Carseat Fiasco Turned Out Great!

[permanentvacation]

I was recently informed that if I, as a daycare provider, knowingly release a child to someone who has either no car seat or the wrong car seat for their child's age, I can get in trouble with the police and CPS. I typically do not see the children's car seats, so I almost never know whether or not they have a car seat or what type of car seat it is. But yesterday, I did happen to see the car seat and it became an hour and a half ordeal.

A cousin came to pick up my new 17 month old baby yesterday and I happened to see that she only had a booster seat, not a proper car seat for the baby. I refused to release the baby to her until she had a proper car seat. After talking with her, another cousin, and the mother, she went and bought a proper car seat! She got too irritated trying to get the car seat put together, so the mother came and got the car seat and baby.

Of course, all three of them were obviously irritated with me. It sounds like the mother was in a negative situation where she lived and moved here to be with family that will help her until she gets on her feet. But none of them have much money right now. I told them that as a broke single mother, I fully understand not having the money for everything that you need, but certain things must be made a priority and you must figure out how to obtain certain items, especially items for the child's safety.

But in the end, they all called me, apologized for being fussy with me. They all thanked me and said that they know they should have had a proper car seat and were glad that I cared about the child's safety.

So because of me refusing to release the baby, she now has a proper car seat that will keep her safer. I am very proud that I stood my ground on this for the baby!

[Blackcat31]

happyface happyface

Sometimes when parents can't be an advocate for their child, it is AWESOME that they have someone like you who will.

...even if that means pissing a few people off.

Glad it worked out for everyone!

[midaycare]

Great job!

[Michelle]

I am very happy that you stood your ground.
Where I live the fire department gives away free new car seats to anyone that needs it.
Check your local agencies for these programs so that maybe in the future you can refer families to them.

[permanentvacation]

There are two programs that I know of but they give out of car seats almost as fast as they get them. It often takes them a while before they have more car seats once they give out the ones they have in stock. So it's very hit and miss as to whether or not they will have one when you need it. You have to make an appointment a week before you need a car seat and you have to be on food stamps, WIC, or medical assistance to qualify for a car seat.

[CraftyMom]

happyface

[spinnymarie]

But in the end, they all called me, apologized for being fussy with me.

happyface

AWESOME WORK

[permanentvacation]

Thanks guys. I really feel good about this!

[TheGoodLife]

Great job, glad they found a safe carseat for the baby!!

[CtheLove]

When my mother was doing daycare she starting watch for a dcf that lived about 5 mins away and had a one little girl that took them almost 10 years to conceive. Well when the dcg was about 8-10 months old my mom noticed at drop off that she had put the little girl in the front seat of the car with no car seat at all and was trying to hold her up with her hand. When my mother went out to confront her about it the dcm said she was in a hurry and didn't live far. My mother ripped her a new one, how could she put her child in such danger especially when they considered her their miracle baby. She had the lady in tears but dcm later apologized and thanked her for making her realize how stupid she had been.