May is here and that means you’ll probably be heading out to hit the road for a road trip! And we know that means your kids will be along for the ride too. But there are some things about car seats that you should know and mistakes that you should be avoiding. While we know you’ve probably already read your child’s car seat manual, we want to use this week’s blog as a refresher course to make sure you’re steering clear of these mistakes. Check out our guide below and be sure to start practicing good and safe driving tips today!
Installing the seat improperly.
The first step to properly installing a car seat is making sure that the seat will properly fit in your vehicle. Be sure to use anchors/ LATCH system/ seat belts to properly secure the seat and always choose a rear-facing seat until your doctor has recommended you to switch. Next, check to make sure the seat is securely fastened and go the extra step to have your seat checked at an inspection site.
Incorrect use of harness and straps.
The harness in your child’s seat could be in the correct position which could cause issues. The harness should always be kept at your child’s armpits. And the straps should not be too loose or too tight. Conduct a “pinch test”, if you can pinch the straps between your fingers, the straps are too loose and need to be tightened.
Dressing your child in bulky clothing
While the weather may be warming up, there are still some mornings or nights where the weather can be a bit chilly. And while your first instinct is to put on a bulky coat or sweater, don’t. This will cause you to loosen the straps of the car seat and in the event of a collision, your child’s seat will be too loose to provide effective protection. Keep your child in a warm sweater and place a jacket on top after they have been strapped into their seat.
Swapping to a booster seat too soon.
While some booster seats can be used for children as young as three years old, this is not the exact age bracket they are intended for. If your child is between four and five years of age, at least 40 pounds, and have the ability to keep the seat belt strap properly positioned across the chest for the entire ride – then it is time to switch into a booster seat. But always consult your doctor before making the switch.
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