Comments on: Obnoxious, That’s Me

By: Shannon

Shannon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:54:13 +0000

If you told me that, in those terms, introduced in a nice way, explaining that you were a pediatrician and referring to a real study, I would thank you profusely and head home to research the issue and maybe change cars, or look into getting an inexpensive, but safer second car for the baby.

Some on-the-street advice from strangers definitely peeves me–especially advice that is more about personal preference–but this is relevant to my child’s serious safety (traffic accidents are really common!), and you really are an expert, and it sounds like your tone was respectful and polite.

Shannons last blog post..People Can Really be Jerks, You Know?

By: teendoc

teendoc — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:50:16 +0000

Even though I didn’t follow this advise myself, there are valid reasons to do so. Here’s a page that provides a good explanation about why: http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html

By: teendoc

teendoc — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:40:44 +0000

Interesting idea, but somehow I think that might be worse than approaching someone directly.

And no, I haven’t seen any updates to this study. It was published in JAMA in 2002.

By: Louise

Louise — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:58 +0000

I think it is totally fine that you did that. Children come first, I say!

Now, another car/seat question for you…

I have been hearing some buzz that kiddos need to stay rear-facing as long as possible, even up to two years of age if possible. Any thoughts/advice on that??

By: Marcia

Marcia — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:33:11 +0000

You did the right thing. Maybe this guy does need the truck and won’t change his habit using it to drop off the child at daycare. There may be times when he has a choice of using a different vehicle and that info might weigh into the decision. I can also see a scenario playing out where he starts using this info to his “advantage” with his partner. “oh, I would take the baby with me to the store, but, you know, I have to use the truck.”

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:08:30 +0000

Liana, you never know what sort of ripple effect you may have had.

A tough etiquette issue, but a clear-cut safety issue, IMHO.

By: Fred

Fred — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:58:14 +0000

I think you handled this just fine and I agree with your assessment that word doesn’t get out much. I’m just surprised you weren’t faced with this conundrum years ago, if the study came out 10 years ago. Also, have there been any updates to that study?

Another way to handle such situations, maybe (or maybe not) … find a layman-readable article about that study, print a copy, and keep it handy. When you come across someone to whom it’s relevant, leave a copy on their windshield with a note such as “In case you haven’t heard about this”….

By: teendoc

teendoc — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:45:55 +0000

No issue with those trucks according to Flaura’s research, so you can exhale!

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:27:49 +0000

Hey Liana- I’d want to know if I were that parent. Better to be in an awkward situation for a moment than to unknowingly put your child in danger.

Just to clarify (since we just bought a new truck), the full size crew cab trucks with full back doors and a full back seat are OK, right?? Please??

By: DoctorMama

DoctorMama — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:08:48 +0000

I struggle with this one too. My natural shyness prevents me from speaking up most of the time, but it’s probably the right thing to do.
You know who is probably really pissed? The kid’s mother, because you can bet that father went home and said “A doctor told me YOU have to drop her off and pick her up from now on”!