I was told that car mirrors were unsafe to use. But I would like to see my child when I'm driving. I heard there is one out there that is safe to use. Does anyone know which one or can you recommend one that you particularly like?
Thanks in advance
The California Highway Patrol installed my car seat and said absolutely no mirrors. They can become air borne in an accident or in the rear facing infant seat the child's face could hit the mirror in an accident.
I hadn't heard of the unsafe factor. Is there research out on this? I've been using one since the beginning when our son was in the infant carrier car seat and continue now even in his 3 in 1. Our son is now 14 months and still rear facing being this is the safest position and he is still comfortable. We use the diamond shape mirror from Eddie Bauer. My Honda backseats open/close/fold and lock into place. The mirror has an extension arm, but this didn't work, it kept flopping. So, I stuck the whole extension arm in betwn. the seat/trunk and it doesn't move one bit. If someone is going to say a mirror as this is unsafe, well, then any object that could fly in a car accident (i.e. handbag, diaper bag) would be considered unsafe. I suggest looking at different types and determine which has the most secure fit for your particular car. I am a firm supporter in the mirror. Good luck!
Hi A.,
I just wanted to let you know that when a CHP officer installed my daughter's car seat, he told me that mirrors are a danger for two reasons. The first one has been mentioned in many of the replies here, in an accident, there is a chance that it could become a projectile and hurt your baby (no matter how lightweight it is, if it flies at your child's head at 30+ mph it is going to hurt your child.) The second reason is that diverting your attention from the road, for even a split second, to check on baby could result in an accident. The highway patrol officer suggested that whenever I wanted to check on my daughter, I pull over and turn around to check on her. This is what I did and after a few weeks, I realized that if she was being quiet back there, she was just fine!
I decided I would rather leave a bit early or arrive a bit late, to accomodate any stopping to check on her, rather than risking an accident because I was paying more attention to her in the mirror than I was to the road!
N.
I heard about this too - through Parents Magazine.
"Baby Rearview Mirrors
The risk: Although it's certainly comforting to be able to see your baby when he's in a rear-facing car seat, some paramedics are worried that one of these mirrors, like other loose objects in a vehicle, could become a dangerous projectile in a crash. Models that attach to the rear-seat headrest with just a suction cup are particularly risky, according to Matt Levy, national director of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics.
Safe strategy: Look for a mirror that's lightweight, with cushioning or rounded edges. And make sure it's tightly attached."
My baby mirror was a hand-me-down but I believe that it is a Fisher Price model with cushioning and is tightly attached using a hook behind the headrest in the back seat. The mirror isn't going anywhere. Its also acrylic, not a "real" mirror, which is added safety.
Hi A.,
I know its hard to drive and not see your child. But I was told also by the CHP that it is unsafe and very dangerous if you had an accident.
Molly
Hi A.,
We have one made by Fisher Price (?) that's good. Not sure what it's called but it looks like a fish. It's padded and clips on securely to the back of the headrest. It's not the "coolest" looking thing but I like to think that my daughter enjoys it.
~ K.
you want one that's secure. Basically if you can easily pull it off with one hand it can become airborn in an accident. The best ones are the ones that have straps that go around the headrest.
I don't know one to recommend, but my suggestion is to save the packaging and receipt, in case your baby doesn't take to it. We bought one for our first child - somehow actually seeing what we were doing (and in her mind, ignoring her pleas to be picked up) was just infuriating to her! She screamed pretty much nonstop until we took it down. But then, she's always been that kind of kid. Hopefully your son is a little more laid back and you can get a little peace of mind with the mirror! LOL
