9 car seat safety tips for parents

Using aftermarket products

Parents buy strap covers to put over the straps because they leave red marks on their babies’ skins. Sometimes even abrasions. But strap covers, head supports, blankets and heavy coats that do not come with the seat probably do not belong there. These aftermarket products compromise on a child or baby’s car seat safety because the harnesses aren\'t as tight as they should originally be.

Incorrect latch usage

If you have not been concerned over the latch system enough, maybe it’s time for you to ponder about this. Most cars do not allow the latch to be used in the middle seat. It has to do with the anchors, thus a middle seat installation would be unsafe. Also, the seatbelt install is more difficult than the latch, but is as safe when done correctly. Using the seatbelt and the latch together is actually less safe than using one or the other. This is because the seat must still be able to move during an accident and using the seatbelt and the latch together would cause the car seat to be overly tight.

Facing the rear

Your babies should not face the front until the age of 2. If you’re in an accident, your child’s head would thrust in any direction and not be able to withstand the shock of a crash if they are forward facing. And since their neck muscles do not have the strength to keep the head safely in line with the spine, there would be a risk of internal decapitation, where the head disconnects from the spine. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended kids to face the rear until at least 2 years of age.

The seat is not tight enough

In order for a car seat to be properly installed, there should be no more than 1 inch of movement at the back of the seat, either side to side or forward to back. The front of the seat should move and be able to absorb energy in a crash. To ensure a tight fit, use your upper weight to press down on the seat.

Straps too high or low

The manual may suggest adjusting the straps to be at or below his shoulders. But if your child is facing the rear, he (or she) should have straps that come out of under the seat at or below the height of the shoulders. Seat belts for kids in boosters should go across the thighs and not across the belly or touch the neck.

Straps too loose

People normally recommend the 2 finger sliding test but it seems the straps are still loose. Use the "pinch" test instead. If you are able to pinch the excess straps, it\'s a clear indication that the car seat straps are not snug enough.

Chest clip in the wrong spot

The chest clip should go on the chest and be level with the armpits. It should not be any lower down.

Changing car seats too soon or too late

Moving a child to a booster with a seat belt too soon can be dangerous, especially when they are not ready. But by keeping your child in a seat that is too small for him would not be able to keep him safe as well.

Using expired or used seats

This may seem ridiculous but Katie from Babble.com says that using expired car seats is dangerous. This is because the plastic degrades over time, and you need to ensure that car seats are at their tiptop condition in an accident.