Monday, November 16, 2009

Toddler Car Seat Questions:

1) Where does the seat go in the vehicle?

The center of the back seat is the safest place in the car--it is 43% safer than the side seats.

2) When is my child too big for his forward-facing seat?

There are three things to look for to see if your child is too big for his forward-facing seat:weight limit

A. Weight limit. Your child must not exceed the child safety seat's maximum weight limit. Check your instruction manual for your seat's limits. Maximum weight limits range from 40 to 80 pounds. head height limit

B. Head Height limit. Your child's ears must not be taller than the top of the child safety seat. shoulder height limit

C. Shoulder Height limit. Your child's shoulders must not be higher than the top harness strap slot used for forward-facing 5-point harness mode.

Should I buy a big seat with a high weight limit?

High-weight harness child safety seats are becoming more popular, and for good reason.

A. Safer than booster seats
B. Great for taller toddlers
C. Will last longer than shorter/smaller seats
D. Great for kids with special needs
E. Great for cars with lap-only belts

Friday, November 13, 2009

Most Common Safety Seat Mistakes

What are the most common child safety seat installation mistakes?*

  • Not using the right child safety seats for a child's size and age;
  • Not placing the child safety seat in the correct direction;
  • Incorrect installation of the child safety seat in relation to the vehicle's air bags;
  • Incorrect installation and tightness of the child safety seat to the vehicle seat;
  • Not securing/tightening the child safety seat's harness and crotch straps;
  • Improper use of locking clips for certain vehicle safety belts;
  • Not making sure the vehicle's seat belts fit properly across the child when using a booster seat; and
  • Using a defective or broken child safety seat.

*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

A few great resoures for more safety tips:

SeatCheck.org they'll also tell you where you can get your car seat safely installed for FREE.

The Car Seat Lady has a lot of great information.