Sadly, we’ve all been faced with that moment when we had to ask ourselves, What Do You Do When Parents Don’t Use A Toddler Car Seat? Car seat safety is one of the most important things you have to think about when getting into your car with your child, but sadly even with all of the information presented by studies, many parents still don’t abide by standard regulations. So, how do you handle it when you see parents not using proper car seats for their kids?
Related: Are We Misusing Car Seats? You May be Surprised at the Answer!
What Do You Do When Parents Don’t Use A Toddler Car Seat?
Inquire if they need a car seat: Sometimes a polite question can go a long way. Ask if they need a car seat, and if you are in a place to help them do so. There are many affordable options out there. However, some people will consider it interfering and wrong for you to ask. You must look at it as if you witnessed abuse. While it is not direct abuse, the lack of a proper car seat for a toddler is definitely child endangerment. You have every right to be concerned.
Look for places that can help buy or donate one to those who cannot afford them: Check with local hospitals, shelters, police departments and even retailers to find out who donates or sells car seats at discounted prices. Children’s hospitals often have special events on car seat safety along with the local division of state troopers. Keep a list in your car of any local organizations that help make car seats affordable to share with those who may be struggling to pay for a new or upgraded car seat for their child.
Related: 5 Car Seat Safety Tips for Parents
Contact local law enforcement: Sadly, there are instances where parents just don’t care and thus don’t use a proper car seat. Every state has regulations and laws for a good reason. To protect children. If you see a parent not properly securing their child, you have every right to report them to local law enforcement. A ticket for child endangerment can wake them up to the seriousness of what they are not doing or their child.
Some people may believe you are meddling, but the safety of children is important. When they can’t make a decision themselves, their parents are supposed to make the right decision for them. Stepping out of your comfort zone to ask a question, offer help or even pick up the phone to call for someone else to intervene is your responsibility as a human being looking out for the children who have no voice.
Have you ever had to decide what to do when parents don’t use a toddler car seat? How did you handle it? Tell us in the comments.
