We all know that the point of getting a car seat for our child is to keep them safe.  Although, what we probably don’t know is that there is a good chance our car seat isn’t installed properly or being used correctly.  A recent survey stated that 8 out of 10 infant and toddler car seats had a problem with how they were installed or were used.

Car seats reduce risk of fatal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.  So, to make sure you know everything you should as a parent, take our car seat quiz to see how you score!

1.) The 2 most common mistakes parents make when it comes to car seat safety are:

A. Buying a cheap seat.  B. Not securing the seat to their vehicle tight enough.  C.  Not tightening the harness tight enough.  D.  Installing the car seat at the wrong angle.

Answer: B and C.  You need to make sure they’re strapped in tight and the seat is strapped in tight as well.  If it’s not, they will move side to side or front to back during an impact which could be dangerous.

2.) Where is the best place to install a car seat?

A.  Front passenger seat.  B.  In the back seat behind the driver.  C.  In the center of the back seat.  D.  In the back seat behind the passenger.

Answer: C.  The center of the back seat is the safest area for your little one.

3.) True or false?  The LATCH system can help make installing easier

Answer:  True.

4.) It’s time to switch from rear facing to forward facing when:

A.  They’re too big for their infant seat.  B.  They’re too big for their rear-facing convertible seat.  C.  One year old.  D.  Weighing 20 lbs.

Answer: B.  When they’re too big for their rear-facing seat they should make the switch.  They will usually be one year and 20 lbs around this time.

5.) If your child’s head can flop forward when they’re in their car seat you should:

A.  Make sure the harness is tight.  B.  Make sure their car seat is reclined at the right angle.  C.  Buy a head support  D.  Both A and B.

Answer:  D.  Making sure they’re tightly strapped in and the recline is angled right can help protect your little one’s airway.

6.)  Before you put your child in their car seat you should make sure:

A.  It is less than 6 years old.  B.  Has all the parts it needs.  C.  It’s never been in an accident.  D.  All of the above.

Answer: D.  All of the above are very important!

7.)  To make sure you’ve installed the seat properly you should:

A.  Check your vehicle’s instruction manual.  B.  Read the instructions that came with the car seat.  C.  Have it looked over by a professional at a fire station or police department.  D.  All of the above.

Answer: D.  All of the following are important in making sure it’s installed correctly.

So, how did you do on the car seat quiz?  Some questions are tricky but it’s important that you know all the answers to the questions!  If you’re looking to shop for a car seat now, check out our car seat website!