Am I The Only Car-Seat Safety Nerd On Here?

[Zoe]

I got an email from my licensor last week that included many parent information sheets/websites/activities for kids/psa's regarding booster/car seat safety. It's something you could include in a newsletter as a "for your information" thing. Now, this is through my state, however maybe you could use it or find the same department of public safety in your state that would have something more specific.

http://www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us/resource_catalog/Booster%20Seat%20Message.pdf

http://www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us/2010%20Valentines/DinoValentine.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKSf6TKOfoY

[Missani]

I once followed a dcm out to her car and put the handle of the infant carrier down. I probably shouldn't have done that because of liability reasons, but I couldn't handle the guilt if something were to happen to her.

I've also corrected people on the chest clip position, but not my dcks.

I am really picky about carseat safety, too. The one thing I do, though, is I do let my kids wear coats when it's really cold outside. If I can go warm up the car first, then I do, but if I can't then they wear their winter jackets. If it's warmer, they wear a lighter fleece jacket. I know that the reason for this is because the puffy winter jackets will compress in an accident, which can make the straps too loose and the child can come out of the seat. However, when I do let my kids wear their coats, I push the "fluffiness" in and then tighten the straps. I know the experts will disagree with me, but I do strap my kids really tight, and when they wear a fleece or no jacket the next time, I don't have to pull the straps any tighter-they are already really snug. Because of this, and because we live where below zero temperatures are the norm at sometimes of the year, I am comfortable with that.

I am really surprised at how many parents do not follow basic carseat safety precautions: handle up on infant seat so they can play with those toy bar things, loose straps, old outdated seats, booster seats for young kids, chest clips down by the crotch, no carseats for older preschoolers/young schoolagers, etc.

[SilverSabre25]

I once followed a dcm out to her car and put the handle of the infant carrier down. I probably shouldn't have done that because of liability reasons, but I couldn't handle the guilt if something were to happen to her.

I've also corrected people on the chest clip position, but not my dcks.

I am really picky about carseat safety, too. The one thing I do, though, is I do let my kids wear coats when it's really cold outside. If I can go warm up the car first, then I do, but if I can't then they wear their winter jackets. If it's warmer, they wear a lighter fleece jacket. I know that the reason for this is because the puffy winter jackets will compress in an accident, which can make the straps too loose and the child can come out of the seat. However, when I do let my kids wear their coats, I push the "fluffiness" in and then tighten the straps. I know the experts will disagree with me, but I do strap my kids really tight, and when they wear a fleece or no jacket the next time, I don't have to pull the straps any tighter-they are already really snug. Because of this, and because we live where below zero temperatures are the norm at sometimes of the year, I am comfortable with that.

I am really surprised at how many parents do not follow basic carseat safety precautions: handle up on infant seat so they can play with those toy bar things, loose straps, old outdated seats, booster seats for young kids, chest clips down by the crotch, no carseats for older preschoolers/young schoolagers, etc.

We get around the "really cold" part by having a nice fleece blanket in the car--she gets covered up as soon as she's strapped. She has to wear a light fleece in the seat, too, and we bring the heavy coat along.

Many infant seats do state that the handle can be up when it's in the base--most Gracos do, I know that. But I know what you mean. I have tried with a few people (and called the cops on a couple I've seen while out!) to point out gross misconduct on the part of their car seats, but to no avail.

At least I have 911 at my disposal when I see people driving down the road or getting in a car with their infant in their arms or a two year old bouncing around with no belt in the front seat...

[Missani]

[QUOTE=SilverSabre25;86118]We get around the "really cold" part by having a nice fleece blanket in the car--she gets covered up as soon as she's strapped. She has to wear a light fleece in the seat, too, and we bring the heavy coat along.

We have warm fleece blankets, too. Warm blankets, warmish jackets, hats, mittens, and a preheated car when possible.

[KEG123]

although we didn't extended RF, I will at least until 18 mo. with this next one. We don't wear coats in carseats, rather a a tshirt, long sleeve, and zip up hoodie, plus a blanket waiting in the car. He is also in a britax 85, which 5 pt harnasses until 85 lbs. As far as what parents do, I will help try to inform them, but you know how well some parents listen.

[MG&Lsmom]

I'm a wicked big carseat fanatic. I just purchased 2 new seats for dcks for my van. My "free" time last weekend was spent in the garage trying to figure out how to fit 6 seats into my 8 passenger van. LOL! And I was having fun!

I think the issue with taking in and out is that the more you do it the more chance you have to install incorrectly. I've spend a lot of time working with a nearby certified carseat tech on correct placement, installation and usage. I feel comfortable doing my own installs, but often have her double check to make sure everythings ok. My police and fire station both claim to do installs but not a single officer or fireman is certified to do so. And I've seen incorrectly installed seats in cars by them. Drives me nuts.