6 Car Seat Safety Tips

Baby in rear facing car seat has the safety belt on

Parents spend a lot of time worrying about their kids. That includes time at home, school, and even in the car. For younger children, not only do car seats protect them, but they’re also required by law. Before driving your vehicle from Barbour-Hendrick Honda in Greenville, North Carolina, consider these car seat safety tips first.

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Children Safe in the Car

If you have younger kids, never go anywhere without them buckled securely in a car seat. First, make sure you choose a model that meets current safety standards. Second, rely on these tips for optimal protection.

Rear-facing

As children age, they go from a rear-facing car seat to one facing forward. However, keep your kids in a car seat that faces the rear for as long as possible. Not only does this enhance their safety, but it’s also more comfortable for them. Today, many companies sell rear-facing car seats that can accommodate kids between 35 and 50 pounds.

When It’s Time to Boost

As your children become bigger, they’ll eventually end up in a booster. However, before that happens, make sure these five things apply.

  • Does your child’s back touch the seat?
  • Do their knees bend at the seat’s edge?
  • Does the seatbelt properly fit between their neck and shoulder?
  • Can they sit straight without slouching?
  • Does the lap seatbelt fit over their thighs as opposed to their stomach?

If they do, they’re ready for a booster.

Tethering Forward-facing Car Seats

If your child rides in a car seat facing forward, always use the tether. This safety strap secures the car seat to an anchor in the back of the vehicle. If ever in an accident, it would prevent your child’s head from moving forward by as much as six to eight inches.

Remove Coats and Other Bulky Clothes

Before you buckle your child into a car seat, remove their coat, sweater, or other bulky clothing items. That way, you can secure the straps correctly for the best protection.

Always Put Your Child in a Car Seat

Whether driving four blocks away from home to buy groceries or visiting family in another state, make this a priority. At no time should any child ride in a vehicle unless they’re properly restrained. When traveling, you can usually rent a car seat that meets current safety standards.

Develop a Pattern

Did you know that 90 percent of the time, parents don’t use car seats correctly? On average, they make three mistakes. When protecting your child, there’s no room for error. For that reason, develop a pattern that follows the guidelines of both the car seat’s manufacturer and current safety practices. That way, you can avoid making even one mistake when securing your child in the car.

Keep Your Child Safe

To accomplish this, rely on these helpful tips. Another thing, be sure you drive a safe vehicle, preferably one with lots of airbags and good anchors for tethering. Check out the inventory at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, North Carolina.

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