Car seats were invented to keep children safe, but it’s up to parents to ensure their child’s safety by installing car seats correctly and using them wisely. Most parents aren’t aware that they could be potentially putting their child in danger. Are you making these common car seat mistakes?
- Getting a Used Car Seat
This is probably the number one mistake parents make when it comes to car seats. Using your first child’s car seat for your second, or using a friend or relative’s old car seat, may seem like the sensible option. But safety regulations change every few years, and an older model may not be in your child’s best interest. Always check for an expiration date before using.
- Changing Car Seats Too Soon
It’s typically best to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Facing them forward too soon – before the age of 2 or before they reach the upper weight and height limit – could injure their head, neck, or spinal cord. When it comes to switching car seats, make sure to read the manual and follow each seat’s height and weight limit regulations.
- Not Buckling the Car Seat Tight Enough
Once you’ve buckled the seat into your car, the seat should not be able to move at all. To keep the car seat in place, simply tighten the seat belt that passes through the seat and lock it. Also important is making sure your child’s harness is tightened. A loose harness is dangerous because in the case of a collision, the child could easily be thrown out of the seat.
- Placing the Retainer Clip Too Low
The retainer clip should always be at armpit level. Any lower, and the child could come out of the harness during a collision. Check the position of the retainer clip every time you buckle your child in.
- Adding Car Seat Accessories
While adding a mirror to car seats has become popular recently, it’s not exactly recommended. Some parents feel the need to see what their child is doing while driving, so they add a small mirror. However, this addition poses a few potential risks. For one, when you’re driving, you should focus on driving. Watching your baby can distract you and result in a collision or a sudden slamming of the breaks, in which mirrors and other loose items could break off and potentially become dangerous to your baby.
