How to respond to this facebook comment?

My friend just posted this on her facebook page - I'm glad her 3/4 year old is still in a harness seat, but on the homemade cover idea!!

"OK, who can make a carseat cover for a Britax Marathon/Fisher Price Safe Voyage that WON'T cost me $70?? The original carseat cover is getting icky, yet again, and I just want something washable!! #noboosterseatyet"

Any ideas for a nicely worded comment? (One of her friends already liked her post and pasted a link from ebay for a pattern to make a cover) Any ideas on how to get her a cover at a good price??!! Help!!

Laurie

(I'll probably do some comment on her wall because I want others to know it's not safe - not sure of exactly what to say. I'll also probably email her directly through facebook to give other ideas of where to get one.)

Tell her that her current cover IS washable. I wash my Britax covers all the time in the washer on delicate and then air dry.

Otherwise, send her here where she can get a nice used cover less than $70.

I think saying that aftermarket covers aren't safe is fine. Then send her some suggestions for where to get another one cheaper. Or suggest ways to clean her current one. And maybe add in something about how you totally agree with no booster yet and do the same with your kids.

Is swap open to "visitors"? Or would she need to register first?

Am I correct that those covers are hand wash only? (although I, and I think other members here, have made the parental decision to machine wash and air dry?)

ohiomommy08 said:

Am I correct that those covers are hand wash only? (although I, and I think other members here, have made the parental decision to machine wash and air dry?)

Click to expand...

Yes, they are technically hand wash only. However, I have washed mine numerous times and they still look brand new. Delicate or hand wash cycle, then air dry. I'd much prefer someone going against the manual for washing the cover than for using an aftermarket one.


I just logged out and checked to see if I could see swap as a visitor. I could see all the posts and post reply was available within the threads. If I wanted to send a PM, I'd have to register.

Thanks for the quick responses! At least she said she doesn't sew, so won't be buying the pattern, but was excited that you could make covers out of fleece - how cool is that!! (ugh!)

Here is my response:

I have those seats for Taylor and love them!! I'm not sure if you know this, but covers that are not manufactured specifically for the seat (aftermarket products) are not considered safe. Have you tried to wash the cover? Even though it'...s supposed to be handwashed, I have washed mine in the washing machine on the delicate cycle (I think I even used spray and wash) and let air dry and it came out GREAT!! I would try that before getting a new cover. If you want help finding a new Britax cover, check out the swap forum at www.car-seat.org. You can probably get one for less that $70! Or maybe try your local Craigslist ? If you can find a cheap Marathon, buy it, keep the cover and cut the straps on the seat and throw it away. Or search CL in other areas - maybe some will be selling a cover and could ship it? Just some ideas so you can keep K safe!!

Then a link to CL

Then this:
Oops - forgot to comment! The link is to a seat in the Denver area with a cover I'm drooling over!!! It's called Faux Paws Maybe she would ship it to you and then destroy the seat (it's expired so it shouldn't be used any way!!)

And yes, I'm very tempted to get that Faux Paws for myself, but I love our Hannah cover and Ashley floral (which is hardly ever used) and I have a FPSVD sitting in the garage with no vehicle for it. Cannot justify it AND it would be much better for my friend to get it if she needs it

The reason aftermarket covers aren't safe is that most, if not all, have not been treated with flame retardants which is a requirement for children's products.

Britax showed this during their tour I took 2 years ago. That's why their covers are made the way they are (colors, fabrics etc)

You should also only wash them in warm, not hot water, no soap, detergent only and NO fabric softener.