The Ultimate Guide to Car Seat Safety for New Parents
As a soon-to-be parent, there are countless things on your mind, from preparing your home for your new arrival to selecting the right pediatrician. One of the most significant concerns that new parents face is ensuring their baby’s safety, particularly when traveling in a vehicle. It’s natural to feel anxious when it comes to car seat safety, given how vital it is to protect your little one from harm. However, with some basic knowledge, along with some helpful tips and tricks from experts in the field, you can increase your confidence in securing your baby’s car seat and keep them safe during your travels together.
When it comes to car seat safety, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll need to select the right type of car seat for your child’s age and weight. Additionally, it’s important to choose the right location for your child’s car seat in your vehicle. Another critical aspect of car seat safety is making sure that the car seat is installed correctly.
By following the essential car seat safety tips below, you can help protect your child from harm and ensure that your travels together are as safe as possible. While it’s normal to feel anxious as a new parent, having a little knowledge and preparation can go a long way in increasing your confidence and giving you peace of mind on the road ahead. So, let the adventure begin, and enjoy this exciting journey with your little one!
Car Seat Safety FAQs
Over the years we’ve been asked a lot about car seats—these are the questions and concerns we hear most.
What Is the Safest Car Seat?
One of the most common questions we’re asked by parents-to-be is “What car seat is safest for my new baby?” Fortunately, all new car seats must pass federal safety regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so how you use your seat matters more than what you choose to buy.
One important factor to consider is the age and size of your child. Infant car seats are designed for newborns and young infants, while convertible car seats can be used from infancy through toddlerhood. Booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat. It’s crucial to choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height, as this will help ensure that the car seat fits them correctly and provides optimal protection in the event of a collision.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a car seat is the ease of installation. Many car seats are equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems, which allow for easier installation and greater stability. Look for a car seat that is easy to install and adjust, as this can help ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and securely.
In addition to these factors, it’s also essential to consider the overall safety ratings of the car seat. The NHTSA provides safety ratings for car seats based on a five-star system, with five stars being the highest rating. The IIHS also conducts safety tests on car seats and provides safety ratings based on their performance in crash tests and other safety criteria.
While it’s important to consider the safety ratings and features of a car seat, it’s also crucial to remember that proper use is essential for optimal safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use, and make sure that the harness straps are snug and secure around your child. It’s also a good idea to have your car seat inspected by a certified technician to ensure that it’s installed correctly. In other words:
The safest car seat is one that is the right size for your child’s weight, height and age; that fits your car; and that is properly installed each and every time.
When Should You Switch from Rear to Forward Facing?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA), and scores of the nation’s leading pediatricians and researchers all recommend children rear-face for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for their specific car seat model. This typically means that children should remain in rear-facing car seats until they are at least two years old, although some car seats may allow children to remain rear-facing for longer.
When transitioning to a forward-facing car seat, it’s important to make sure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the harness straps are snug and secure around your child. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level, and the harness straps should be threaded through the slots that are at or above your child’s shoulders.
It’s also important to remember that the safest place for children to ride in a car is in the back seat, and that they should always be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are tall enough to use the vehicle’s seat belt alone. By following these guidelines and using the appropriate car seat for your child’s weight and height, you can help ensure that they are as safe as possible during car trips.
If you’d like to learn more about exactly why rear-facing is so much safer, The Car Seat Lady has an excellent rundown here.
How Will You Know Your Child Is Ready for a Booster Seat?
Generally, most children will need to ride in a booster seat until they are 10-12 years old. Your child can ride safely without a booster seat when you can say YES to ALL 5 of these:
- Keep their back against the vehicle seat and
- Their knees bend at the edge of the vehicle seat and
- The lap belt rests on the tops of their thighs, not their belly and
- The shoulder belt rests between the neck and should and
- They sit properly—no slouching, slumping, fiddling with the seat belt, etc.
By following these guidelines and making sure your child meets the criteria for using a booster seat, you can help ensure that they are safe and properly restrained during car trips.
What Should I Do If My Child Gets Car Sick While in Their Car Seat?
If your child gets car sick while in their car seat, here are some tips to help:
- Keep a spare change of clothes and a few plastic bags in the car in case of an accident.
- Consider using a waterproof car seat cover or liner to protect the car seat from vomit or other fluids.
- Keep the car well-ventilated by opening windows or using the air conditioning to reduce nausea.
- Make sure your child is properly secured in their car seat with the harness straps snug but not too tight.
- Avoid giving your child heavy or greasy foods before a car ride, which can increase the likelihood of car sickness.
- Take frequent breaks on long car rides to let your child stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
- Consider giving your child ginger, which has natural anti-nausea properties, in the form of ginger chews, tea, or supplements.
- Talk to your pediatrician about over-the-counter or prescription medications that may help with car sickness.
It’s important to note that car sickness can be a common and normal experience for children, especially during long car rides or when driving on winding roads. However, if your child consistently experiences severe nausea or vomiting while in their car seat, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.
How Do I Know If My Child’s Car Seat Has Been Recalled?
To find out if your child’s car seat has been recalled, you can take the following steps:
- Register your car seat: Register your child’s car seat with the manufacturer as soon as you purchase it. This will ensure that you receive any safety updates or recall notices directly from the manufacturer.
- Check for recalls: You can check for any recalls on your child’s car seat by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. You can search for recalls by entering the car seat manufacturer, model name, and model number.
- Check for expiration dates: All car seats have an expiration date, typically around six years from the date of manufacture. Check your child’s car seat for the expiration date and replace it if it has expired, even if there are no recalls on it.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you believe your child’s car seat has been recalled, contact the manufacturer directly for further information. They can provide guidance on how to fix the issue or offer a replacement or refund.
It’s important to check for recalls regularly to ensure that your child’s car seat is up to date and safe to use. If you have any doubts or concerns about the safety of your child’s car seat, contact the manufacturer or a certified car seat technician for further guidance.
Should You Use Car Seat Accessories?
Before buying any additional accessory not included with your original car seat purchase, reach out to the manufacturer to ask if they’ve tested the accessory with their seat (manufacturers can often provide a list of accessories that are approved for usage).
A Friend Offered You a Used Car Seat — Is It Safe?
Never use a car seat whose history is unknown to you. If you do know the owner of the car seat and trust that person to have taken great care of the car seat, there is a possibility you can use it for yourself.
Firstly, you need to consider the age of the car seat. Car seats have expiration dates, usually between six and ten years after the manufacture date. If the car seat has expired or is close to expiring, it is not safe to use and should be disposed of properly.
Secondly, you need to consider the condition of the car seat. If the car seat has been involved in a crash, it may not be safe to use, even if there is no visible damage. This is because the internal components of the car seat may have been damaged and could compromise its safety in a subsequent crash. If you’re unsure whether a used car seat has been in a crash, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not use it.
Finally, you need to consider whether the car seat has been well-maintained and cared for. If the car seat has been stored in extreme temperatures or has been exposed to moisture or other elements, it may have deteriorated and could be unsafe to use.
If you’ve determined that the used car seat is safe to use, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly to ensure that it’s in good condition and has all of its parts and accessories. You should also consult the car seat manual to make sure that it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
In general, it’s always best to purchase a new car seat rather than using a used one, as you can be sure of its safety and condition. However, if you do choose to use a used car seat, be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure that it’s safe for your child.
How Long Before a Car Seat Expires?
The length of time before a car seat expires can vary, but most car seats expire six to ten years after the date of manufacture. The specific expiration date will depend on the model and brand of the car seat, as well as the materials used in its construction.
There are several reasons why car seats have an expiration date. Firstly, the materials used in the car seat can deteriorate over time, which can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the seat. Exposure to heat, cold, and sunlight can all contribute to this deterioration.
Secondly, car seat technology is constantly evolving, and older car seats may not meet current safety standards or regulations. By setting an expiration date, manufacturers can ensure that their products are up-to-date and meet the latest safety requirements.
If you’re using a car seat that has passed its expiration date, it’s important to replace it with a new one. Using an expired car seat can put your child at risk in the event of a crash, as the seat may not provide adequate protection.
What About Recline Positioning?
We are learning more and more about the relationship between proper recline angle in an infant car seat and respiratory health in young babies, so it is incredibly important that you install your rear-facing car seat at the appropriate angle. Most car seats have an indicator that lets you know you’re at the proper recline position, and—as always—refer to your car seat user guide for specific instruction.
Car Seat Safety Tips
Once you’ve mastered the correct installation of your car seat, it’s equally important to properly secure your little one, as well. Here’s a quick checklist to run through each and every time you take your kiddo along for the ride.
- When rear-facing, the harness slots in the back of the car seat should be at, or below, your child’s shoulders. When forward-facing, the harness slots should be at, or above, the shoulders.
- Always position the car seat on the back seat of the vehicle, in the center if possible.
- Always tether when forward facing.
- Your little one should be sitting fully back in the car seat and have the waist straps at their hips, and the shoulder straps kept in place with the chest clip secured at armpit level.
- When tightening the harness, do the “Pinch Test” by seeing if you are able to horizontally pinch the strap together at your kiddo’s collarbone. If you can, then tighten the harness for a snugger fit.
- Always double-check to ensure that none of the straps are twisted before buckling the harness into place.
- Remember that nothing thicker than a sweatshirt should come between your child and the car seat harness straps. That includes winter coats, blankets, and plush car seat covers that have a back section between the seat back and harness. During chilly weather, opt to layer a jacket or blanket over your child once you have already secured them in the seat.
- Practice what you preach: everyone in the car uses their seatbelt, each and every time.
- Always follow the weight and height limits of the car seat and switch to a booster seat when your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat.
- Never leave your child alone in the car seat, even for a short period.
- Educate yourself on car seat safety and keep up to date with any changes or recalls in car seat regulations.
These tips are not exhaustive, but they cover some of the most important aspects of car seat safety. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your child is safe and protected while traveling in a vehicle.