As parents, one of our top priorities is keeping our children safe—especially when we’re on the road. With September being Child Passenger Safety Month, it's the perfect time to revisit the crucial topic of car seat safety. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among children, but the right car seat can reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
At Mory & Colliersmith, we understand how important your child’s safety is, and we’re here to provide you with the best tips and guidelines to ensure your little ones are as protected as possible when they’re in the car.
1. Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child’s Age and Size
Car seats are not one-size-fits-all. As your child grows, their car seat needs to grow with them. Here's a breakdown of the stages:
Infant Car Seats: Designed for newborns and infants up to around 1 year old (or until they reach the weight and height limits set by the manufacturer), these are rear-facing only. Rear-facing is safest, so keep your child in this position as long as possible.
Convertible Car Seats: These seats transition from rear-facing for infants and toddlers to forward-facing for older children. Keep your child rear-facing until at least age 2, or as long as your car seat allows based on height and weight limits.
Booster Seats: When your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, usually around ages 4-7, they will need a booster seat. Booster seats ensure that the car’s seatbelt fits them properly—across their chest and hips rather than their neck and stomach.
Seat Belts: Children are ready to transition to seat belts once they are around 8-12 years old and can sit with their back fully against the seat, knees bent over the edge, and the seatbelt positioned correctly over their shoulder and lap.
2. Correct Installation is Key
Even the best car seat won’t protect your child if it’s not installed correctly. Studies show that up to 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly, leaving children vulnerable in an accident. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and here are a few important installation tips:
Tight Fit: Ensure that the car seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
Proper Angle: For rear-facing seats, ensure the seat is reclined at the correct angle to prevent your child’s head from falling forward.
Use the LATCH System: Most newer cars have a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. This can make car seat installation more secure and easier than using a seatbelt. Make sure you don’t exceed the weight limits of your car’s LATCH system, especially for heavier children.
If you’re unsure, many local fire stations, police departments, and hospitals offer free car seat checks, or you can visit a certified Child Passenger Safety technician.
3. Harnessing Your Child Correctly
A correctly installed car seat is only part of the equation; your child must be properly harnessed too. Here’s what to look out for:
Snug Straps: The straps should be snug against your child’s body without any slack. If you can pinch the straps between your fingers, they’re too loose.
Chest Clip: Position the chest clip at armpit level. If it’s too low, it won’t protect your child’s upper body in a crash.
Dress for Safety: While it’s tempting to bundle your child up in bulky coats during colder months, thick clothing can prevent the harness from fitting snugly. Instead, dress your child in thin layers and tuck a blanket over them after harnessing.
4. Don’t Rush the Transition
One of the most common mistakes parents make is transitioning their children too soon from one stage of car seat safety to the next. But every transition reduces the level of protection. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible and in a harnessed seat until they reach the maximum height and weight limits for their seat.
5. Check for Recalls
It’s important to regularly check whether your car seat has been recalled due to safety issues. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or the manufacturer’s website to stay informed about any potential safety problems with your seat model.
6. Don’t Forget About the Car Environment
In addition to car seats, the overall environment in your car matters for child safety:
No Loose Objects: Loose items in your car can become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop or crash. Make sure all items are securely stored.
Back Seat Only: All children under 13 should ride in the back seat. The front seat airbags can cause serious injury to younger passengers.
Hot Cars: Never leave a child unattended in a car, especially during warmer months. Even a few minutes in a hot car can cause heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Stay Safe on the Road
At Mory & Colliersmith, we care about protecting your family, not just when accidents happen but in every step you take to prevent them. As you participate in Child Passenger Safety Month, take this opportunity to double-check your car seat setup, ensure your little ones are secured, and spread the word to friends and family.
Remember, if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we’re here to help. Our firm is dedicated to guiding families through the legal process after a personal injury, and we’re just a phone call away for any questions you may have.
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