Maryland-Legislation introduced to align law with AAP guidelines

morninglori · Jan 31, 2012

I came across this article last night. They want to raise the RF min law to 2yo and booster until child is 4'9", and require kids less than 13 in the backseat.

I was wondering when we would hear about a state moving to changing the laws. Hopefully we will be hearing about other states following suit.

Doctors' group pushes for new child safety seat standards in Maryland

Brianna · Jan 31, 2012

:jaw::2thumbsup::cool!: Let's hope it passes and that other states follow suit quickly!

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

Ok, this excites me....alot! I'm sure there's a downside...and someone here will point it out. What if.... what if..... the child outgrows the RF seat before 2? What if they don't have the money to buy a bigger seat? I've known a child that was 40lbs at his 2yr check up. Would he have outgrown the Scenera?

ETA: WHO should I be calling/emailing to support this????

April · Jan 31, 2012

Wow! That would be awesome!
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cookie123 · Jan 31, 2012

Well that would be awesome! I suppose it will cause a big uproar though. And even a law doesn't matter to many. But still, it would help!

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

cookie123 said:
Well that would be awesome! I suppose it will cause a big uproar though. And even a law doesn't matter to many. But still, it would help!

There will be a mini revolt in my van. Borrowed kid is 9yrs old, and 85 pounds, and passes the 5 step test in most vehicles. But I think she's only 4ft 2.

Jonah Baby · Jan 31, 2012

If only the carseat manufacturers would raise THEIR minimums...
I dont think I need to continue. Hope it pushes for change.

SeattleRain · Jan 31, 2012

Sounds awesome! The laws should definitely support the new "minimum" that babies should be rear facing. There is going to need to be a lot of posters and other stuff on how it's okay for the feet to touch the back of the seat and pictures of happy "scrunched" toddlers for it to work though. It's been a long time that people have thought that once the feet touched the seat, you flipped them and its going to take a long time to change that thought.

morninglori · Jan 31, 2012

Jonah Baby said:
If only the carseat manufacturers would raise THEIR minimums...
I dont think I need to continue. Hope it pushes for change.

It's kind of a chicken-egg thing, right? Does anyone know the history of the 1yr/20lbs? Did the laws change because of the seats or did the seats happen because of the law?

SignCuer · Jan 31, 2012

This will be one of the reasons, if it passes, that I enjoy living in MD!

Kathy- let me know what u find out or whatnot, I'm wanting to help!!

Wahooo!!

SignCuer · Jan 31, 2012

Kathy- if so said child is that kind of child, I would be requiring a doctor note verifying that because that's uncommon but it does happen. Same as getting medical note to import a seat (KQ)

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

faithfulorangekids said:
Kathy- if so said child is that kind of child, I would be requiring a doctor note verifying that because that's uncommon but it does happen. Same as getting medical note to import a seat (KQ)

A doctors note verifying what? I know it's unusual, and I'm shocked myself. But I'm the one that checked her to see if she 5-stepped. I know she does in all spots in my van, and outboard in her parents vehicles.

morninglori · Jan 31, 2012

NannyMom said:
ETA: WHO should I be calling/emailing to support this????

From the article, the group that seems to be at the forefront iss MedChi. Maybe that is a good place to start with?

from their website http://www.medchi.org/law-and-advocacy

Legislative Office

The Legislative Office, located close to the State House in downtown Annapolis, coordinates MedChi's legislative activities, working closely with MedChi's lobbyist and physician activists to ensure that the voice of MedChi and Maryland physicians is heard in the General Assembly. The Legislative Office produces the Legislative Update weekly while the legislature is in session, arranges for physician testimony on bills, and staffs the meetings of the MedChi Legislative Committee. Reach the legislative office by e-mail at swisniewski@medchi.org, or by phone at 410-539-0872 ext. 6001.

mommyfrog · Jan 31, 2012

That's awesome. I tried to register and make a response to the question about rear facing in a rear collision, but it won't let me sign in.

SignCuer · Jan 31, 2012

NannyMom said:
A doctors note verifying what? I know it's unusual, and I'm shocked myself. But I'm the one that checked her to see if she 5-stepped. I know she does in all spots in my van, and outboard in her parents vehicles.

Not the 5 step kid... 40 lb RFing kid and not able to afford a 45 one. Doc note could help verify that ad if needed to turn FF.

However the 5 step kid, is amazing. Its def unusual.

Cath3114 · Jan 31, 2012

Please share if anybody finds how we can all support this

stephpook · Jan 31, 2012

cathleencastle said:
Please share if anybody finds how we can all support this

The best way to start would be to email the members of the committee to which the bill has been referred. The Senate version (SB185) has been referred to the Judicial Proceedings Committee and the House version (HB313) has been referred to the Environmental Matters Committee. If you live in Maryland, you should also contact your Senator/Delegate(s). Neither bill has a hearing date set yet.

Here's a list of the members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Environmental Matters Committee. Click on each member's name to get their contact information. Or you could try contacting the administrative staff for each committee to express your support (phone numbers are listed in the above links).

Hope that helps.

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

I emailed them and got a response. I will copy and paste I tonight when I'm on a computer.

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

It goes to a committee meeting feb 14 so we will have to act fast.

NannyMom · Jan 31, 2012

I wasn't very good at social studies. What are the steps this will go through to become a law?

I also have medchi's talking points for those that want them.

Maryland-Legislation introduced to align law with AAP guidelines

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