YouTube video stirs car seat debate



An emotional video on YouTube by a mother who lost her son in a car accident has sparked a debate among parents and car seat advocates. We've received several questions from parents about the video and we wanted to respond.

First, the accident described in the video is indeed tragic and our hearts go out to this family. We understand why parents in this situation would want to spread the word to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

But . . . the video makes several claims that we (as well as other safety advocates) don't agree with. Here are our comments:

• Seat belt failure is RARE, not common. By claiming seat belt failure is common, the video suggests parents should use a five-point harness seat with LATCH instead of a belt-positioning booster (which relies on the auto safety belt to secure the child). While we agree that a child should be in a harnessed seat as long as possible, that does NOT mean that belt-positioning boosters are unsafe.

• Let's repeat that again: belt-positioning boosters are SAFE. The accident in this video (a roll over where the child was ejected) has many variables that may have contributed to the tragedy---but the car seat wasn't to blame.

• The Britax Regent (which we discussed in our books and used to be called the Husky and Super Elite) is a harnessed seat that can be used with a harness up to 80 pounds. BUT it can't be used with LATCH above 48 pounds. Most vehicles have a LIMIT on the weight of a seat with LATCH---often it is 48 pounds or below. FYI: Honda's limit is 40 pounds! While this video makes a strong case for harnessed seats, limits with LATCH means that kids in a Regent may very well be held to the car by only a vehicle belt . . . just like a belt-positioning booster.

• Besides the Britax Regent, there are two other seats that enable the use of a harness above 40 pounds: the Safeguard GO and Sunshine Kids Radian 65 (or 80). Again, how long you can use these seats with LATCH or a top tether may depend on your vehicle's limits. Both of these seats are reviewed in the latest printing (2.2) of our TODDLER BARGAINS book. Yes, the Britax Marathon/Decathlon/Boulevard can accommodate a child to 65 pounds with a five-point harness . . . but most older kids outgrow this seat by height long before they reach 65 pounds. So the SafeGuard Go and Radian are better bets.

There is more to this debate, which you can read on our message boards .

Again, we realize this is very emotional. But remember: the safest seat for your child is the one that best fits your child AND your vehicle. Get your seat inspected. Learn about the different seat options---and pay attention to your vehicle's limits and restrictions.

Posted: Tue - November 14, 2006 at 04:51 PM          

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