This is very disturbing that some parents don't understand the importance of car seats and seatbelts. We have a neighbor behind us (whom we don't really know) that let's their kids run around in the van while it's moving. It really bothers us to see this, but what do you do? It's their (bad) choice, I guess. My kids are always buckled, even if only going from Target to Kohl's, in the same parking lot. No exceptions.
I just had to smile over this statement. My kids are always buckled, even if only going from Target to Kohl's, in the same parking lot. No exceptions. As it seems no one walks anymore. Not bashing you just thought, I would never have started the car for that distance myself. But than I am the one who always parks as far away from the store as I can so that I get some more much needed exercise.
Well, if I buy stuff in the store, I'm going to go put it in my car before going to the other store. Plus, with three little ones ages 3 and under it's just easier to put them in the car and drive closer than walk with them through the parking lot, which I don't feel very safe doing. Not to mention a windy, winter day...heck, I hardly even leave the house! On a nice day, by myself (or with maybe just one kid), sure I'd have no problem walking.
My favorite is kids in the back of pick up trucks. What the !?#?$!? I am wondering if the police department would even do anything, if you called in and reported them. Unfortunately, the impression that I get from a lot of South Dakotans is that this is a small town, and nothing bad happens here. I have no idea, how some people can be so naive. I am sure whether they post on your thread or not, there are parents right here on this board, that probably don't buckle up their kids, or take a baby out of the car seat, while the car is in motion. Here's a great idea....pull the car over, tend to your baby, and then rebuckle them in the car seat, and proceed with your trip.
i completely agree with you. my parents actually did, however, get pulled over a number of years ago...my sister was probably 5, and had smucked her head and was bleeding all over...they were driving to the emergency room and my dad had her on his lap. he had his seatbelt on but was holding her while applying pressure to her gash...they did get a ticket for it.
I dont like to admit this and certainly am not proud of it.. used to be that person! When my daughter was an infant i never buckled her! not in to her carseat or the carseat into the car! Why you ask! i was that person, and was thinking the same things that these other people are and i can honetly tell you, i dont know!! I dont know why i didnt take that xtra 2 min to buckle and keep my baby safe! I dont know why i was so lazy, i dont know why i was in such a hurry! Actually in some cases the seat would tip over with her in it and i would just reach back and push it back up!! Now i do, i buckle kids ALL THE TIME!!! if it has a seatbelt they wil be buckled!! weather its a stroller, carseat, a ride thing in the mall, shopping cart, ANYTHING! So give these parents a challenge, if you are able to be in talking distance with them simply in a nice tone ask them "why dont you use a child saftey seat? or buckle your child?" i am willing to put MONEY(an lots of it) and bet that they will either come back with some lame, uneducated excuse or say "I dont know".. because i didn't and will know why i didnt buckle my baby!!
Katy - Mommy to 3 year old Alison and 11 month old Cole
I think it's really brave of you to admit this because my first reaction was bafflement and anger at your carelessness. I think you know this will be the first thing many people think when reading your post, and I think it's strong of you to come out on the subject and say you used to be that person but have since changed.
Not that its an excuse, but I am willing to bet that she was young and probably just didnt think it mattered. Common sense doesnt come out with the baby :)It sometimes has to be learned. Youre tough to admit that!
I was 17 when i had my daughter! Although i do not agree with the age thing because after 7 kids and loosing one child (not accident related) she still does not buckle my daughter! SHe often lets her ride in the front seat! Do i agree with this, HELL NO!! have i tryed to stop it, HELL YES, have my efforts worked, Obviously not because she still does it behind my back!! I do understand that people are going to be angry or upset or whatever but the purpose of that post is that there still in hope fo these people that do not buckle their children.. they will someday learn that they were selfish, stupid, and dumb, weather they have to learn it the hard way (which is often very heartbreaking like the incident in Mitchell) or with time common sence come into play FINALLY!!
Katy - Mommy to 3 year old Alison and 11 month old Cole
I see cars/vans all the time riding down my road with the kids on mom's lap while mom is driving. I live on a quiet road but still, we get LOTS of cars going way too fast and if they would meet at the intersection, I don't even want to imagine it. It doesn't ake that long if you are used to doing it.
Hmmm not sure how I did a double post - sorry
I agree this is mere stupidity but I have a question for all you moms with 2 year olds, how do you get them to stay. My 2 year old can literally get out of his carseats, a 5 point harness or the one with the bar over his head so sometimes he sits in the middle with a seat belt b/c thats the only way I can get him to stay, Im not proud of it but I dont know what else to do, he doesnt get that I'll stop the car, he doesnt care..help!!!
So, have you stopped the car then? Our daughter would just unbuckle that plastic chest part and we pulled over because of that so she knew the serious-ness of it. I guess on the buckle part, we are pretty lucky as those are hard on our carseats.
I know some people have said to try and buckle the buckles and chest part backwards. We never had to go that route. For some kids its harder for them to unbuckle it then. Maybe try that, good luck!
I have tried pulling over but he thinks its funny he would probably rather not going whenever we are heading so that has not worked yet I guess I'll just have to be firmer with my voice or something but Im wondering if just the seatbelt is safer then him climbing out, I know he is two small for it but I dont know what the right answer is...
Just lately we've been having the same problem. My 2 year old daughter has now figured out how to reach down and unbuckle her own car seat, and then she stands up in the moving car! And then she'll attempt to lean over and unbuckle her older brother's carseat as well, the little stinker! I really don't know what to do about it, because she just loves to do it, like it's a game. It's becoming very annoying (not to mention dangerous) having to stop on the way to wherever we're going just to keep buckling her back in. I'll have to figure something out quick-any more tips?
Duct tape. Ha!
The Cake goddess - Cakes for all occasions, desserts and cookies, too!
We already have to use painters tape around her diaper because she has turned into a little streaker, so why not duct tape for the carseat? (just kidding of course)
i have seen kids in cars with no carseats before, and as a mandated reporter...i take their license plate # and call them into the police, this is neglect for child safety and it bothers me to no end.
i do sympathize with those of you whose kids un-buckle themselves though. that's a tough battle!
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Not sure where this belongs, but I have seen it so many times lately and it is becoming increasing irritating...Why are there so many kids not buckeled up? I just seen two this morning in two different cars that were maybe 3 or 4, just monkeying around in the front seat, no seat belt on, while the vehicle was moving. Im no expert but i would think even a low speed low impact crash could send a small child that is not buckeled up into the windshield. I know its hard to get your kid in the car seat, they hate it, and they fight you, but I will listen to my kid scream if it means she is safe...