What do you do

atw · May 29, 2012

When you see a bunch of aftermarket products on a baby registry? I'm tempted to email, but not sure.. . Thoughts?

katymyers · May 29, 2012

I'd skip an email and just call her up. If she's a first time mom she probably doesn't even know better and would appreciate the advice and then maybe email her some links to articles that would be helpful

Brigala · May 29, 2012

I probably wouldn't do/say anything unless I was asked or maybe if I were very close to the person.

morninglori · May 29, 2012

I have called and told them that I would like to get them the carseat things they need, but would like to trade them for safer/better options. I share the replacement and tell them why it will work better/safer than the one initially chosen - i.e. cling shades rather than roller shades, soft, lightweight mirror vs battery operated lighted and music mirror, showercap cover vs bundle me, etc.

So I basically ask permission to swap and am able to send some gentle education on aftermarket items.

mamom · May 29, 2012

Brigala said:
I probably wouldn't do/say anything unless I was asked or maybe if I were very close to the person.

:yeahthatlove:

atw · May 29, 2012

Brigala said:
I probably wouldn't do/say anything unless I was asked or maybe if I were very close to the person.

This is where I'm at now. I just hate that they sell that stuff and parents seem to buy into it. Say what you will about consumer reports, but that's where I learned the no aftermarket rule.

morninglori · May 29, 2012

They do sell stuff, and while I don't ever advocate to use these aftermarket items in a carseat, there are situations, like in a stroller or a swing - non carseat gear, that they would be great. I've used the strap covers for my kids in the bike trailer.

If you are uncomfortable messaging her, you could always get something for your friend without using her registry - put together a carseat care package as her gift-include the USAA booklet and any other carseat safety info. you could do a safe infant seat cover, extra (matching to her carseat) receiving blankets for head rolls, cling sunshades, baby on board sign, soft toy.

Now she has time to learn and absorb the new information on her own time and learn about no aftermarket items in carseats and has a chance to return the stuff on her registry before baby comes.

jen_nah · May 29, 2012

I think it would depend on the person. My SIL is due at the end of June with their 1st. When I saw their baby registry and the after market products I of course said something to them. They didn't know and removed them.

If it was just someone I know but not extremely close to I wouldn't unless asked.

Kobain's Mommy · May 30, 2012

morninglori said:
They do sell stuff, and while I don't ever advocate to use these aftermarket items in a carseat, there are situations, like in a stroller or a swing - non carseat gear, that they would be great. I've used the strap covers for my kids in the bike trailer.

:yeahthat:

I had a aftermarket stuff on DS' registry. And most of it I did get. The strap covers are on DS' stroller, the head rest we used with a bouncer, and the snuzzler I used in his swing.

Also if it's not a close friend she may just ignore you or make an excuse. Just like seeing misuse on FB pictures. If you point it out usually you get the "Oh that was just after I buckled them in. I fixed it later." When you can clearly see in the picture the car was in motion.

atw · May 30, 2012

morninglori said:
They do sell stuff, and while I don't ever advocate to use these aftermarket items in a carseat, there are situations, like in a stroller or a swing - non carseat gear, that they would be great. I've used the strap covers for my kids in the bike trailer.

If you are uncomfortable messaging her, you could always get something for your friend without using her registry - put together a carseat care package as her gift-include the USAA booklet and any other carseat safety info. you could do a safe infant seat cover, extra (matching to her carseat) receiving blankets for head rolls, cling sunshades, baby on board sign, soft toy.

Now she has time to learn and absorb the new information on her own time and learn about no aftermarket items in carseats and has a chance to return the stuff on her registry before baby comes.

Great thoughts! I wish I were so creative as to think they could be used other ways

monica-m · May 30, 2012

I try to offer a seat check to friends who are expecting or if I see bad misuse. Gentle education in a seat check setting is taken much better than unsolicited advice. I was able to get a friend to remove the giant aftermarket strap covers and snuzzler from her baby's car seat in a check. I was also able to fix her DD's Nauti. If you're not a tech, perhaps you could invite her to a check to make sure it's in right and ready for baby's arrival.

What do you do

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