When it comes to the car, safety is paramount and like every parent knows – your child’s security is non-negotiable. But just as important as selecting the right carseat (https://babyhillsthailand.com/car-seat-for-baby/) is its proper installation and use. A poorly installed car seat is also very dangerous even as much or more so of no car seat at all. Read on to avoid making some of the car seat installation mistakes below and keep your precious cargo safe (and sound!) on every journey.
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents are the top killer of kids age 1 to 14 in America. But correct car seat usage lowers that amount to a 71% less risk of death for infants and 54% for toddlers https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats. A car seat also works as a protective cocoon that absorbs crash forces and diverts them away from your precious little one’s body. Of course, this only works if the door is professionally installed and secure.
To err is human and even compliant car seat installers make mistakes!
Some of These Most Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes Include:
Loose Installation: Proper installation is the single most critical element of car seat safety. A car seat that has too much slack can move around enough during a collision to undermine its effectiveness. Grasp the seat near where it is attached with clips to the base puzzles – at both belt paths for rear-facing seats and harness or seat belt routes forward-facing.Consumers should not be able to move a child occupant restraint system more than an inch in any direction opposite force normally associated with its movement.Copyright 2011 AAOS
Incorrect Harness Tightness – A harness that is too lose will do nothing to keep your little one safe. The harness straps should fit snugly against your child’s chest and hips, leaving no more than one inch of play between the body and strap. As long as you cannot pinch the harness webbing at the chest clip.
Incorrect Tether Use: Many car seats are equipped with a top tether in addition to the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. Make sure you are using these features in the right way by reading your car seat manual and how it will fit into your vehicle. A loose or improperly connected tether can make it ineffective.
Backwards in the Harness Slot Usage: For infants car seats installed rear-facing, use lowest harness slots that are on or below your baby shoulders. The straps should be at or above the shoulders for forward-facing car seats. The wrong slots can cause the harness to fail in a crash.
Loose Ride Belts: For vehicle seat belted installations, make sure the belt is tightened and routed through the car seat’s designated belt path. A misrouted belt can defeat the safety features of your car seat, putting your child in danger.
Forget the Chest Clip: The chest clip actually prevents your child from wriggling out of their car seat. It should go in at arm-pit height to have the straps lay flat on top of your child’s chest.
Winter Coats: Leaving a thick winter coat on can add slack in the harness and take away from how well designed it is. Take off your baby’s coat before securing them in the car seat except it put them in a blanket afterwards for warmth
Expired Car Seat: Though this may not come to your mind as often, but… child safety products have expiration dates too. An expired car seat is dangerous for the material and safety of the baby. Look at the expiration date of your car seat and replace it if it expires.
Experts advise that children remain rear-facing in car seats for as long as possible; at least until they’ve exceeded the height or weight limit on their rear- facing seat, typically around two years old. In fact, rear facing car seats are best at protecting your kids’ heads, necks and spines.
Making sure your car seat is installed correctly
Here are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk of these mistakes:
Check Your Car Seat Manual: All car seats include a detailed instructional manual that is being provided with the instruction booklet of your CDSBC. Please read it carefully and follow all of the steps for a correct installation in your vehicle.
View Instructional Videos: Some car seat manufacturers have produced videos that can be viewed online to see the correct installation technique with your own eyes.
Even free car seat safety checks are available at many hospitals, fire stations and children’s advocacy groups. A certified technician will be able to look at how you have your car seat installed and let you know if it is secure and fits the size or stage of the child.
Safety Beyond Installation
Aside from having the car seat installed properly, here are some more things to be safe around your child:
Back Seat Always: The back seat is the safest location for your children in a car.
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