Paramedic mum sheds some light on the heated car seat debate
Krystal Kleidon and her husband have over 20 years of paramedic experience behind them, so when they give their advice about car seat safety, we sit back and listen.
And honestly, we're pretty glad we did.
Krystal's son, Alexander, has just turned four and with a new baby on the way, the parents thought it would be a good time to buy a new car seat for the tot.
So without too much fuss, the couple went out and bought a new seat which they're happy to have their son sit in – pretty standard right?
Not so much actually; as a member of many baby groups and forums, Krystal knows how hot and heavy the debates around car seat safety really is.
From seats facing the wrong way, a middle seat or side seat, to chest clip height, she's heard it all. Therefore she thought it would be a good idea to share her knowledge on car seat safety, without beginning a debate.
"Together we have over 20 years of on road experience as paramedics. We have been to more car accidents than you could imagine and seen more mangled car seats than I’d like to share."
"While we know the science and research backs up our opinions, that’s not what we are sharing here. We wanted to share what we have seen and experienced in our job."
The main argument that comes to the fore is the 'best' car seats… Krystal merely points out that the price of the car seats don't matter, especially not if your child is not strapped in right.
"Between my husband and I, in our 20 years experience, we have NOT seen a single child harmed in a car accident where the child was restrained in their seat properly. Not a single one."
And they have seen it all, cars rolled over, unidentifiable cars, car seats ejected from the entire car; each accident presenting a new case. Yet, the couple believe proper strapping has always made the difference.
Krystal explains: "Car seats have incredible safety designs now, they are designed to cocoon your child, protect them as they roll and are thrown around in an accident. but they can only do this if your child is restrained properly."
Posting a snap of themselves holding Alexander upside down while in his seat, the couple challenge parents, asking would they be comfortable holding their child like this. Because if you're not, you either need a new car seat or you need to educate yourself on strapping.
"So next time you buckle your child in, ask yourself… would I be confident in turning them upside down in their seat right now?"
Were you aware that this is most likely the real issue with car seat safety?