Babies Forgotten in Cars: Continued

My post last week about a new invention prompted several comments here and on Car-Seat.org.  The invention is intended to prevent parents from forgetting their children in their cars, which is potentially fatal in hot weather.  Since it is a hot topic (forgive me; I could not resist the pun), I would like to continue the discussion this week:

In one post on the threat at CarSeat.org, umbrage was taken at my choice of term "offloading responsibility."  I guess in that phrase I was imagining a type of person (who may or may not exist) who gets The Gizmo and takes the attitude "Now I don't have to think about forgetting my child, because if I did, my Giz would start beeping!" Satisfied at removing one more thing off his/her checklist, he or she could then go merrily on with his/her way.  I meant it as an exaggeration, and hope/pray that this exact type of person does not actually exist.

Other people stated that, in the cases where the inthinkable has actually happened, the parent or caregiver was not in his/her usual routine (e.g., covering for the person who usually drives the child one place or the other) and it turned into a tragic mistake.  There is usually no doubt in the minds of the authorities or family that the adult would ever have intentionally left the child in the car, but was this day he or she was out of sorts, not in the usual routine, or distracted, in an atypical, unexpected situation.

My concern is this:  if these types of things usually happen in non-normal, unanticipated situations, who is this product for?  To me, it seems like a Catch-22:  Would a parent who thinks ahead enough to buy the Gizmo ever be the type to forget their child?  Or, would a parent who is in such a distracted state remember to use the Gizmo?

On Car-Seat.org, safeinthecar liked the idea of "matching" bracelets that beeped or blared if child and parent were ever more than a certain distance apart.  I like it, too.  These would be useful in all kinds of situations (in public places, in crowds, as well as cars and parking lots).  But again, when do you know WHEN to wear them?  Some people get in and out of our cars all day with our kids -- does that mean we wear them ALL the time?  How likely is it that we'll say, "I'm going to be forgetful today.  Must remember the bracelets"?

I look forward to hearing your comments.  I'm also going to send this thread to William Edwards, one of the NASA engineers who developed the keychain invention.  Maybe he will chime in or find our thoughts of use!

Background Reading:
My Original Post 
Comment thread on Car-seat org

Babies forgotten in the car: a solution?

According to the New York Times, a team of NASA employees have developed a keychain alarm that sounds if a child is left in the car. Other companies are considering options like body-temperature monitors. Personally, I have concerns about the use of technology and gizmos to off-load plain old parental/caretaker responsibility. Thoughts?

This is Camo, and this is Loden

... and together, they are Loden Camo Reversible. 

It's a beautiful combination, and it's gotten short shrift thus far.  I do confess, my fault: the product thumbnail at the web store does not do it justice.  I am in the process of updating the photos on the website, so look for these and more new pictures at the end of the summer!

Save $10 (First 3 Customers Only)

Quick post to tell you that the first 3 customers who enter coupon code FIRST3 during checkout will save $10!

Stressful but Vital: Picking a Nursing Home

I know this is off-topic for me and this blog, but having recently gone through this process, I thought this New York Times feature provided a very good overview.  Choosing long term care for an elderly family member can be so stressful and emotionally painful, and as the article says, a decision that often has to be made quickly. 

I wouldn't expect anyone to start making visits just for the "fun" of it (shudder), but it might help to keep your ears open if friends, family or colleagues mention they have relatives in long term care.  Just ask where their family member is, if they have ever been there, what it's like, etc.  Make a mental (or a real) note of the name.  Then, if you find yourself in a blur of confusion or a crisis situation, you'd at least have somewhere to start.  Every little bit of anchoring helps.

Also, the Medicare "Nursing Home Compare" tool was a terrific resource.  There is no substitute for an actual visit, but at least this tool can help you narrow down your list of facilities to tour.  My heart goes out to any of you who are facing these decisions.  Hope this helps.

Check out these old old car seats!

I was poking around the Cafe Mom car seat board and found this cool pictorial archive of car seats and boosters. 

Established in 1980,  SafetyBeltSafe is a national non-profit organization solely dedicated to child passenger safety.  This archive was created to help CPSTs identify old, expired and recalled seats that they may encounter during installation events.  Their terrific website has a wealth of information for parents, caregivers and CPSTs.

March Coupon: First 5 Orders Get $8 Off

From now through the end of March, the first 5 customers who use coupon code MARCH will save $8 off their total order.  This offer applies to all merchandise in the Car Seat Poncho store, including clearance items (prices start at $28.99). 

There are plenty of cold days left this season.  If you hurry, your kids can spend them safe and warm -- without a hassle!

Excited -- Just Signed Up For KIM (Kidz In Motion)!

I can't wait to go to the annual Kidz In Motion conference in August.  This conference is held each year in memory of Police Officer Kimberly Hassell-Bazoge, who passed away suddenly in June of 1999. 

There will be panel discussions, workshop sessions and manufacturers' exhibits -- all focused on child passenger safety.  Looking forward to meeting all the CPST's I've been working with all over the country, putting faces to familiar names, and seeing all the new seats from Chicco (conference sponsor), Britax, Graco and more. 

I've attended other safety conferences (LifeSavers, etc.), but always as an exhibitor -- which is hard on the feet, and does not allow access to the panels or workshops.  This time I'll be a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician -- seated and soaking up knowledge!