A 2 year old in a booster...I can't believe it

[HIU8]

I was at a neighborhood holiday party yesterday evening. One of my neighbors asked me where to buy a cheap highback booster. She intends to use it for her 2 year old grandson to drive him short distances. She wanted no part of hearing that he should be in a 5 point harness. She told me she has no intention of doing that. She will only use a booster and she will have him much more often in a few months and intends to drive him around in that.

Do I do anything other than say what I said about it being safer for her to have him in a 5 point harnessed seat? I even told her about the scenera at Walmart (as an inexpensive seat she could use). I'm at a loss. I feel it is just so dangerous and she is an educated woman who I feel just doesn't want to be bothered.

[lorinick]

I think giving her the information is all you can do. Do you have her email address? If so send her some video and facts. Kyle David Miller comes to mind. Or leave some info at her door. You tried.

[tribecamom]

I absolutely agree with the frustration here, but I think we need to take it out on Car seat manufacturers who sell boosters for 2 and 3 year olds and state legislatures which don't require kids to be rearfacing long enough or harnessed long enough

and finally pediatricians who continue to spout misinformation, inclusing a well known NY doctor who actually recommends the taxi/baby bjorn combo in a book...

[mecawa]

I agree with the pp, all you can do is give her the information, unfortunately. Sometimes I wonder if it's a generational thing too, my in laws would do that without thinking twice about it. That's why when DD is left with them we always install our own carseat into their car before we leave.

[fattytuna]

A friend's DH just bought a booster for their DD who is 3-1/2. I was talking about combination seats with her just a few weeks ago. The next thing I know they bought a booster, and it's purely for $ reason. They are not poor and it's not a matter of weather or not they can afford it - they CAN. I don't think everyone needs to get a Britax even if they can afford it, there are enough choices out there for everyone's budget. My friend's DH said the only reason his kids are in car seats is because he doesn't want to get a ticket. I don't know why my friend is agreeing to his decision. I was also always amazed how fast they put their kids in the car and drive away because it usually takes me forever strapping my kids into the car seats. Turns out they leave the straps loose so it's really quick to get them in and out. DH said well, what's the point of telling them their DD should not be in a booster if they don't even tighten the seat belts anyway. I honestly don't know what to say to my friend - it's not like she doesn't know or they are uneducated. Drives me nuts.

[lorinick]

Originally Posted by fattytuna

A friend's DH just bought a booster for their DD who is 3-1/2. I was talking about combination seats with her just a few weeks ago. The next thing I know they bought a booster, and it's purely for $ reason. They are not poor and it's not a matter of weather or not they can afford it - they CAN. I don't think everyone needs to get a Britax even if they can afford it, there are enough choices out there for everyone's budget. My friend's DH said the only reason his kids are in car seats is because he doesn't want to get a ticket. I don't know why my friend is agreeing to his decision. I was also always amazed how fast they put their kids in the car and drive away because it usually takes me forever strapping my kids into the car seats. Turns out they leave the straps loose so it's really quick to get them in and out. DH said well, what's the point of telling them their DD should not be in a booster if they don't even tighten the seat belts anyway. I honestly don't know what to say to my friend - it's not like she doesn't know or they are uneducated. Drives me nuts.

Have you ever sent her the you tube clip of Kyle David Miller? I think they may have an impact.

[maestramommy]

I wonder why she bothered asking you if her mind was already so made up. She could've walked into any Target or BRU and found what she was looking for.

[fattytuna]

Originally Posted by lorinick

Have you ever sent her the you tube clip of Kyle David Miller? I think they may have an impact.

Not that particular one, but the crash test videos that were posted on this board. All I get is "Oh, [her DH's name] thinks it's all a scam put up by the car seat manufacturers and insurance companies." [I'd insert a smiley with rolling eyes and another one with red face fuming, but I'm smiley challenged.]

[Joolsplus2]

Welcome to my life as a BRU employee

[Happy 2B mommy]

It's sad, but probably happens more than we think. My friend put her 18 month old in a highback booster because he was over 30 pounds and "the box said 'for 30 pounds and over', so it must be safe." After sending her tons of info, AND letting her know our state laws, she got a convertable, but her DH insisted that the booster stay in his car. Some folks are just odd that way-- DH's cousin only wears a seatbelt because the fines are $$$, otherwise he thinks it's a scam and government interference.