GMA to talk car seats this morning!

[ChristyH]

They just brought up that they are going to talk about whether or not you really have to strap your kids in a car seat with the Freakanomics guys.

Can't wait to see what they have to say about this

 

[bree]

Ugh, I hope the Freakanomics guys clarify what exactly their data said and don't say anything to encourage parents to ditch car seats on national television. Though, I believe GMA did cover the "rear-face until 4" research back in April and that really didn't have an impact on the public, so maybe it won't matter what the Freakanomics guys say in terms of what people will do.

 

[MomToEliEm]

Here is a link to the story/video on GMA website:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/child-safety-car-seats/story?id=8867880

 

[::er!ca::]

This makes me sick.

The last thing we need is for people to start throwing the freakonomics bull out to the public when we're trying to educate on car seat safety.

 

[Little Ps Mama]

What a waste of air time. :thumbsdown:

 

[swtgi1982]

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8869497

here is the video link

they argue more so that the real issue is misuse, not to not use them. They say to keep using them, but that maybe we could come up with a better way to ensure proper use in all cases

This is another link in case the other not work for some people
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/child-safety-car-seats/story?id=8867880

 

[danivdp]

Hrm. I hope DH doesn't see this. He'll be PO'ed that I just bought seats for the boys to be harnessed again

He's all about "just put them in the seatbelt"

 

[Mom on a Mission]

Saw it - how misrepresented! And the kids featured in the video all had seatbelts across their necks!

 

[TheNimpsGirl]

Loved all the mis-use as well... bundle me's, loose harnesses, low chest clips... overall great waste of air time space.

 

[Wiggles]

I'm actually impressed with the discussion--they flat out stated that carseats are a 'little' safer and they talked more about misuse than no-use. I wish, however, that they'd ended the discussion with resources for parents to learn how to properly install a carseat and thus reduce/eliminate misuse.

I'm NOT impressed with the representative use of carseats in the clip.

 

[MomToEliEm]

I am guessing since they are promoting their new book, we will see these guys on more TV shows and in articles. I guess that means more posts from parents will show up on messageboards across the web talking about this. Luckily we have a few sites with info already disputing these guys findings, though I would love to see more (maybe on carseatblog.com - I did a seach and didn't see one earlier but maybe I missed it). I am glad to see that GMA did include the response from the Center for Injury Research and Prevention.

Edited to add, I did finally find the carseatblog.com entry. I thought I had seen in before.

 

[thepote]

I am guessing since they are promoting their new book, we will see these guys on more TV shows and in articles. I guess that means more posts from parents will show up on messageboards across the web talking about this. Luckily we have a few sites with info already disputing these guys findings, though I would love to see more (maybe on carseatblog.com - I did a seach and didn't see one earlier but maybe I missed it). I am glad to see that GMA did include the response from the Center for Injury Research and Prevention.

Ugh! This is already popping up on my local moms' board with the freaking leader of the group posting that it shows it's ok to put 2yr olds in seat belts (which she did a few years ago, btw, claiming "adults don't understand how uncomfortable it is to have your shoulders pinned back.")

Does anyone have the links to refute the freakonomics people?

 

[MomToEliEm]

Does anyone have the links to refute the freakonomics people?

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/pediatric-crash-experts-respond-superfreakonomics/story?id=8867876
http://www.jpma.org/cfincludes/Resources/PressReleases/index.cfm?section=Resources&content=041706
http://carseatblog.com/?p=88
http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/...story/06-05-2006/0004374684&EDATE=Jun+5,+2006

 

[SafeDad]

Were the authors asked what they did with their young children? Do they put their money where their mouth is?

 

[Jennifer mom to my 7]

THey covered their butts by saying you should use the carseat, but that there could be a better way, like built in boosters (like volvos integrated one) and 5 point harnesses like in race cars instead of 3 point belts.

 

[bilbreysy]

Every year these authors bring up this issue - to sell their book. Just bring up a controversial issue on national TV to a huge audience and incite advocates for child passenger safety if you want your book to sell! We give too much attention to these guys!!!!

 

[bluebonnet]

Ugh! This is already popping up on my local moms' board with the freaking leader of the group posting that it shows it's ok to put 2yr olds in seat belts (which she did a few years ago, btw, claiming "adults don't understand how uncomfortable it is to have your shoulders pinned back.")

I was pretty unhappy w/ that mom's post myself and my stress level went thru the roof!

 

[BookMama]

claiming "adults don't understand how uncomfortable it is to have your shoulders pinned back.")

She should talk to my 8.5YO, who strongly prefers his harnessed seats to his boosters.

 

[thepote]

Hi Ms Amy!!! I was pretty unhappy w/ that mom's post myself and my stress level went thru the roof! I'll try to post a proper response later, but I'm slammed right now w/ consulting work. Feel free to post a response and I'll back you up!

-Melanie
CPST in NH

I'm having a hard time being nice about it... and I don't want to deal with her inevitable 5,000-word response

 

[bombedier]

KDMF responds to GMA - http://kdmf.blogspot.com/2009/10/do-you-need-car-seat.html.