What would you have said? - Page 2

[prothyraia]

Originally Posted by momasana

Whenever I approach someone about something that needs adjusting I always act really casual about it and say something like "Oh hey, let me show you something....I just learned how to do this from [my midwife, Oprah, a fireman, a friend]....it's a lot safer this way...yeah, I had no idea either, there is so much to remember!"

I have found that most people are more receptive to suggestions this way (carseats, breastfeeding, feeding solids, crib mattresses, slings, etc.). In truth, I've usually researched the issue to death, but I never want to come across as a know-it-all (even if I really do know it all..)

[pixiekisses]

Originally Posted by chickabiddy

A chest clip is a pre-crash positioner. It provides no protection in a crash, nor is it designed to. Its job is to make sure the straps are properly positioned before the moment of impact. If the straps are properly positioned and tightened, the chest clip will not matter. Really, truly, I promise.

Yes, this.
I just wanted to chime in that here in Scandinavia (spesifically Sweden and Norway) where we are way, way ahead in car seat safety for kids than any other contry, there is no chest clip.
No seat here has that, RF'ing or FF'ing.
Some buy them seperately because they have kids that "brake out" from their harness, but it's designed to brake in a hard crash as far as I know to make it easier to get the kids out of the seat.

[dogretro]

You know, I am just an average mom & I hardly knew ANYTHING about all these car seat safety rules before reading this forum. Just about the only thing I had heard of before was ERF. Not fleece coats, no Bundle Me's, no tightening clamps, nothing. Now, of course, I notice all of that, lol.

What kills me is that the Bundle Me costs $40! And it is really warm! I did know the info about it last year and used it w/ dd anyway b/c it did not interfere w/ the straps & I decided it was a calculated risk. W/ this next baby, I'm just going to cut the back out of it, the end. It really really sucks to notice that someone's expensive baby shower gift is a safety hazard

After seeing how awfully so many CYF workers (whose jobs it is to transport children) buckle their charges in, well, I do at least have more guts w/ them and correct it when they put "my" kids in wrong!!! Such as the one who put an infant bucket in FF w/ the seatbelt wrapped around it. I about died of shock and flat out told her it was illegal. Then I showed her the right way

[frontierpsych]

I would be grateful if another mama offered to help me with DS's carseat! I am fairly educated on the subject, but I would want to know if I was doing something wrong.

[mouso]

Originally Posted by momasana

Whenever I approach someone about something that needs adjusting I always act really casual about it and say something like "Oh hey, let me show you something....I just learned how to do this from [my midwife, Oprah, a fireman, a friend]....it's a lot safer this way...yeah, I had no idea either, there is so much to remember!"

I have found that most people are more receptive to suggestions this way (carseats, breastfeeding, feeding solids, crib mattresses, slings, etc.). In truth, I've usually researched the issue to death, but I never want to come across as a know-it-all (even if I really do know it all..)

Me too. I used to say to other mamas, "Hey, you know what I didn't know until I heard it from another mama?...insert car seat info."

[claddaghmom]

Originally Posted by chickabiddy

Honestly, of all the issues you mentioned, the chest clip is the LEAST concerning.

I would ask if she knows about the "new" (wink wink) research that shows how unsafe the BundleMe is. That can lead into a discussion about strap tightness. If the straps are tight against the child with no interference, I'd let the chest clip go, because it won't seriously compromise the safety of the child and because people are more likely to listen when they don't feel like you're giving them a laundry list of unsolicited advice.

This is what I try to do. I try to make it sound like we're just two mamas staying on top of the news.

Originally Posted by redvlagrl

What if you lied and said "Oh, I see you have a BundleMe! I used to have one too but when I had my seat inspected the tech said it wasn't safe because of (xyz). I wish they would inform us of these things before we buy them, eh?"

I sometimes do the authority plea, too. (Although I try not to lie). My FP is great on many issues, so I like to say, "Well my doctor said XYZ." Then the mama doesn't think I'm one of those people.

Originally Posted by woodchick

Just to play devil's advocate... Is there a chance that she was getting ready to leave and was distracted because she is new to the group? And that she readjusted the straps in the car when she was alone and could focus?

I can see how I might just 'get babe into the seat' and worry about it when I was in the car rather than fuss over it while others might be watching me or trying to chat or say goodbye.

This is me, totally. Especially if I was somewhere else and not immediately walking out the door. What if her child needed a diaper change and she was just going to take out the babe in the car?

Originally Posted by pixiekisses

Yes, this.
I just wanted to chime in that here in Scandinavia (spesifically Sweden and Norway) where we are way, way ahead in car seat safety for kids than any other contry, there is no chest clip.
No seat here has that, RF'ing or FF'ing.
Some buy them seperately because they have kids that "brake out" from their harness, but it's designed to brake in a hard crash as far as I know to make it easier to get the kids out of the seat.

I had no idea! But that seems worrisome to me, b/c then couldn't they wiggle or climb out? I know DD would!