Tummysheild??

[WeeMansMummy]

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experiences using a 'tummysheild'?

I feel suffucated in a car seat as it is so I'm thinking the tummysheild could be a good safety option as well as for comfort.
They are $200 tho which is quite expecive for a 'non essential'. I was thinking maybe eBay but no luck

[ss_storm]

there was another thread about this recently (I think it was the same gadget). Might have been in the baby equipment etc part of the forum. I'll see if I can find it because I don't think I'm making much sense..lol

[WeeMansMummy]

Cool thanx

[buliej]

I think that was my thread - but I'm pretty sure it was lost during the crash which is too bad because the responses were interesting.

[ss_storm]

ahh I think that's the one I was thinking of...no wonder I couldn't find it last night! Luckily you started a new one Jaki

[WeeMansMummy]

Ahhh, the crash!
Did you end up getting one buliej?

[buliej]

No - I didn't end up getting one, but I'm still not sure if that's the right decision.

They are very expensive and the comments gave me pause. I remember someone pointing out that if they had been adequately tested and proved to be that beneficial in a crash, they would be much more visible/highly recommended by say the RACV or doctors etc. Others pointed out that if you wear your seat belt properly, it may not offer any more protection. And then of course, there were views that "yes" it could be beneficial. I hate these types of decisions.

I too looked on ebay and didn't find any.....and you would think they'd be there if people were buying them as they have a very limited useful life for any 1 person.

[WeeMansMummy]

Yeah im in two minds about it too. I have a couple of very long car trips coming up so I'm not sure if I really want one or not!
Decisions decisions! Grr

[Life is Good]

I bought and used one when I was pregnant with our boy and definitely think that the peace of mind it gave me is worth the money spent. If you are considering having more children, you will be able to use it for future pregnancies too.

[LionsandBears]

I bought and used one so here's my 2c:

The reasoning is that bub won't be hurt from an impact in an accident. The creator made it because his daughter sustained brain damage in utero in a car accident. They think it was from the seat belt across the belly.

• As far as I'm aware, it has not been approved by a motoring body

• I have no idea if insurance agencies agree to its use
• You hook the lower part of the seat belt into a hook between your thighs. It is difficult to unhook quickly. So, if you're in an accident, you may not be able to unhook it to remove yourself from the car before say it catches fire (yes, I am neurotically paranoid so I think about things like this)
• Your thighs are effectively trapped by it - the small print does mention that in event of an accident your thigh bones may be broken
• It raises you about an inch in the car seat - this may or may not work for you.
• I recently read a blog by a woman whose 34wk daughter died in a car accident. The cause of her death was placental abruption. The Tummyshield would not prevent that.
• I don't think it would do much in a side impact.

Overall, I'm not sure I'd use it again, at least not without talking to the RACV or someone about it. I'd rather just be a paranoid driver. I think the seat belt should be positioned across your hips.

[WeeMansMummy]

Thanx girls, good info. Seems like I need to research some more. Make a few phone calls etc.

[Shanti]

That's very interesting, thanks Tashybabe for that info.