According to safercar.gov, “Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.”
It is always a good time for a refresher course; check out these 10 Quick Car Seat Reminders!
10 Quick Car Seat Reminders
1. Choose the right seat according to your child’s age and weight and your personal vehicle. Take time to research before purchasing.
2. Read the Car Seat Instruction Manual and your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual to know how to install the car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system. Be sure to know the height and weight limits.
3. When installing the seat, press down firmly on the car seat base (use your whole body weight). You should not be able to move the car seat base side-to-side or front-to-back more than 1 inch.
4. Harness straps should lie flat and not be twisted.
5. Harness straps should be snug, meaning you are not able to pinch excess material.
6. Harness straps should exit the slot at back of the seat at or below the child’s shoulder level, not above.
7. The chest clip should be buckled and sit at the child’s armpit level.
8. Register your Car Seat so that you will be notified if the seat is recalled.
9. Get your seat installed or checked by a professional. Use this “Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator “ to find a one near you: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm
10.Continue to re-adjust the Car Seat as needed. The seat itself and the harnesses will loosen over time, and children will grow.
Photo credit: originally posted here.