I sent a helpful car seat FB message...

wvmommy007

New member
I'm so nervous. But I can't overlook a newly 1 year old forward facing with her straps at rear facing height, a belly clip, and loosely hanging straps...I didn't preach the ERF gospel, but this is what I sent.

Hi! I wanted to let you know your kids are beautiful. I was looking at the pic of E in her car seat. She's so precious. I don't mean to be bossy, but it looks like her straps should be moved up a slot and tightened up a little. They should be at or above shoulder level for forward facing, snug, and the chest clip at armpit level. I hope this doesn't bug you, I am just anal about car seats. I can't help it. And all mommies want to see safe babies. :) A is super handsome too, and getting so big! TTYL

I could just eat my fingernails off. I'm afraid I'll get a return message as kind as some of the responses I've seen posted here from CL people who get emailed...

Was I harsh, bossy, or rude? I hope I did the right thing. Sorry for the novel, too. :)
 
ADS

Qarin

New member
I try not to use the word "anal" in conversation, but anyway what you said was useful. I would, personally, have mentioned the possibility of rearfacing (something like, "looks like you left the straps in the rearfacing 'at or below the shoulders' position! seems like she's got plenty of room left rearfacing, too... you could just turn it back around, 500% safer in the second year of life they say these days!... anyway, I found out that for forward facing the straps should come from above the shoulders, to hold the child *back*, instead of from below like rearfacing (where it's like they hold the child *down*). I'm sure you usually remember to put the chest clip up at her chest. what a cutie! 12 months is such the perfect age." or some crap like that).

I don't think you were harsh, rude, or bossy. I hope she responds positively.
 

BabyKaykes

New member
I've stopped. Once in awhile I'll post a good article or link on RFing, but other than that I don't reach out. Even though I know (through FB) that 2 of my friends have their boys FF in COMPLETE AIRs at 8mths and 11mths.

And no, it doesn't sound (to me) like anything but a well-meaning note, but I've learned that people are REALLY sensitive about their kids in improperly used seats for some reason.
 

wvmommy007

New member
Qarin, do you just have an aversion to the word, or do you leave it to the person to think about you without calling yourself that? LOL I'm sure she already thinks that based on my ERF and lap belt only posts (to my own wall). Anyway, if I get a response, I'll update.
 

Mommy0608

New member
I've stopped. Once in awhile I'll post a good article or link on RFing, but other than that I don't reach out. Even though I know (through FB) that 2 of my friends have their boys FF in COMPLETE AIRs at 8mths and 11mths.

And no, it doesn't sound (to me) like anything but a well-meaning note, but I've learned that people are REALLY sensitive about their kids in improperly used seats for some reason.

:yeahthat:

Unfortunately, I don't even bother in most cases any more. :( I've tried in the past, and get offended no matter how carefully I write the message, or they just plain don't care. It's sad. Once in a while I do post helpful comments, videos, links, etc. to my page for all to see, hope for the best. I have some friends with awful car seat usage in their Facebook photos.

I can only think of one friend on FB that I actually said something to recently. He's one of my very best friends (been friends since 8th grade). His 3yo was in a booster that fit horribly, so I brought it up gently and fortunately he and his wife were very responsive. I helped them obtain a new harnessed seat, and all is well. :)

There's another FB friend (not a close friend) that has pics of her kiddo (now 4 or 5yo) from the past on there. In all of her car pics, she's in a booster from age 1. I posted some videos and info about boosters/harnessing, I know she saw it, but she never made a change.
 

macmomma

New member
I usually wait a day or two after a friend posts a picture of their child in a child restraint that might not be used properly and just post a video or two on my page. Last month I had a friend actually respond to it and ask me a few questions about it.... she ended up fixing the straps :)
 

2girls4me

New member
I've given up mentioning things to people...they don't seem receptive. I do post videos and links on my page. Sometimes they are noticed, sometimes they aren't.
 

Shanora

Well-known member
yeah, I've stopped as well. *sigh* Its sad really.
Fingers crossed they are receptive to your message!!
 

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