Car seat safety is an important topic that isn’t discussed as much as it should be. There are many things to remember while looking for a car seat for your child and installing it. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or school-age, it is important to do further research to determine which car seat best fits your needs and if it is being properly used.
Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are best suited for newborn babies and are typically meant for their first year of life. Because newborns have weaker neck muscles, they must be placed in the proper car seat to support their smaller size.
Some families choose to go with a convertible option. This allows the car seat to be installed rear-facing, while the child is an infant. After the child has reached the weight threshold, the car seat can be reversed to hold a toddler.
Here are some important things to note:
- Rear-facing car seats for infants should be used until the child has reached 20 lbs.
- Rear-facing seats must be placed in the back of your car, no child should be placed in the front seat since they can be fatally injured by an airbag.
- These seats come with either a three or five-point harness. All straps will connect to a buckle between the legs and must always be secured.
Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as they can. Always check the height and weight limit on your child’s car seat. Not all car seats have the same capacity. Putting your child in the wrong car seat may come with potential risks.
Toddler Car Seats
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat it is important to look for a car seat that is suitable for your growing toddler. The next option for your child would be a forward-facing car seat with a harness. This is similar to a booster seat but comes with added protection.
Here’s the rundown about toddler seats:
- These seats are meant for children who weigh more than 20 pounds but are less than 65 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall.
- These car seats also vary in height and weight compatibility, so you must confirm that the size limitations meet your present needs.
- When your child is strapped in, it is a rule of thumb to keep the chest clip at armpit level.
- You may place two fingers between the strap and your child to ensure that the positioning is not too snug or loose.
- When installing this car seat, the centermost seat is the safest spot to install.
Each car seat comes with a user’s manual to help you properly install it, typically there is a security latch system involved. Be sure to thoroughly read through your manual and note any adjustments or requirements before using your car seat.
Booster Seats
The last car seat phase that your child will go through will be the booster seat. This is like the forward-facing toddler car seat, without the harness. The installation is seamless and much easier than the other previous car seats. There are different types of booster seats to fit different needs. Some parents find that their child needs extra support, and they opt for a high-back option to help better support the child’s head and neck.
There are some important things to know when using a booster seat:
- Most children weighing over 65 pounds are ready to switch to a booster seat. Some booster seats can accommodate children who have reached 40 pounds as well.
- Some children may not need the high-back and end up using the backless option, this works relatively the same.
- Seatbelts are required while using a booster seat. Seatbelts should lie across their upper thighs and their shoulder and chest. It should not be across their stomach, neck, or face.
Though these seats may not be as complex as the infant seats, it is important to confirm that your child’s height and weight align with the booster seat qualifications. It has been found that 90% of children who are only using a seatbelt, under the age of 10, should still be placed in a booster seat.
Installation
Installation is a key part of keeping your child safe while on the road. There is no room for cutting corners. You must read the manual that comes with the manufacturer’s packaging. Following the instructions will help keep your child safe.
If you feel more confident leaving the installation in the hands of a professional, there are many resources made available to you. You can contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. These are professionals who are thoroughly trained in car seat installation and safety. These may also be made available at your local fire station or hospital.
After installation, make sure that you register your car seat with the registration card provided when purchased. This will notify you if your seat has any recalls or other safety issues. If you misplaced this card or it did not come with the car seat, you can register it here.
Expiration and Accidents
Believe it or not, car seats do expire. Your typical car seat will last you 7-10 years, based on the manufacturer. You can usually find the expiration date on a small sticker located on the back or bottom of the car seat.
After the car seat has expired, it should be thrown away. Here are some steps you should take to properly dispose of the expired car seat:
- Remove the harness straps and seat cover
- Label “DO NOT USE – EXPIRED”, in bold words
- Wrap the car seat in a dark plastic bag
- Follow your local guidelines for disposing of the car seat
It is important that you do NOT donate any expired car seats. After the expiration date, they are no longer safe to use. Safety standards are always changing. This means that the expired car seat may not be up to date when it comes to current safety standards. Materials used to manufacture a car seat will wear down over time. Some people may not be able to notice these changes and they may pose a safety threat when it comes to your child or another child’s safety.
It is also very important to switch out your child’s car seat after it has been involved in a car accident. After an accident, the structural integrity is compromised. Be sure that you pull the Roth ID tag off of the car seat after it has been involved in an accident. This will help alert other parents of its condition.
FAQ
What is the best car seat for my child?
Newborns and infants under 20 lbs should always be seated in a rear-facing infant seat. Front-facing seats are meant for children who weigh more than 20 pounds but are less than 65 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall. For children who have outgrown that, a high-back booster seat may better fit their needs. Once a child is around 8-12 years and can fit a seatbelt properly, they may go without a booster seat.
What angle should I position the car seat?
Most car seats have a built-in level indicator to ensure that the seat is properly positioned to keep the child’s airway open.
When should my child transition out of their booster seat?
Children should continue to use their booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches and weigh over 80 pounds. This is typically around the age of 8-12 years old.
Do car seats expire?
Yes. All car seats have an expiration date. On average, a car seat will typically last you 7-10 years, after the manufacture date depending on the manufacturer.
Jones & Swanson hope you and your children stay safe.
Jones & Swanson wants all parents to know it is important that you stay up to date when it comes to your child’s car seat. Failing to do so puts your child at risk whenever you are on the road. Ensuring that the car seat is properly installed and adjusted will help prevent any accidents. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local fire department for resources as needed.
If You Or Anyone You Know Are Injured In A Car Accident, Give Jones & Swanson A Call At (770) 427-5498 Or contact Us Online To Discuss Potential Legal Options During A Free Case Evaluation.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Seat Safety, Distracted Driving, FAQ, Safety Tips
