Child Passenger Safety Week is a great reminder to check that your baby’s car seat is installed correctly and securely. Many parents are surprised to learn that even a small mistake in car seat installation can significantly affect its ability to protect a child in a crash. In this blog, I’ll share why proper car seat installation is crucial, common mistakes to avoid, and where you can go to have your car seat checked by a professional.
Why Car Seat Safety Matters
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among children, but properly installed car seats can reduce the risk of injury by up to 82% for children. Unfortunately, research shows that a significant number of car seats are not installed correctly. Whether it’s due to a loose harness, incorrect seat angle, or using the wrong type of seat for your child’s age and size, these errors can compromise your child’s safety.
Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes
Before we dive into where you can get your car seat checked, let’s look at some common mistakes parents make when installing car seats:
- Loose Harness: A harness that isn’t snug against your child’s body can allow for too much movement, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Incorrect Recline Angle: Newborns and infants require a specific recline angle to keep their airways open and prevent slumping. Make sure your car seat is installed at the correct angle based on your child’s age and size.
- Using Both the Seat Belt and LATCH System: While you should use either the seat belt or the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) to install a car seat, using both can put too much pressure on the seat and affect its performance.
- Incorrect Placement: Children should ride in the back seat of the car, ideally in the middle seat, until they are at least 13 years old. Rear-facing car seats should never be placed in the front seat with an active airbag.
- Transitioning Too Early: Many parents transition their child to a forward-facing seat or booster seat too early. It’s important to follow the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight limits.
Where to Get Your Car Seat Checked
To ensure your car seat is installed correctly, many places offer free car seat checks with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). Here are some places where you can have your car seat checked:
- Local Fire Stations: Many fire stations have certified technicians who can check your car seat installation. Call ahead to confirm availability and schedule an appointment.
- Police Departments: Similar to fire stations, many police departments have officers trained in car seat installation. Check with your local department to see if they offer this service.
- Car Seat Inspection Stations: Some communities have dedicated car seat inspection stations where parents can go to have their car seats checked. You can find a list of inspection stations on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Hospitals: Some hospitals, particularly those with maternity wards, offer car seat checks for new parents. This service might be available through the hospital’s pediatric or labor and delivery departments.
- Community Events: During Child Passenger Safety Week and throughout the year, many communities host car seat check events. These events are often free and open to the public, making them a convenient option for parents.
Tips for Proper Car Seat Installation
In addition to having your car seat checked, here are some tips to ensure your car seat is installed correctly:
- Read the Manuals: Always read both your car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for specific installation instructions.
- Use the Tether: For forward-facing seats, use the top tether strap to secure the seat to your vehicle. This provides additional stability and reduces forward movement in a crash.
- Check for Movement: Once installed, the car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the base.
- Register Your Car Seat: Register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive updates and recalls.
Child Passenger Safety Week is a great time to check in on your car seat installation and make sure your little one is as safe as possible on every ride. Whether you’re a new parent or have been doing this for a while, it’s always a good idea to have a professional check your car seat. Proper installation can mean the difference between a minor injury and a severe one in the event of a crash. Take advantage of the resources available in your community and keep your baby safe on the road. If you have any questions or need further guidance on car seat safety, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
