Importance of a 5-Point Harness Carseat
I have posted about Kyle before, and Chris has as well. I just can’t tell you how much his story has touched me.
Since I last posted his video, the Miller family has started a non-profit foundation in honor and memory of Kyle. The webpage is: http://www.kyledavidmiller.org
Their mission is to keep children in a 5pt safety harness up to 80lbs. They are accepting applications from families who cannot afford to purchase these seats and are supplying those seats through our tax-free donations.
Today, for every comment you leave to this post, up I will donate $3 to the foundation. let’s get enough comments for the foundation to be able to purchase one car seat or more!
Are all of your 80lb and under children in a 5 point restraint? I can say that all of mine are now. Cody’s Britax Regent arrived in the mail a few weeks ago and now everyone is safe for our travels with the trailer. It was $ well spent.
Far Away by Nickelback
This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there’s just one left
‘Cause you know,
you know, you know
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
and you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore
On my knees, I’ll ask
Last chance for one last dance
‘Cause with you, I’d withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I’d give it all
I’d give for us
Give anything but I won’t give up
‘Cause you know,
you know, you know
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
and you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore
So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
‘Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
‘Cause I’m not leaving u anymore
Believe me
Hold on to me and
never let me go
The story touched me too, and I think what you’re doing is wonderful!
it’s touched me, too. I wish our car would fit Regents for the 2 older kids. I’m looking forward to getting a replacement car, and that’s one of the reasons.
Thanks for posting this Jody. This is such important information. We also keep our kids, 80 pounds or less, in carseats because of Kyle’s story. I hope you get lots of comments today. The word really needs to get out!!
Even one seat could save one more child. Go Jody!
I just took james out of a 5 point harness because I thought it took to much time to buckle him in. Just saying that brings tears to my eyes now. Thank you……….
That is such a touching story. Thank you for sharing…
That video is very touching. What a nice gesture Jodi.
I just can’t put my almost 11 year old in a 5 point…that boy will graduate from high school under 80 lbs. Just bought two new marathons for my 4 year olds who just crept over 40 lbs…
Almost 600-…Go, go, go
Thank you for putting this on your website. I have never visited your blog before, and think that there is a reason why I did today. I have 4 children under the age of five, the two oldest being really big boys, so I took them out of a five point harness seat…seeing Kyle (and seeing such a strong resembelance in looks to my own three year old)has
caused me to want to research this 5 point harness seat. God chooses when each of us go home to him, but it is a good thing to know that I did all that I could do to keep them safe while they were in my care. Thank you, Jen
Wow…I don’t even know what to say. I had to search for the tissue..hug my kids…watch a little more..hug my kids on and on. I’m going to download this and add it to my blog. Maybe if everyone who saw this did the same thing we could all save a life or two. Good job my friend.
dawn
I’ve never been to your blog before, and I found it through the larger families site. Kyle’s video is extremely touching. Right now, I’m currently saving for better car seats for my 2 kids, and the video makes me even more determined. Thank you.
Thanks so much for posting this! I have 4 kids ages 5 and under. My son just turned 4 and I was looking forward to moving him to a booster. When he had his well-check and I found out he was only 37.75 lbs I still debated moving him (that’s a close enough weight, right?). Well, I now have my answer. He is staying in the 5-point for QUITE some time!
I’ve seen that video though can’t remember if it was here or not… Anyway, it definitely makes you think…
What a great idea!!!
Hi Jody,
Such important info! You’re doing a wonderful thing by helping
to honor Kyle’s memory..
Hey
I think it is a great thing that you are doing here.
I saw this video a few weeks ago. I was just about to buy my youngest a booster, but when I saw the video I changed my mind- FAST. I hope that between your post, and others like it, other parents are able to see the need for the five point harness, as well.
Boo!
(A dollar a letter…not bad!)
I’m a lurker who has never posted before, but I’ve been reading for a while. What a generous thing you are doing!
Oh Jodie. I have never seen this video. I have two small children, neither of which has this kind of carseat. The littlest one is in the older one’s old carseat. The older one is in a booster….at 43 lbs.
I don’t even want to get in the car tomorrow now. I wish that I could afford good carseats. I know the investment is worth it, but I just don’t have two hundred dollars to spend on this cause. Oh how I wish I did.
Thank you so much for this post. It was truly and eye opener for me. Now, if only I could head out to the store right now to buy what we need. Ugh.
Good idea. Thank you.
thanks for caring!
This is such an important topic. Thank you so much for posting about this. I let everyone I know that has young children about the topic and pointed them towards the website.
This was my first time to your blog. I have 2 older kids who will be lucky to ever see 80 lbs, lol. Thanks for passing on the information!
I learned about your post in your blog through an application to the Kyle David Miller Foundation. I am Secretary of the foundation and I want to personally extend my thanks to you for your generous jesture! We are currently in receipt of so many applications from families who cannot afford to purchase a Britax Regent or a Sunshine Kids Radian80, however, our funds are limited and we are only able to help a fraction. We continue to try to raise awareness and encourage people to donate if they can.
Kyle’s video on YouTube has been viewed over 1.6 million times – if we had just $1 from every viewer, that would be a LOT of safer kids today.
As it is, we have so far delivered two seats to our families in need and will shortly be posting pictures of their installations with the story that they wrote themselves.
Thank you for your efforts to spread awareness and we do encourage everyone to donate if they can – any amount is not too small – it all goes towards making a difference. All donations are tax-free.
Thank you from the board of the Kyle David Miller Foundation
I hope you received my post.
I only wish there would have been something out there like this when my kids where younger. They are now driving. I hope you are able to get the seat over to them. Thanks
Patty
Oops forgot to comment earlier. I who am just having trouble finding a carseat to fit my 9yo who weighs 65 lbs. he is over the height restriction on most of the seats. I am gonna have to do more research I guess. Thanks for your help.
Jodi, This looks like a great cause. And…I think maybe I’ll be putting my 68 lb 8 year olds back in their seats.
Mary
Jody, this video led me to your site. Thanks for publishing it. As a transportation enthusiast, I’ve read many NTSB reports on restraints, and time and time again studies show that injury severity for children is reduced from fatal or serious to minor or none with 5-point harnesses. The forces experienced by a human body during a crash can be so large that it’s difficult to imagine. Think of all the forms of transporation out there that don’t have proper restraints – airplanes only have lap belts, large vans usually only have lap belts in the middle seats, and buses (including school buses!) often have no seat belts at all. Thanks for helping get the word out and making the world a safer place for kids.
Meg
I linked to you, Jody
Great idea!
Thank you Jody. This is an amazing story.
Wow, thank you for doing this!
Good cause.
Here from Owlhaven.
Eldest
Mine are all too big for safety seats but I will pass this important information along.
Impressed with your dedication! Here from Owlhaven.
Great idea.
You go. Let’s keep the kids safe.
I think it’s wonderful that you can do this!
A lurker who enjoys your blog posting to help with your comment count.
I don’t have kids (yet) but if I did I’d want them to be as safe as possible.
80 lbs! i had no idea. i was still 80 pounds in the 8th grade. my girls probably will be too.
I’ve put this video on my blog before. It makes me sob hysterically. What a good thing you’re doing.
How sad. Great thing that you are putting it out there.
I watched it twice, it was so heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing that
Seeing that video broke my heart. I feel so bad for the parents. What they are doing is so selfless. They should be proud that they are helping to save so many childrens lives.
Thank you so much for posting this. We currently have our daughter in a Britax and LOVE it – good up to 65 lbs. It is clear to me what our next car seat will be — not a basic booster seat, but 5 point harness!
Why do we not hear about this more?
Why is this not the standard!
Kristy
such a heartbreaking video. Good reminder for all of us.
Wow, my husband and I are expecting our first child this summer. How nice to know this for a few years down the road. Thanks so much.
powerful video. thanks.
Great idea to post this. I’ve seen it before and it is heartbreaking. Glad Kyle’s parents could put it together. I enjoy reading your blog, as I have 4 kids, too.
This video is touching. What a great thing you and Kyle’s parents are doing to educate the rest of us! We’ve always had our son in a 5 point harness but I never would have thought of the importance of it for the years to come. He’s 2 now. Thanks.
Oops, by the way, I’m here from Owlhaven…
Thank you for posting this.
hi… great thing to do… and thanks for spreading the word… it’s important!
I learned so much about this. I had no idea about the tethers…
Thanks for the info. I am here from owlhaven.
That brought tears to my eyes and pain to my heart! I hope we all learn from this tragedy.
Thanks for passing the info along and thanks for all you are doing to help others get a 5 point harness carseat!
I don’t know if a second comment counts, but I just thought I would let you know I left a link for your worthy cause on my site!
I am going to send this on to my little sister, I have two nephews who need to be back in the five point harness! Thanks for posting it. I am here from Owlhaven too.
Thanks for raising awareness about this subject. I think a lot of people wrongly assume the age/weight they can take kids out of the 5-point harness. I know I was confused about when.
Sent by Chris, at notesfromthetrenches.
What a moving tribute, and a worthy cause.
Thank you.
Thanks for spreading the news. Wow. I am now rethinking putting my 4 1/2 year old in a booster seat.
I came via Notes from the Trenches.
This is so moving and incredibly sad. What a sweetheart.
I’ve never heard Kyle’s story before. I can tell you that my almost 5 year old is going back into a 5 point harness now.
Chris sent me! Thanks for doing this!
I’m here via Notes from the Trenches. I wish you and Kyle’s family all the bbest in getting the word out about 5 point harnesses.
Here’s another post for the cause! (Via NotesFromTheTrenches)
i came from notes from the trenches. you’re so generous to help out, and the video is so informative and touching.
Delurking to say thank you for that video!
Chris sent me. Thanks for doing this.
I read Chris’ post over on Notes from the Trenches. Thank you so much for doing this. I will send as many people as I can to post.
Thanks for sharing Kyle’s story.
I am a reader of Notes from the trenches, and coming across Kyles story could not have come at a better time. My husband and I have been arguing for a while. He wants my 4yo son in a booster (the ones with no back or sides – they just make you sit higher basically.) and I don’t. I want him in a harness as long as possible. I don’t care that it takes longer to strap him in, I don’t care that he protests that he is a big boy, not a baby. I don’t care how much a bigger seat costs. I just want my son with me forever – surely no cost/ time / tantrums is too much for that ? I am sending this video to my husband at his work.
Can you beleive that here in Australia it is legal to restrain your child using an adult sash belt from the age of 12 MONTHS!??@!!
Make sure you kiss your kids tonight when they go to bed.
Jenny
Thank you Jody, I was sent by Chris
Chris sent me. I am moved by your generosity.
My son was already in the Regent when I saw this video but I have some friends who will not be moving their kids into booster seats because of it.
Yay for safe car seats. Sigh on little kids who think just because they are in school, they don’t need them anymore. (and for ex husbands who can’t be convinced that a child over 40 lbs does still need a car seat. (oh wait, that was just a personal aside-sorry)
Thanks for sharing Kyle’s story and for working to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.
that video always makes me cry.
Count me in for the cause.
Hope this little comment helps. Chris sent me over here
I’m here via Notes From the Trenches too, which is also where i first viewed Kyle’s video, which made me not just cry, but sob. It is beautifully done, and I can’t hear that song without thinking of Kyle’s family. I applaud the efforts to provide 5-point seats to families who can’t afford them, but I think there is also need for some kind of pressure on the both car seat manufacturers and the auto industry.
Why, for example, is the Latch system only tested for children who weigh up to 48 pounds? How reliable is a tether as a second line of defense? Why is it so difficult to come by real information about car seat/vehicle compatibility? What are the rates of seat belt failure in accidents, by vehicle type, by accident type? Does anyone know if this information exists??
I’ve always been somewhat paranoid about vehicle safety. I drive a Volvo. After seeing the YouTube video and reading the Consumer Reports report (and its fallout), I bought two new car seats even though the ones I had were probably fine. The ones I bought — SafeGuards, totally out of reach pricewise for most people — are supposed to have been independently crash tested. But their manuals and video provide no information about that… they are, in fact, completely patronizing.
It sounds like we need to buy better seats for our 4 children. Thanks for sharing.
I was at Babies R Us fitting my 2 Daughters almost 5 and 8 in the 5 point harness seats.
Thanks for doing this. What a great cause.
Thank you for sharing this. I don’t have any children, but have plenty of friends and family who do. I will be passing this on to them.
Thanks for doing this.
Thanks for doing this.
I came over via Chris. It is great what you’re doing.
I read about your post on “Notes from the Trenches”. Nice job. This is so important.
Thanks. Very noble cause.
I linked from Notes from the Trenches. I am well aware of many of the car seat issues, but becoming so was quite a hassle…it should be so much easier than it is to learn about car seats. In addition to keeping them in a 5-point harness until they are 80 pounds, it’s also MUCH safer to keep them rear facing as long as possible, which has nothing to do with their age and everything to do with their weight. (Britax can be rear-facing through 33 pounds, which is way more than a year for most kids. My son will be rear-facing until he’s 2-3, probably!)
Thanks for raising awareness and $$!!
Chris sent me. This is a great cause. Thank you!
Thanks for working for a good cause!
Chris sent me also. What a great thing you are doing. Thank you.
Chris sent me too. Thanks!
Thanks for the information.
Good work you’re doing.
Thanks for sharing the information. It is a very worthwhile cause.
Chris sent me, too. I just got a new five-point for my 32 lb 3 year old. It works up to 40 lbs and then turns into a booster. I thought that this would be the last carseat we would have to buy for him. Guess not.
Chris sent me, as well. You’re doing such a great thing!
Those of us who are grandparents need to see to it that our precious grandchildren are protected. Thanks for the reminder.
Chris sent me. Thank you for drawing attention to this, this is a great cause!
here via notes from the trenches. what a heartbreaking thing. I thought it was 40 lbs! my two oldest need to go car seat shopping!
Chris sent me……great idea
Ok, call me naive but… seatbelts can just spontaneously FAIL? Yikes. Even an adult probably wouldn’t have survived that. Poor baby, and poor family. I’m going to be researching car seats a little more carefully now…
Here via Notes from the Trenches. I saw the original video quite awhile ago and posted it on my blog, and have also passed the message on to other friends and such. Good ’cause you have going here. Hope all these comments don’t break your bank though!
thanks for doing this.
Sent over, thanks to Chris’s kind referral. This is wonderful. I have forwarded this link to all my family members who have little ones.
Chris sent me. Thank you for your generosity!
Hi… I made it here from Notes from the Trenches. What a great cause!
Hi, great cause, thanks for doing this. This breaks my heart. I was sent by Chris.
Oh, my goodness. I linked here from Notes from the Trenches, and I hadn’t seen this video yet. It made my stomach tie into knots. I’m seriously considering trying to take my already-asleep-in-his-own-bed two-year-old son to my bed to cuddle for awhile.
How wonderful that you are doing this. Jet will be staying in his five-point-harness for a long time, and I’m going to buy a seat to replace the booster that my Mom uses when she takes him places.
I will definitely be linking to you from my site. Thank you.
Great idea Jody!
Chris sent me, too. Thank you for this post and your donations.
What a great thing to do!
what a great idea!
Chris sent me your way — thank you for your commitment to this cause. I have a 3-year-old little boy, too, and this story breaks my heart. I’ll certainly think of Kyle every time we get in the car. My kids are both in 5-point harnesses, and now will be for as long as possible.
Over from Chris’s.
I have been deeply touched by this tribute, and thank you for your involvement!
I came from Chris’s blog too. You’re doing a good thing here.
I heard about this tragic story a while ago and emailed the video to all my friends with kids. When I read about what you are doing on Notes from the Trenches, I had to come and post. I really respect and admire the fact that you are actively doing something postive.
Chris sent me. Thanks for the info.
Here via Notes from the Trenches…I first saw this video a month ago and have watched it over and over, each time praying for the Miller family and hugging my own boys a little tighter. Thanks for your donations to this important cause.
Thanks for donating! What a wonderful idea. My mother doesn’t use a 5pt harness for my 3 year old. I’m going to get her a new carseat for her car. You may have just saved my daughter’s life. Thank you!
I have seen this video before and it tore at my heart. I think of it every time I buckle my girls in their seats, knowing that they too are probably at risk. My almost 5 year old is in a 5 point but my 2 yr. old is in the pull over your head type that buckles in between the legs. I will not be putting them in the booster seats now. You truly are a blessing from God to be doing this. Not only are you helping people become more aware of this problem you are also giving from your heart and that is awesome!!
God bless you and everyone that reads this.
Our kids are in the minority where we live because they ARE in car seats. When we first moved overseas, there was only one store in our entire city that even sold them. It’s common to see little children sitting on driver’s laps or little children packed into the front passenger’s seat haning out of the window. One accident in the news late last year told the sad story of a local arab family here who lost all five of their children in a car accident when the mother was talking on her cell phone and ended up hitting a pole. It’s a very scary situation.
I read about this on Owlhaven and Trenches.
I am convinced and will buying the Regent for my 2 year old son to ride in indefinitely.
Wow.
Thank you.
I found you through Chris. I remember this being posted before. it brings me to tears everytime. So sad!
What a touching story. This is great thing you are doing! Thanks so much…and good luck.
I was sent by Notes from the Trenches, thank you for sharing, what a touching and horribly sad tragedy.
Very nice thing.
I was sent here by Chris as well. THis is a fantastic idea, thank you so much for doing this and providing a link for the site.
Go, Jody! Also here from Chris’ site.
This is a very good subject that everyone should educate themselves on. After our news announced the tests that were done in New York I checked more into it & here’s the article from Consumer’s Union (http://www.consumersunion.org/products/car-seat403.htm). We have a GRACO which didn’t fly off it’s base, but since I wasn’t sure that it was the specific style I decided to quit using the base. After I get him all buckled in I use the car’s seat belt instead of setting him in the base. The extra inconvience is worth the peace of mind. I am glad that you are making an effort to help out!
This is such a tragedy. Thanks for helping spread the word!
It’s wonderful to have caring people like you in this world.
Very nice idea.
I’m also here via Chris. Ever since I saw the video on her site, I think about that little boy each time I buckle my son into the car.
chris sent me. good job with the awareness.
I hope this comment helps. Thank you for doing this.
I’ve seen the video once before, but think this is such a wonderful thing you are doing that I posted about it and linked to you (http://kyouell.blogspot.com/2007/01/keep-them-in-5-point-harnesses.html).
Our son is 20 months old and still rear-facing. We have a long way to go before he hits the weight and height requirements to turn around, let alone thinking of switching to a booster, for this little guy. Thanks for reminding me again, and thanks for what you are doing.
I can’t handle watching the video again. It just breaks my heart. What a great idea.
I read about this at Notes From the Trenches, and I think what you’re doing is wonderful.
Chris sent me too. Fabulous idea.
I got here via Chris’s site also…it is very nice of you to do this. You are an inspiration to bloggers everywhere!
Hi I’m here from Notes from the Trenches. Thanks for your generosity and for raising awareness.
Very good idea Jody! In the ER I used to work in I unfortuneately saw first hand what happens unattached or insuffeciently attached kids.
Hi. I came through Chris of Notes from the Trenches.
What a good cause you are supporting! Hope you are able to buy lots of carseats!
So touching, thank you for doing this!
Great idea. I cry every time I watch Kyle’s tribute.
Wow! Thank you so much for making others aware and allowing us the opportunity to help stop this from ever happening again!
Thank you for doing this for families in need. Now if we could just make Car seats standard issue with a car purchase…or do something to help enable people to more easily purchase the correct carseats.
Thank you!
Yep. Got here through Chris, as well. Thank you!
Linked over from Notes From the Trenches, and my condolences first. What a beautiful little boy AND girl you have. I say have, because they will always be yours, whether here or in Heaven. I am so sorry for the loss of Kyle; I just can’t even imagine. I just recently put my own son in a booster seat, he is six, but doesn’t even weight 40 pounds! he will be going back to his 5point harness, which I was reluctant to remove him from. Our previous van had built in car seats. I wish car makers would make them standard in minivans and so-called “family” vehicles. Being a part of the vehicle is so much safer. He will be seeing the video today himself, so he understands the safety. Thank you.
I also plan in keeping my girls in 5pt seats for as long as possible. I hope you raise enough money for many new seats.
A friend of mine sent me this link a little while ago, and it is heart breaking. You are doing a wonderful thing.
What a fabulous thing to do to keep children safe. This video enforces the need for a 5 point harness and my 2.5 year old will be in one for a long time.
Came over from Chris blog… great thing you are doing thanks
I got here via Chris. Thanks for what you are doing. It’s so important!
I don’t usually comment (serial lurker alert)… but this is such a beautiful cause.
Thank you for doing this!
Thanks for the post…
Chris sent me. Thank you for being so generous.
Thank you for doing this, you certainly deserve these applauds! Thank you to Chris as well who sent me here.
Hiya. I came over from Chris at Notes From The Trenches.
This is a wonderful post and an amazing cause. I cannot imagine what these people are going through to have lost their baby… but I am behind your cause one hundred percent.
Thanks for sharing this story to inform more parents.
Wow. This story has really touched me. I’m going to check out those car seats as soon as I’m done here. Kyle’s life was such a short one, but will not be in vain. His story will help to save lives. And, what a wonderful thing you are doing. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!
Thanks for sharing this story. What a great cause.
Wow. We were going to go buy a booster seat for our 40 lb son very soon. Glad someone sent me the link here. Thanks so much!
I saw this over at Notes from the Trenches. When I first saw this video a couple of months ago it broke my heart. The next day we ordered our Regent and I’ve been so happy to have it, and grateful to the Millers for what they have done. Thank you for what you are doing, this is a great cause!
thank you for doing such a great thing. i found you from Notes From The Trenches. thank you so much for helping out in this way.
Thank you for posting this!
Heartbreaking – thanks for helping make sure it doesn’t happen to another family.
Thank you for doing this.
I saw this video a few months ago and have not stopped thinking about it since… My heart goes out to the family. I’m grateful that they took the time to to try and inform the rest of us. After seeing that video I will definitely move my kids into the Britax 5 point when they are ready for the next seat.
Thanks for doing this!
Although both my kids are in 5pt car seats and will be for as long as
possible, this video made me stop and think. I’m sure what you’re
doing will save lives.
Chris sent me.
Chris sent me. I think what you’re doing is awesome. What happened to that little boy breaks my heart. I bought my daughter a Britax car seat in August and LOVE it. The safety features on it are awesome. I’d have paid ten times what I paid for it if it means she will be safe.
I have my boy in the Britax Regent and really love the fact that it is such a stable seat and i have no worries about him being in it. It barely fit in my old Saab 9-3. I do have him in a booster for a mile ride in another car, and this has me worried. I hope you raise enough to buy many seats.
Kyle’s story broke my heart but I thank you for doing something worthwhile in his name. I am currently researching seats that use a 5 point harness past the 40 lb mark for my daughter who is reaching 40 lbs. I am strongly considering the Regent right now. Thank you for all you’ve done.
Your family and this cause is in my prayers. This is a wonderful cause. I have a 6 yr old and COULD NOT imagine losing him to something so tragic!
Sent by Chris … hope this comment helps a little!
This story really touched my heard as well and I saw the video at the perfect time, right before I went out to buy my twins booster seats.
Thank you for doing this!
what a touching story- you are doing a wonderful thing!!
This is a wonderful idea. I am so glad you are doing this.
I saw this video a few weeks ago and still cannot get it out of my head. We have a Britax Marathon for our 15 month old who is 24 pounds. We will get a Regent when it is time. I worry every day about my son and cannot imagine a life without him. I will do everything in my power to keep him safe. Though Britax is expensive, he is worth every penny and more. I pray that everyone will have the opportunity to keep their little ones safe, and kudos to you for helping this noble cause!
Found my way here via Chris- great post- keep it going…
This is a great cause and an important message to share. I have two small children and hope to keep them in 5pt harness as long as possible. Thank you.
Thank you for doing this- what a great idea!
Chris sent me. I’d never heard about this before. My 4-yr-old is in a booster. I think I may order one of those Britax boosters…the video about Kyle is so moving.
touching! Thank you for making a difference.
What a great thing to donate to this cause. That video breaks my heart.
Wow, so sad. Thanks for doing this.
Thank you for the reminder to use the tether. Chris sent me. God bless you for your donation.
Thank you so much for putting this on here and for the donations. I linked from my blog, too.
Oh my gosh!! I am floored.
My goal was 100 posts. I figured that is what we could afford. Last night I posted this: http://jody2ms.com/archives/602
Today I am mailing a check for $327 to the Foundation, and due to almost reaching 200 comments this morning, I will match that check next month as well. From there, you can help by visiting the Kyle David Miller Foundation and making a donation, no matter how big or small. Every bit counts.
Thank you all for educating yourselves about your childrens safety! Go spread the word about the 5-point restraint and Kyles Foundation!
Chris sent me. Bless you for doing this and making us all more aware.
you go sister! What a great cause, thanks for promoting. Chris from Notes sent me.
Chris said to drop by. Thanks for making a contribution on behalf of all of your readers.
Thank you for doing this. I will try to find a Canadian equivalent so I can donate as well.
Thank you! I found your website from Chris…
Bless you.
What a wonderful thing you are doing. We all hugged our children a little tighter.
What a great foundation. What a great thing you’re doing. Thank you.
This is a great cause and you are doing such a wonderful thing with donation to it. I think carseat saftey at all ages and weights needs to be promoted more, but if you don’t have the money to buy one its hard to keep your child safe.
Thanks for sharing this story and hopefully saving the lives of many
other children with your message.
Life is too precious and your loss is tragic and wrong in every sense that there is injustice and unfairness in this world. Thank you for sharing and I’m sure one day to help save the life of another….maybe one of my own. BW
Thank you for doing this!
Stopping over from Notes from the trenches. I was so touched by this video when Chris posted it and I think that it is a wonderful cause!
Wow, this is a great idea jody. My heart goes out to the MIller family. Maybe Britax will get wind of this and donate some seats! thanks for setting this up.
Thank you for making people aware of this. I have tears streaming down my face for his family after seeing the video. I will keep Baby Roo safely buckled up for many years to come.
Jennifer
Sent by Chris, Notes From The Trenches. You are some good people! God Bless.
Chris sent me–Thanks for doing this.
That was so heartbreaking to watch, but I hope it will save the lives of many children.
Sent by Chris at Notes From the Trenches. Thank you for your generosity.
Great idea!!!! Keep it up!
This is such a touching story. Every time I think of this little boy it brings tears to my eyes. Whenever I see kiddos in the wrong seat I now say something because it will save a life.
chris sent me, too. good luck raising money. you are good people.
Hi. Sent here by ‘notes from the trenches’ Thank you for doing this!
Here from Notes From the Trenches. What a great cause.
THANK YOU
Sent by Notes From the Trenches…Awesome…what a Blessing! Thank you!
I think a lot of the Britax seats have high weight ranges. They are phenomenally built seats. God bless Kyle’s family, and may he watch them lovingly with his angel wings on.
I have a almost 5yr old that is really tall for his age and we still have him in a 5-point harness. THe straps are a little tight with winter coats on but I feel safer. My heart goes out to the family.
Chris sent me.
I had no idea, but I do now. Thank you!
here from Notes from the Trenches too…. good luck and thank you.
My grandsons are 5 and 3. The 5 year old is in a booster seat and never looks safe. I am going to show this to my daughter. You can never do enough to make your kids safe, but you can certainly try.
Thank you! My heart goes out to Kyle’s family…
Came over via Chris. Your doing a good thing. THanks for getting the word out.
Chris sent me. Thank you for doing this.
Aritha, it is best to remove coats/snowsuits/raingear when placing the child in the carseat. Apparently the padding can make the child less secure.
Although I have reached my goal and financial limit I am leaving comments open so the discussion can continue. I posted the video on my site via Youtubes blog feature, and when you try and edit the post in Wordpress, the video file corrupts and can’t be viewed on my page, so I do not want to turn the comments off as it might not allow the video to run. I want as many people as possible to see the video, so keep clicking on it!!!
For those wondering about how they can fit their taller children, it came to my attention on another blog that this seat: http://www.safeguardseat.com/ can hold a child up to 57inches. It looks like the weight limit is lower(65lbs) than the Regent when you use the 5-point harness feature. I had not heard of these seats before, so researh before you buy!!
Hi Jody,
This is a great cause. I’m here from Chris(notes from the trenches). Good luck
What a wonderful thing you’re doing.
Thank you!
Chris sent me. Thank you for your donations!!!
Thank you so much for posting this. Valuable info!
Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Anything to help save the life of a precious child!
did you ever imagine you’d get so many comments?
at least a few of them you can blame chris for.
like this one.
you’re going to be a haero to a couple of low income families!
Here from “Notes from the Trenches”… thanks for all you’re doing.
Chris sent me. She never fails to offer up a good cause. Thank you for your kindness and generosity towards this cause, towards life.
Chris at Notes sent me.
I am passing this along on my website as well.
You might have to take out a loan!
I found this link today at my favorite blog “Notes from the Trenches.” Thanks so much for sharing this information. What a wonderful tribute for Kyle.
Thank you for doing this.
THis was sent to me a couple weeks ago…thanks for acting on it, Chris sent me!
Awareness is what it is all about. Thanks
came over from chris’ site. great idea.
thank you
Chris’s site got me over here. It’s a great thing you’re doing. And the foundation is doing a wonderful thing too.
Incredible story. Makes me glad we have 5 point harnesses! Thanks for sharing.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son, Kyle. I commend you for being so strong and making something positive out of this tragedy. I lost my brother 5 years ago, and I wish I could be as strong to do something so wonderful out of something so ‘horrible’. God bless you and your family.
I am over from Chris’ site. Bless you for being so generous and for making this topic one of importance.
Chris sent me too. Thanks for doing something so wonderful!
Great cause! I’m with Chris. You are a wonderful person!
As a mother of 7 boys, I am concerned for the safety of young children. Our oldest is 9 and the baby is 12 months. We follow the state law and try to follow the suggested guidelines from the state police. I will rethink the change over from car seat to booster for the 4 year old. We just switched him to a booster seat. Thanks for making parents aware of this safety issue.
Thanks for caring and for keeping us informed.
Thank You
Thank you for doing what you are doing! You and your foundation are wonderful!
What a great charity. I don’t mind making you donate $3 extra!
Thanks for your generosity!
Thank you for spreading awareness. Thank you, thank you.
Thanks for doing this. I hope you get many comments today and can get lots of car seats. A very touching story.
Thanks for doing this. I hope you get many comments today and can get lots of car seats. A very touching story.
I’m here by way of Chris (Notes from the Trenches). Thanks for acting for such a worthy cause.
God bless you.
This helped me see the importance like nothing else has, Thank you.
I came over here via Chris’s blog. I saw the video before and it absolutely broke my heart. My son is still using his 5-point carseat. The booster seat that we have (that we used for a friend’s child a while back) will NEVER be used. Instead, I will be asking family members to pitch in for next Christmas and buy a Britax Regent carseat for my son when he outgrows his current carseat.
Wow. Powerful. I am sending that link to all my family with children!
Chelle
I saw this on Chris’s site. I usually just lurk around, but this is a great cause. You are doing a wonderful thing getting the word out.
Chris made me come. *hugs*
Thank You
I just took my 4-year old out of her carseat and put her in a booster. I need to switch her back!
I came over from ‘Notes from the Trenches’ – I’ve watched this video before and it scared the life out of me. I have a 4 year old in a booster seat, and because of what I saw, he went back to a 5-point harness. I plan to keep him in it forever, as well as my 17 month old (when he’s big enough to transition). I think what you are doing is awesome! Thanks for doing such a worthy thing for such a great cause. Kudos to you!
Thank you for sharing this. I have a daughter who is slightly older than Kyle, and is still in a booster seat. At first I thought I was paranoid for keeping her still in a 5 point harness, now I know I am keeping her safe.
I will pass it on.
Thank you for such an important reminder.
Great cause! I found you through Notes from the Trenches.
That is an amazing video. It really brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the impact with only the lap belt on really made an impression on me and my 11 yr. old.
Thank you – my son is 6 years old and barely 40 pounds – I will be going back to a five-point as soon as humanly possible! Now that I know, how could I live with myself if I didn’t switch and something happened to him?
This is a wonderful idea. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of booster seats.
Wow. I’ve seen that video before and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Thanks for keeping this in front of everyone.
Good luck.
I’m happy to comment to bring you closer to the goal of more booster seats — too many parents don’t use them when they should.
Also, if I may: please, please, please have the installation of your car seat or booster seat checked by your local fire department or hospital. The majority of children’s seats are imcorrectly installed.
Wonderful idea!
I heard about your cause through Notes from the Trenches. I didn’t realize they made 5-point harnesses for kids that large. Thank you for making me aware.
Awesome job you’re doing. I wish I would have known about that when my kids were little. Thanks for sharing the story.
As a mom of a 8.5 month old, this story really hit home for me. Thank you so much for doing this!
Thank you I will share this with family and friends.. God bless ! (Chris sent me here.)
Here from Notes from the Trenches, too. I’ve seen this video before, can’t bear to watch it again. My kids will be in car seats until high school. Or later.
I’m here via Notes From The Trenches to lend my support. This is GREAT!!
I love Britax. They have great customer service and are always finding great carseats. Good for you!
What an important message. Thanks for bring this to the attention of parents. My oldest is 11 and still in a booster. I imagine she’ll be there for quite some time.
I have a lot of students who can’t afford food for dinner let alone an expensive car seat. It’s amazing that there are people like you who care enough to keep even them safe. Thanks for your generosity…and for the information.
My child is 12 and weighs 72lbs. I can not get him to sit in a boster let alone a 5 point belt. If he had one when he turned four that was made for a child up to 80lbs, maybe he’d still be willing to sit in it. Thank you for helping make sure kids don’t “graduate” from a safe seat too soon just because their parents can’t afford to purchase one.
I’m here via Notes from the Trenches too. What a generous donation you are making to a very worthwhile cause, well done.
I too came here from another place…Note from the Trenches. Funny, I’ve read her for a while and never have commented, but I’m here commenting on your blog. First, because it counts, and second, because this video, this story, this beautiful little boy has touched my heart. His mother is such an amazing strong woman for continueing to rally for this cause, a cause that has saved so many, but not her own child. Man, the things I wish we could know before it’s too late. I too wish I could afford these seats for my 4 and 6 year old, but I’m struggling to get things they need every day. I have six kids total – 13 1/2 year old, 11 1/2 year old, 6 year old, 4 year old, and 2 year old twins. The twins are in a 5pt, but they will soon out grown them. I have no idea what I’ll do, but watching that video (here and other places) has made me determined to do so, however I can.
I too feel strongly about carseat safety. I often give suggestions to my friends when I see something not right.
Thanks
Great work, Keep it up. Spread the word!!
(chris sent me)
i was actually sent this video as a forward a few weeks ago and it moved me in so many ways. i am a mother of 3 little boys and could not imagine something like this happening. i love what you are doing…keep it up.
Thanks for sharing. Our car seat works up until 65 pounds and I thought it was the only one of its kind on the market? Will def. look into the Britax Regent!
I admire your goal in helping to get seats to those who might otherwise have none. My kids (9&5) have been in Regent predecessor seats (essentially the same seats, different names) for four years now, and we couldn’t be happier with them. They’ll be in these seats until they are outgrown. I encourage anyone with any type of car seat questions to visit this board:
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppcarseats
It is populated with many people very knowledgeable about child passenger safety, including many certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, and they are wonderful about answering any questions you might have. They have had quite a lot of discussion regarding this video as well.
Commenting for a good cause.
Thank you. This video makes me cry (and I don’t have kids, either). (Chris sent me too)
Thanks for doing this. I cringe whenever I see our friends’ used 3-point car seat for their GIGANTIC baby.
I was also sent by Chris. This is an awesome thing you are doing, who knows how many lives it may save.
Good work. Thanks for the initiative. The cause is one that we all should be aware of.
wow.
Thank you.
Great cause. Thanks for doing this.
reality can hit hard- you never think it will happen to you. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry that you had to go through that.
My son just turned 6 and has a booster seat. But I definitely am going to try my hardest to buy a 5-point carseat. Thank you for sharing such valuable information with us.
Chris sent me. Thanks for doing this, Jody!
We put our 5 year old back into a five point harness after watching that video. Thank you.
Very touching.
(chris sent me too)
Wow! What an amazing thing you are doing!
Stopping by via Chris.
Good luck with this great cause! Coming from a car seat nazi herself.
Thanks for sharing this ~ as a relatively new mum I will be looking further into the Britax Regent. To share our most painful experiences with others is a way of helping people as well as helping ourselves. It takes courage and faith and is a testament to the human spirit.
Thanks for making people aware of this. Coming via Notes from the Trenches.
thank you for what you are doing. this is all so moving.
Great Story, your amazing!
This is fantastic. Good for you! I’ll be moving into the bigger 5-point when my daughter (18 mos) outgrows her current seat.
Found you through Chris, FYI.
I am so sorry for their loss…I will be getting a 5 point harness carseat for my four-year-old soon…
Lindsay
thanks
What a wonderful way to truly change one family’s world. Kudos to you. I’m here from the Trenches.
It is important info that you are sharing. Let’s hope it helps many families.
I saw this video some time ago and it still haunts me. I have 2 children 1 & 3 and they are both in a 5 point harness. When they are big enough to move up to the booster, we will stick with the Britax Regent. You can’t put a price on safety.
I think that this is fabulous thing that you and the Millers are doing. I can’t imagine why child safety has to be so expensive…
By the way, Chris sent me.
Very sad and touching. Good for us to have the info though
Thanks for your story…..It makes one stop and think…….
This is truly an amazing cause. Thank you for sharing and for Chris for the referral to your site.
Thank you for sharing this information. I will be sharing it with my company. We are a foster care/adoption/reunification agency and we transport a lot of children. While I pray that none of us are ever in an accident I want to know that we are keeping our kids as safe as possible.
This is good to know…. keep it up!
Bravo! Good for you for supporting this! That poor family, they are incredible to do this. I’m glad that people are getting the word out. I’ve been a pain in all my friends’ sides about car seat issues for 9 years now. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks
I’m glad I logged on to Chris’s blog to hear about this. Thank you for everything you’re doing!
I’ve seen this before and it is touching all over again. Thanks for doing a great thing. Chris from Notes from the Treenches sent me
Thanks for spreading the word about this and making a difference. Good luck!!
I just bought 2 Britax Marathons for my 4.5 yr old and 1 yr old. My kids are small, so these seats will take them until they dont need a carseat.
Thank you for your donation. I know this will help many people keep their kids in 5 pt harness much longer than normally would.
Both my girls have Britax- they’re 4 and 2.
After watching that video, I’m so glad we have
our clunky cow-patterned car seats. Even though
they’re heavy, awkward and somehow I always manage
to fall over them when they’re in the hallway,
they could save Emma and Georgia’s lives.
What a great thing this is.
Good luck, and all the best!
Another poster sent by Chris – Great work on this worthy cause.
Good luck with this…thanks for doing it.
Amen.
Well, some adults (though definitely not me) are barely 80 pounds, but then sometimes I think everyone (all ages) should be in a 5-point harness. Thanks for putting something towards this cause!
Chris from Notes from the trenches suggested her readers come here and read this post. I am so glad that I did.
I am stopping by via the trenches.
Thank you for taking the time and money to do this.
Wow this has opened my eyes to keeping me son who looks so much like Kyle in his 5-point until is 80lbs. Just one question is that car seat the only one? What about other 80lbs car seats?
Thank you so much for putting your heart out here for us to feel and learn from.
Always here
Great job, Keep it up.
Thanks for sharing.
I think you are doing a great thing and I am going to pass this knowledge on to parents I know!
Thank you!
This is most definitely a good cause!
*adds my name to the queue, and my condolences to Kyle’s family*
what a wonderful thing you are doing. chris sent me, I hope everyone gets their children in a proper seat
I came upon this via Chris’ site.
Best of luck with this.
Chris sent me too, I love what you are doing. A great cause!
Thank you for this precious and priceless education. I never knew, and now count my blessings for the many times my girls have been irresponsible with their safety belts. I will also be passing this information on to their grandparents who drive them around often.
Thank you. This brought tears to my eyes, but the message is so important!
Came over from Chris’s blog….I am speechless, what a tremendous blessing you are putting together!!
God Bless!!
~Penny
The least I can do is stop by and comment.
I’m here from the “Trenches” also. I am a licensed foster parent – so the importance of carseats is one of my soapboxes. This is a wonderful cause!! Lots of luck to you.
Chris sent me too. Bless you for doing this.
Thanks so much for the information.
commenting for a cause!
Thank you so much. I am a family physician, and I used to tell families they could transition to boosters at 40 lbs. You can bet that I am now printing off this website & giving it to families. I’d like to mention that kids need to stay in carseats until age 8 and 80 pounds, too. Also, kids under the age of 12 should always be in the backseat. If an airbag deploys, it could kill an 11 year old. Thanks again, my own 3 children, and hopefully my patients, will remain in a 5 point until age 8.
Thanks for your efforts!
Via Chris. Thanks for what you’re doing!
That is so heart-wrenching! My in-laws would always want to use one car to go somewhere and I would say, “My kids have to be in car seats, so we’ll have to take two.” We were always, “car seat every time” parents, but I knew people who would take their child out because he was crying. And even though they were caught once and got a ticket, they said it was more important to comfort their child.
Hope I’m not to late posting! I heard about this through Notes from the Trenches.
via Chris. It’s great what you are doing.
This is so sad. Thanks for getting the word out.
Thanks for supporting such a great cause!
Chris sent me.
You are so amazing for doing this. More power to you!
Another via chris. Thanks so much for what you are doing!!
I am so sorry for your loss and Thank you for Sharing this with me. My daughter just asked me yesterday to have her car seat back with the 5 point harness – It’s going back in today
Thank you for sharing this. I came here thru Chris.
Coming from the Trenches…Love what you are doing!
Another poster sent by Chris. Thank you for what you are doing!
I agree with another commenter- if we start having our kids sit in 5-point harness carseats at a young age, it’ll probably be easier to have them continue to sit in it till they reach 80 pounds. They won’t fight it since it’ll be the only seat they’ve ever known, hopefully.
Thank you to the Miller family for sharing their story!
i have seen this before, i’m so sorry for your lost.. I can’t even imagaine the pain and sorrow you felt and continue to feel…. thank you for sharing… god bless you
Thank you!
Sent from Notes from the Trenches.. thank you for your generosity!
Chris sent me here. What a wonderful and dear friend you are. People like you keep the rest of us awakened to life’s mis-steps and aware of things such as this.
I have seen this before and everytime that i watch it i cry…i feel like i knew him. He looked like such a great kid. Im so sorry for the family, but i would like them to know that the first time i saw this i spred the word like wild fire and had everyone i knew that had kids talking about it and getting a new car seat. thanks for warning us. God Bless
I am a Canadian mom, with a 20mo old girl and 1 on the way. I had no idea there was a difference (in car seats)! I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for any more info from now on. (Sent over by Chris)
Best of luck!
Notes from the Trenches sent me. What a touching story!
another trencher- thank you for what you are doing
thanks for sharing this story. you are helping save many children’s lives.
Chris sent me over, and I am glad to support such a wonderful and tragic cause.
Thanks so much. I choked back tears — and I don’t even have kids! (via Chris!)
What a beautiful video.
Thank-you for putting this here. We are about to move to Laos and were trying to work out what car seats to take for our children. We have now realised that we should not sccrimp on what we take. Our 2 year old will stay in her car seat and I will be looking into a harness for our 6 year old.
What a tragic death for an obviously treasured little boy. Thank you for sharing this.
You are an inspiration. I now have the knowledge to keep my son safe. Thank you.
notes from the trenches sent me. thank you for the information, i’m sure i’m not the only one who will heed the advice of the video.
What a beautiful thing you’re doing–bless you for your generosity.
Thank you for the info! What a great cause.
Way to GO!
You are awesome for doing this!!!
Sent from the Trenches by Chris. This is really a great thing that you doing!
God Bless you and your efforts.
It is so moving to me that so many people will remember this precious little boy that they’ve never met and take action to protect their own child because of this family’s loss.
My girls are young adults now, so this is a mute point for me. But I do care for a 3 y.o. and will pass this on to his parents so we can get this carseat for him, one for my car, too. So sorry about your loss, but know he is with our Lord now and hope this is a comfort to you. Keep up your good work.
Thanks for doing this.
I read a post by Chris, from Notes from the Trenches, about your efforts so I wanted to leave a comment for you. Even though I’m not a mom and don’t plan on ever becoming one, I appreciate what you’re doing — thank you!
I recently received an informational letter from our close family friend which happens to be a family physician about this fabulous website. I too, a former police officer, felt my 40lb child was “in need” of transfering to a booster seat UNTIL I received her letter and watched Kyle’s video. I was deeply touched and want to thank your family for making mine much safer. I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful that you are sharing it with the rest of us parents. Thank you again for sharing Kyle with us and I will share him with with all of my family & friends. Kim, Julesburg, CO
I just watched Kyle’s legacy and was completely touched by it. I thought I was doing the right thing with the boosters, but after watching Kyle’s story…I am completely careless. I let my three year old put the belt behind him because he continually complains about it rubbing his neck. I am on my way to a web site to check out the car seat. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Kyle’s memory will forever live on by the work you are doing.
i was sent here by chris’ blog, i just had to say what you are doing is amazing. every time i watch that video, i cry. i’ve sent it to all of my friends and family, to get the word out and pass on kyle’s legacy.
I am sorry for your loss. I appreciate this priceless information as I have a six year old daughter that is very small for her age and have wondered about her safety and what is appropriate for her to be riding in. May God Bless you and reunite you with Kyle in that happy day when Christ returns.
Thanks for posting this. IT’s so so very important!
Thanks so much to everyone for your comments!
Numerous commenters have expressed sorrow for my loss. I need to point out that Kyle was not my son. I was very moved by the video, and wanted to post it on my site to get the word out about the safety of a 5-point restraint for your children. It is so very heartbreaking, but by making that video, Kyle’s family is saving lives.
You can read more about Kyle’s story and his family’s mission here:
http://www.kyledavidmiller.org
Please don’t hesitate to make a donation….even a dollar will help!
Many thanks to Jody for your donation to the Kyle David Miller Foundation. We will be placing an order for more seats today and we have a shipment of 14 seats going out today – you have helped keep children safer on the roads. Thank you to all who have expressed your condolences to the Miller family for their loss of Kyle. Please visit the foundation website.
Thanks for info about 5-point seats. I’m happy to be able to help others get the seat, and I will double-check what we are using for our 2 darlings–they are new seats, but I want to be sure they are “5-point.” I can feel a hint of the grief for those who lose their children–so much so that I can’t imagine the total depth of that despair should it ever actually happen to me. I can’t even stand to try to imagine it for very long.
Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to parents that do not know about this. I have a 3 yr now and a 1 yr. I will put them both in one. Thank you again.