Car Seat Safety

It's truly surprising to me how little parents know about car seat safety. Why would you not do a little research into your child's safety in the car?? It makes no sense to me. It very rare that I see a picture of a child in their car seat correctly. Though I'm no expert, here are some safety tips for you!

-When rear facing (which should be done as long as possible), the straps should be AT or BELOW the shoulders.

- Only when forward facing should the straps be at or above the shoulders.

- The chest clip should be at the height of the armpit, NOT near the belly or neck.

- Rear facing should be done until AT LEAST one year AND 20lbs, NOT whichever comes first.

- New recommendations are that a child be rear facing until 2-4 or until the child reaches the height or weight limits on his/her convertible car seat.

- It is 500% safer for a child to be rear facing. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DVfqFhseo&feature=player_embedded.

- Convertible car seats with a five point harness are safest for children under 40 lbs as long as they're not too tall for their seat.

- There is no such thing as a 'safer' car seat. All seats go through the same tests. The safest car seat is one that fits your car and child, is installed properly, and one in which your child is buckled in properly. After installing your car seat, you should get it checked by a technician.

- If your car seat is in an accident, it will need to be replaced.

- Products like the 'Bundle Me' that go between the baby and the straps should never be used. In an accident, the material can compress and cause the straps to not be tight enough. This is also true of big coats/snowsuits on baby. It's must safer to put a blanket over them, or use a 'shower cap' type cover.

- Check out more tips at http://www.car-safety.org/.

Good luck and keep your child safe!