baby car seat which works with both the shoulder and lap belts to help create a five point safety harness. It allows the child to have movement, yet stay safe.

Weighing in at just four pounds, the Safety 1st Tote ‘n’ Go portable car seat is one of the most accessible and lightest in weight, it should only be used forward facing however. Children using the portable car seat from Safety 1st should also not exceed 40 lbs. With families constantly on the move it is certainly nice to have a reliable infant car seat for making travel easier. It’s great for taxi rides, carpooling and rental cars. The Tote N Go DX allows children to travel in comfort and parents to travel without worrying about lugging around a heavy car seat.

Safety 1st Tote ‘n’ Go portable car seat features

• Five-point harness for forward-facing 25-40 lbs.
• LATCH not required
• Weighs less than 4 lbs.Adjustable shoulder straps
• Durably constructed of fire retardant washable fabric
• NOT aircraft approved
• Dimensions: 2 x 9 x 15 in.
• Washable padding

However, here is a reality check. Essentially, the Tote ‘n’ Go portable car seat is a car seat without the base, armrests, and headrest. It was simply designed to be a portable, lightweight, and convenient car seat for families on the go.

Being light weight (under 4 lbs.) you would think that it would be easier to cart around during travel, especially when it is supposed to fit into a diaper bag – however, I have yet to get the Tote N Go portable car seat to fit into my XL diaper bag!

While the manufacturer claims that the Tote ‘n’ Go portable car seat is safe for children weighing between 25 and 40 pounds, it does not mention any minimum or maximum height restrictions and while the shoulder straps are adjustable (the only part of this seat that is), they do not adjust very well. It is almost impossible to get a nice snug fit where your child won’t be moving and sliding around in the seat, and with nor real side protection, we could not recommend this portable car seat at all!

WARNING:
This restraint system must only be used in vehicles with properly installed vehicle lap belt systems that can be tightened securely. Belt systems which will NOT work include, but are not limited to: Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) belts, an automatic/passive vehicle seat belt system, and vehicle seats that pivot or have a back that folds forward w/out a lock Manual belts and seat belts that come out of the door, side of the vehicle, or middle of the seat cushion will NOT work with this restraint.

This item is currently unavailable from the Manufacturer.

One of the best portable car seat travel bags available is the Sunshine Kids Radian travel bag. While this bag was specifically designed for the Sunshine Kids Radian car seats, namely the Radian65, Radian80 or RadianXT carseats, it can also be used for other portable cars seats. Please note, that it is indeed a snug fit.

The Sunshine Kids Radian portable car seat travel bag is constructed from a washable waterproof fabric, has a large locking zipper and features wide shoulder straps, allowing you to carry your portable car seat as a backpack, a shoulder bag or as a hand carry travel bag (all-in-one). The wide shoulder straps are easily removable for packing, storage or for easy cleaning.

While the shoulder straps are wide and adjustable, they are really only comfortable for relatively short distances, such as in and around airports or the like – you certainly wouldn’t want to be carrying them for any great distance.

Radian Portable Car Seat Travel Bag Features:

• Features a new and improved design
• Will fits all Radian65, Radian80 and RadianXT portable car seats (as well as some other brands)
• Constructed of rugged, waterproof material that will keep your portable car seat dry during travel
• Easily converts to a backpack, shoulder bag or hand carry bag
• Is tear resistant with a locking zipper and padded carry straps

If you have ever tried to carry a portable car seat around an airport or train station, then you will already know that they are neither a convenient shape nor weight for carrying. For ease of convenience and to minimise your stress (not to mention your risk of injury), you should consider purchasing a portable car seat travel bag before your next trip – you won’t regret it!

In summary, if you want to travel with your portable car seat and also want to protect it from damage and soiling, then a quality, durable portable car seat travel bag is not only a wise investment, it is also a necessity.

Play it safe when flying with your child.

Parents go to great lengths to keep children safe at home and on the road. But what about in the air? When you’re traveling by airplane, an approved child restraint system (CRS) is the only way to make sure your little one will be safe in the event of turbulence or an emergency.

Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly. It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms. Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges you to secure your child in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Turbulence can happen with little or no warning. And when it does, the safest place for your child is in a CRS, not in an adult’s lap. Your arms just aren’t capable of holding your child securely, especially when turbulence is unexpected. Keeping your child in a CRS for the duration of the flight is the smart and right thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination.

Make sure you’re cleared for take-off.

• Make sure your CRS is government approved and has “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.
• Measure the width of your CRS. It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
• Ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines now offer discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years of age. Purchasing a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS.
• Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS must be placed in a window seat so it will not block the escape path in an emergency. A CRS may not be placed in an exit row.
• If you do not purchase a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat. If your airline’s policy allows this, avoid the busiest days and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to you.
• Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board and may need to check it as baggage.
• Arrange for your airline to assist you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, a child and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
• Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
• And, of course, always use a CRS in your vehicle when driving to and from the airport – or anywhere!

Keep your little one safe when you’re in the air.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a CRS. Be sure that the shoulder straps are properly adjusted and fasten the airplane seat belt around the CRS as tightly as possible.

Do not place a child in a CRS designed for a smaller or larger child than indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions. The FAA recommends that a child weighing:

• Less than 20 pounds use a rear-facing CRS.
• From 20 to 40 pounds use a forward-facing CRS.
• More than 40 pounds use an airplane seat belt.

While booster seats and harness vests enhance safety in vehicles, the FAA prohibits passengers from bringing these types of devices on airplanes for use during taxi, take-off and landing. They should be checked as baggage. Also, supplemental lap restraints or “belly belts” are banned for use in both airplanes and vehicles in the United States.

It’s a good idea to bring this brochure with you when you travel. For more information, visit www.faa.gov. And remember that adults should wear their seat belts at all times while on board, too, because turbulence happens!

Fortunately there is an extremely good FAA Approved portable car seat that we have covered, namely the Sunshine Kids Radian Car Seat

Bear in mind that this portable car seat is merely an alternative when a full-sized car seat is not an option – it lacks side cushioning, so it isn’t recommended for longer car trips when your child might want to drift to sleep. It really is only ideal for short trips on vacations, rental cars and taxis, and only if there is an adult next to the child to keep him still. The accompanying adult can ensure the child doesn’t fall over (if he nods off), that the belt stays tight, and that will indeed stop the child from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

• Forward-facing and suitable for children 22-40 lbs.
• 5-point harness restraint with adjustable buckle strap
• Compact and lightweight design for travel
• Extra padded backrest
• Vehicle seat belt securely locks through the back plate for installation
• Removable fabric pad for ease of cleaning
• Weighs less than 4 pounds
• Not approved by FAA for aircraft use

We would NOT recommend using the Eddie Bauer Portable Car Seat on an unattended child in the backseat. It is simply not safe.

But for the portability, ease of use, and value, the Eddie Bauer Portable Car Seat can’t be beat (provided there is an adult sitting alongside the seat).

Portable car seats for your child are an important and necessary safety device that should be used regularly – in many parts of the world it is now compulsory that all children be in an appropriate seat for their age and the fines for not doing so and endangering your child can be very stiff.

So if you travel with your children a few times a year and sick of trying to lug full-size car seats around, or renting and paying around $9.99 per day per child for one that may not be too clean, then you should definitely consider buying a portable car seat. It won’t take too many trips before you have more than saved the alternative rental cost.

However, do keep in mind that this is merely an alternative when a full-sized car seat is not an option. They can be especially useful if you have to use a lot of taxis at your travel destination

Some of the points you need to consider when selecting a travel car seat:

• Front facing or rear facing – with rear facing being a much safer alignment, especially with smaller children or babies. Some models can be used facing in both directions.
• Weight limits or height limits for baby/toddler – most sizing will be based on either weight or height as these can vary greatly if based on ages
• Side protection with wings to provide lateral protection, as found in mainstream child car seats is definitely desirable
• Headrest adjustability could also be an advantage, as you don’t want your child to be outgrowing the portable car seat in six months time.
• Comfort – an important aspect if you want your child to actually sit in it for any length of time, ie. longer than taxi rides to and from the airport.
• Weight and size is also important as you would most likely want it to fit easily into a totes, suitcases or backpacks
• You also want the portable car seat to be quick and easy to install – you don’t want to be fiddling around for ages trying to get the seat installed especially when using it in taxis.
• Some travel car seats have also been approved by the FAA for use in aircraft, which could be a very handy extra.
• Compatibility with strollers – it’s one thing to get your child to their destination safely, but then you may need to settle them into a stroller, so some compatibility with a travel stroller could be a definite advantage.

There is a lot to consider when selecting between the range of portable car seats, but you definitely want to have the best possible protection available for your child.

Not only does the Radian 80 exceed all Federal Safety Standards, it also has numerous additional safety measure designs to ensure that your child, no matter what their weight or age, will be totally secure. Along with Recaro and Safeguard, the Radian80 is one of only a few car seats built with a steel alloy frame; most are made entirely of plastics. While this does make the Radian 80  a little heavier than the average car seat, this extra weight adds a level of stability that owners of the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 will surely appreciate.

Radian’s unique design offers 3″ more shoulder room inside than any seat in it’s class and you can fit 3 across the back seat of a car. The Radian80 has full body support cushions for infants that can convert into height-adjustable head cushions for older kids. In addition to this, the fabric of the Radian80′s seat are plush and comfortable.

For added convenience, the Radian80 is still the only car seat in the world that folds flat to a compact seven inches (Radian65 to 6.5 inches), so it’s perfect for travelling. You can attach the included shoulder straps and carry it over your shoulder or wear it like a back pack.

As many cars do not allow top tether use with a child above 48 pounds, the LATCH-compatible Radian80 can also be used without a top tether with children who weigh up to 80 pounds.

The Radian80 ensures proper positioning with a five-point harness, with five shoulder positions and three buckle positions. EPS safety foam provides four-panel side impact protection in case of an accident, while the V-shaped top tether adds additional stability.

For an extra measure of safety and security in the car, the Radian80 features SafeStop, a patented, energy absorbing harness system. This load-limiting harness device absorbs a lot of the crash energy impacting a child in an accident by reducing the peak forces on the chest and neck by up to 30 percent. This is especially important for smaller children, who typically have a higher head weight to body weight ratio.

Features:

• from 5 lbs. to 80 lbs. in 5-point harness
• Highest capacity convertible car seat
• Steel alloy frame
• Strongest convertible car seat made
• SafeStop harness system
• Absorbs impact energy in an accident
• 4-panel system EPS safety foam
• Total side-impact protection, more than any other seat
• V-shaped top tether
• Can be used rear-facing
• 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions
• Proper harness fit for all ages and weights
• Narrower outside width
• Fit three seats across the back seat
• Infant body support
• Converts to pillow cushions for an older child
• Folds to 7″ (17.8 cm) thick
• Travel and storage convenience
• Easier to get child in and out, plus safer positioning for child
• FAA approved for use on aircraft
• Dimensions and Weight: Dimensions Open: 17″W x 16″D x 28.5″H
• Folded Dimensions: 17″W x 7″D x 28.5″H
• Weight 22.99 lbs.

An iParenting Media Award winner, the Radian80 has been crash tested according to U.S. safety standard FMVSS213 and has met all requirements with extraordinary success. In fact, Radian significantly outperformed the crash test criteria required for a 65 pound child. Beyond its high safety rating, the Radian80 is easy for parents to use and care for and features a soft and durable 100 percent polyester ultra suede cover.

The Radian is also a great choice for travel – fold it up and move it from car to car. The Sunshine Kids Radian is even FAA approved for use on aircraft. One negative is its weight – although it was designed with the traveller in mind, this seat is not lightweight – weighing in at 22 lbs.

However, The Sunshine Kids Radian80 convertible car seat is arguably the only car seat you will ever need.

“The Safety 1st Go Hybrid Booster Car Seat fills a unique niche in its product line and is just one of many innovative parenting solutions offered by Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.” commented Dorel President Dave Taylor. “It’s the only product on the market that blends the portability of a backless booster with the unmatched safety of a 5-point harness. Children can use this product from the time they are ready for a forward facing seat up to 60 pounds.”

This is great news for the consumer as the SafeGuard Go Portable Car Seat (Safety 1st® Go Hybrid™ Booster Car Seat )is without doubt one of the best portable car seats available today.

The SafeGuard Go Hybrid Booster provides incredible versatility, having the convenience of a backless booster with the safety of a five-point harness. The SafeGuard Go Hybrid is a very clever design using the upper tether in the car to provide the support for the back of the seat and the leverage for the five-point harness so that the seat takes up very little space, width wise. This is a great asset if have to place two or three car seats in the back of your car. The seat’s flexible back, which secures to the vehicle top tether and can be installed in less than one minute, can easily be folded and placed into the lightweight travel bag provided, making it ideal for travel.

The SafeGuard can grow with your child as the five-point harness, which secures children from 22 lbs. up to 60 lbs. in “harness mode” can also be converted into a latch-equipped seat belt booster in “booster mode” for children up to 100 lbs. The SafeGuard features memory foam, an adjustable armrest and headrest with side impact protection, as well as a three-position crotch strap that adjusts for a great fit.

The SafeGuard booster or hybrid is compact and easy to take in and out of the car without compromising on safety and can easily be carried onto an aircraft with the included travel bag by either a parent or the child.

Go Booster Portable Car Seat Features

• Exceeds all government safety standards.
• Fits childrenf rom22lbs up to 100 lbs.
• Keeps your growing child in a 5-point harness longer, up to 60 lbs.
• Converts to a backless booster car seat, for children between 40 and 100 lbs.
• Installs properly in less than a minute.
• Adjustable headrest.
• Lightweight and compact.
• Unique folding design is ideal for travel.
• Free Travel Bag and instructional DVD included.
• Harness mode fits children 22-60 lbs, 34-52 inches, over 1 year old, top tether required.
• Booster mode fits children 40-100 lbs, 43-57 inches and children over 3 years old.

Harness Mode Specifications

• 22-60 lbs.(12.6-27kg)
• 34-52 inches(86-132 cm)
• Over 1 Year Old
• Top Tether Use Required

Booster Mode Specifications

• 40-100 lbs. (18-45kg)
• 43-57 inches (109-145cm)
• 3 Years Old or Older

In the latest ease of use ratings published by NHTSA, the SafeGuard Go Portable Car Seat (Safety 1st® Go Hybrid™ Booster Car Seat ) received a four star rating, the highest of any restraint in the category of combination seats used in forward facing mode.