Car Seat Safety Tips and Advice

Many children do not like being restrained in their car seats and will fuss making traveling stressful. This is one area where there should never be a compromise with your child no matter how upset they become. It is against the law for your child to travel in a motor vehicle unrestrained and the result of doing so can lead to devastating consequences.

Practice car seat safety with your toddler and he will make it a practice for life.

• NEVER lie your baby on the front seat of a moving vehicle.
• Always place your child in a Safety Council Approved Child Safety Seat that is correct for your child age and weight.
• If a child seat is in a car during an accident it is recommended that the seat be replaced with a new one due to possible safety hazards from impact.
• Follow the installation instructions to properly install your car safety seat.
• If you are not sure if you have installed your child safety seat correctly many counties have a community car seat safety check. Call your local law enforcement office and ask about this program. An improperly installed child safety seat can be ineffective in an accident Car Seat Safety .(opens a new window)
• Car seat safety regulations are very exact. Follow the regulations and guidelines of weight and height on your seat and upgrade when needed.
• Infants less than one year old and less then 20 pounds should be in a rear facing car seat. Note your baby must meet both of these criteria to be turned around safely.
• Toddlers over one year and between 20-40 pounds can be in a forward-facing car seat.
• Children between 40-80 pounds should be in a booster seat.
• Usually children over 80 pounds and 8 years old can correctly fit a lap/shoulder belt that is installed in vehicles. Watch for shoulder straps not fitting small stature children correctly even though they meet the other criteria.
• The safest place for your toddler is in the back seat. If you can place the car seat in the middle of the back seat this is the safest placement.
• Car safety is not just when your in the car. Children should never be allowed to ride in the back of trailers or truck beds. They can easily fall over the side and under the wheels.
• Hang-up and drive is never more important than now. Cell phones are a major contributor to car accidents. Don't be distracted your baby's life depends on you.
• Practice car safety before you even get in your car.Back over accidents are on the rise. Every year hundreds of toddlers are killed by being backed over. Always walk around your vehicle before leaving to check for children,pets and toys.
• Maintain your car for safety. Proper air pressure in tires, safe tires with good treads,good wiper blades,breaks and lights in good working order,clean windows and mirrors and gas.
• When its raining don't use your cruise control. Cruise controls are designed to accelerate when tires slow down. If your car hits a portion of rain slick road your wheels slow,the cruise control accelerates and your car can spin our of control.
• Never leave your baby alone in the car.
• Every summer babies die from being left in closed cars. Loving parents running on little sleep and stress mistakenly leave their babies in a hot car for hours.
• Place your purse,brief case,lunch box,cell phone or what ever you will look for if left in the car next to baby in the backseat. If you can't do this place a picture of your baby some where you will see it before exiting your car Car Seat Safety .(opens a new window)