Did you know September is National Baby Safety Month? It is! In fact yesterday – September 18 – kicked off Child Passenger Safety Week which will run through this coming Saturday, September 24. With an entire week focused on kids, cars, and safety, I figure this is the perfect time to go over some car seat safety tips, because, let’s face it, even veteran parents forget sometimes. Luckily, there are easy ways to fix these errors so your little ones can travel safely.
1. Straps are too lose. When you put your child in the car seat, the straps should rest snuggly on your child’s shoulders. If the straps are loose, there’s a chance that the child could be ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident. To check your child’s car seat, simply try pinching the car straps after putting your child in their seat. If there’s enough material to fit between your fingers, the straps are too loose.
2. Turning the car seat around too quickly. New parents are often eager to turn their child’s car seat around, but you have to be careful when doing this. Infant seats should never be turned forward facing. Convertible car seats can be turned forward facing, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children remain rear facing until the age of 2. I highly recommend waiting as long as possible to turn your convertible car seat around.
3. The clip is down too low or too high. The chest clip is just that – a chest clip! In order to be effective, it must be in the perfect position on your child’s chest, at armpit level. This is particularly important because the clip is designed to keep the straps properly in place. Since clips can sometimes slide down between uses, make sure to set it in the proper position at the beginning of each use.
4. Transitioning to a booster too quickly. Booster seats are generally intended for kids between 4 years and 8 years old, and some doctors – like my pediatrician – recommend you waiting to place your child in a booster seat. Remember, car seats are based on weight, not age. While your child may meet the minimum age of 4, but might not meet the minimum weight. Check your seat for it’s minimum weight requirement. Also keep in mind that many states are extending the age that kids are supposed to stay in booster seats, so check your local laws before moving your child out of the booster seat.
5. Winter clothing. Bulky clothes don’t belong in a car seat, because they will impact how the straps fit your child. Remove your child’s jacket and then buckle them in to the seat. When it’s particularly chilly out, we leave blankets in the car for kids to use.
6. Accessories. I know, I know, they’re so tempting when you’re out at the baby store, but those cute car seat toys and mirrors that play music can become projectiles in the event of an accident. Car seat foot covers, strap covers, protector mats, and pads may affect the fit of the car seat and it’s ability to properly be latched into the car. It’s best to skip aftermarket accessories all together.
7. Putting a child in a car seat in the front seat. It’s scary, but it happens. Car seats should always be in the back seat; a child is safest in the backseat.
8. Buying a used car seat. Let’s face it car seats are expensive, but this isn’t the place to save money. Used car seats may have been involved in an accident and suffered damage that can’t be seen. That means that if you get into an accident the car seat won’t be able to provide the protection that your baby needs. To save money on car seats, hunt for coupons online, look for trade-in events in your area, or purchase off Amazon. The Cosco Scenera
9. Using an expired car seat. Car seats do expire. Car seats are made of plastic which can become brittle. Always check your child’s car seat before putting it in your vehicle.
10. Not anchoring the child’s car seat appropriately. Car seats can easily be installed using latch, but make sure you pull the latch straps so the car seat can’t move and don’t forget to tether the seat before using latch! If you’re concerned about the installation of your seat check your local police station, fire station, or pediatrician’s office to see if they’re having a car seat installation event in your area.
Do you have any “common mistakes” to add to this list?
Such great reminders! My children are small, and it always makes me nervous moving them to boosters. I need to be more vigilant.
I think every parent of a child who needs to be in a car seat should read this post! So much valuable information and stuff they just might not know! Going to share with several friends now!
I’m am so glad my girls are out of car seats. I will make sure to pass these tips along though. The safety of our children is most important.
I didn’t realize that children should stay rear facing for so long. It’s been years since my son was in one but this is all good to know. My cousin just had a baby.
Very good reminders! I had three in carseats at the same time, and I remember being so confused with the first one. Then, by the third, you really get the hang of it!
These are great reminders!! It is so important to make sure that they are still up to date and safe as the years go on.
Awesome reminders! This post is great for new moms especially. I never knew about the bulky winter clothes until I became a mom. Thanks so much for this. I will be pinning it!
When we had our son we were very focused on making sure we get the right car seat. I even went down to the fire station and they showed me how to install it correctly. These are all very good tips.
These are all definitely mistakes that you can make without even really meaning to. Getting into good habits will help you avoid these!
I didn’t realize how hazardous car seat accessories could potentially be! Thank you for this information.
Car seat saftey is so important. I have seen many babies bundled up in snowsuits and in a car seat.
This is a great post about car seat safety. I just read an article about keeping your child rear facing until two years old.
We have a great car seat clinic in our town. It is so important to keep your kids in the proper seat.
There are so many different car seats out there to choose from. My friend just had a baby. I will have to share these tips with her.
Oh these are definitely things to watch out for. It’s always good to double check everything before car trips.
So much has changed since my son was young enough for a car seat or booster. It’s great that babies and kids are so much safer now. Every Mom and Dad should read your post!
I have to admit. I made a lot of these mistakes with my older kids. I wish someone would have told me.
Car seat safety is very important! A lot of parents are unaware of how to use the seat properly this is a great reminder!
For new parents…the handle on the infant carrier/ car seat needs to be down. I see this common mistake every day. If only more parents understood that it can cause decapitation in an accident.
Yes! Excellent point…and one that I was guilty of before I knew better. Thanks for the reminder!
I appreciate your quick response. I would definitely consider your advice. I purchased Uppa baby vista stroller on sale and buying the same brand infant car seat makes me think twice Or I have to buy another brand and spend more money to buy an adaptor. . I read on some blogs that they were able to use their car seat for 4 months and have to buy another one . I know it depends on the weight or height of the baby but how would I know if my baby will outgrow it fast like the other bloggers… Would you suggest to buy an infant car seat that has only 22lbs max ? It’s much cheaper than to buy 30-35 lbs max car seat.. Thanks