10 Car Seat Rules You Didn't Know You Were Breaking!
We all want what is best for our kids, and their safety is important to us. That is why I was so shocked to learn that approximately 7 out of 10 car seats are improperly installed. There are many "unspoken" rules on the appropriate measures to take when installing your child safety seat; some of these you may know, and some of which will throw you for a loop!
1. You CAN be "too safe".
Most car seats today are equipped with the LATCH technology that allows you to anchor the seat without the use of the seat belt. However, many parents think they are being extra safe by using both the LATCH and the seat belt. Studies show that while either of these work fine on their own; using them together does not allow any "give" for the seat. Experts say that your seat should have a little wiggle room to help absorb shock in the event of an impact. Follow the 1 inch rule to determine just how tight your installation should be.
The car seat should not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back when you shake it. With that being said you do need your seat to be snug and have just a tiny bit of give; 1/2 inch to inch is recommended.
2. Strap Placement!
When rear facing: straps should be at or just below the shoulders.
When front facing: straps should be at or just above the shoulders.
3. Chest Clip Placement!
This is a big one! Luckily, many car seat manufacturers have started placing an image on the clips with arrows to a child's arm pits! However, there are still many parents who buckle and walk! The clip needs to be properly placed for maximum safety. Placing the chest clip too low can lead to damage of the internal organs or ejections; while placing it too high can cause damage to the clavicle. Chest clips should be even with the arm pits!
4. Straps too loose?
This is another that you will see blasted all over
social media because you want your child to be comfortable! The straps rub their neck, or pinch their legs. When the truth is, it most likely bothers you far more than it does them! You should not be able to pinch the straps of your infant seat with your index finger and thumb! If you can; tighten those bad boys up! It may take some time for your little one to adjust to the "snugger" ride, but in the event of an accident; you will be thankful you did!
To elaborate, ditch the jacket and turn up the heat! We know getting your infant and toddler in and out of their winter gear can be a hassle. However, when it comes to safety-- do not allow them to wear bulky jackets or blankets beneath their harness or seat belt. This affects the tightness of the restraints and leads to a higher chance of ejection. You should never have to adjust the straps to accommodate clothing!
5. Car Seat Accessories.
They are adorable. Yes, they absolutely are. I can see why you would prefer to have the paisley car seat cover to the black one it came with, BUT they are not safety tested. You most likely researched the safety of your seat before you bought it, but did you know that adding after-market parts; toy bars, car seat blankets, head rests, and strap covers, could impact the safety of your baby? The simple fact is; we don't know. There is no accessory company who will test their products impact on the safety of every car seat, and it would be nearly impossible concerning the ammount of time and money it would take! The best guide line to follow is; if it didn't come on the seat, it doesn't belong there. Now some manufacturers do provide after-market accessories or replacement covers that are an exception to this rule. If you choose to go this route; shoot them a quick email to ensure they were tested and will not affect the performance of your seat. It is not worth the risk!
6. Premature Forward Facing.
I realize the law is one year old and 20 pounds. However, law enforcement, car seat safety technicians, pediatricians and manufacturers agree that extended rear facing is the safest bet. There are many convertible car seats that will allow your LO to ride rear facing for 40-50 pounds. You should absolutely, pay close attention to the height and weight restrictions. Leaving them rear-facing in a car seat they have out grown is counterproductive! However, their legs will not be crushed, they are not bored, and they are not going to develop hip damage from riding rear facing. They are absolutely safer!
7. To Booster?
Along with advancing their child to a forward facing seat; many parents rush their child into a booster seat and abandon the five point harness. Most often it is because they want to pass that seat along to a younger sibling and boosters are significantly less expensive! However, again, safety is top priority. Spend some extra money and keep your children in each stage of the car seat cycle as long as possible.
How do I know when to move to a booster? Check the age, height and weight requirements of your state, but don't stop there. Have they met the maximum capacity of their current seat? If not, keep them there. Don't get into a hurry to change because your peers are! You are your child's advocate! A couple of additional guidelines to follow are:
The Lap Belt: The lap belt should fit across the child's thighs; not their stomach!
The Shoulder Belt: The shoulder belt should not be across the neck. It should rest as it does on you; across the shoulder.
Notice a trend... chest clip=chest, lap belt = lap, and shoulder belt=shoulder; someone somewhere is a name genius!
Furthermore, consider the maturity of your child. Are they capable of sitting properly? Do they often fidget in their seat? Are they likely to try and remove their seat belt while traveling down the road?
8. Used Car Seats
This obviously has exceptions that I will mention, however, what we are referring to mostly is the purchase of used car seats. When you seat the $200.00 seat of your dreams at Kid to Kid, or comparable resale shops, for only $40.00 you may think it is a remarkable deal! Was that seat involved in an accident? Did the parents wash the straps? Are those all of the original latch and pad parts? You will never know. For this reason we highly recommend you steer clear of this type of purchase. Likewise for used eBay or Craigslist seats! Now if you used a seat for your 2 year-old, who is now in an extended rear facing convertible seat ;) and are expecting a baby; it is perfectly acceptable to use the 'hand-me-down" seat for your 2nd born. As long as, the seat does not have any of the issues discussed above and has not reached the expiration date.
8.5 Expired Car Seats
(Well, that flowed nicely) People often tilt their head and look at you like you are crazy when you mention a car seat expiration date. Probably because most people have never heard of the "6 year rule" or noticed the date on the sticker of their child's seat or engraved in the base. That date isn't placed where you would notice it... not unless you were genuinely looking to find it! Most seats expire within six years of the date of manufacture; though some are rated differently.
No, your seat will not grow moldy or begin to smell like a can of sardines; well not because of expiration anyways...
However, they give you that date because that is what the material is tested to withstand. Also, technology is rapidly changing. Every year there is an advance in Car safety and car seats are no exception to the innovation! I personally believe six years is too long of a gap. My youngest is 21 months younger than my first; and just in that short time there were several MAJOR options developed that offered improved safety!
9. Too tall?
Most people have always been told to follow weight and age restrictions but are not aware of the height related recommendations. You want the tops of their ears to be below the shell of the seat!
10. Car Seat Care.
Car seats get messy, fact. If you are not one of those parents who allows your child to eat or drink in thier car seat (how do you stay sane?), you probably have a child who has car sickness, chronic allergies, or really likes blowing spit bubbles (don't they all). The point is; kids have a knack for creating messes. It is so easy to throw your car seats cover in the washer and dryer and be done with the mess. The issue is; most parents also wash the straps this way. DON'T! If you find yourself with messy straps; your best option is to wash the straps by hand using a damp cloth with warm water and possibly mild dish soap! They should also be kept out of the rain or sun light for extended whenever possible.
You have probably seen hundreds of adorable pictures posted by your friends and family with their little ones straps hanging off of their shoulders or their chest clips placed at their belly buttons. You may be hesistant to tell them; I struggled with this for some time. Then I read an article about a woman who lost her child; she herself had posted pictures of her improperly secured toddler, and no one said anything. She dedicates her time to educating others to follow the guidelines and to spreading the word. "I wish I knew better. I wish someone would have told me." were her opening remarks.
If you worry you will offend them; simply share this post and tag all of your parent friends. Chances are there is at least one rule they didn't know of. This post is not inteneded to shame or bash any one. We are simply aware of devastating statistics and the fact is, most people honestly, didn't know they were doing anything wrong. For more information on proper car seat installation and guidelines visit: www.safekids.org. We have included a couple of infographics you can keep handy!
