CARES, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved safety device that is intended to ensure the protection of young children during take-off, landing, and taxi has been awarded the Good Housekeeping 2008 Good Buy Award, honoring it for quality, performance and innovation. Designed by a Vermonter grandmother as an example of necessity being the (grand)mother of invention, it is manufactured by AmSafe Aviation, the world's leading manufacturer of aviation safety products, including aircraft seat belts. CARES is designated for children 1 to 4-years-old who weigh 22-44 pounds, and who are no taller than 40".

Simple to install, the device uses an additional belt and shoulder harness around the seat back that attaches to the passenger lap belt and restrains the upper part of the body. Easy to transport (the device weighs only a pound and fits into a 6" sack), it is also usable in any airplane seat, except for exit row seats (where children are not permitted to be seated.)

CARES is the only alternative to FAA-certified car seats (which were never designed for air travel) permitted aboard an airplane, and is a smart investment for traveling families not only because of its convenience, but because it offers greater protection for young ones than a parent's lap. While the FAA states that children over 2-years-old must have their own seat, it is recommended that parents purchase a safety restraint system of some sort for younger children.

The device is priced at $74.95, and can be purchased at www.kidsflysafe.com, or by calling 800/229-6249. A DVD demonstration video and instructions will also accompany the order.