OK, So we can't get the free car seat until April 7. BOO. So, we went to the Rock a Bye Baby (its a local consignment type shop that sells pretty nice stuff). They have a Britax Companion in there for $45...I am thinking about trading in the too small Snugride (I'll get btwn $25-35) adn getting the Britax. That will get us through until April 7. I just feel bad buying it & then putting her straight into it..w/o washing, but I will wipe it down with Lysol wipes & lay a recieving blanket behind her.
As long as it is not effected by the recall (a defective part) and it is less than 4 years old, (meaning it still has 2 years of use left--so I can use it for my hopefully soon to be conceived child) I am going to get it.
What do you think?
OK, so Caro is in need of a new car-seat. My little sister got a free convertible off of Craigslist. So I told her not to use it until I checked it out (she knows nothing about this stuff). So I got it tonight & looked it over. The structure is A-OK, BUT, the foam is torn a little & the cover looks like CRAP. It is fraying at the edges & has been washed to death (it is EXTREMELY faded.)
Anyway, it's 7 years old. I am trying to find out if it is recalled or expired, but if anyone wants to help or knows where to look I'm open for help.
I'm pretty sure that all carseats expire 6 years after the manufacture date. I'd only use it if I had nothing else.. otherwise I'd get rid of it. :2cents:
TeachinAuntie
03-05-2008, 06:36 PM
Nevermind about the cover, they sell them on their homepage. $50
solbrich
03-05-2008, 06:42 PM
NO! You really don't know the history of this seat. It could have been in an accident. The Styrofoam is what protects your child in an accident. Plus if the seat is 7 years old - it has expired. Please remove the belts and dispose of them separately from the rest of the seat so it cannot be reused or sold "free" again!
solbrich
03-05-2008, 06:45 PM
If your sister is looking for an inexpensive seat have her check with her car insurance - they may have a program to offer them at cost to people in need....
raelynn
03-05-2008, 06:45 PM
NO! You really don't know the history of this seat. It could have been in an accident. The Styrofoam is what protects your child in an accident. Plus if the seat is 7 years old - it has expired. Please remove the belts and dispose of them separately from the rest of the seat so it cannot be reused or sold "free" again!
:yeahthat: Destroy the seat
TeachinAuntie
03-05-2008, 06:45 PM
OK-Let me further explain the options then...basically its this or an infant carrier. The foam is just torn a little, not separated from the seat or hugely gashed. Caro is 27 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 20 pounds. Her head comes to the top of her infant carrier & her feet hang off the end. We are going to PA on Friday and I can't afford to replace the seats.
Which one should I use?
jsmom06
03-05-2008, 06:46 PM
Its expired and you dont know the history. Absolutely not!
TeachinAuntie
03-05-2008, 06:47 PM
She has no car insurance, no driver's license. Dh and I (and my little sister) driver her around & none of us would qualify for assistance. I AM going to check the ONE trustworthy consignment shop--but I'd hate to PAY for used (esp. when I can't talk to the prior owner) because I want DH to cave in and let me buy a Britax new for our own future child....but its a lot of $$ that we don't have RIGHT now.
jsmom06
03-05-2008, 06:47 PM
OK-Let me further explain the options then...basically its this or an infant carrier. The foam is just torn a little, not separated from the seat or hugely gashed. Caro is 27 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 20 pounds. Her head comes to the top of her infant carrier & her feet hang off the end. We are going to PA on Friday and I can't afford to replace the seats.
Which one should I use?
Call your health dept, they should be able to give you one for free. Or you can ask your local police dept for a number that can point you in the right direction to getting one.
Synchro246
03-05-2008, 06:48 PM
Absolutely not. I wouldn't use it. Britaxes expire in 6 years (there's some brands that go longer). Have you seen the 10 year old Britax crash test video? The shell breaks where the harness goes over the shoulders. The dummy is flung forword out of the seat (and basicly hanged by the harness).
Synchro246
03-05-2008, 06:49 PM
I'd recomend a $40 scenera if $$$ is an issue.
Hayley
03-05-2008, 06:49 PM
No please don't use it.
They say 8 years (ETA on other carseat brands) but I wouldn't go past 6 years.
OneFabMama
03-05-2008, 06:51 PM
No. No. No. And no again. I know you said "no" is not really an option, but if money is an issue there are programs that give free, NEW carseats to people in need. There are GOOD cheap(er) car seats out there. Do not put that baby in an expired car seat that you got from someone you do not know! You just never know...ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
jsmom06
03-05-2008, 06:51 PM
No please don't use it.
They say 8 years but I wouldn't go past 6 years.
Can you show me where Britax says 8 years? I thought it was 6. Thanks!
Synchro246
03-05-2008, 06:52 PM
OK-Let me further explain the options then...basically its this or an infant carrier. The foam is just torn a little, not separated from the seat or hugely gashed. Caro is 27 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 20 pounds. Her head comes to the top of her infant carrier & her feet hang off the end. We are going to PA on Friday and I can't afford to replace the seats.
Which one should I use?
I just saw your response here :) Quick thread ;)
Seriously, both are a risk. For a rearfacing seat there needs to be at least an inch of shell over the top of the baby's head. If there's an inch left use the infant seat. If there's not an inch left USE NEITHER. Is there anyone at all that you know that would lend you a seat for the weekend if you can't get a scenera?
Chaos
03-05-2008, 06:52 PM
I'd say she's safer in the infant seat (assuming its to the top of her head and not to her ears) than she would be in a roundabout that is expired with an unknown background.
Hayley
03-05-2008, 06:54 PM
Can you show me where Britax says 8 years? I thought it was 6. Thanks!
I didn't say specifically Britax :goodvibes:
mclaybrook
03-05-2008, 06:54 PM
Do you have any friends that might have an extra seat that you could borrow? Maybe you could ask for one on freecycle.. just make sure you ask for the history of the seat. :thumbsup:
OneFabMama
03-05-2008, 06:57 PM
What kind of infant seat does she have? I'd say it's better to put her in that then an expired unknown seat - as long as her ears do not go to the top of the seat.
mclaybrook
03-05-2008, 06:57 PM
Oh.. and in case you didn't already know.. Amazon is having a great sale on Britax seats on Amazon.com (with free shipping, too!) :thumbsup:
pixilated
03-05-2008, 07:00 PM
Contact your local SafeKids, and get a low-cost/free convertible carseat(depending on how the coalition does things) from them.
http://www.usa.safekids.org/state_display.cfm
To make sure the state listed is your state, click on the pull down menu in the upper right hand corner.
And bring that nasty Britax with and give it to them to destroy.
TeachinAuntie
03-05-2008, 07:12 PM
OK, I emailed the local safe seat & have my sis on the line. Hopefully I can talk her out of using it. I def. won't use it.
OK-I called the number listed with the lady, the Safe Seat org. doesn't exist any more, but it sounds like the woman who ran it works for WIC. She said if Caro is on medicaid she automatically qualifies for a new car seat to be given to her (sounds like on the spot) if my sis takes hers in & applies for one. STUPID sister. So now I am going to take tomorrow 1/2 day & carry her butt down there. They will give her a convert. one so that's good!
Thanks for all the help mamas!
OneFabMama
03-05-2008, 07:26 PM
OK, I emailed the local safe seat & have my sis on the line. Hopefully I can talk her out of using it. I def. won't use it.
OK-I called the number listed with the lady, the Safe Seat org. doesn't exist any more, but it sounds like the woman who ran it works for WIC. She said if Caro is on medicaid she automatically qualifies for a new car seat to be given to her (sounds like on the spot) if my sis takes hers in & applies for one. STUPID sister. So now I am going to take tomorrow 1/2 day & carry her butt down there. They will give her a convert. one so that's good!
Thanks for all the help mamas!
Awesome!!!
::er!ca::
03-05-2008, 07:30 PM
A lot of times there are organizations/charities in your community that will give you a *FREE* car seat. If you contact your local authorities, WIC office, Children & Family Services, etc. they should be able to give you the information you need to contact someone about a free one. Otherwise, I'd use the infant carrier. What type of an infant carrier is it? Ours goes up to 30 lbs and 30-31 inches I believe.
grisaleen
03-05-2008, 07:31 PM
That's wonderful! I'm glad you put in the effort to make sure the baby would be safe instead of just assuming, you know? Thank you!
luvsviola
03-05-2008, 08:38 PM
No way!
Call your local SeatCheck. They often have resources for those that cannot afford. Or, for $40 at Wal-Mart, get a Cosco Scenara. RF to 33 pounds, and inexpensive.
raelynn
03-05-2008, 08:56 PM
OK, I emailed the local safe seat & have my sis on the line. Hopefully I can talk her out of using it. I def. won't use it.
OK-I called the number listed with the lady, the Safe Seat org. doesn't exist any more, but it sounds like the woman who ran it works for WIC. She said if Caro is on medicaid she automatically qualifies for a new car seat to be given to her (sounds like on the spot) if my sis takes hers in & applies for one. STUPID sister. So now I am going to take tomorrow 1/2 day & carry her butt down there. They will give her a convert. one so that's good!
Thanks for all the help mamas!
That is great news!!
rebeccah5
03-05-2008, 09:08 PM
Call your health dept, they should be able to give you one for free. Or you can ask your local police dept for a number that can point you in the right direction to getting one.
:yeahthat: our local police dept has a program where they give out free cosco seats for old expired ones.
redneckmama
03-06-2008, 12:11 PM
No, I would never use a 7 year old carseat regardless of how it looked or what the previous owners said about it. I agree with everyone else, it needs to be destroyed asap.
mama2madj
03-06-2008, 12:35 PM
so glad you found a place for a seat!! i agree with the others...ive never gone more than 5yrs myself, by then the carseats are fading and living in fl they had a lot of extreme temps, so 5yrs has been my max
i was gonna suggest wic, since ive heard thats where to get them here (in mi)
and the scenera rf to 35lbs (one i bought just last month)
KaleidoscopeEyes
03-06-2008, 12:37 PM
7 year old used carseat? Nope.
KaleidoscopeEyes
03-06-2008, 12:38 PM
:yeahthat: our local police dept has a program where they give out free cosco seats for old expired ones.
That's how I got my carseat, they even showed me how to install it properly.
TeachinAuntie
03-06-2008, 05:08 PM
:bumpsign: For updates..
OneFabMama
03-06-2008, 05:20 PM
Honestly, I would not ever put my child in a used carseat. Even from a nice, upscale consignment shop. You just never know. The seat may look okay, but it may have been in an accident. And, that is just not worth it, IMO.
Is your trip imperative, can you push it back until you have a carseat?
redneckmama
03-06-2008, 05:40 PM
I wouldn't use the compainion either. If you are going to spend that much on a used seat, why not go to Target or K-Mart and get a scenera for $35-40? That way you don't have to worry about the history of the seat.
mom2riley
03-06-2008, 05:57 PM
Definitely go get a scenera. I am not a native Virginian (so I am not familiar with towns/distance), but how far apart are we. I have many extra seats with perfect pasts (they live in a climate controlled basement) I would give you one in a heartbeat.
solbrich
03-06-2008, 06:01 PM
Also, based on your reply to my post on the other thread, if Caro is too big for the snugride she will be too big for the companion. I agree with the previous posters - get the seneca. And if YOU really want the companion for when you have your own little one, start putting aside $ now in a separate envelope, then shortly before you are due, purchase one new, that way you will have the longest life of the carseat....
And check out www.car-safety.org for info from Car seat techs....
adahsmom
03-06-2008, 06:01 PM
If she doesn't fit in the snug ride, she probably won't fit in the Companion.
I'd get a Scenera. They are a great seat!
mamatutugirls
03-06-2008, 06:08 PM
it's more important to have a safe new seat than a used britax :thumbsup:
OneFabMama
03-06-2008, 06:08 PM
Yeah, I just realized a Companion is an infant seat as well. So, if she too big for the Snugride she is too big for the companion. Run to walmart and grab a Scenera for 45 bucks! It's so worth KNOWING the seat has not been compromised at all.
OneFabMama
03-06-2008, 06:08 PM
it's more important to have a safe new seat than a used britax :thumbsup:
Well said!
ThatLinGirl
03-06-2008, 06:36 PM
I'd recomend a $40 scenera if $$$ is an issue.
Yes. Make sure it is the 5-point harness rather than the overhead bar.
I would never ever EVER buy a used carseat. You do not know the history of the seat.
Infinity
03-06-2008, 06:47 PM
Quiet often there is more than one program running in an area for free car seats. I know here in CA the CHP, WIC and the Health department have programs lots of Ambulance an fire departments and some sheriff and local Police Departments and some hospitals.
I’d call all of those places near you. You may find you can get her a seat much sooner.
I’m with the others. I would NEVER buy a used seat! A cheap new seat is far safer than a used Britax!! Get a reasonably priced 5-point harness convertible if you can’t find a program to get one threw.
GL!
:hugs:
TeachinAuntie
03-06-2008, 09:40 PM
OK--I appreciate everyone's replies. BUT, I think you missed one little detail. I am only spending $10 on the Britax. I am going to trade in my snugride & get credit towards the new seat. (and if I get $35 for mine, I'm not spending anything, because we have $10 in store credit)
Also, Caro is 27.5 inches tall & 18. lbs, she is well within the limits of the Britax. (We went to WIC today.)
I have spoken to several people in the area, there are no other programs besides the one at the Health Department (through WIC).
Buying a Scenara is just not an option. DH and I are literally broke until my check clears & when it does we have bills to pay. My little sister is paying for the gas for our trip w/ her tax money. (We're taking my car b/c I get better mileage.) We are going to my cousin's baby shower so we can't reschedule. Calling it off is not a fun option either, seeings how we made a $200 baby book that we'd really like to give her in person. We could leave the baby behind, but then ya know, the drunk woman down the street would babysit all weekend, while my sister goes to about 15 AA meetings. (This is why I keep Caro on weekends.--my sister lets ANYBODY keep the baby!)
Car seat techs...which is worse a car seat she's too big for, or one with an unknown history? I know you can't tell structurally if its been in an accident, but what are the dangers associated with using a seat she's too tall for?
Infinity
03-06-2008, 10:02 PM
Why do you think she’s too big? Is her head 1in below the hard plastic shell? Then even if she’s taller than the owners manual states she’s still ok.
L2S2C
03-06-2008, 10:02 PM
I'd stay home. I'd rather KNOW my child was safe, because IF something was to happen I wouldn't want to think that there could have been something I could have done to prevent it. JMO.
adahsmom
03-06-2008, 10:08 PM
If she is 27.5 inches tall, she should be fine in the snugride. Where is her head compared to the top shell?
Corey3739
03-06-2008, 10:28 PM
Can you only get a credit at the resale shop? A lot of the places around here pay cash for the things you bring in. If they do then you could take the money from the snugride and go to Kmart:thumbsup:
jackyl08
03-06-2008, 10:48 PM
Here's the thing with the Companion. She may technically still fit according to the specifications of the seat, BUT the Companion has a rather short shell, so kids outgrow it fairly quickly. Also, it has an inflatable headrest that MUST be used and a lot of kids will not tolerate it. You will really have to try her in the Companion to see if she fits. But then if she fits the Companion, she should fit the Snugride, as long as she has an inch of plastic above her head.
Now, this may not be a popular opinion, but I would rather use the Snugride, even if she only has say a half inch above her head. This is better than an old seat or a used seat you don't know the history of. Honestly, if she has outgrown the Snugride, none of your options are good.
As for the Companion, try her in it. She may or may not fit. Even though it's a Britax, it's far from my favorite infant seat. I'd rather use a Snugride over a Companion.:2cents:
calideedle
03-06-2008, 10:56 PM
How are you measuring? This is how to accuratly measure a RFing seat!
This picture shows the correct way to measure. A line is drawn perpendicular to the shell/back of the carseat over the top of the child's head (#1). Then a second line is drawn out from the top of the shell parallel to the first line (#2).
Now measure the distance between the two lines. When there is *less than one inch*, the rearfacing restraint is outgrown by height.
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r170/kolinavasmommy/rightRF0.jpg
This picture shows a common misconception with how people measure to check for the one inch rule. The line is drawn parallel to the ground from the top of the shell. You can see how this would appear to show the seat is outgrown, however it is incorrect to measure this way and this child still has room to grow in this seat.
Car seat techs...which is worse a car seat she's too big for, or one with an unknown history? I know you can't tell structurally if its been in an accident, but what are the dangers associated with using a seat she's too tall for?
{excuse any typos, as I'm on some neuro meds}
There are so many issues that you can't be sure about when dealing with used seats. That's the problem.
-How was it cared for? Harnesses can't be soaked, thrown in the washing machine, washed with harsh chemicals, etc. Doing any of these things weakens/stretches the webbing.
-How was it stored? Did they put it in the attic? Throw it out in the shed? Prolonged exposure to extreme hot/cold weakens plastic - just ask you patio furniture:giggle:
-Was it ever in a crash? Even a minor crash. Most car seat makers recommend replacing their restraints after ANY crash. Even if there is no visible damage, parts of the restraint can be weakened and may not function correctly in the event of another crash.
As for the child being a bit too tall for a RF seat. Well, the height listed on infant seats is a guideline, as infants tend to be leggy. The rule is that there must be 1" of hard plastic shell above the child's head (unless otherwise stated).
The reason for the rule is that in a crash (a frontal crash, anyway), a RF child will "ramp up" his seat. You want the hard plastic shell to protect the child's body. Remember that the harness is right at or BELOW the child's shoulders. That coupled with that 1" of shell keeps the baby contained within the shell.
If I were in your situation, I WOULD NOT BUY A USED SEAT.
If my child was under the weight limit of the SnugRide & her head was within the shell of it, I'd use it. Even if there wasn't a full 1", I'd make a judgement call. If there was somewhere I absolutely had to go, I'd snug her up and go.
FWIW, my DD fit in her SnugRide until she was 14 months old. She was over the height limit listed in the manual, but she wasn't over the 1" rule.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v365/emmitsmom/DSCN0476.jpg
OK-So sorry to steal your kid's pic but that red line shows where the top of Caro's head is when she is in her seat.
I will definately take her with me to try out the companion before I buy it.
I will ask if I can get cash, but I would lose the $10 store credit. I am really trying to get the seat for free.
Roanoke mama, I would LOVE to be able to take you up, but I'm in Chesapeake.
mamatutugirls
03-07-2008, 07:24 AM
Is the companion an infant seat? Don't you have an infant seat now for Caro? Am I missing something here? Why would you buy an infant seat if you have one? Sorry, this just seems really complicated for a car seat...:headscratch:
OK-So sorry to steal your kid's pic but that red line shows where the top of Caro's head is when she is in her seat.
I will definately take her with me to try out the companion before I buy it.
I will ask if I can get cash, but I would lose the $10 store credit. I am really trying to get the seat for free.
Roanoke mama, I would LOVE to be able to take you up, but I'm in Chesapeake.
Ok, safety aside, since that's been covered quite a bit already- has the store told you that they are going to give you $35 for the seat? If they are selling a companion that retails for just under $200 for $45 then they are not going to sell a snugride for $45. Most consignment shops pay half (or less) of what they are going to be able to sell something for, so unless they are going to be able to turn around and sell the snugride for $70, you most likely won't get $35 out of it.
I really think you need to look for other options. Have you called your police and fire department? Local hospital? How about the same for the next town(s) over? If you get the companion for this trip, will you then get rid of it afterwards or will you continue to use it? It just seems like a really bad idea to me. Have you gone to http://www.car-seat.org/forumdisplay.php?f=2 and asked around? Maybe the techs there can help find you a seat.
haelyn79
03-07-2008, 09:45 AM
Have you tried putting your baby in the Companion? IMO, if she is outgrowing the Snugride, the Companion won't last very much longer, either.
OneFabMama
03-07-2008, 09:58 AM
Yeah, I am not understanding here. The companion wont do you much good, it is an infant seat and if she is too big for the snugride, she is likely too big for the companion. If no one can afford a new car seat that is appropriate for her size/weight then you need not go any where until you can get the one from WIC.
Just my 2 cents. Getting a used car seat (no matter how great it looks, or how you THINK it looks) is playing Russian Rulet, IMO. God forbid, you're in an accident on your way to where ever you are going, and the seat has already been in an accident - chances are it wont do what it's supposed to do. It just not a risk worth taking!!!!
In this case a USED Britax is NOT the best option. Is there anyone that can loan you 45 dollars for a NEW seat if this trip you're taking is uber important. Can you put it on a CC? Can you sell some items here? There has to be more options than used or nothing at this point.
benjaminsmom
03-07-2008, 10:15 AM
I just feel bad buying it & then putting her straight into it..w/o washing, but I will wipe it down with Lysol wipes & lay a recieving blanket behind her.
As long as it is not effected by the recall (a defective part) and it is less than 4 years old, (meaning it still has 2 years of use left--so I can use it for my hopefully soon to be conceived child) I am going to get it.
What do you think?
Ok, just to point out (since it hasn't been mentioned yet to my knowledge), if you are going to insist on using that seat, DON"T put recieving blankets behind her. You want as little between the child and the seat as possible. :yuck: from a used seat is the LEAST of your roblems. I find it intresting you are more concerned about germs than her actual saftey. :headscratch: BTW for what it is worth, my :2cents: is that I would rather not go than put her in a seat you don't know about. Just cus you are buying from a consignment store DOESN"T mean it wasn't in an accident. I am sure there are some less than honest ppl out there who might "forget" to mention if there is no visible damage. Probably no maliciousness intended, but they could just be unaware of the dangers.
momto3Es
03-07-2008, 10:30 AM
If I were in your situation, I WOULD NOT BUY A USED SEAT.
If my child was under the weight limit of the SnugRide & her head was within the shell of it, I'd use it. Even if there wasn't a full 1", I'd make a judgement call. If there was somewhere I absolutely had to go, I'd snug her up and go.
Like I said...
SubliminalDarkness
03-07-2008, 03:22 PM
This makes me feel like an absolute raging you know what, but.....
I wouldn't go. Period. End of story. None of the options you have offered are, IMO, suitable to assure the child's best interests are in place. I don't think wanting to give a gift in person is more important than making sure every effort has been made to make the trip as safe as is possible for the baby.
I think if your sister has gas money for a trip, it would be better spent on buying a safe car seat for her child. She shouldn't even be taking her baby to the grocery store in a used seat, an expired seat, or an outgrown seat.
Rannensmom
03-07-2008, 03:32 PM
Ok, just to point out (since it hasn't been mentioned yet to my knowledge), if you are going to insist on using that seat, DON"T put recieving blankets behind her. You want as little between the child and the seat as possible. :yuck: from a used seat is the LEAST of your roblems. I find it intresting you are more concerned about germs than her actual saftey. :headscratch: BTW for what it is worth, my :2cents: is that I would rather not go than put her in a seat you don't know about. Just cus you are buying from a consignment store DOESN"T mean it wasn't in an accident. I am sure there are some less than honest ppl out there who might "forget" to mention if there is no visible damage. Probably no maliciousness intended, but they could just be unaware of the dangers.
Even if it WASN'T in an accident it could be unsafe! If you clean the straps wrong or submerge them in water, it ruins them. If you leave the seat out in the sun/in high heat, its unsafe.
You asked which was the safer of the two. Either one is putting her life at risk. You talk about how broke you are, and I'm gonna be another harsh momma here. How much is the life of your child worth? Could you pay for funeral expenses? You're looking at $4,000+ from that angle.
mama2madj
03-07-2008, 05:05 PM
This makes me feel like an absolute raging you know what, but.....
I wouldn't go. Period. End of story. None of the options you have offered are, IMO, suitable to assure the child's best interests are in place. I don't think wanting to give a gift in person is more important than making sure every effort has been made to make the trip as safe as is possible for the baby.
I think if your sister has gas money for a trip, it would be better spent on buying a safe car seat for her child. She shouldn't even be taking her baby to the grocery store in a used seat, an expired seat, or an outgrown seat.
agreed....
shortcake2386
03-07-2008, 05:17 PM
Even if it WASN'T in an accident it could be unsafe! If you clean the straps wrong or submerge them in water, it ruins them. If you leave the seat out in the sun/in high heat, its unsafe.
You asked which was the safer of the two. Either one is putting her life at risk. You talk about how broke you are, and I'm gonna be another harsh momma here. How much is the life of your child worth? Could you pay for funeral expenses? You're looking at $4,000+ from that angle.
wow i really think this thread is getting out of hand...i know this mama and she is NOT the mom, she is the aunt who would love to be the mom but isnt...the mom apparantly is a bum and has more important things to do than take care of her child:banghead: anyways, the AUNT is trying to make sure the child can travel safely bc the mom isnt doing anything about it.....maybe instead of bashing her and saying she is threatening the life of a child who i KNOW she would give her own life for we should offer her some positive suggestions:thumbsup:
stephanie, pm me when you get back on:thumbsup:
OneFabMama
03-07-2008, 05:35 PM
wow i really think this thread is getting out of hand...i know this mama and she is NOT the mom, she is the aunt who would love to be the mom but isnt...the mom apparantly is a bum and has more important things to do than take care of her child:banghead: anyways, the AUNT is trying to make sure the child can travel safely bc the mom isnt doing anything about it.....maybe instead of bashing her and saying she is threatening the life of a child who i KNOW she would give her own life for we should offer her some positive suggestions:thumbsup:
stephanie, pm me when you get back on:thumbsup:
Who is bashing? I wouldn't think that was bashing at all, but just a wake up call that a USED car seat from a consignment shop is not the way to go. Many people have said that. And, it seems the OP is still stuck on using it anyway. I think many people who have posted to this thread are just trying to really make her aware of what COULD happen should she chose to use the consignment store car seat. It COULD work out fine for their trip, but there is always freak accidents, and if that car seat has been in an accident previously the harsh truth IS that the child COULD die because the seat was previously compromised. :2cents:
ETA: Lots of positive suggestions HAVE been added here. People have given other options. I am just saying very honestly, and truthfully that a used car seat is not a safe car seat, IMO! I was just really trying to convey that in all of my posts, and I think others were too.
shortcake2386
03-07-2008, 05:42 PM
I am just saying very honestly, and truthfully that a used car seat is not a safe car seat, IMO! I was just really trying to convey that in all of my posts, and I think others were too.
i totally agree with you:thumbsup: unless i know the person giving me the seat and know the history, there is no way my child is going in it:2cents: i just think some of the comments have been a little mean-but im pregnant and hormonal so they may not have been intended that way:blush: i was just stating that this mama is trying to get advice on how to get her niece in a safe carseat for their trip:2cents: i also think that some posts are a little conflicting bc i totally remember a thread where it was ok to SELL your used seat in EC to a consignment shop so i can understand where she would think that the seats sold in consignment shops would be safe, kwim?
OneFabMama
03-07-2008, 05:50 PM
i totally agree with you:thumbsup: unless i know the person giving me the seat and know the history, there is no way my child is going in it:2cents: i just think some of the comments have been a little mean-but im pregnant and hormonal so they may not have been intended that way:blush: i was just stating that this mama is trying to get advice on how to get her niece in a safe carseat for their trip:2cents: i also think that some posts are a little conflicting bc i totally remember a thread where it was ok to SELL your used seat in EC to a consignment shop so i can understand where she would think that the seats sold in consignment shops would be safe, kwim?
Trust me, I don't believe the OP is purposely trying to put her niece in danger. That is silly. I would never ever think that.
However, I do think that maybe the OP just sees the Britax name, and for super cheap, especially if she can trade in her Snugride for one and it seems like a good deal and to go for it.
I think a lot of people get used car seats at garage sales, and dumpsters, and consignment shops and they really just don't know the logistics of it all. Obviously car seat safety is huge for a lot of people, and knowing what I know about them (thanks to DS :mrgreen: ) I just wouldn't want to tell the OP to "sure go ahead" and then something horrible happen.
I really hope the OP does not think I (or anyone else) being a meanie about it. I think we're all just passionate about car seat safety! :goodvibes:
benjaminsmom
03-07-2008, 06:23 PM
wow i really think this thread is getting out of hand...i know this mama and she is NOT the mom, she is the aunt who would love to be the mom but isnt...the mom apparantly is a bum and has more important things to do than take care of her child:banghead: anyways, the AUNT is trying to make sure the child can travel safely bc the mom isnt doing anything about it.....maybe instead of bashing her and saying she is threatening the life of a child who i KNOW she would give her own life for we should offer her some positive suggestions:thumbsup:
stephanie, pm me when you get back on:thumbsup:
I understand she isn't the mom.... but it is her responsibility as a driver, IMO that everyone riding in her car is safe. She said in a previous post that we are all missing the little detail about it only being $10. Well i honestly belive she is missing more than just "little" details, she missing the whole picture! Even if it was important to go, which I don't think it is (not my call though) both her priorities and the mother's are messed up. You spend $200 on a baby gift and can't spend $40 on a carseat. If she wants to use it, I guess she's gonna do it, hopefully nothing happens on this one trip, but to consider using it for your unborn child permanatly is crazy. Not trying to bash her, but I just think she should save some money to buy HER baby a proper/safe carseat. I think we owe it to our children as parents. It is a decision they cannot make for themselves.
TeachinAuntie
03-08-2008, 06:08 PM
Ok-So let me wrap up & close the case.
When I picked Caro up on Friday, (2 weeks since I picked her up before), her head was actually out of the shell of the Snug Ride. (-Call this one SR 1, this is my sister's car seat. Someone left it on her door step. She's stupid & had nothing else, so she's used it for 8 months.) There is no way I could comfortably take her on a car trip in that. We went to the consignment shop & I tried her in the Companion. She fit in the companion & had about 1/2 inch to spare. I tried to trade my Snug Ride but they wouldn't take it b/c its a 2004. So, I basically had nothing. Then the lady suggested that I just rent the Companion (I had $23 in store credit at that point, because I took in a bunch of stuff.) So I gave her $2 to rent the Companion. Then I put Caro in my Snug Ride (SR 2, a 2004 that I got slightly used from a friend-her head is inside the shell on mine, but touches the top when measured correctly as show in prior posts) and we headed to the Fire Station. I explained the situation to the fireman. He told me that we don't have anything other than the Health Department that he knows about for getting a car seat (a fact I had already confirmed by calling Safe Seats & getting the woman from HD on the phone-at 9 on Thursday night). He said that the car seat Caro came in (SR 2), was definitely not safe. Then he said that the Companion was definitely the way to go but not for anything long term. So he installed the Companion, got Caro all situated & we left. We rode up here and had no problems. I wouldn't use the Companion for my own child--because I don't really like it. The thing weighs a ton! (Add in Caro's 20 lbs...and its a pain!) Anyway, I am just renting the car seat. I know that most people (myself included) don't consider used an option, but I can't spend $$ on Caro. My husband doesn't let me spend money on her like that. The $200 on the baby book was spent over a long expanse of time & was for a cousin of mine. DH doesn't like me to buy things for Caro because it only teaches my sister that she doesn't have to b/c someone else will. She's 30 years old & will never learn.
I appreciate everyone's opinions and all of your :2cents: too bad its not real money, I'd be rich! Trust me that if I could have gone out and bought the car seat I would. Nobody besides me felt that the car seat thing was even an issue to be contended with. I will buy her one when we have the $$. (Several mamas, Joanna included, have offered to help me get one for cheap.--Thanks!)
We are currently snowed in, at my Parent's house. I am thinking we won't be able to leave until Tuesday.
Mods, I think this post is done. I got the info. I needed & made a decision based on everything I learned.
