As a first-time parent, I recall a moment when my friend casually pointed out that my baby’s car seat harness was way too low. “You really should adjust that clip to be at his armpit level,” she said while making the fix. My initial reaction was defensive: “Does it really matter?” Spoiler alert: it absolutely does! She went on to explain that, in a crash, my little one could be flung from his seat if not secured properly. This conversation was a real eye-opener, and since then, I’ve become a bit of a car-seat safety fanatic.
Why? Because, according to the CDC, car accidents are among the leading causes of death for children. So, you can call me overly cautious if you want, but ensuring my kids are safe in the car is non-negotiable for me. Beyond the harness height, there are several common mistakes parents often make regarding car-seat safety. Luckily, most of them can be easily corrected. Here are five of the biggest blunders:
- Improper Car Seat Installation
To install a car seat correctly, you need to ensure it fits your vehicle, that you’re using the LATCH system or seat belts the right way, and that it’s facing the correct direction (rear-facing or forward-facing). If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, don’t sweat it! Get a professional to inspect your car seat; many offer free checks. Check out SaferCar.gov to find a nearby inspection station. - Misusing the Harness and Straps
Aside from the harness clip being too low (remember: it should be at armpit level), the straps themselves need to have the right tension. You can do the “pinch test” to check—if you can pinch the straps between your fingers, they need to be tighter. Also, ensure the straps are threaded through the right slots: for rear-facing seats, they should be at or below the child’s shoulders; for forward-facing, they should be at or above. - Turning the Car Seat Forward Too Soon
When my first child was born, the guideline was to keep him rear-facing until he was one year old or 20 pounds. Guess what? We flipped him at around 18 months—way too soon! The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends keeping kids rear-facing until at least their second birthday. Dr. Mark Jensen, a pediatrician, emphasizes that children are five times safer rear-facing in the event of an accident. So, if you’re worried about their legs, don’t be—kids are more flexible than we think! - Bundling Up in Bulky Coats
As a new mom, I thought dressing my baby in a thick winter coat was the responsible thing to do. Wrong! Bulky outerwear can cause the straps to be too loose, compromising safety in a crash. Instead, dress your child in thin layers, and place their coat over them once they’re buckled in. Alternatively, a warm blanket can do the trick after they’re secured. - Transitioning to a Booster Seat Too Early
Booster seats may say they’re suitable for kids as young as three, but that doesn’t mean they should be used then. According to The Car Seat Guide, children should only use booster seats if they meet three criteria: they must be 4 or 5 years old, weigh at least 40 pounds, and be able to keep the seatbelt properly positioned across their chest. Dr. Jensen reiterates that five-point harnesses are much safer than boosters and should be used as long as possible.
I know it can be overwhelming, but visiting a certified child passenger safety technician can help ease your concerns. You can find more about CPSTs and local clinics here. While we can’t shield our kids from every danger, knowing you’re doing everything possible to keep them safe in the car can bring peace of mind.