When my youngest was born, we decided it was best to have a car in the city. I made several road trips with my girls to visit family in DC and we made weekend trip to visit friends and family in NJ. I always had to double check their car seats to make sure they were tight because driving on the Turnpike with trucks flying by is a little intimidating. Not only that, I know that anything can happen at any time and I wanted to make sure nothing happened to my two little girls. As they grew older, it became a little tricky because they wanted out of their convertible and into a booster.
This week is Child Passenger Safety Week. Did you know that three out of four kids are not properly secured in a vehicle because their car seats are not correctly installed. Sarah Tilton, Britax Child Passenger Safety Advocacy Manager, provides tips below to ensure your child is safe on your next journey.
Image from Britax
- Select a car seat that fits your baby and your vehicle(s). Also, be sure that you can use it correctly each and every time.
- Be sure your car seat fits your growing child. Seated shoulder height is often overlooked.
- Belt-Positioning Boosters are for big kids. Don’t transition out of a 5-point harness prematurely.
- When using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), be aware that your vehicle’s lower anchors have weigh limits. You must switch to vehicle seat belt installation when the weight of the car seat and the child exceed 65 lbs.
- A snug harness strap should not allow any slack. If you’re able to pinch the strap, the harness is too loose. You should not be able to pinch any excess webbing.
- For children 12 years of age and under, remember — the backseat is always the safest place for them to ride. Be sure to check your child seat and vehicle user guides for available seating positions.
- Britax recommends that the use of a child seat be discontinued if it has been in a moderate to severe crash. Also, never purchase a used car seat if you don’t know its history.
- Did you know that your car seat has an expiration date? Double check the manufacturer’s tag to be sure your seat is still safe.
- Vehicles can become very hot, especially in the warm summer months. Never leave your child in a vehicle unattended.
- Be sure your child’s harness is tight enough, especially in the winter months when children are bundled up in thick layers and bulky outerwear.
- After buying a car seat, be sure to register your product either by visiting the manufacturer’s website, mailing the registration card or by calling their Customer Service department. That way you can be contacted in the event of a recall.
- Always refer to your child restraint user guide or call your car seat’s customer service about installation and proper use questions you might have.
- If you still feel unsure about your car seat installation, please have a certified technician check your installation.
- To find a car seat check-up event or certified technician near you, visit: http://bit.ly/1jVgCBO
Check out my post about the new ClickTight Technology from Britax, making installation easier and safer. Wishing you and your family safe travels on your next journey!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. Information was provided by Britax.
Tastefully Childish 
Leave a Reply