"Baby On Board" car sign...yes or no?

enairda08 · February 2012

Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

HorseMom · February 2012

I never bothered, If they are going to be a jack*** they are going to do regardless of who is in the car.
Me personally think they are kinda silly, but if you feel better with one on your window all the power to you.

kiarstin · February 2012

They are stupid I don't see the point. If someone is a sh!tty driver they are always a sh!tty driver. Its not going to stop someone from texting and driving while you are near, or someone from running a red light.

eav2c · February 2012

A baby in my area was kidnapped a few years back when a woman saw the baby on board sign. She followed the woman all the way home. Call me paranoid but for that reason I will never put any decals or signs on my car that are about my family.

bio-oesch · February 2012

I know people drive like morons regardless of a sign, but I found people to be more patient with me. If I don't move right away at a green light I never get beeped at since having DD and the sign. I think more than anything it explains my distracted driving bc I have a baby to deal with.

MotherMonster · February 2012

The only thing it would be good for is if you go to a store that has new or expectant mom parking...I have had women given me lots of dirty looks until they realized I had a belly...It's up to you though.

JNoelleE · February 2012

I agree with you. I think it's silly to say people will always be shittty drivers. Maybe they will be more careful when they come up on your a** or go around you once they see the sign. I am always more cautious and notice when someone has that sign on their car. I'm a very cautious driver anyways, but I'm always more patient with any car I see it on. I don't see why anyone would argue not to use one. If they don't think it's necessary, than just don't use one. But it definitely wont hurt, and has the chance of getting someones attention or just getting off your a**.

JNoelleE · February 2012

eav2c:
A baby in my area was kidnapped a few years back when a woman saw the baby on board sign. She followed the woman all the way home. Call me paranoid but for that reason I will never put any decals or signs on my car that are about my family.

What if someone saw your car seat in the car? Or saw you put your baby into your car? If people are looking for people with babies, there are plenty of ways to find them without having to see a sign on the window. They could wait outside a Babies R Us, for example...

HannahO28 · February 2012

I want one, but until now I literally thought that they were just to be cute, not to prevent reckless driving.

shannm · February 2012

I think they are obnoxious. Yes, I love my babies but why in the world would I think anyone that is not a baby is less precious?

unverfkm · February 2012

HannahO28:
I want one, but until now I literally thought that they were just to be cute, not to prevent reckless driving.

I've never had the urge to get one, but I always thought they were just to be cute and kind of show off that you have a baby (the same as those little decal people). It never occured to me that people would drive differently around someone who had one of these.

morethancottoncandy · February 2012

kiarstin:
They are stupid I don't see the point. If someone is a sh!tty driver they are always a sh!tty driver. Its not going to stop someone from texting and driving while you are near, or someone from running a red light.

Actually, the purpose for the sign is to alert paramedics/emergency responders so they know to look for the baby first. Since they are trained to assess the situation from afar, they might not see the car seat and/or baby.

BabyCoco29 · February 2012

I never even thought the purpose was to alert people to look for a baby, its not a house its a car.

lovelykins · February 2012

HannahO28:
I want one, but until now I literally thought that they were just to be cute, not to prevent reckless driving.

This exactly! I bought one, but just because I couldn't wait to show off being a mommy.

LindsB314 · February 2012

Just figured I'd share what the state trooper told me when she checked my car seat installation. She did not recommend hanging signs or mirrors around the baby because if there was an accident these items can become "weapons" and hit the baby in the face and cause more harm. She did say it was her recommendation and that as my child's mom to do what I felt was right for my child. So if you feel it would help other drivers around you and that it would make you feel safe you should do it. I get so sick of people telling me what to do or not to do. I will make my own decisions for what I feel best for my child :-) hope that helps!

JillyOlsen · February 2012

All I can think of when I see those signs is that episode of The Simpsons where Marge bought one and tells Homer "Look what I found at the store! Now people will stop intentionally running into our car!"

WildcatPrincess · February 2012

I'm ambivalent towards them myself, but I saw this on Pinterest awhile back and it did make me laugh

I admit I did judge the person who was weaving all over and tailing me on the highway yesterday because as soon as I could pull in for them to pass they took off going at least 85 and had a baby on board sign :P

Aleja0918 · February 2012

shannm:
I think they are obnoxious. Yes, I love my babies but why in the world would I think anyone that is not a baby is less precious?

This. I've never altered the way I've driven to accommodate for someone who has one and I never will. There's no point. Then again, that's also assuming the ones with signs tacked on the back aren't driving like morons, themselves.

morethancottoncandy · February 2012

LindsB314:
Just figured I'd share what the state trooper told me when she checked my car seat installation. She did not recommend hanging signs or mirrors around the baby because if there was an accident these items can become "weapons" and hit the baby in the face and cause more harm. She did say it was her recommendation and that as my child's mom to do what I felt was right for my child. So if you feel it would help other drivers around you and that it would make you feel safe you should do it. I get so sick of people telling me what to do or not to do. I will make my own decisions for what I feel best for my child :-) hope that helps!

Except the Baby on Board sign gets attached outside the vehicle so I don't see how that could be an issue. I think the trooper was more talking about the mirrors that get attached to the seat and sunshades inside the window.

Also, the point of the sign is really not to warn other drivers to be careful, its to alert emergency responders that there is a baby in the event, God forbid, you have a car accident.

mommabear17 · February 2012

Tacky and obnoxious. I think the presence of a car seat is enough to alert any emergency responders that there may have been a baby on board. I am guessing people do not put up or take down the sign depending on whether the baby is actually IN the car or not, so really, not much purpose.

Also, @sshole drivers are @sshole drivers no matter what silly signs you have on your car. They may be more of an @sshole because of the sign.

eav2c · February 2012

JNoelleE:
eav2c:
A baby in my area was kidnapped a few years back when a woman saw the baby on board sign. She followed the woman all the way home. Call me paranoid but for that reason I will never put any decals or signs on my car that are about my family.
What if someone saw your car seat in the car? Or saw you put your baby into your car? If people are looking for people with babies, there are plenty of ways to find them without having to see a sign on the window. They could wait outside a Babies R Us, for example...

Of course that is totally possible and I agree. I'm just saying there are a lot of nuts and I've heard of numerous stories where people used some sort of decal/sign indicating their family members and it turned into dangerous situations. There was another case where a mother had decals of her children as cartoons and their names underneath. Someone was able to identify each of her children by name and act as if they were a friend of the family. Of course the chances of all of this are slim but I'm just pointing out that things like these signs can be unsafe for more reasons than one.

gothgrrl · February 2012

Meh - they don't mean anything to anyone but the parent of the child. I wouldn't bother.

bornmommy · February 2012

RamaOtster:
I am surprised by how many people hate on the signs lol

I want one I think it does make people think twice before being aggressive or getting frusterated with you if you are moving a little slower

Ditto! I've always wanted one and DH got us two for my birthday, one for each car. I'll be rocking it!!

Charlyne · February 2012

I don't plan to get one but I also don't hate them. Ever since I saw the Pinterest a while back that a PP mentioned above I kind of chuckle and roll my eyes at them. It doesn't make me drive any different and if you're driving 10 under in the passing lane, I'm still gonna honk/flash my lights/tell you to get out the damn way. I have little patience for other drivers, especially living in FL where we deal with snowbirds, tourists, and old people all the time. I'm probably one of those @sshole drivers, but I'm also a safe driver--DH freaks me out far more and he's less aggressive than me.

babygirlm181 · February 2012

enairda08:
Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

i am going to some drivers do read stuff on cars it dont hurt to try

>

shellpie84 · February 2012

I always thought they were pointless but someone pointed out that the reason for them isn't to make drivers any better but if you are in an accident and something happens to the car seat that emergency personel know that there is baby to take care of.

Sawyerplus1 · February 2012

morethancottoncandy:
LindsB314:
Just figured I'd share what the state trooper told me when she checked my car seat installation. She did not recommend hanging signs or mirrors around the baby because if there was an accident these items can become "weapons" and hit the baby in the face and cause more harm. She did say it was her recommendation and that as my child's mom to do what I felt was right for my child. So if you feel it would help other drivers around you and that it would make you feel safe you should do it. I get so sick of people telling me what to do or not to do. I will make my own decisions for what I feel best for my child :-) hope that helps!

Except the Baby on Board sign gets attached outside the vehicle so I don't see how that could be an issue. I think the trooper was more talking about the mirrors that get attached to the seat and sunshades inside the window.

Also, the point of the sign is really not to warn other drivers to be careful, its to alert emergency responders that there is a baby in the event, God forbid, you have a car accident.

But I have never ever, not once, seen a Baby on Board sign on the outside of a vehicle. They are always suctioned to the back window on the inside.

OP, I think they're stupid. I agree with everyone else that if someone is going to be distracted or reckless, or run a red light, etc, the sign isn't going to stop them.

MrandMrsHull · February 2012

I think they are right up there with the decals thT have every member of your family on them, lame.

I don't think it improves the driving of those around you at all.

Also, I think my new minivan basically screams "baby on board" so for me, the sign is a moot point!

Christina_Diane · February 2012

No. I think they are lame and tacky. But then again, I don't like any type of sticker or decal.

beachbunni307 · February 2012

eav2c:
A baby in my area was kidnapped a few years back when a woman saw the baby on board sign. She followed the woman all the way home. Call me paranoid but for that reason I will never put any decals or signs on my car that are about my family.

I've heard stories like this as well...saying that it's more of a liability than a safety precaution. It's kind of like when they started saying not to put "it's a boy/girl" signs out in your front yard when you bring the baby home because it makes it easier for the crazies. It's probably rare, of course....but I got a baby on board sign for my baby shower and we threw it away (there was no gift receipt or anything....we had no idea where it came from to return it). I didn't want anyone to know that i had a baby in my car and anyone who is going to drive like an idiot is going to do it regardless of whether they see your sign or not.

rubber_chicken · February 2012

most accidents aren't caused by jack@sses, they're caused by distracted driving - people texting, playing with the radio, eating etc. if you're too distracted to notice the car in front of you has stopped, the addition of a baby on board sign isn't going to help.

georgiagurl13 · February 2012

i like the signs and i do see them when im driving, as for the projectiles thing anything in your car that is not properly restrained can become a flying projectile, im planning on getting two of them and i think they are awesome!!!!

hotrocker2011 · February 2012

It think it depends on how you feel about them..I have one but I did not go out and buy it... I got it at my work baby shower....I do have it in my car right now...I do like the idea but as pp said if they don't normally pay attention while driving then the sign wont make a big difference.

stever · February 2012

enairda08:
Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

Nope. They piss me off and I've already got a kid.

TucktheTurtle · February 2012

As far as emergency personnel seeing it- if you are in a bad enough accident that the carseat is no longer in the usual place, what are the chances a suction cupped sign is going to still be there? Plus, unless you take it down every time someone drives without the baby, it's meaningless.

I think they're kind of pointless.

stever · February 2012

WildcatPrincess:

No that's a sign I want!

erichesin · February 2012

Personally I know when Im driving and I see the sign, sunshades, or car seat I am extra careful. im a very aware driver and I wouldnt want to be the person to accidentally get in a wreck with a baby in the other car. Its personal decision to have it or not.

morethancottoncandy · February 2012

stever:
enairda08:
Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

Nope. They piss me off and I've already got a kid.

A baby sign on someone's car pisses you off? Really? You might want to try anger management. Hmm

mommabear17 · February 2012

bio-oesch:
I know people drive like morons regardless of a sign, but I found people to be more patient with me. If I don't move right away at a green light I never get beeped at since having DD and the sign. I think more than anything it explains my distracted driving bc I have a baby to deal with.

Having a baby in the car is not an excuse for being a distracted driver. Distracted drivers cause accidents.

stever · February 2012

morethancottoncandy:
stever:
enairda08:
Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

Nope. They piss me off and I've already got a kid.

A baby sign on someone's car pisses you off? Really? You might want to try anger management.

Um, wow, I've never said this on TB before, but you don't know me.

And yeah, I'm allowed to be annoyed by a sign whose sole purpose is to smugly state to the world, "look at meeeeee. I'm special 'cuz I have a babyyyyyy."

morethancottoncandy · February 2012

stever:
morethancottoncandy:

stever:
enairda08:
Hi, I'm Adriane and expecting our first baby (a boy) in a few weeks. So, I have always thought it would be wise to have one of those "Baby On Board" car decals or magnets, until i read a discussion where basically everyone slammed the idea. I thought it is one of those "better safe than sorry" instances to have some indication a baby is on board. For the aggresive drivers, it may make them think twice and back off, right? Am I a total dweeb for thinking it is a good idea? Are you putting one on your car? Thanks

Nope. They piss me off and I've already got a kid.

A baby sign on someone's car pisses you off? Really? You might want to try anger management.

Um, wow, I've never said this on TB before, but you don't know me.
And yeah, I'm allowed to be annoyed by a sign whose sole purpose is to smugly state to the world, "look at meeeeee. I'm special 'cuz I have a babyyyyyy."

Nor do I want to. An aggressive driver who gets pissed off by a safety sign? I'll pass.

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