An Important Announcement Re: First Year's Car Shade

While I see "some" wisdom in the suction cup as a flying object - I
think we should be far more worried about half pound cell phones,
sippy cups, etc - than a 2oz soft pastic suction cup.

When will we stop worrying about all the little things and start
enjoying our children instead of worrying about them to the point of
obsession.

Erika, I see your point and agree it "could" be a hazard. But to tell
First Years they need to notify consumers about the least heavy object
that is probably free floating in their car is a bit much. I mean do
we strap our diaper bags in with a seat belt? Or is a ten pund diaper
bag less of a hazard?

Just food for thought from a father who is tired of all the stuff we
get - and no I didn't look up this informtion it was sent to me.

No disrespect intended, but let's all relax just a bit
R. Cannon

Wow, I was thinking, "good post!" until I read all the responses.
Obviously, I didn't think things through much like the rest of you.
Of course, you're all correct about that shade being the least of the
flying objects in a car should one be involved in an accident.

I suppose the lesson here is to (1) keep your car as free of
debris/flotsam/jetsam as possible, (2) drive defensively, (3) buy a
good carseat and learn how to properly install it in your car
(hospitals and police/fire departments often have short
classes/lessons on this.

But kudos anyway to the OP for taking the time to share a warning she
learned by going to the hospital to learn how to properly install an
infant car seat.

If a little rubber suction cup is a safety hazard, that hard plastic
sippy cup is sure death! I don't think I would worry much about that
little rubber suction cup.
That unit is probably affiliated with the Highway Patrol. They're just
making it a hazard because they hate not being able to see into our
cars!

Hey...

Just read your response and I agree, that basically anything not
locked down could become a hazard to your baby. The shade happens to
be quite heavy and you can imagine it knocking someone out.

But I have to point out that in my reco -- I recommended using
sunscreen versus the shade. Not a huge innovation, but not just
whining either:).

It makes sense that anything in the vehicle could become a possible
danger during a traffic accident. Does this mean you are going to
remove everything from your car that could inadvertently become mobile
during an accident or quick lane changes?

I'm thinking along the lines of cups, bottles, tissue boxes, purses,
CD cases, cell phones, toys, books and all the other effluvia and
detritus of everyday life that somehow migrates into our vehicles.

Should there be warning labels on this stuff? Should the clerk at the
bookstore point out that my hardback book could become a dangerous
missile during an accident?

I know I'm being flip, but this reminds me of the 'warning labels'
found on products that point out the very obvious. On a package of
flybelts, I once saw a warning that said, 'turn off engine before
replacing belts'. It worries me that someone would attempt engine
repairs with the engine still running.

If you are in an accident, I think the car shade will most likely be
the least of your worries.

Boy, I never knew that. It's nice of you to let people know about
that.

I wonder how many kids have been hurt because of that.
The thought is scary.

Thanks for a very informative post! I once got hit in the leg by a
box of tissues that became a flying object during a car accident.
Cut/bruised me up pretty good, so I can only imagine what a shade
could do!

I never used shades to protect from sunburn - I used them because
sleepy babies fuss so much when the sun shines in their eyes. The
shades never worked for me, though, because curious little ones start
pulling on them and *pop*, down they come! :o) So whenever I had an
emergency sun issue, I'd stop and tape a receiving blanket to the
inside of the window, and continue on my merry way....