When you open the Ridesafer travel vest backpack, youll see a few different parts and youll need to make some adjustments. Now for my full thoughts: The Ride Safer vest is an awesome product that really delivers on its promise to make traveling with preschoolers and older kids easier without compromising safety. Id love to see this change on the Ride Safer Gen 6 vests! You mention the RideSafer Delight when discussing the size of the vest as an option for smaller children. Is that the correct size? Finally, youll see that the shoulder belt guides on the x-small travel vest are exposed while theyre covered with fabric on the small. My son has also liked the Chicco GoFit, Graco Turbo GO and Bubblebum over the years. Find out more about me here. Carpooling? Hoping this will work. In deciding whether or not your child is ready for the vest, you have to be honest about her behavior and developmental level. He also falls asleep in the car and tips over so I am not anywhere close to a booster for him. As you become more experienced with the vest, its a real time saver. Not sure what car seat to bring for travel? Its really hard to beat the portability since its so tiny! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bottom-line upfront: we liked it enough to take it with us for a full year of travel. we would be using it for Uber/Lyft in the town we live. But its an important first line of defense! It was actually pretty good for my little nephew! With that piece the Ride Safer Travel Vest passes the same testing thats required of a forward-facing harness. Your review is so very helpful. DEAL ALERT! Open the Velcro shoulder pad on the side where the should belt crosses and feed the shoulder belt through that metal guide, then pull snug and close the shoulder pad. Many countries (like Mexico) dont have that switchable retractor as a standard unfortunately but its mandatory in the US and Canada. They are not approved for use together. If you travel infrequently and will just be taking a single flight and then renting a car, one of these travel car seats might be a good fit for your needs. Key stats:-Weight 2lbs-Size small: minimum age 3, fits best for 30+ lbs and 35-47-Size large: minimum age 4, fits best for 50+ lbs and 45-57, Pros: Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle Perfect for taxi rides Lowers seat belt to provide an appropriate fit for young children Keeps kids properly seated better than a traditional booster seat even when sleeping Easy to fit 3-across since its only as wide as the child 10 year expiration, Cons: No side impact protection like a highback booster seat Takes practice to get belt fit right NOT permitted for use on planes Fits most kids better when theyre close to 3.5-4. If there is a child between you and the seat belt then all of that force will be exerted on the child by your body. Thank you so much for your reply. Thanks for stopping by! Ive used the top tether and the crotch strap to limit the wiggles. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
We are Americans living in the EU, car-free so we only need car seat for taxis and rental cars. Right now you can grab the vest for 20% off with coupon HOLIDAYTRIP20. Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! Putting the child in their own seat belt in the taxi next to you. And do you feel like your 5yo is mature enough to ride in a booster seat on those trips? As you know there are many different types of needs and ranges within each one. Surely. Better options for toddler aged children aside from using a conventional car seat appropriate for your childs age and weight which we recommend as the. With the RideSafer Travel Vest, you just need one vest per child! 303 S Broadway #200-266
It would really depend on how confident you are in the nannies abilities to get the fit right and their attention to detail. Many parents say the RideSafer vest, made of soft fabric and padding, is like a hug or the weighted vest some of these children use. 
Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides. As to the jacket, its very important that he (and you!) Alternatively you can look at various car seat safe winter jackets. Thanks for stopping by! This post contains affiliate links. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Its, top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the cars top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack, Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon , Ride Safer Delight Vest fitting (https://youtu.be/mcDpgEVBuME), Ride Safer Delight Installation (https://youtu.be/Go1oRyd-Dns), Pennsylvania Car Seat Laws You Need To Know (2022), Airline Approved Car Seats: Whats In and Whats Out in 2021. Theres also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. Is it mendatory to use the TravelSmarter Delight Booster Seat or can we use in any booster such as bubble bum? We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. Weve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit. If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section. Thanks again. You know taxi drivers dont like to wait for you to install a car seat. Any more than 32 and the child restraint wouldnt pass standards and wouldnt be certified. What if my vest was being worn during a crash? Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back. Thanks for stopping by! Leave the RideSafer Travel Vest with your child, and you wont need to worry about who drops off or picks up or if there are any rides in between. Not many if there are any others car seat manufacturers share crash test information. Sometimes sliding them all the way over toward were the buckle is helps with this. 
Can you tell me the kids heights? Thanks so much for this thorough review! If your child is on the shorter side or youll be traveling to a country where top tethers arent standard, consider the WAYB Pico instead full review here. I cant find the Delight on the Ride Safer website. As I mentioned in the introduction, were fortunate to have used two generations of Ride Safer travel vest small sizes over the course of many years and many rides. Id say you could start using it for a tall 4 year old with the top tether. Theres just isnt a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small. Thats a relief when traveling with kids! And therein lies rub a child doesnt need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. Hi! Its a little more fiddly to get right than a traditional harnessed car seat so anyone who is going to put him in needs specific training on how to get the lap panel FLAT on the tops of his thighs. Some of the details will also depend on which country you live in, whether youre there on US government orders, etc. (2022 Reviews), You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesnt work with a traditional car seat (like. Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support. In a crash, the laws of physics still apply. We have been told the manufacturer will be certifying the RideSafer, likely in combination with the Delighter Booster as Europe standards require a child be elevated. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that its snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary theres no way that vest is coming undone on its own! thanks! and the fit was juuuust workable when using the top tether. Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead. ~Ali Landry, actress, model and CPS technician. They do this by requiring the manufactures to crash test their own products and measure the results. Standard car seats and boosters are great, but have you ever questioned if youreusing them correctly? Im actually about to buy one myself to review, but Ive heard excellent feedback from my colleagues. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting criss-cross would help the lap panel sit even flatter. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice. So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? Weve spent many years with our vests and used them for two different kids during that time, so Ive had plenty of time to get acquainted with the vests! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon VOYAGE. Getting a perfect fit can be tricky and requires fine-tuning. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV. While the crotch strap is technically optional, its important for preventing younger riders from submarining (sliding down and out of the vest). 149.00 149.00, Safe Ride 4 Kids
What size does the small Ride Safer Gen 5 fit? If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon VOYAGE. Of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a crash in 2013, 38% were not buckled up. It can help to fan out the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat. One downside is that shorter kids may not be able to see out the window in some cars. If hes truly 3, its possible that you may not get a great fit even with the size small vest. Thats a great question. We used to have an EU version that came with a booster seat but the manufacturer came out with the new model and has not yet certified it. Hello! A small gap isnt a problem, and using the top tether definitely helps to keep your child properly positioned even with a bigger gap. After extensive use, wed give a general recommendation of 4.5yofor average size kids and 5yofor smaller size kids. The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but thats precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Thanks for stopping by! Not a good outcome for the child. You, of course, want to keep your child properly secured because taxis get into crashes too and you dont want to take your chances without a car seat. I recently evaluated it on a skinny 49 6yo and it was like a circus tent. But that metal buckle on the chest? It seems a little backwards. Still not sure? For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution. I LOVE the idea of no more bulky boosters etc to deal withjust wondering if this is easy for kids to get in and out of on their own and if theyre more comfortable or as comfortable as boosters? Remember, its still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat. While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I cant recommend it enough. And BONUS! Fewer headaches, safer kids, more smiles! Even though they would technically be outside manufacturer specs once they understand the design limits they have a parental choice to make. And everytime you move the car seat from one car to another an opportunity arises for an incorrect installation. It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide. Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro! Its also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. As you can see in this photo, using the top tether helped keep her properly positioned in the vest. Could a determined child unfasten it? Whether the city is your travel destination or you live there, getting from place to place by taxi or ride share cars may be your mode of transportation. Ive also polled vest owners in our Facebook group for their feedback. It will probably be easier for a teacher to buckle him properly in a combination car seat. I have a situation where on 2 days of the week I have 2 different nannies doing pick ups and drop offs making the car seat situation difficult. Keep reading (and watching!) If your child has outgrown the XL, we would recommend the. Make sure to keep the shoulder belt in front of them, crossing their body as best you can make it fit. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? As for ride share vehicles like Uber or Lyft, it depends on how your state consider ride shares. Since most reviews on the internet still reflect the Delight, I wanted to make sure everyone understands the sizing difference. What are your thoughts, in terms of convenience and comfort, of using this INSTEAD of a booster? Here is why: In a car crash the formula we use to estimate how much force is required to restrain the occupant is Speed X Weight = Restraining Force. The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that theres a size Extra Large available. I have an 8yr old who had down syndrome. Without the top tether, she ended up slumped dangerously to the side when she fell asleep because there was a large gap in the shoulder straps. Children with special needs also have physical challenges which need to be worked around, such as sensory issues. Some cities now have the option of requesting a car with a car seat. Just be sure to use the top tether for extra support. and the XL-size vest is certified to 110lbs. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day. Im not sure if you know this, but theres no evidence that a highback booster is safer than a backless booster. Hes right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because hes 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. My oldest (7) will outgrow his 5pt harness car seat soon and so Ive started researching boosters etc when I stumbled on your review. The Ride Safer is a wonderful solution in that situation as long as he wont unbuckle the seatbelt. Thats my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as weve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. For instance, NHTSA standards allow a childs head to move 32 forward during a crash. Mind you when we say exceeds federal standards it means the numbers are well below what is allowed by NHTSA. With the RideSafer, the head moves about 16 so nearly half of what is allowed. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. If he wasnt mature enough for this yet, we would have bought him the next size up. I suspect that many European parents in your situation might choose to use nothing other than the adult seatbelt, which of course is not a safe choice, or a booster seat (also not a safe choice). We believe the RideSafer is a fabulous option when traveling with children who are within the age and size limits of the vest. The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. Is there a reason you opted for the vest rather than a traditional harnessed car seat? First, lets look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences: The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! Genius. Gone are the days of needing multiple car seats for multiple cars. Enjoying a date night while your child stays with the grandparents? document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We started using the Delight when our daughter was near the bottom of the size range out of necessity since we were traveling full time. Am I overthinking given she hasnt been in a car in months? We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. When we had a nanny for our kids back in the day, I made sure to get the absolute simplest seats I possibly could for the kids to reduce the chance of installation or usage mistakes remember, most parents dont even get everything right with their car seats! If someone is using the RideSafer and the vehicles lap-shoulder belt the RideSafer will continue to do what it is designed to do and properly pre-crash position the seat belt. 
He is around 3ft 54ish pounds I ordered the small. Can you have him sit straight against a wall with his legs in front and measure from the top of his thigh to his shoulder? Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though hes generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home. Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico, which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. Merritt Manufacturing Churchill restraint. It is best practice to use a child restraint while riding in a taxi. The large is quite large. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! I love helping parents travel more, better and easier and thats what this whole website is about. Using the TravelSmarter Delight booster seat (thanks for pointing out the name change) isnt required, but the Ride Safer travel vest HAS NOT been crash tested with the Bubblebum. If youve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so dont be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. Not only does that chest clip give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Others perhaps the majority at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents. any thoughts on whether he needs to be in small or large? Lightweight and compact, the RideSafer Travel Vest easily stows away in your luggage or even on your childs backpack. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. Unfortunately, in some places it is not uncommon for moms to strap themselves and their young children into the same seat belt when riding in taxis. Learn how your comment data is processed. Once your kid is big enough for the Ride Safer travel vest, itll fit for years to come thanks to the adjustable straps. *not asking about safety differences! Im confident that this little guy wouldnt mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation. Our friends at Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. For many parents, the vest is a god-send that finally keeps their child restrained properly. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, youll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom. 4.89 stars, based on 28 reviews Strapping yourself in with a child is a very dangerous practice and is not recommended. Technically the RideSafer has not been certified for use in Europe. Unfortunately the current version of the Ride Safer isnt approved for Europe either That said, in your situation I might still opt for it. Would you recommend the safe rider travel vest for these 3 times per week 20 min rides? ), For comparison, here is a booster seat crash test, Tummy Shield Less in this case is great! With RideSafer you get a win-win! While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. The fit wasnt all that great until she was closer to 4 years old, but shes on the small side. The RideSafer is the perfect companion for parents cabbing it across town with their children. We received that Gen 5 when she was 5.5 years old (still a shortie!) Even if car seats are not legally required, taxis are known to get in to crashes also. Other children may have poor motor control and need the restraint to help them sit in proper position and stay in place. Once you get in the car, youd buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. Fortunately, many of those deaths and injuries are preventable and it starts withbuckling up. As I search for the Ride Safer Delight, I find options that say things like RideSafer Delight (Gen 5) and they look exactly like the Gen 5. Hello, Thanks for this review. With RideSafer you wont need to haul that heavy car seat through airport security or while youre rushing through the terminal to make it to your gate on time. If your child is at least 50 pound (and can sit properly for the duration of the ride), the Graco RightGuide is the most minimalist option out there. Sometimes another product is the best solution. to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if its right for your family. Only the Gen 5 is available. With the RideSafer Travel Vest,catching your flight just got a whole lot easier! Im Melissa, a real-life mom of two, world traveler and Child Passenger Safety Technician (aka car seat tech). Thanks. I have a 4.5 yo who is quite tall (46), would be an average 5.5-6 yo. I honestly dont know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest. Between that and the chest clip itll also remind kids that theyre in a car seat and shouldnt be frolicking around the car. Parents of children with special needs may be challenged to find the right child restraint based on various physical or behavioral challenges each child experiences. For an infant, use an infant carrier car seat that goes into a stroller (you are likely using anyway) and install the carrier in the taxi rear facing without the base. 
Its not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes: Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest? When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. Please see more information on Europe, Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if youre traveling to those places. What sort of vehicle will he be riding in? I suggest size large given his age and height (the length and width are adjustable). He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. Youll have to use your judgement regarding your young childs maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride. Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Thatll be the best way to determine the correct size. The best answer for this is, it depends. As CPS techs we would find out more about your situation and recommend the best solution for keeping your child safe which may or may not include the RideSafer vest. In these photos he was probably around 39 and 35lbs nearing the top end of the size range for XS. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down. In this new for 22 section, Im going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was recently released. 
Dropping off for school or a play date? My large 3-year-old (37 lbs, 39) is THIS close to outgrowing her Cosco Scenera NEXT so we are trying to find our next seat. Hawaii Car Seat Laws You Need To Know (2022), Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Car Seat Deals (2022), How to Keep Your Kids Cool in the Car Seat, Need a Travel Car Seat in Canada, Eh? Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that its an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat). Super helpful! We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5. We looked at Wayb Pico but I dont think its technically approved in the EU like Ride Safer is, and we have never gotten good at the locking clip (we try to use LATCH/Isofix now). Furthermore, youre really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. Its also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesnt have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. A whopping 75%! We offer a 15-day free return policy if you want to try out a vest with your child and see if it will work for your needs. Wished they werent so heavy or bulky? If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Many children with special needs exhibit disruptive behaviors, such as unbuckling themselves, as part of their disability. Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States. Or longed for the day your child could actually feel comfortable without compromising his safety? We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger. Weve all seen parents who were, or perhaps you have been the parent, buried with car seats and gear going through the airport. but that certification is based on the tether and lap-only belt configuration. I do pick up and drop off only 5mins down the road. Its a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that arent as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. With the RideSafer Travel Vest, you caneasily, comfortably and SAFELY fit up to three children in one rowin your vehicle even if one or two are in traditional car seats! It saves you the hassle (and the cost) of upgrading to a larger vehicle! There are some crashes in which one is (theoretically) better and other crashes in which the other option may perform better. However, crash test dummies dont move. But as with most things in life, especially when it comes to children with special needs, it depends. Pin this for later to come back to it! The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. No. It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders.
We are Americans living in the EU, car-free so we only need car seat for taxis and rental cars. Right now you can grab the vest for 20% off with coupon HOLIDAYTRIP20. Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! Putting the child in their own seat belt in the taxi next to you. And do you feel like your 5yo is mature enough to ride in a booster seat on those trips? As you know there are many different types of needs and ranges within each one. Surely. Better options for toddler aged children aside from using a conventional car seat appropriate for your childs age and weight which we recommend as the. With the RideSafer Travel Vest, you just need one vest per child! 303 S Broadway #200-266
It would really depend on how confident you are in the nannies abilities to get the fit right and their attention to detail. Many parents say the RideSafer vest, made of soft fabric and padding, is like a hug or the weighted vest some of these children use. Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides. As to the jacket, its very important that he (and you!) Alternatively you can look at various car seat safe winter jackets. Thanks for stopping by! This post contains affiliate links. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Its, top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the cars top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack, Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon , Ride Safer Delight Vest fitting (https://youtu.be/mcDpgEVBuME), Ride Safer Delight Installation (https://youtu.be/Go1oRyd-Dns), Pennsylvania Car Seat Laws You Need To Know (2022), Airline Approved Car Seats: Whats In and Whats Out in 2021. Theres also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. Is it mendatory to use the TravelSmarter Delight Booster Seat or can we use in any booster such as bubble bum? We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. Weve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit. If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section. Thanks again. You know taxi drivers dont like to wait for you to install a car seat. Any more than 32 and the child restraint wouldnt pass standards and wouldnt be certified. What if my vest was being worn during a crash? Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back. Thanks for stopping by! Leave the RideSafer Travel Vest with your child, and you wont need to worry about who drops off or picks up or if there are any rides in between. Not many if there are any others car seat manufacturers share crash test information. Sometimes sliding them all the way over toward were the buckle is helps with this. Can you tell me the kids heights? Thanks so much for this thorough review! If your child is on the shorter side or youll be traveling to a country where top tethers arent standard, consider the WAYB Pico instead full review here. I cant find the Delight on the Ride Safer website. As I mentioned in the introduction, were fortunate to have used two generations of Ride Safer travel vest small sizes over the course of many years and many rides. Id say you could start using it for a tall 4 year old with the top tether. Theres just isnt a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small. Thats a relief when traveling with kids! And therein lies rub a child doesnt need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. Hi! Its a little more fiddly to get right than a traditional harnessed car seat so anyone who is going to put him in needs specific training on how to get the lap panel FLAT on the tops of his thighs. Some of the details will also depend on which country you live in, whether youre there on US government orders, etc. (2022 Reviews), You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesnt work with a traditional car seat (like. Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support. In a crash, the laws of physics still apply. We have been told the manufacturer will be certifying the RideSafer, likely in combination with the Delighter Booster as Europe standards require a child be elevated. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that its snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary theres no way that vest is coming undone on its own! thanks! and the fit was juuuust workable when using the top tether. Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead. ~Ali Landry, actress, model and CPS technician. They do this by requiring the manufactures to crash test their own products and measure the results. Standard car seats and boosters are great, but have you ever questioned if youreusing them correctly? Im actually about to buy one myself to review, but Ive heard excellent feedback from my colleagues. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting criss-cross would help the lap panel sit even flatter. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice. So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? Weve spent many years with our vests and used them for two different kids during that time, so Ive had plenty of time to get acquainted with the vests! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon VOYAGE. Getting a perfect fit can be tricky and requires fine-tuning. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV. While the crotch strap is technically optional, its important for preventing younger riders from submarining (sliding down and out of the vest). 149.00 149.00, Safe Ride 4 Kids
What size does the small Ride Safer Gen 5 fit? If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon VOYAGE. Of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a crash in 2013, 38% were not buckled up. It can help to fan out the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat. One downside is that shorter kids may not be able to see out the window in some cars. If hes truly 3, its possible that you may not get a great fit even with the size small vest. Thats a great question. We used to have an EU version that came with a booster seat but the manufacturer came out with the new model and has not yet certified it. Hello! A small gap isnt a problem, and using the top tether definitely helps to keep your child properly positioned even with a bigger gap. After extensive use, wed give a general recommendation of 4.5yofor average size kids and 5yofor smaller size kids. The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but thats precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Thanks for stopping by! Not a good outcome for the child. You, of course, want to keep your child properly secured because taxis get into crashes too and you dont want to take your chances without a car seat. I recently evaluated it on a skinny 49 6yo and it was like a circus tent. But that metal buckle on the chest? It seems a little backwards. Still not sure? For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution. I LOVE the idea of no more bulky boosters etc to deal withjust wondering if this is easy for kids to get in and out of on their own and if theyre more comfortable or as comfortable as boosters? Remember, its still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat. While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I cant recommend it enough. And BONUS! Fewer headaches, safer kids, more smiles! Even though they would technically be outside manufacturer specs once they understand the design limits they have a parental choice to make. And everytime you move the car seat from one car to another an opportunity arises for an incorrect installation. It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide. Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro! Its also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. As you can see in this photo, using the top tether helped keep her properly positioned in the vest. Could a determined child unfasten it? Whether the city is your travel destination or you live there, getting from place to place by taxi or ride share cars may be your mode of transportation. Ive also polled vest owners in our Facebook group for their feedback. It will probably be easier for a teacher to buckle him properly in a combination car seat. I have a situation where on 2 days of the week I have 2 different nannies doing pick ups and drop offs making the car seat situation difficult. Keep reading (and watching!) If your child has outgrown the XL, we would recommend the. Make sure to keep the shoulder belt in front of them, crossing their body as best you can make it fit. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? As for ride share vehicles like Uber or Lyft, it depends on how your state consider ride shares. Since most reviews on the internet still reflect the Delight, I wanted to make sure everyone understands the sizing difference. What are your thoughts, in terms of convenience and comfort, of using this INSTEAD of a booster? Here is why: In a car crash the formula we use to estimate how much force is required to restrain the occupant is Speed X Weight = Restraining Force. The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that theres a size Extra Large available. I have an 8yr old who had down syndrome. Without the top tether, she ended up slumped dangerously to the side when she fell asleep because there was a large gap in the shoulder straps. Children with special needs also have physical challenges which need to be worked around, such as sensory issues. Some cities now have the option of requesting a car with a car seat. Just be sure to use the top tether for extra support. and the XL-size vest is certified to 110lbs. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day. Im not sure if you know this, but theres no evidence that a highback booster is safer than a backless booster. Hes right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because hes 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. My oldest (7) will outgrow his 5pt harness car seat soon and so Ive started researching boosters etc when I stumbled on your review. The Ride Safer is a wonderful solution in that situation as long as he wont unbuckle the seatbelt. Thats my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as weve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. For instance, NHTSA standards allow a childs head to move 32 forward during a crash. Mind you when we say exceeds federal standards it means the numbers are well below what is allowed by NHTSA. With the RideSafer, the head moves about 16 so nearly half of what is allowed. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. If he wasnt mature enough for this yet, we would have bought him the next size up. I suspect that many European parents in your situation might choose to use nothing other than the adult seatbelt, which of course is not a safe choice, or a booster seat (also not a safe choice). We believe the RideSafer is a fabulous option when traveling with children who are within the age and size limits of the vest. The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. Is there a reason you opted for the vest rather than a traditional harnessed car seat? First, lets look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences: The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! Genius. Gone are the days of needing multiple car seats for multiple cars. Enjoying a date night while your child stays with the grandparents? document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We started using the Delight when our daughter was near the bottom of the size range out of necessity since we were traveling full time. Am I overthinking given she hasnt been in a car in months? We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. When we had a nanny for our kids back in the day, I made sure to get the absolute simplest seats I possibly could for the kids to reduce the chance of installation or usage mistakes remember, most parents dont even get everything right with their car seats! If someone is using the RideSafer and the vehicles lap-shoulder belt the RideSafer will continue to do what it is designed to do and properly pre-crash position the seat belt. He is around 3ft 54ish pounds I ordered the small. Can you have him sit straight against a wall with his legs in front and measure from the top of his thigh to his shoulder? Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though hes generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home. Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico, which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. Merritt Manufacturing Churchill restraint. It is best practice to use a child restraint while riding in a taxi. The large is quite large. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! I love helping parents travel more, better and easier and thats what this whole website is about. Using the TravelSmarter Delight booster seat (thanks for pointing out the name change) isnt required, but the Ride Safer travel vest HAS NOT been crash tested with the Bubblebum. If youve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so dont be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. Not only does that chest clip give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Others perhaps the majority at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents. any thoughts on whether he needs to be in small or large? Lightweight and compact, the RideSafer Travel Vest easily stows away in your luggage or even on your childs backpack. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. Unfortunately, in some places it is not uncommon for moms to strap themselves and their young children into the same seat belt when riding in taxis. Learn how your comment data is processed. Once your kid is big enough for the Ride Safer travel vest, itll fit for years to come thanks to the adjustable straps. *not asking about safety differences! Im confident that this little guy wouldnt mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation. Our friends at Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. For many parents, the vest is a god-send that finally keeps their child restrained properly. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, youll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom. 4.89 stars, based on 28 reviews Strapping yourself in with a child is a very dangerous practice and is not recommended. Technically the RideSafer has not been certified for use in Europe. Unfortunately the current version of the Ride Safer isnt approved for Europe either That said, in your situation I might still opt for it. Would you recommend the safe rider travel vest for these 3 times per week 20 min rides? ), For comparison, here is a booster seat crash test, Tummy Shield Less in this case is great! With RideSafer you get a win-win! While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. The fit wasnt all that great until she was closer to 4 years old, but shes on the small side. The RideSafer is the perfect companion for parents cabbing it across town with their children. We received that Gen 5 when she was 5.5 years old (still a shortie!) Even if car seats are not legally required, taxis are known to get in to crashes also. Other children may have poor motor control and need the restraint to help them sit in proper position and stay in place. Once you get in the car, youd buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. Fortunately, many of those deaths and injuries are preventable and it starts withbuckling up. As I search for the Ride Safer Delight, I find options that say things like RideSafer Delight (Gen 5) and they look exactly like the Gen 5. Hello, Thanks for this review. With RideSafer you wont need to haul that heavy car seat through airport security or while youre rushing through the terminal to make it to your gate on time. If your child is at least 50 pound (and can sit properly for the duration of the ride), the Graco RightGuide is the most minimalist option out there. Sometimes another product is the best solution. to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if its right for your family. Only the Gen 5 is available. With the RideSafer Travel Vest,catching your flight just got a whole lot easier! Im Melissa, a real-life mom of two, world traveler and Child Passenger Safety Technician (aka car seat tech). Thanks. I have a 4.5 yo who is quite tall (46), would be an average 5.5-6 yo. I honestly dont know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest. Between that and the chest clip itll also remind kids that theyre in a car seat and shouldnt be frolicking around the car. Parents of children with special needs may be challenged to find the right child restraint based on various physical or behavioral challenges each child experiences. For an infant, use an infant carrier car seat that goes into a stroller (you are likely using anyway) and install the carrier in the taxi rear facing without the base. Its not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes: Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest? When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. Please see more information on Europe, Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if youre traveling to those places. What sort of vehicle will he be riding in? I suggest size large given his age and height (the length and width are adjustable). He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. Youll have to use your judgement regarding your young childs maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride. Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Thatll be the best way to determine the correct size. The best answer for this is, it depends. As CPS techs we would find out more about your situation and recommend the best solution for keeping your child safe which may or may not include the RideSafer vest. In these photos he was probably around 39 and 35lbs nearing the top end of the size range for XS. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down. In this new for 22 section, Im going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was recently released. Dropping off for school or a play date? My large 3-year-old (37 lbs, 39) is THIS close to outgrowing her Cosco Scenera NEXT so we are trying to find our next seat. Hawaii Car Seat Laws You Need To Know (2022), Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Car Seat Deals (2022), How to Keep Your Kids Cool in the Car Seat, Need a Travel Car Seat in Canada, Eh? Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that its an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat). Super helpful! We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5. We looked at Wayb Pico but I dont think its technically approved in the EU like Ride Safer is, and we have never gotten good at the locking clip (we try to use LATCH/Isofix now). Furthermore, youre really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. Its also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesnt have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. A whopping 75%! We offer a 15-day free return policy if you want to try out a vest with your child and see if it will work for your needs. Wished they werent so heavy or bulky? If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Many children with special needs exhibit disruptive behaviors, such as unbuckling themselves, as part of their disability. Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States. Or longed for the day your child could actually feel comfortable without compromising his safety? We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger. Weve all seen parents who were, or perhaps you have been the parent, buried with car seats and gear going through the airport. but that certification is based on the tether and lap-only belt configuration. I do pick up and drop off only 5mins down the road. Its a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that arent as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. With the RideSafer Travel Vest, you caneasily, comfortably and SAFELY fit up to three children in one rowin your vehicle even if one or two are in traditional car seats! It saves you the hassle (and the cost) of upgrading to a larger vehicle! There are some crashes in which one is (theoretically) better and other crashes in which the other option may perform better. However, crash test dummies dont move. But as with most things in life, especially when it comes to children with special needs, it depends. Pin this for later to come back to it! The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. No. It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders.