Oops... she did it again..... again

[Nancy]

I'm not sure why people continue to use the argument that "We did this when we were younger." Life is about learning from mistakes and getting smarter as the years go on, not 'dumber!" Pardon me for saying so, but some of the arguments on here in regards to Britney's bad parenting are just so weak - bad parenting is bad parenting! Just because lots of parents do it, doesn't make it right. Why take a chance with our most precious assets - our children?

Tiger

I don't feel that I ever made parenting choices with my children, I did what I, as their parent, felt was the best for them. My kids are not that old, my youngest is 13. I knew they were safer in backward facing seats, but I, as their Mother, was not comfortable not being able to see their faces as we were driving somewhere. I did not feel that they lives were in danger because I chose to have them facing the front of the car.

And while I don't feel that Britney is the swiftest person in the world, I don't feel the need to trash her parenting skills because I am not perfect.

 

[poohandwendy]

I don't feel that I ever made parenting choices with my children, I did what I, as their parent, felt was the best for them. My kids are not that old, my youngest is 13. I knew they were safer in backward facing seats, but I, as their Mother, was not comfortable not being able to see their faces as we were driving somewhere. I did not feel that they lives were in danger because I chose to have them facing the front of the car.

I know alot of people who have that same concern, about not being able to see their child when driving. My youngest is 12 and honestly, I cannot remember how long she was in a rear facing car seat but I am almost positive she was in the front seat so that I could see/reach her (we didn't have airbags on our car at the time)

 

[momrek06]

Well first of all I have not read the ENTIRE Thread....

That being said....WHO EVER is driving that car.... #1) the baby should be rear facing. I had my son in 1985, YUP, and we had that law in 1985, rear facing until I believe 20 lbs. (for the record: DS is 20 and a sophomore in college)(so that law has been around for sometime)

#2) Something I did NOT have in 1985 was those little pillowy things that go around their head...this baby certainly needs one of those thingys(?)! Do you all know what I mean? Kinda like a BUMPER!!??!!!

#3) Where his this baby's HAT? I noticed other posters commenting on the HAT!!! If the baby is in CA or FLA...that sun is brutal. Put a HAT on the baby 24/7!

OKAY I AM DONE!

 

[sap1227]

I hear all the time Moms really think it is 20 pounds OR 1 year--these are college educated, smart women. I don't think it is really well known to most moms. It looks like she was not breaking any CA laws (and I looked up FL law since that is where I live and there is no infant seat law--just car seats until 5)

Christy

 

[DisneyPhD]

My kids are the other way, super tiny. They both weighted 16 lbs at 1 year and I turned the seats around a few weeks after both girls 1st birthday. (after being examined by their doc and she said it would be fine.) Heck my 21 month old is still just under 20 lbs.

Still that is a different story then Brits.

The thing that really concerned me the most is the convertible. I remember driving with DD once when she was around year old with the windows down. The whipping wind took her breath way. I rolled the windows up right away, but it was scary for her (and just 2 front seat windows rolled down when she was in the back seat.)

Also it shows a serious lack of judgment. She knows that media will be following her. Driving in a convertible in this situation, she should know that people in her position are often under constant attention.

 

[icebrat001]

I think she needs some parenting classes, the poor kid is dying in the wind.

However, if the baby were uncomfortable, he would readjust or cry. Babies move when they are not comfortable. Maybe he likes to sleep in a slumped position.

 

[momrek06]

However, if the baby were uncomfortable, he would readjust or cry. Babies move when they are not comfortable. .

ICE: You are probably right about "being uncomfortable"....but to MY eyes, that baby LOOKS uncomfortable...I would HAVE to re-adjust him. Just me, but even if he was NOT crying, I could not stand to have that little, precious head all slumped over like THAT !!! JUST ME!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, has anyone clarified the CA law on this? If what she did is not againt the laws in her state, this is really much ado about nothing, IMHO.

Yes, I did in post # 46.

Here's a link to the California Highway Patrol site. It says:
"Children MUST be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds."
I think the law probably doesn't say anything more specific than that, because you would go by the instructions from the manufacturer posted on the carseat.

On that page, they have pictures illustrating different car seats and how they should be put into the car. They also have a lot of information about the 20 pounds AND over 12 months old before changing to front facing.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I didn't really know that kids in the back seat should be in a rear facing seat....I knew about the front seat due to the airbag...but then the car has diagrams telling me that.
but then...I don't have kids and have not really made an effort to find out.

so my point is that it isn't common knowledge, but you would think that someone who has a kid and prego again would read a little about child care.

and...you would think she would skip the convertible just to avoid the paparazzi...you know??? thats DUMB.

 

[Shutterbug]

Not my job to butt into her life any more than it is for me to butt in on any of yours.

 

[Kristi1357]

you would think she would skip the convertible just to avoid the paparazzi...you know??? thats DUMB.

Isn't that why she had her baby on her lap before? She was terrified of the paparazzi. So, being "terrified" of some photographers, I would not drive around with my top down! Duh! Also, if the top were up, the baby would not be in the bright sun - no hat needed.

Anyway - I was also appalled by her lack of concern for her baby AGAIN. Yes, it has been recommended for years that babies should be rear facing, not matter the weight, until 1 year. My almost eight year old niece was always a big girl. Before she was a year old, my SIL went out & bought what she called a 'buddha baby' seat - rear facing seat for kids over 20 lbs. At this time, my other SIL was a certified car seat inspector for the State of NH (not sure of the exact title) - so that definately was the recommendation then, this is not new.

And I know - we all make mistakes. I also think it should be a bit easier if you are a celebrity and having nannies & housekeepers & such to help you with all the little things. Although I doubt I made a mistake as big as driving around with DS on my lap!

We all lived without cars seats back in the day. Well, some mothers also drank or smoked through their pregnancies too. Just because many of these babies were born healthy does not mean we should stop recommending expectant moms not do these things.

And one more thing - I would kill to be as overweight as Britney is!

 

[Tiger926]

We have booster car seats (integrated) in our Chrysler Grand Caravan - front facing, harnessed booster until 50lbs. They are actually working on a 3 in 1, integrated car seat (I've done a ton of research on this subject - both in Canada & US), but it's been years in development as the specifications are very important as it will accommodate various developmental stages.

Basically, my feeling on this matter is that if you are parent, you don't have the luxury of making mistakes such as this. The old argument again, that "I'm not a perfect parent, so I don't feel the need to comment on Britney" is very weak. Everyone's idea of 'perfection' is different, but understanding basic car seat laws or recommendations, is not perfection - that is basic parenting 101. Any 'imperfections' in this area could result in serious injury or death - again, not a chance I'm willing to take.

Lastly, it would seem from most posts on here that people are confused by car seat laws - I've just drafted a letter to the branch of my government that deals with this, as this is a common problem for many parents, but the fact remains, that rear facing is best as it protects immature spines and necks best if in a crash - they rear face in some European countries until the kids are over 3 and guess what? Their infant/child vehicle mortality rates are very low. Infants/toddlers have been rear faced for awhile now and it confuses me as to how parents are more concerned about seeing their kids (buy a baby car seat mirror that attaches to your own), then about them being vegetables should a car accident occur - by the way, not letting your kids eat or drink in the car goes along way in this area as well, as they don't have anything to choke on (this is what I hear most parents are afraid of when kids are rear faced). To me, it makes perfect sense that rear facing protects spines and necks, yet I see many parents (some of you included) who can't seem to figure this out. I hear most parents complain that it's an inconvenience - yikes! How are you going to explain to your child when he/she is paralyzed that you didn't want to be inconvenienced so you didn't properly secure him/her in the appropriate car seat?

This is a debate that will go on forever because: 1) Car seat laws are not specific enough and 2) Parent ignorance, misunderstanding or laziness surrounding these laws. I for one know that I don't have the luxury of making any mistakes with my precious daughter in this area and neither should the rest of you or Britney.

Tiger

 

[mrsltg]

She's driving a Mini - the carseat may not fit correctly if turned around. Sure, she could drive another car. She wasn't. My dd's slept slumped over in a car most of their infancies. My 5 year old still slumps when she sleeps in the car. FTR - my 25 pound 33 inch 11 month old is now forward facing. She was essentially eating her legs rear-facing so we had to turn the seat. Perhaps someone should call CPS... clearly I'm an unfit mother.

As to Britney being heavy - seriously? The girl probably was 110 pounds soaking wet before she was pregnant. I wonder where girls get the idea they are too "fat"? For the love of Bob. Women look better when they have more curves than a 12 year old boy .

 

[va32h]

It seems some of the posters here are more lenient on Britney Spears than they are on their fellow DIS'ers. I've seen people flamed for FAR less. If a DIS'er (and I can think of a few particular DIS parents that post repeat bonehead moves) posted that she did this she would have her *** handed to her...but for some reason, Britney doesn't deserve to be picked on. Interesting.

I second that. Wasn't there a thread awhile back discussing whether or not to tell a childcare director or call the police if someone observed a child improperly restrained? And the majority vote was yes.

Apparently those silly little rules only apply to regular folk, not celebrities.

Yes, I made mistakes as a new mother, too. Once I made the bathwater far too hot for my daughter. The keyword here is once.

After the driving-in-the-lap incident, Ms. Spears should have learned everything there is to know about infant safety seats. She is either incredibly stupid or incredibly careless, or both.

 

[Kristi1357]

After the driving-in-the-lap incident, Ms. Spears should have learned everything there is to know about infant safety seats. She is either incredibly stupid or incredibly careless, or both.

I vote for both!

And for what it's worth - my son hit 19 lbs. before 6 months. I remember this specifically because we went out and purchased a very expensive Marathon car seat in order to keep him safely rear-facing for the next 7 months. He was always in the 90th percentile or higher for height & weight. He could indeed rear-face until his first birthday without becoming a pretzel. I also installed a pretty cheap mirror on the back of the seat that his car seat was buckled onto - that way I could see his face while driving.

 

[Planogirl]

I admit that I HATE the rear-facing rule. I understand the reason for it but I hated placing my newborn in the back corner and not being able to see him. It's really bizarre IMO.

As for picking on Britney, it seems so pointless to pick on a stranger. Personally, I'd much rather pick on someone I know.

And Britney heavy? Please!!!!

 

[Becky2005]

For those of you who are discussing your kids growing out of car seats and having to switch to front facing, how many years ago was that?

For me, it wasn't that long ago! It was the 2 year old - he was *WAY, WAY* past 20 pounds before he was 1 year old. He went off the charts in weight (and in the 90th percentile for height too) to the point of testing his thyroid. His infant car seat only went up to 20 pounds for safety...I actually had him in it for a little longer but there was no way he would have made it to 1 years old in it. He was just TOO big between his length & weight, I felt it was more unsafe to be in this carseat that he weighed more than it was rated for and was practically coming out of the top of.

So, I had to flip him to the forward facing carseat before he was a year old, he was probably around 9 months old at the time.

I did what I needed to do for my child since my kids don't fit the averages at all. We had the problem when the law changed to 8 years old for a booster here, my then 8 year old is TALL but skinny, it was a problem when I stuck him back in the booster due to the law (which only goes by weight & age, not height), his head went taller than the headrest. Luckily I was able to adjust the headrest to fit otherwise I had no idea what I was going to do because I assume it's not safe to have your head without any protection in an accident.

 

[va32h]

I also don't get the "big baby" argument, because my daughter's carseat is rated up to 40lbs, and can be installed rear or forward facing. And this wasn't an expensive seat either, maybe 60 bucks at Target.

 

[katerkat]

I agree - Russ has an Evenflo Triumph, $120. It's rear-facing up to 30 pounds. I don't know the height limit, but he's 31" tall (just came from the doctor's office this morning!) and only in the second of four strap slots. He crosses his legs to fit rear-facing. He outgrew the infant "bucket" seat in height at six months, so we bought this convertible seat to keep him rear-facing for another year.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I admit that I HATE the rear-facing rule. I understand the reason for it but I hated placing my newborn in the back corner and not being able to see him. It's really bizarre IMO.

As for picking on Britney, it seems so pointless to pick on a stranger. Personally, I'd much rather pick on someone I know.

And Britney heavy? Please!!!!

I agree, on all counts (and love the 2nd paragraph! LOL)

My oldest was born in '88 and I know there was a rearfacing rule (law? recommendation?) then. The carseat went up to 20 lbs, and I don't think there was a bigger car seat at the time that could be rear-facing, but I could be wrong.

Haven't seen "Terms of Endearment" in a long time, but wasn't there a scene where Shirley McLaine would go into her DDs room and poke her to make sure she was still alive? I used to do that with my kids in the rearfacing seats, to some extent. I'd reach back there while I was driving (probably in and of itself not too good), and try to stick my finger in their mouths to see if they'd suck it, so I'd know they were still breathing. Of course, in the process, I probably poked an eye or two. This was mostly with my first child, when she was very young...new mommy syndrome and all.