Francis Sunga, the husband of actress Valerie Concepcion, cleared the air about the car seat issue that had been a subject of controversy for them as parents.
The couple received negative comments from netizens after they shared a reel featuring a photo of their newborn son, Viktor Francis, in a car seat on November 1.
Netizens pointed out that their baby appeared seated in an "unsafe" and "unsupported" position, and the car seat was not age-appropriate for their child.
However, on November 8, Francis shared a video to finally address the issue, saying, "See how it looks totally different from a different angle." He explained, "In 'Murica, they inspect your car seat down to how it's buckled and secured before they discharge mommy and baby. Salamat po sa mga concerns nyo."
The video proves that the photo was taken from an unfavorable angle, as previously noted by Chicco Philippines in its statement.
Francis tagged Guam, USA in the location of his video post. Valerie delivered her child in a clinic in Tamuning, Guam. In the US, car seat safety laws are implemented in every state.
Following Valerie's post, pediatrician Dr. Richard Mata shared a "friendly reminder" about car seats for newborns, saying, "Dapat nakahiga ang baby sa car seat (for infants) kasi wala pang neck support ang baby. Bawal pa siyang nakaupo without holding the neck and head."
In a comment on his post, Francis maintained that their pediatrician approved their car seat, which is suitable for newborns.
Valerie Concepcion reacts to parent shaming due to car seat issue
On November 9, Valerie, meanwhile, broke her silence and commented on her husband's post, saying, "This is the last comment I'll leave here on this post. PLEASE google our car seat—Chicco Unico Plus. It is suitable for little ones from birth till 12 years of age or 0-36 kgs."
She added, "It's so heartbreaking that some people would resort to parent shaming just because they think they’re right. I hope and pray that they’ll realize I’m not the only one who uses this kind of car seat for infants. 2023 na po, not everyone uses the traditional ones anymore. It won’t be approved by professionals naman if it's not safe. And I know concern [sic] lang po kayo sa anak namin and we appreciate it. But I think it's safe to assume that us parents have the utmost concern when it comes to our child’s safety. Yun lang po. God bless."
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