12 Jul The Dos and Don’ts of Child Car Seat Safety
Your child’s safety is a top priority, especially when you’re out on the road. Using a child car seat is one of the best ways you can minimize your child’s risk of injury – but many parents don’t know that they’re using the seats incorrectly. At National Auto Collision Centers, we understand the importance of keeping your little ones safe on the road. Here are some dos and don’ts of child car seat safety to help your family feel safer while driving.
DO: Choose the Right Car Seat
Choosing the correct car seat for your child’s age, height, and weight is essential. There are three main types of car seats:
- Infant Car Seats: Designed for newborns and babies up to 1 year old or until they reach the maximum height and weight limit specified by the manufacturer.
- Convertible Car Seats: Can be used as rear-facing for infants and toddlers, and later converted to forward-facing as your child grows.
- Booster Seats: Used for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats but aren’t tall enough to use the vehicle’s seat belt safely.
Always make sure that your car seat meets the latest safety standards and has not been recalled. You should never allow a child to ride in a car that doesn’t have a car seat; they could be seriously injured.
DON’T: Use an Expired or Second-Hand Car Seat
Car seats have expiration dates due to the wear and tear on the materials over time. A worn-out seat might not be able to protect your child. Plus, avoid using second-hand car seats unless you are certain of their history. Any previous accidents or damages may have weakened the seat.
DO: Install the Car Seat Correctly
It’s not enough to buy the right car seat. You’ll also need to make sure it’s been installed correctly following the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are some general tips:
- Rear-Facing Seats: Keep the seat at the correct angle to prevent your baby’s head from flopping forward, which can obstruct their breathing.
- Forward-Facing Seats: Use the top tether to secure the seat, which will minimize forward movement in a crash.
- Booster Seats: Make sure the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly over your child’s shoulder and lap, not their neck or stomach.
DON’T: Assume You’ve Installed It Correctly
Incorrect installation is a common mistake. It’s always a good idea to double-check your work or have it inspected by a certified car seat technician. Many local fire departments, police stations, and hospitals offer free car seat inspection services.
DO: Adjust the Seat’s Harness Properly
The harness is a major component of the car seat, and it needs to be adjusted correctly to keep your child secure. The harness should be tight enough that you cannot pinch any excess material at the shoulder, and the chest clip should be at armpit level to ensure the straps are in the right position. For rear-facing seats, the harness straps should be at or below your child’s shoulders, and for forward-facing seats, the straps should be at or above the shoulders.
DON’T: Leave the Harness Too Loose
A loose harness can be extremely dangerous in the event of a crash, as your child could be ejected from the seat. Ensure the harness is snug every time you buckle your child in.
Contact National Auto Collision Centers Today
At National Auto Collision Centers, we care about your family’s safety. By following these dos and don’ts, you can help ensure that your child is secure and protected every time you hit the road. Contact our Broadway Blvd. location at (520) 760-5536 to learn more about our auto services.