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Congratulations on your new little bundle of joy! As a new parent, one of your main concerns is probably your child's safety. And rightfully so! One of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent is how to properly secure your child in a car seat. With so many options and information out there, it can be overwhelming. But don't worry, in this guide, we'll go over the dos and don'ts of car seat safety to help you navigate this crucial aspect of parenting.
Do read the car seat manual: There are different types and brands of car seats, each with their own unique installation and usage instructions. It's important to read and familiarize yourself with the manual of your specific car seat to ensure proper installation and use.
Do install the car seat in the back seat: It's safer to have your child ride in the back seat of the car. If you have a newer car, it may even have a latch system that makes it easy to install the car seat.
Do make sure the car seat is secure: The car seat should not move more than one inch if you try to wiggle it. If it moves more than one inch, it's not secure and may not be able to protect your child in the event of an accident.
Do adjust the straps properly: The straps should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit only one finger between your child's chest and the straps. Also, make sure the chest clip is at armpit level. Pay special attention to this when your infant or toddler have puffy jackets on, the fit can be deceiving and most times the puffy jackets may give you the impression they straps are snug enough, but they may actually be too loose.
Don't use an expired car seat: Car seats have expiration dates for a reason. The materials used to make them break down over time and may not be able to protect your child in an accident. Always check the expiration date before using a car seat.
Don't use a car seat that has been in an accident: Even if the car seat looks okay, it may have internal damage that you can't see. It's better to be safe and replace the car seat if it has been in an accident.
Don't use after-market products: You should only use products that come with the car seat or are approved by the manufacturer. After-market products like headrests, seat liners, and toys can interfere with the car seat's performance and effectiveness.
Don't switch to a forward-facing car seat too soon: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear facing until at least two years of age. This is because rear-facing car seats provide better protection for children's head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Safe Ride 4 Kids offers a resource where you can find your car seat laws by state.
Use a booster seat until your child is big enough for the car's seat belt to fit properly: Children should use a booster seat until they are about 4'9" tall or about 8-12 years old. This ensures that the seat belt fits properly and provides adequate protection.
Keep your child in a car seat or booster seat as long as possible: Don't rush to move your child to a seat belt too soon. Car seats and booster seats provide the best protection for your child.
Never leave your child unattended in the car: This seems obvious, but every year, children die from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. Make it a habit to always check the back seat before getting out of the car, even if you think your child is not with you. We all have good intentions, but the best of parents have forgotten their most important cargo in the back, as you know the result can be detrimental so we built a reminder on the Tiny Traveler Car Baby Monitor that will alert you to check the back seats for passengers. Check it out.
Be a good role model: Always wear your seat belt when driving, and make sure your child sees you doing it. This helps establish the habit of wearing a seat belt as normal behavior.
The safety of our children is paramount, and properly securing them in a car seat is one of the most important things we can do as parents. By following the dos and don'ts of car seat safety, we can ensure that our children are protected in the event of an accident. So take the time to read the manual, adjust the straps properly, and make sure the car seat is installed correctly. It may seem like a hassle, but it's well worth the peace of mind to know that your child is safe and secure while riding in the car.
Looking to enhance your driving experience and keep your eyes on the road while keeping an eye on your baby? Check out our Tiny Traveler, the in-car baby camera that can be used just about anywhere. Designed for parents, by parents.
Drive safe!