Moms Are Sharing Photos Of Their Kids In Car Seats Because It’s ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’

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The full implementation of Republic Act No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act has been deferred amid the COVID-19 pandemic and parents’ many questions about the new law. However, for most moms and dads, if you own a private vehicle, the use of child car seats should be mandatory, whether there is a law or not.

On our parenting community, Smart Parenting Village, a Pinay mom shared that while car seats are indeed expensive, at the end of the day, it is for the good of our kids. It is also worth the investment because it will keep our little ones safe while on the road.

The mom, Alyssa Joyce Deang, says that when they moved to Australia when her eldest was 7 months old, her son could not get used to being strapped to a car seat. “Iyak ng iyak. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Nagsusuka. At dumedede pa siya sa akin,” she writes.

“Kailangan namin huminto palagi kapag lalabas kami. ‘Yung isang oras na byahe naging 2 oras. Pero nasanay na rin siya,” Alyssa adds.

When their bunso came, her son stepped up to show his younger sister that it was perfectly okay to be in a car seat. “Feeling niya, hindi na siya iiyak para hindi na iiyak ang sister niya,” Alyssa recalls.

The mom of two also shared a few tips how she manages to make her kids comfortable during car rides:

1. Nakadepende ang oras ng byahe namin sa kanila. Aalis kami at itataon namin ‘yung oras ng pagtulog nila.
2. Umupo ako sa tabi nila para mas nababantayan ko sila.
3. Nag-pa-pa-sounds ako ng pampatulog (using Moshi app) and infairness, effective!
4. Kausapin ang Daddy para hindi makatulog habang nag-da-drive.
5. Huwag pakainin ang bata ng marami at baka mag-suka.
6. Mag-stop kapag magpa-pa-dede.
7. Mag-ready ng kung anu-anong props para pang-libang sa mga bagets.

In the comments section, other moms couldn’t help but agree with Alyssa. They also showed photos of their children in car seats and shared some tips on why it’s worth the investment.

“Need lang talaga sanayin,” says Jean Mina-Burgos. “My bunso mula newborn nasa car seat na siya. I am the driver since my husband is an OFW. Araw-araw hatid sundo sa kuya niya sa school kaya wala talaga siyang choice.”

Of course, not everyone can afford a car seat. But for those who have their own vehicles, setting aside budget for one should be considered.

“Alam ko pong mahal ang car seat. Alam ko pong mahirap paupuin ang mga bata sa car seat lalo na kapag hindi sila sanay, pero lakasan natin ang loob natin mga Mommies. Nakadepende po sa atin ang mga anak natin,” Alyssa says. "Isipin po sana natin 'yung mas safe sa ating mga anak."

What are the types of child car seats and which one does your kid need? Click here for our list.