Life is precious and knowing common car seat mistakes and how to avoid them can save a life. Common car seat mistakes are more common than some might think. Follow a checklist of requirements for a car seat is the recommended way to choose a car seat. Reading safety manuals for cars can also inform parents of common car seat mistakes and how to avoid them. Follow the list below to ensure a car seat is safe for its intended child.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristine Dreyer)
Car seat history
Each car seat model has its own history. Its history includes when the car seat was made, where it was manufactured, who manufactured it, and if it has been recalled. Make sure the car seat is no more than six years old. If the car seat has already been involved in a car crash do not use it. Search for cracks and missing parts on the car seat. If a piece is missing replace the entire unit. A general rule of thumb is if the history is unknown find a new car seat.
Car seat placement
Perhaps the most common made error when dealing with car seats is where the seat is placed. Not only where it is placed but also how it is placed. The location that offers the most security is the back seat. Place the car seat the far away from air bags. Make sure not to have the car seat tilted too far forward or backward. Read your vehicles owner manual to check for side airbags.
Everyday use
Do not use a car seat as a child’s crib. A study done in 2009 showed that sitting in a car seat could compress an infant’s chest, which results in less oxygen entering the infant’s body. This decreased oxygen intake can impair crucial development in children. It is necessary to buckle up children for travel but do not let them be in the car seat for extended periods of time outside of the vehicle. Know this common car seat mistake and how to avoid it.
Incorrect buckling
Buckling takes practice to get good at. Before car seat installation be sure to check the manufacturer instructions for tips on how to buckle correctly. When installing the seat be sure to tighten all straps so as to allow no more than 1 inch of moving room. Ensure that each trip you double check the car seat and its straps. Make sure to keep the straps and harness lying flat on the child’s chest.
Familiarize yourself with these common car seat mistakes and know how to avoid them. Good parenting involves more than just teaching your kids values. Remember to be patient when working with car seats and do not skip any steps. Knowing common car seat mistakes and how to avoid them will save a life and keep families in one piece.
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