Statistics say most car seats aren’t used or secured in vehicles properly. Follow the tips below to keep your littlest passengers safer so you can enjoy more peace of mind.
Check for Wiggle Room
Always follow manufacturer’s directions for placing the car seat firmly. Once you’ve done that, focus your attention on the part of the car seat where the vehicle’s safety belt passes through it, and tug on that section. If it moves back and forth more than an inch, the car seat isn’t adequately secured.
Use Attachments Properly
The direction the car seat faces depends on the age of the child using it. Up until they’re about two, kids should sit in rear-facing car seats. No matter which direction the seat faces in your car, ensure you’re using all available attachments as specified.
When the seat faces to the rear, secure it from the bottom using either your car’s seat belt, or the provided lower car seat attachments. Both are equally effective, and you’ll want to choose the one that offers the best fit, but never use both at once. If the car seat faces frontwards, you need to also use the top tether to keep the seat in place.
Ask for Help if in Doubt
If you’re uncertain about whether the car seat is installed correctly, always get assistance from professionals. Some organizations offer free car seat inspections and are available to give guidance.
Following these tips will help ensure that your child is safe on the road, and what could be more important than that?
Image via Flickr by stevendepolo
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