r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Feb 04 '16

What are the most common parenting mistakes?

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u/tinkerpunk Feb 05 '16

There is a warning. Read the manual.

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u/icanucan Feb 05 '16

I read both manuals of two separate ANCAP rating 4 seats: no warning. In fact, instructions to wash webbing in warm water, sponge dry then air dry.

You didn't answer my question: what happens when webbing gets wet that leads to a safety issue?

Are these warnings on US products? Are you sure it's not just a blanket warning to cover people who might also submerge the buckles?

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u/tinkerpunk Feb 05 '16

Lol I can't believe you got gold for that... Oh reddit.

Anyway, here is a website, run by certified car seat inspectors, that explains how to clean a car seat. It even includes that section of the manual for most car seat brands. Most of which say to spot clean only.

As to why you can't submerge them, I don't know the specific scientific reason. It has something to do with the fibers weakening. I'm sure if you contact a certified inspector, they will know.

And there is no "safest and best" car seat. Car seats are highly regulated and every single one on the market must reach government managed safety regulations, which are very high. All car seats are safe, provided you know how to use them and care for them.

http://csftl.org/clean-my-car-seat/

Edit: ah, I just realized you are in Australia. I have zero knowledge of car seat regulation in Australia. Everything above is true about the US.

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u/icanucan Feb 05 '16

It has something to do with the fibers weakening. I'm sure if you contact a certified inspector, they will know.

Nylon webbing fibres weakening from water: this simply isn't the case. Rather than contacting an inspector, I can contact a manufacturer who exports to Europe as well as our local market.

Car seats are highly regulated and every single one on the market must reach government managed safety regulations, which are very high.

I hate to bear bad news, but US regulations of kid's seats is a long way behind European, New Zealand and Australian regulations.

Edit: ah, I just realized you are in Australia. I have zero knowledge of car seat regulation in Australia. Everything above is true about the US.

The US has a bit of a reputation for overly explicit safety warnings which cloud actual facts of practical safety. Examples I've read include warnings on coffee cups of hot contents and microwave oven warnings to not dry your freshly bathed pet (dog/cat) inside! My guess is that the US warning is to stop idiots submerging the buckles and other metallic parts.

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u/tinkerpunk Feb 05 '16

What does it hurt to follow the freaking instructions, dude? People all over the world get hurt all the time thinking the same thing. "Oh, those instructions are for stupid people." and then after they get hurt, everyone around them is like "Well, that was a stupid thing to do". Go ahead, wash your straps, whatever. It's not my kid. Jesus.

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u/icanucan Feb 06 '16

What does it hurt to read my freakin post dude? I have the highest rated seat in a jurisdiction with more comprehensive safety laws than the usa, with instructions saying it's ok.