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Car seat safety: Avoid 9 common mistakes
3. Using the car seat outside of the car
4. Incorrectly installing the car seat or buckling up your child
5. Reclining your child at the incorrect angle
6. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon
7. Not removing your child's heavy outerwear
8. Moving to a booster seat too soon
9. Incorrectly using a booster seat
10. Transitioning to a safety belt too soon
9. Transitioning to a safety belt too soon
3. Incorrectly installing the car seat or buckling up your child
4. Reclining your child at the incorrect angle
6. Not removing your child's heavy outerwear
8. Incorrectly using a booster seat
9. Transitioning to a seat belt too soon
1. Getting a used car seat without doing your homework
Content
1. Getting a used car seat without checking that it's safe
2. Placing the car seat in the wrong spot
3. Installing the car seat or buckling up your child the wrong way
4. Reclining your child at the wrong angle
5. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon
6. Not removing your child's heavy outer clothes
7. Moving to a booster seat too soon
8. Using a booster seat the wrong way
9. Switching to a seat belt too soon
4. Incorrectly installing the car seat or buckling up your child
5. Reclining your child at the incorrect angle
6. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon
7. Not removing your child's heavy outerwear
8. Moving to a booster seat too soon
9. Incorrectly using a booster seat
10. Transitioning to a safety belt too soon
9. Transitioning to a safety belt too soon
3. Incorrectly installing the car seat or buckling up your child
4. Reclining your child at the incorrect angle
6. Not removing your child's heavy outerwear
8. Incorrectly using a booster seat
9. Transitioning to a seat belt too soon
1. Getting a used car seat without doing your homework
Content
1. Getting a used car seat without checking that it's safe
2. Placing the car seat in the wrong spot
3. Installing the car seat or buckling up your child the wrong way
4. Reclining your child at the wrong angle
5. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon
6. Not removing your child's heavy outer clothes
7. Moving to a booster seat too soon
8. Using a booster seat the wrong way
9. Switching to a seat belt too soon
9. Switching to a seat belt too soon
Most kids can safely use an adult seat belt sometime between ages 8 and 12. Here's how you'll know that your child is ready:
- Your child sits against the back of the seat with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching.
- Your child can keep feet flat on the floor.
- The lap belt lies low across your child's upper thighs. Avoid having the lap belt go across the belly. The shoulder belt rests on the middle of your child's chest and touches the center of the shoulder. Avoid letting the belt rest on the neck or face.
- Your child can sit safely for the entire ride.
Keep in mind that the back seat is the safest place for children younger than age 13. This may be a law in your state.
It can be a good idea to take part in a local car seat clinic or inspection event. These can be helpful if you have questions about child passenger safety laws. People at these events also can help you install a car seat. You also can check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for help finding a car seat inspection station.
