Child car seats can be confusing, both for new parents and parenting veterans. However, if you follow our car seat safety tips, you can buckle down and learn to use them like a pro.
Tips for choosing/buying a car seat:
- Do your research. Check online for car seat safety recalls, read user reviews, and ask friends who have small children for help choosing the best seat.
- Don’t buy a used seat. Only use an older seat if you know the seat’s complete crash history (for example, a seat that belonged to a friend or relative). You should also check online for any recalls and look for the manufacture date on the label. Most seats expire between six and eight years after this date, because plastics and foams used in the car seat can degrade over time.
- Read the label. Make sure it’s the right model for your child’s age and size. Infants should ride in a rear-facing seat until they’re at least two years old. (Consult the user’s manual for the age/weight limits of your model.)
- Get a seat with a 5-point harness. With straps that go over both shoulders and hips and buckle at the crotch, the 5-point harness gives your child the best protection.
- Register the seat. Fill out the enclosed form or register online. Once you’re registered, the manufacturer can contact you in the event of a car seat safety recall.
Tips for installing a car seat:
- Read the manual. Don’t think, “I’ll figure it out.” Follow the instructions exactly. If you can’t find your manual, most companies have a PDF version on their website. You’ll just need the model number and date of manufacture, which should be on a sticker on the bottom or side of the seat.
- Find the best spot. The center of the back seat is the safest, but if you have multiple car seats, this may not be possible. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended locations.
- Watch a video. If you’re confused by the car seat manual (and who isn’t?), look on YouTube for an installation video of your car seat model.
- Do the inch test. Once installed, you should not be able to move the seat more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back.
- Tether all forward-facing car seats. The tether is a strap that secures the top of the seat to an anchor in the back of your vehicle.
- Attend an event. Want to be positive you have it right? Attend one of the car seat safety check events presented by safety organizations or fire departments. They’ll help you make sure the seat is properly installed.
Tips for using a car seat:
- Keep babies/toddlers in a rear-facing seat as long as possible. It’s safer, and most of today’s seats can accommodate kids in a rear-facing position until at least the age of 2.
- Position straps correctly. For rear-facing seats (ages 0-2), the straps should emerge from the top of the seat at or below the child’s shoulders. For forward-facing car seats (ages 2-5), the straps should emerge at or above the child’s shoulders.
- Make straps snug.The retainer clip — the plastic clip that brings the straps together on your child’s chest — should be positioned at their armpits for the best protection. After they’re strapped in, do the pinch test: Try to pinch up the strap at the shoulder. If you can get any of the material between your fingers, the straps are too loose.
- Remove coats or blankets before buckling.The extra bulk will make the straps seem snugger than they are. Strap your child in with their coat off, then put the coat or a blanket over the top to keep them warm.
- Know when to make a move. When your child reaches the height or weight limit of their current seat, it’s time to move up to the next model. Here are general guidelines (but always consult your user’s manual):
- Rear-facing car seat: 0-2 years
- Forward-facing car seat: 2-5 years
- Booster seat: 5-8 years or until 4’ 9” tall
- Seat belt: 4’ 9” or taller
Even after graduating to regular seat belts, children should ride in the back seat until the age of 13.
For more in-depth guidance on car seat safety, consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
One last tip: Before your child ever gets buckled in, make sure your auto insurance is up to date. If you’ve recently upgraded to a vehicle with more safety features for your family, you could get discounts on your policy. Talk to a local, independent agent today.
This content was developed for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information relevant and up to date, we make no guarantees or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information, products, services, or graphics contained within the blog. The blog content is not intended to serve as professional or expert advice for your insurance needs. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy services.
