Car seat Safety 101

Basic Car Seat Safety Tips

Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child

• Choose a car seat based on your child's age, weight, height, and developmental needs.
• Follow both the car seat manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual.
• Register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications and safety updates.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

• Keep children rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
• Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a child's head, neck, and spine.
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag.

Forward-Facing Car Seats

• Once a child outgrows the rear-facing limits, transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
• Continue using the harness until your child reaches the seat's maximum height or weight limits.
• Make sure the tether strap is attached and properly tightened when using a forward-facing seat.

Booster Seat Safety

• Move to a booster seat only after your child has outgrown their forward-facing harness seat.
• Booster seats help position the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts correctly.
• Children should stay in a booster seat until the car seat belt fits properly, which is usually when they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old. Consult your child’s doctor to determine if they are ready to transition out of a booster seat.

Proper Harness Use

• Harness straps should lie flat without twists and should not be loose. 
• For rear-facing seats, harness straps should be at or below the child's shoulders.
• For forward-facing seats, harness straps should be at or above the shoulders.
• The chest clip should be at armpit level.
• Try the "pinch test" . You should not be able to pinch excess harness at the child's shoulders.

Correct Installation

• Car seats should be installed tightly, with less than one inch of movement from side to side or front to back at the belt path.
• Use either the vehicle seat belt or the LATCH system unless both are specifically permitted by the manufacturer. Always read the carseats user manual. 
• Carefully follow all installation instructions provided by the car seat and vehicle manufacturers.

Back Seat 

• Kids younger than 13 years old should ride in the back seat whenever possible.
• The back seat gives greater protection from airbags and front-end collisions.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Do not use bulky winter coats under harness straps, as they can prevent a secure fit.
• Do not use aftermarket products unless approved by the car seat manufacturer. You should never add anything to your carseat. 
• Replace car seats after moderate or severe crashes or if recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check expiration dates and avoid using seats that are expired, damaged, or missing labels and instructions.

Car Seat Checks

• Have your car seat installation inspected by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
• Recheck installation every so often, especially after moving the seat between vehicles and after child growth spurts. 

Resources:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Car Seat Safety — Federal guidance on selecting, installing, and using child restraints.
2. Safe Kids Worldwide Car Seat Safety Resources — Educational materials, common installation errors, and car seat inspection resources.