Would you do this? re: booster seats

melmax

My MIL is going to be taking DD overnight about once a week or so, plus she wants to stay overnight occasionally at places like my aunt's.

I get her carseat installed, so I'm not comfortable taking it in and out of my car and putting it into another car, for fear of installing incorrectly. For the past month or so, Ive let MIL just take my car, but that leaves me homebound for 2 days, and in the instance of my aunt who lives the next state over, that would be impossible.

Would you purchase a booster seat for these (quick, not going very far in the car) family overnights?  I'm not even sure about minumum requirements for a booster seat, so I have to look into that, but if she were to meet them, I wonder if I should buy one.

ETA: I'm 5 point harnessing DD in MY car for as long as possible- so I'm not thrilled about a booster, but may relent for rare situations like this.

 

goodheartedmommy

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

melmax

goodheartedmommy:

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

Relax.

And I find your above comment interesting. Because we have a free program here in CT called Safe Seat where they install it as many times as possible, and while I am there looking on, I can never get it as tight as they do.

shouldbworkin

Can you and MIL switch cars?  That's what I do with my parents when my kids stay overnight.  Otherwise, I would buy some cheap Cosco Sceneras for her car. 

Kersbear

No, I would buy a 5 pt harness carseat for her car. We bought one for my mom's car and while we see her a lot (lives just a few minutes away) we rarely drive in her car because we usually just take mine when we are out and about.  That being said I want Carter as safe as possible in the car and right now (for us) that is for him to be in a 5 pt harness carseat that fits him correctly. 

 Even though we are rarely in her car we were in a car accident on the way to brunch on Mother's day when Carter and I rode in her car and I'm definitely glad to have had himin a 5pt carseat.  Even though we could have put him in a booster we replaced it with another 5pt carseat.

 ETA: Also, on the trips to the Aunt's house would she be using the booster?  How far is that drive?  Carter doesn't nap, but on a few hour car ride he tends to fall asleep, so I would want him in a 5 pt harness because he would slouch over if in a booster with a regular seatbelt.

jettagurl

I agree with GHM in that you really should know how to do it yourself.  I actually kneel on the seat while tightening it.  By doing that, I can get it tighter than DH.  It's really simple to learn. 

If you still don't trust yourself, get seats for the other cars.  But them keeping a seat in the car all the time to use for a 24 hr period once a week is a bit much.  How do you know they won't be taking it in/out?  I'd rather know that I can install it properly and do it when they pick up DD than trust someone else to 'think' it's in properly. 

 

Heidisean

Where I live it is 4 years old and 40 pounds for a booster. What I did was my in-laws bought a 5 point harness car seat and have been using it for the past nearly 4 years. They also bought a booster for when she turns 4 and will use it then. If she fits the requirements I would buy the booster because she will use it many more years otherwise, you have another child that would also benefit from the 5 point carseat. I don't see where you could go wrong. GL

melmax

Kersbear:

No, I would buy a 5 pt harness carseat for her car. We bought one for my mom's car and while we see her a lot (lives just a few minutes away) we rarely drive in her car because we usually just take mine when we are out and about.  That being said I want Carter as safe as possible in the car and right now (for us) that is for him to be in a 5 pt harness carseat that fits him correctly. 

 Even though we are rarely in her car we were in a car accident on the way to brunch on Mother's day when Carter and I rode in her car and I'm definitely glad to have had himin a 5pt carseat.  Even though we could have put him in a booster we replaced it with another 5pt carseat.

 ETA: Also, on the trips to the Aunt's house would she be using the booster?  How far is that drive?  Carter doesn't nap, but on a few hour car ride he tends to fall asleep, so I would want him in a 5 pt harness because he would slouch over if in a booster with a regular seatbelt.

Thanks for your input. No, she would never be in a booster for that long of a ride (an hour). I would be driving her there in my car, and then drop her off. 

melmax

shouldbworkin:

Can you and MIL switch cars?  That's what I do with my parents when my kids stay overnight.  Otherwise, I would buy some cheap Cosco Sceneras for her car. 

Well, that's what I was trying to avoid. That's what we have been doing for the past few mos., and BEFORE dd #2, that would have been fine, I would just have taken her car, but now we're homebound for 2 days.  I will look into that....I assume it's just an inexpensive 5 pt. harness that you can grab at BRU?  Thanks.

shouldbworkin

melmax:

shouldbworkin:

Can you and MIL switch cars?  That's what I do with my parents when my kids stay overnight.  Otherwise, I would buy some cheap Cosco Sceneras for her car. 

Well, that's what I was trying to avoid. That's what we have been doing for the past few mos., and BEFORE dd #2, that would have been fine, I would just have taken her car, but now we're homebound for 2 days.  I will look into that....I assume it's just an inexpensive 5 pt. harness that you can grab at BRU?  Thanks.

You can get them for under $50 at Target or Walmart.  They make a slightly bigger version that you might want to buy your older DD that converts to a belt positioning booster when she outgrows the harness.  DS still fits in the harness, though, since it's a little higher than a standard harness.  That seat is not convertible, only FF.

karen6784

I wouldn't use a booster.  I had DD rear facing untill about a month ago (she's 3 1/2)  I would get a cheaper seat to use between both of the other vehicles.  Most websites have an online video that shows you how to install correctly.

I would install it in the other person's car.  Can you practice installing a seat in your car?  It will help you get more comfortable with it.  Ditto the OP who suggested kneeling into the seat and tightening the latches.  I do this w/ Dd's britax, it is practically bolted to the car!

melmax

jettagurl:

I agree with GHM in that you really should know how to do it yourself.  I actually kneel on the seat while tightening it.  By doing that, I can get it tighter than DH.  It's really simple to learn. 

If you still don't trust yourself, get seats for the other cars.  But them keeping a seat in the car all the time to use for a 24 hr period once a week is a bit much.  How do you know they won't be taking it in/out?  I'd rather know that I can install it properly and do it when they pick up DD than trust someone else to 'think' it's in properly. 

Okay, so if I must elaborate................

I "know" how to install it, but I just can't get it as tight as they do. Simple as that, end of story. 

The Safe Kids station is 1 mile down the street at my hospital, so why WOULDN'T I continue to get it installed there since they are trained, certified professionals?

As they say-- FOUR out of five carseat are installed incorrectly- even if you think you know what you are doing.

melmax

shouldbworkin:

melmax:

shouldbworkin:

Can you and MIL switch cars?  That's what I do with my parents when my kids stay overnight.  Otherwise, I would buy some cheap Cosco Sceneras for her car. 

Well, that's what I was trying to avoid. That's what we have been doing for the past few mos., and BEFORE dd #2, that would have been fine, I would just have taken her car, but now we're homebound for 2 days.  I will look into that....I assume it's just an inexpensive 5 pt. harness that you can grab at BRU?  Thanks.

You can get them for under $50 at Target or Walmart.  They make a slightly bigger version that you might want to buy your older DD that converts to a belt positioning booster when she outgrows the harness.  DS still fits in the harness, though, since it's a little higher than a standard harness.  That seat is not convertible, only FF.

Thanks!

elm1032004

I would get a car seat that converts to a booster seat down the road and have that installed in your MILs car.   They shouldn't cost much more than the booster seat that you were already thinking of buying for your MILs car, and then you know your DD is in a seat that is safe for her age.

 

https://www.walmart.com/browse/Car-Seats/_/N-2rqvZ1yzpkzmZaq90Zaqce/Ne-aqwk?ic=48_0&ref=125863.129271+501428.4292612482&tab_value=4431_All&catNavId=91365&fromPageCatId=91365

Mrs.Tony

I know - sucky situation. We ran into this with my mom's car which led to me buying two Graco Nautilus seats at one time as I didn't feel she should be buying it for my daughter.  It was a nice $300 purchase I didn't want or need.  Up until this weekend, I didn't know how to put them in either.  I am with you though I'd rather have someone who knows its right do it but I also do feel better now that I know how to do it especially after I had to  last week to do what we wanted for the day.

 

That's nice she will take her overnight!! : )

KrisBriMcBunny

jettagurl:

I agree with GHM in that you really should know how to do it yourself.  I actually kneel on the seat while tightening it.  By doing that, I can get it tighter than DH.  It's really simple to learn. 

 

 

this 100%.  Its not hard to install.  I actually put my entire weight in the seat & pull the seatbelt as tight as I can get it.  It actually takes like 2 minutes if that to do it.  The more you do it the better you will get it.

jettagurl

melmax:

jettagurl:

I agree with GHM in that you really should know how to do it yourself.  I actually kneel on the seat while tightening it.  By doing that, I can get it tighter than DH.  It's really simple to learn. 

If you still don't trust yourself, get seats for the other cars.  But them keeping a seat in the car all the time to use for a 24 hr period once a week is a bit much.  How do you know they won't be taking it in/out?  I'd rather know that I can install it properly and do it when they pick up DD than trust someone else to 'think' it's in properly. 

Okay, so if I must elaborate................

I "know" how to install it, but I just can't get it as tight as they do. Simple as that, end of story. 

The Safe Kids station is 1 mile down the street at my hospital, so why WOULDN'T I continue to get it installed there since they are trained, certified professionals?

As they say-- FOUR out of five carseat are installed incorrectly- even if you think you know what you are doing.

 I'm not saying what you are doing is horrible, but I think every parent should know how to do it.  If you have car trouble on the highway and someone comes to get you and the girls, I think you should know how to install it on the spot.  You say you do, so no big deal.  

When research about improperly installed seats is released, frankly they are talking about like idiots installing them with chains, ropes, just placing in the seat (not attached at all), etc. "Proper installation" by definition is that you've chosen the correct seat for the size of your child and have followed the manufacturer guidelines for installation & use.  I am 100% confident I am installing them correctly, even without being formally trained. Here's an article about it:

 https://www.pe.com/localnews/publicsafety/stories/PE_News_Local_W_carseat08.4210554.html

And if the Safe Kids station is so close...I'd just send the seats down there with the other car then come back to pick up the girls for the overnight.  That does seem super convenient, and I wouldn't trust someone (even my own parents who understand my carseat craziness) that doesn't need the seat 6 out of 7 days to leave it installed at all times.

 

 

jettagurl

sorry - this was a duplicate for some reason. 

GingerSB

melmax:

goodheartedmommy:

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

Relax.

And I find your above comment interesting. Because we have a free program here in CT called Safe Seat where they install it as many times as possible, and while I am there looking on, I can never get it as tight as they do.

They don't even check your seats here anymore, let alone install them for you - they just have a free class where they tell you how to do it.

 

melmax

GingerSB:

melmax:

goodheartedmommy:

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

Relax.

And I find your above comment interesting. Because we have a free program here in CT called Safe Seat where they install it as many times as possible, and while I am there looking on, I can never get it as tight as they do.

They don't even check your seats here anymore, let alone install them for you - they just have a free class where they tell you how to do it.

 

That's a shame!  I think it's a wonderful program and feel lucky to have it be available in our community.

GingerSB

melmax:

GingerSB:

melmax:

goodheartedmommy:

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

Relax.

And I find your above comment interesting. Because we have a free program here in CT called Safe Seat where they install it as many times as possible, and while I am there looking on, I can never get it as tight as they do.

They don't even check your seats here anymore, let alone install them for you - they just have a free class where they tell you how to do it.

 

That's a shame!  I think it's a wonderful program and feel lucky to have it be available in our community.

They give out fines here if your carseats are installed incorrectly. A woman wrote a Letter to the Editor complaining that she got a ticket, but the police officer wouldn't help her fix the car-seat before she drove away. So she had to keep driving with it installed incorrectly.

goodheartedmommy

It's not a shame at all. Instead, you have parents who can do it themselves. You never know when an emergency will arise and you'll be forced to move a seat yourself.

darlene'smommy

My dd is just a few mos younger then your dd and there is no way I would allow her to be in a booster seat at that age.  I will not start to get her ready for a booster untill at least 4.5- 5 years old depending on how much longer she will have in her car seats (getting her ready by letting her sit in a booster seat maybe 1-2 times a week for short trips with me only im hoping to get to atleast 5 before I have to start). 

This is comming from a tech you should be taught to install your seat it should not be installed for you.  I work alone and with safety check points and hardly have had to install a seat where the parent was not the last one to install it.  The only times I have not had the parent install it was if a mom came to me at 9 mos pg and was not able to get in her car to install the seat and she made an appt for after the baby was born with a local tech or my self to be taught how to do it her self. 

patty78

goodheartedmommy:

She's not old enough for a booster, and most likely not mature enough. You need to learn to install a seat--every parent should know how. Techs are not ever supposed to install for you, just teach you how to do it.

 

The fire department in my town does install car seats and has installed mine and DHs about 5 times.  I have since learned how to do it.  I feel much better knowing but at first I was terrified I would install it wrong.

EMT

I move both my kids Britax into my moms car (and back) twice a week. She watches them for me while I work. It is super easy...maybe takes five minutes. You can get it super tight if you put your weight on it while installing. I used to have seats for just her car but she would take them out and then not install them even close to correctly (no matter how many times I corrected her). Me or DH installing the seats makes me way more comfortable and then my mom doesn't have to deal with the seats when she doesn't have the kids. I am not at all a "carseat fanatic" but I shudder when I think about our old way of doing things.Seriously, just get the right seat for her (or use he one in your car), learn how to install it and install it yourself.