Lets not forward face our babies.

So right now I feel like ranting a bit.

I'm passionate. Insanely so. About things that make most people make the WTF? face. you know.. O.o

Like rear facing. It is really beyond me how people can deny that it is actually safer when done properly. I recently meet a wonderful woman we got along great she was very sweet and kinda crunchy like myself. But as she was loading up her children in the car to leave the park I noticed her put her 4 month old forward facing. She has three kids and a very small car (No I don't know the make or model, be happy I know my own) but still. her 4 month old was certainly not at the 20lb mark which is what is legal to forward face in most states including the one we live in, and certainly not at the recommended 2yo and 40lbs. I was mortified and asked why she was forward facing him. She actually said "Oh it's just easier on my back, he has been forward facing since birth."

Since birth. Birth. BIRTH. What hospital would allow a child to leave facing forward? When I had my first two children my nurse came down and made sure the correct type of car seat was used and that bubs were placed in there right(we used convertible from day one in our main vehicles) and with the third a nurse ensured that the baby was in a seat that was appropriate for his age and the straps were tight and sent us on our way. Furthermore, what person in their right mind would forward face a newborn? I realize in some situations there is a need to forward face though personally I don't agree with most of the reasons people have gave. But from birth? That is seriously unsafe and scary. This woman is super lucky that she has never been in a car accident or for that matter pulled over.
I was in shock. So much so that I stood there dumbly until she left, after saying good bye and getting no response from me. I honestly couldn't really move. I am not one to hold my tongue, I say what is on my mind with no fear of upsetting others for the most part. But I was just so horrified by the thought of what could happen to her precious little man that I couldn't talk. As she drove off I shook my head and held my 6 month old a little closer.

From my experience, people like that are not easily swayed. Not by facts or opinions or anything that makes sense. What normally does it is tragedy. It's unfortunate. As far as the small car argument goes I rear faced three across in a Pontiac Grand Prix, yeah there wasn't a lot of room, but it was what was best for our kids. I will do what makes them safer even if it makes me uncomfortable.

I guess the point of this is learn your laws at the very least. Then try to keep your kids as safe as possible for as long as possible.


~Brianne