As a parent, it is important to realize just how important your child’s car seat really is!  This is what protects them while riding in the car with you, and makes sure they are as safe as possible.  There are several great car seats to choose from out there, but in order for them to work to their fullest they must be installed properly, and must be the right kind for your child.

It is also important to consider a few car seat safety tips as well.  These will help make sure the two of you feel more at ease, and have safer rides to wherever you may be traveling.

Car Seat Safety Tips:

Manual – Make sure you always read the instruction/installation manual correctly.  You should look over this for the car seat and for your vehicle in the owner’s guide.

Position – For your child to be sitting safely in the car, the rear center is the safest position.  Avoid putting them in the front passenger seat, and behind the passenger seats.

Airbags – You always want to make sure you avoid putting your baby in front of an airbag.  These can be dangerous and over powering to your little one.

Tight fit – When you install the car seat, you want to make sure it has a very snug fit.  It shouldn’t be able to move more than one inch on both sides, and shouldn’t rock back and forth easily.

Rear-facing – Your little one MUST be rear-facing if they are less than one year old AND under 20 pounds.  They have to meet both requirements!

Chest clips – The chest clips on the car seat should be level with their armpits to make sure they are snug and they fit  to where they should be.

Requirements – Your child must be in a car seat if they are less than 4’9″ and younger than 8 years old.

Making sure your little one is safe while riding in the car is very important.  Make sure you read these safety tips and that you follow them for every child that rides in the car with you.