Ugh

We were at wal-mart last night getting last minute packing supplies and whatnot and I happened to glance at the car seat aisle as we walked by (ok, ok. I always look at the car seat aisle, but that's not the point) and I saw some of our friends/Kevin's former co-worker looking at seats for their daughter.

Me being the psycho that I am, walked over to see what they were thinking of purchasing. I was shocked and saddened to see that they had put a backless turbo booster in their cart...for their 30# 3 year old. She was 6 weeks premature and is about the same size as Presley (who just turned 2).

I started to try and guide them towards another seat/educate them about the safety of keeping her harnessed longer. But just then Presley started screaming bloody murder because her thumb got caught in one of the slots of the shopping cart. They excused themselves as I was trying to help her and were walking out of the store before I got her calmed down.

I was shaking as we walked through the rest of the store. I'm so angry that there isn't more education out there and that these two people, who love their kid, think that she is perfectly safe in that seat and that couldn't be further from the truth.

Sometimes I just wish I was stupid and just didn't know anything about car seat safety. I think I would sleep better at night if that were the case.

As I'm guessing you know already, a backless booster isn't ok until 40 pounds. I'm not saying it is ok then, but that is what the manufacturer says. Didn't they even look at the little chart Wal-Mart puts under the seats? That is so annoying. I really hope they don't have to learn the hard way why this wans't a good idea. Also, since you are friends, can you say something to them now? Do you have their e-mail address? I know that is hard to do, but they may honestly not know why it isn't ok. Good luck.

mish said:

As I'm guessing you know already, a backless booster isn't ok until 40 pounds. I'm not saying it is ok then, but that is what the manufacturer says. Didn't they even look at the little chart Wal-Mart puts under the seats? That is so annoying. I really hope they don't have to learn the hard way why this wans't a good idea. Also, since you are friends, can you say something to them now? Do you have their e-mail address? I know that is hard to do, but they may honestly not know why it isn't ok. Good luck.

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I don't have their email but I do have their phone number. I might call them over for a play date and bring it up while they're here. Presley tells everyone she talks to about her new car seat so I'm sure it will not be difficult to work into conversation.

I understand completly! We all just do the best we can and try to help as many people as we can. I've had experiences like that and it bothers me to no end. But then there are day like today; I was a Target (my favorite place ) and a young couple were trying to pick out a car seat for their 9mo. and they were looking at a seat that was ff only. SO I gently asked if they needed some help and they were very open to all that I had to say ( especially about the extended rf!). I left and continued with my shopping but I saw them them checking out and they had the EFTA in their cart :2thumbsup:
So some good days, some not so good. Keep your head up!

firemomof3 said:

I understand completly! We all just do the best we can and try to help as many people as we can. I've had experiences like that and it bothers me to no end. But then there are day like today; I was a Target (my favorite place ) and a young couple were trying to pick out a car seat for their 9mo. and they were looking at a seat that was ff only. SO I gently asked if they needed some help and they were very open to all that I had to say ( especially about the extended rf!). I left and continued with my shopping but I saw them them checking out and they had the EFTA in their cart :2thumbsup:
So some good days, some not so good. Keep your head up!

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That's awesome!!

I have a friend who's due with her first in June and she came to me asking for all the information I have about car seats. She doesn't have a lot of money to spend, but she has purchased a graco infant bucket (can't remember exactly which one) and a Cosco Scenera. She plans on leaving the baby RF to 35lbs and then getting a Nautilus. So there are some good days to be had!

jclaire said:

I don't have their email but I do have their phone number. I might call them over for a play date and bring it up while they're here. Presley tells everyone she talks to about her new car seat so I'm sure it will not be difficult to work into conversation.

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Good idea. I really hope they will listen to you. And I hope they aren't using it yet.

Unfrotunately, some Cosco backless boosters DO say 30 lbs .
But the one they have, the backless Turbo Booster says 40 lbs.
You have to wonder how they could not notice that.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861773

Hope you can figure out a way to talk to them! Good Luck!