Ok, so I don't want this to turn into a debate of whether they should have that many kids or whatnot but I just wanted to see if anyone noticed this...
I'm watching the Duggar's Big Familly Album, where they're all in the motorhome traveling. I've seen at least 3 car seats with twisted straps and chest clips down in their crotches!!! I'm pretty shocked and appauled....and actually kind of sad.
Hmmmm.
LilyGrace
06-14-2008, 10:45 AM
I noticed the same thing. It makes me cringe. I'd be willing to bet expiration dates aren't looked at, either.
kidpsych2be
06-14-2008, 10:53 AM
My stepson's mother is like this too. Both my husband and I have said something to her on so many occasions, but she doesn't listen.
A couple weeks ago she picked up my stepson and her 3 yo was standing up in the car in the back (yes, not in a seat AT ALL) and her 2 year old only had the chest strap fastened and the straps were all twisted.
It breaks my heart to think that those children would most likely die in a car accident.
Heather8183
06-14-2008, 10:53 AM
Ok, side note...they all just went over the Grand Canyon in an airplane and all but 3 of them got sick...I don't know why but I found it to be the funniest thing with at least 15 people throwing up in one small plane... and then talking about it afterwards....:roflmbo:
House of Blue
06-14-2008, 11:02 AM
Jon and Kate from Jon & Kate +8 put a lot of effort into making sure thier kids are in good seats that are properly installed no matter how much extra work it is. It always makes me happy to see.... Now the Duggars, that's a different story......... :laugh:
breakfastsurreal
06-14-2008, 11:04 AM
kate is a bit neurotic though. Not many women could do what she does! I love watching her always make the right choice for her kids, no matter how inconveniant it may seem for her or Jon.
JeDeeLenae
06-14-2008, 11:17 AM
Yeah, that Kate has admitted that she's a bit neurotic. Sweeps and mops her floors multiple times a day, with 8 little ones running around. I can't even sweep once a day, and I barely have sweepable floors. LOL
I say email the Duggars, let them know. If someone saw my carseats weren't in properly, I would rather they tell me than to just say how appauled they are under their breaths.
jenns3kids
06-14-2008, 11:23 AM
It's amazing how many people do not put their little ones properly in carseats. I have a neighbour who puts her 4 year old in the front seat with a booster. I told her how bad it was and she says "it's a treat for her and it's only for a short distance"!!!!!!!!!
AnnaG01
06-14-2008, 11:28 AM
OMG I am soooooooooooo glad that others have noticed the Duggars kids car seats, several look like they should/could still be RF too. Every time I see them driving and the straps all twisted, and the CHEST CLIP (it's called that for a reason) in their crotch, it makes me cringe! I pray for those children's safety!
I love that Kate is neurotic, God gave those 8 kids to her for a reason; I think her personality type would be the best with that many that close in age :) I couldn't do it!
jenn5388
06-14-2008, 11:30 AM
It's amazing how many people do not put their little ones properly in carseats. I have a neighbour who puts her 4 year old in the front seat with a booster. I told her how bad it was and she says "it's a treat for her and it's only for a short distance"!!!!!!!!!
A treat? what kind of treat? a dead 4 year old Treat?
That has got to be the weirdest reason i've heard yet.. I'm not sure I understand that one. maybe you put the wrong word in? :headscratch:
ETA. Oh I got it.. It's a treat for the 4 year old. for some reason i was under the impression that the child was a boy. I have no clue why. In that case, i'm sure there's LOTS of dangerous things a 4 year old could think of doing, why not let her do them all.. afterall it's a treat for her.. I know my 3.5 year old loves to try and crawl into the dryer after it's been running. maybe if she's been good all day i'll let her do it next time. UGH. where are people's BRAINS!
short distances make all the difference don't they? because it's not common knowledge or anything that accidents normally happen within blocks of the home. ugh.
To the OP.
I suggest you Email them. If anything, atleast it will make you feel better to get it out there. I've seen the RV one and yeah, half those seats look like they used them with thier oldest kids. :banghead: scary.
jenns3kids
06-14-2008, 11:33 AM
That has got to be the weirdest reason i've heard yet.. I'm not sure I understand that one. maybe you put the wrong word in? :headscratch:
Nope, not wrong word. She has 3 children and they all get to take turns going in the front seat. The older ones are 12 and 14, but 4, come on now!!!
chasingboys
06-14-2008, 11:40 AM
People that don't care about their child's safety really disgust me. It's one thing to be ignorant about carseat safety and then fix the problem when you learn better, it's a completely different thing to KNOW that you are endangering your precious child's life but do it anyway because "it's more convenient" or "it won't happen to me".
Isn't it funny how the parents usually always wear THEIR seatbelts?! Niiiice.
tucker851
06-14-2008, 12:02 PM
I have always loved the fact that Kate has all of her children in Radians. she makes sure they are safe and always do whats right. But now I have to watch this other family and see what that is all about! :D
katesmash
06-14-2008, 12:27 PM
I have always loved the fact that Kate has all of her children in Radians. she makes sure they are safe and always do whats right. But now I have to watch this other family and see what that is all about! :D
I watch that show all the time, and have never noticed what kind of seat she uses!:headscratch: Maybe I'm just child seat dumb! :lostit:
(meaning I don't recognize specific seats and know what ones they are, not that I don't know how to use them... i do! I actually TOLD my friends who had a 6 month old, it was a dumb idea and not to do it, and that it is against regulations, when they were talking about FF her because she outgrew her bucket seat. They had no idea bout the 1 year, 22 lb rule!)
jpicasso
06-14-2008, 12:33 PM
Jon and Kate from Jon & Kate +8 put a lot of effort into making sure thier kids are in good seats that are properly installed no matter how much extra work it is. It always makes me happy to see.... Now the Duggars, that's a different story......... :laugh:
Jon and Kate were actually emailed by a lady on Babycenter about having good car seats for the kids. This same lady also got in contact with Sunshine Kids and they donated the 6 Radians to them.
Yeah, that Kate has admitted that she's a bit neurotic. Sweeps and mops her floors multiple times a day, with 8 little ones running around. I can't even sweep once a day, and I barely have sweepable floors. LOL
I say email the Duggars, let them know. If someone saw my carseats weren't in properly, I would rather they tell me than to just say how appauled they are under their breaths.
I'd say go for it, worked for the Gosslins :)
-Blair-
06-14-2008, 12:38 PM
E-mail them! :)
mhaddon
06-14-2008, 12:41 PM
Could you imagine trying to get that many kids into a car seat, then getting it right? Plus, ds2 is already to the point where he moves his own chest belt down and tries to get his arm out- how do you know that hasn't happened? I'm horrible w/ car seats, DH has to untwist them if they are bad :blush: I also don't trust myself to install one b/c it is never ever tight enough. They need to make them more user friendly (I need a dummy proof cinch or something)
articialenore
06-14-2008, 12:57 PM
I bought a new car seat after realizing mine was expired.
My kids are ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS strapped in correctly. It's scary cuz you never know what's going to happen!! I forget the percentage, but there is a statistic about how many accidents happen just a mile away from home! Even a trip to Gma's a block away (If it's the case) could be fatal!
firstkid4me
06-14-2008, 01:08 PM
Could you imagine trying to get that many kids into a car seat, then getting it right? Plus, ds2 is already to the point where he moves his own chest belt down and tries to get his arm out- how do you know that hasn't happened? I'm horrible w/ car seats, DH has to untwist them if they are bad :blush: I also don't trust myself to install one b/c it is never ever tight enough. They need to make them more user friendly (I need a dummy proof cinch or something)
There are CPS techs all over the US, including in smaller towns, that will install your carseat for free. Car insurance companies run free car seat checks, where they will install them for free, and often times give you a free one if you have a bad seat. All they have to do is put the effort forth. If they can't get that many kids in their car seats properly, maybe they shouldn't be having that many kids.
Scarlet
06-14-2008, 01:26 PM
There are CPS techs all over the US, including in smaller towns, that will install your carseat for free. Car insurance companies run free car seat checks, where they will install them for free, and often times give you a free one if you have a bad seat. All they have to do is put the effort forth. If they can't get that many kids in their car seats properly, maybe they shouldn't be having that many kids.
and....dont you think that by oh kid #2-3 they would have gotten it figured out and know how to strap a kid in? if the older kids cant do it properly then mabye its time to step up, be the PARENT and strap the kid in yourself.....just sayin..............
mhaddon
06-14-2008, 01:33 PM
There are CPS techs all over the US, including in smaller towns, that will install your carseat for free. Car insurance companies run free car seat checks, where they will install them for free, and often times give you a free one if you have a bad seat. All they have to do is put the effort forth. If they can't get that many kids in their car seats properly, maybe they shouldn't be having that many kids.
DH installs them b/c I don't trust myself. And it is an hour drive for our closest installer :) Not in every small town.
Well at least they are in a seat, b/c yesterday I saw a baby stuffed in the front seat of a truck w/o being straped in at all. Just in his bucket, but not into the truck :banghead:
jennylou
06-14-2008, 06:04 PM
Could you imagine trying to get that many kids into a car seat, then getting it right? Plus, ds2 is already to the point where he moves his own chest belt down and tries to get his arm out- how do you know that hasn't happened? I'm horrible w/ car seats, DH has to untwist them if they are bad :blush: I also don't trust myself to install one b/c it is never ever tight enough. They need to make them more user friendly (I need a dummy proof cinch or something)
What seat do you have? I have a Marathon and it's plenty user friendly. I read all the instruction and really it was not hard at all.
As for the chest clip, DD can't push hers down, it's very snug on her chest- again,maybe a difference in seats.
The straps also don't tend to twist.
raelynn
06-14-2008, 09:12 PM
I emailed Jim Bob Duggar 6+ months ago after seeing the vacation road trip show about the car seats. I received no reply at all. I know some of the techs on cs.org emailed also. Unfortunately, RVs are not set up properly (safety-wise) for car seats and the car seat laws don't apply to motorhomes either (as far as I've read anyhow). I did suggest in my email that perhaps one of the parents or older kids (since a couple are over 18 already!) could take a car seat course, since there are so many kids in car seats in the family.
AnnaG01
06-14-2008, 09:26 PM
Could you imagine trying to get that many kids into a car seat, then getting it right? Plus, ds2 is already to the point where he moves his own chest belt down and tries to get his arm out- how do you know that hasn't happened?
My kids safety is FIRST on my priorities list, as it SHOULD be for them. Of course I hope they are just not educated, and not just careless. I wouldn't have children past the point where I felt I had too many to compromise safety of some or any of them. I would stop having kids if safety became an issue, and I wouldn't take them anywhere if they didn't keep their chest clip in place, or I'd stop the car (as many times as it takes), I'd talk to them, physically move the clip back up, have the older children help if I was occupied, etc. Hopefully if there are 15+ people in the car someone can at least notify mom, or dad of the problem if they can't correct the problem themselves.
jesr
06-14-2008, 09:39 PM
Could you imagine trying to get that many kids into a car seat, then getting it right? Plus, ds2 is already to the point where he moves his own chest belt down and tries to get his arm out- how do you know that hasn't happened? I'm horrible w/ car seats, DH has to untwist them if they are bad :blush: I also don't trust myself to install one b/c it is never ever tight enough. They need to make them more user friendly (I need a dummy proof cinch or something)
I got a true fit more recently and have to say that it is sooo user friendly, super easy for a tight install using a seat belt due to built in locki offs. Also love my radian among my others. I always hated installing carseats until I met a couple great carseat techs and they worked with me on them and gave me tips.pointers now I love installing lol. Getting addicted to buying them now lol. My 2yrold tries the whole moving the chest clip if he doesnt move it back I pull over, he's starting to understand.
firstkid4me
06-14-2008, 09:47 PM
DH installs them b/c I don't trust myself. And it is an hour drive for our closest installer :) Not in every small town.
Well at least they are in a seat, b/c yesterday I saw a baby stuffed in the front seat of a truck w/o being straped in at all. Just in his bucket, but not into the truck :banghead:
No, there is no "at least they are in a seat" that doesn't count! You have to use the seat properly EVERY time you get in the car, for EVERY trip, no matter how short. Anything could happen at any time, there's no excuse for using carseats improperly when you know better, as I'm sure the Duggars do because they've been emailed several times by now I'm sure.
Calideedle
06-14-2008, 11:29 PM
My kids safety is FIRST on my priorities list, as it SHOULD be for them. Of course I hope they are just not educated, and not just careless. I wouldn't have children past the point where I felt I had too many to compromise safety of some or any of them. I would stop having kids if safety became an issue, and I wouldn't take them anywhere if they didn't keep their chest clip in place, or I'd stop the car (as many times as it takes), I'd talk to them, physically move the clip back up, have the older children help if I was occupied, etc. Hopefully if there are 15+ people in the car someone can at least notify mom, or dad of the problem if they can't correct the problem themselves.
:yeahthat:
No, there is no "at least they are in a seat" that doesn't count! You have to use the seat properly EVERY time you get in the car, for EVERY trip, no matter how short. Anything could happen at any time, there's no excuse for using carseats improperly when you know better, as I'm sure the Duggars do because they've been emailed several times by now I'm sure.
Exactly!
tessa1002
06-14-2008, 11:41 PM
Yeah, I was watching Disc Health and saw Kenadie's Story, a story about a little girl with primordial dwarfism. They said she weighed something like 9lbs, and they had her FF in a huge coat with loose straps! :(
kecmom
06-15-2008, 07:43 AM
Yes, I think it's safe to assume that the Duggars are aware. I know that they've been emailed multiple times.
I can only hope that they've changed their practices since the last time they were filmed, that they're now properly using carseats for all children that meet the guidelines and that we just don't know it yet.
paintedbison
06-15-2008, 02:11 PM
Yes, I think it's safe to assume that the Duggars are aware. I know that they've been emailed multiple times.
I can only hope that they've changed their practices since the last time they were filmed, that they're now properly using carseats for all children that meet the guidelines and that we just don't know it yet.
Could it be possible that they have started strapping their kids in safely? The show the kids are strapped in poorly is an old rerun? Anyone seen anything recent?
kecmom
06-15-2008, 02:20 PM
Could it be possible that they have started strapping their kids in safely? The show the kids are strapped in poorly is an old rerun? Anyone seen anything recent?
I haven't seen anything very recent. I'm not holding my breath that they've suddenly seen the (carseat-safety) light but hey, anything's possible, I guess...
The good thing is that (FWIUS- I could be wrong) it's not all that often that they actually go out w/the little ones.
ETA- I, personally, emailed re: the carseats a long time ago, (before their road trip to CA-) which is why I'm not holding my breath on that one. One can hope that things have changed though.
an_aurora
06-17-2008, 07:54 PM
Many techs and CPS advocates have emailed and nobody has ever gotten a response back.
nannersmama
06-17-2008, 09:58 PM
Haven't read any of the posts, but I am wondering...were they strapped in that way or did it happen after being put in. My kids love moving those chest things down and low and behold by the time we get to our destination the chest strap is protecting their belly button. My straps don't twist but before car seats that didn't twist..I always had one that would.
Calideedle
06-17-2008, 10:12 PM
Haven't read any of the posts, but I am wondering...were they strapped in that way or did it happen after being put in. My kids love moving those chest things down and low and behold by the time we get to our destination the chest strap is protecting their belly button. My straps don't twist but before car seats that didn't twist..I always had one that would.
I would really talk to your kids and let them know that is not acceptable and very unsafe!
They are called Chest Clips for a reason, not belly clips, kwim?
DrLynne
06-18-2008, 06:51 AM
Instead of emailing the Duggar's why doesn't someone email the show, TLC is the channel right? I don't watch the show and haven't since there were 14. They may be able to persuade the Duggar's to buckle up the kids correctly to set a good example. Just a thought.
Lynne
tusheez
06-18-2008, 07:14 AM
wow youd think bcause they have a tv show there would be companies throwing carseats at them for advertisement
anyways around here we have carseat check places where you can go and they will show you how to properly install it and how the child should be in it.
it will probably take a car accident and then they will figure it out (too late)
so saaaad i mean shes def not a new mom. and i agree exp date should be looked
sourpatch_babe
06-18-2008, 07:56 AM
I watch that show all the time, and have never noticed what kind of seat she uses!:headscratch: Maybe I'm just child seat dumb! :lostit:
(meaning I don't recognize specific seats and know what ones they are, not that I don't know how to use them... i do! I actually TOLD my friends who had a 6 month old, it was a dumb idea and not to do it, and that it is against regulations, when they were talking about FF her because she outgrew her bucket seat. They had no idea bout the 1 year, 22 lb rule!)
When The Kid was about 11 months old, I was strapping him in his carseat and a friend saw me and asked why he was still rearfacing. When I told her that it was against the law and their own safety to turn them before that time; her answer dumbfounded me. She said that "she FF her son at six months and just prayed to God that he'd be okay"...:headscratch: I'm a christian too, but God gave me common sense for a reason.
raelynn
06-18-2008, 10:01 AM
"she FF her son at six months and just prayed to God that he'd be okay"
:eek: :eek:
Heather8183
06-18-2008, 11:52 AM
I'm a christian too, but God gave me common sense for a reason.
AMEN! :thumbsup:
momto3Es
06-20-2008, 04:35 PM
The Duggars have responded to emails before. They say God will keep their kids safe in the car. Why even bother with seats then?
sourpatch_babe
06-20-2008, 05:50 PM
The Duggars have responded to emails before. They say God will keep their kids safe in the car. Why even bother with seats then?
See that's the kind of talking that makes me crazy. People will go out of their ways to do something that they KNOW is not safe/good for them and expect God to protect them. I'm sorry but God allowed men to invent carseats and other safety devices for a reason. This is like a christian getting drunk and driving and saying that it's okay because God will protect them on the road.
