Child Safety Seat Tips for Parents

 

Did you know that child safety seats can reduce fatal injury significantly in babies and toddlers? Children are the most precious cargo when on the road, and steps have to be taken to ensure that they are completely safe. Children are at the safest when properly seated in the child safety seat. Here are some tips to ensure your children are safe while on the road:

Choose the right car seat for your child.

Buying the incorrect car seat for your child can have dire consequences. Read the instructions thoroughly and make sure to ensure that you get the right car seat for your child's age, height and weight. Many parents rush to put their toddler into a booster seat; however, you should hold off until your child is at least too tall for a regular car seat.

Get your child safety seat checked out.

Did you know that you can get your car seat checked out to make sure that it has been installed properly? Many hospitals offer a free car seat check when you are leaving with your newborn. Also, your local police station and fire station will also perform a car safety seat check. Visit one of these agencies and make sure to ask for a certified child passenger safety technician.

Position the child safety seat correctly.

Make sure that your child is buckled in safely in their child safety seat. Make sure to find the right spot for your child's car seat - decide whether the car seat will fit better in the middle or on either side of the backseat. Never place a car seat in the front seat of any vehicle.

Tighten the harness until you can't put a finger under the belt and place the clips in the proper position (this will all depend on the type of car seat you are using). Make sure to keep your infant in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible. And keep your older child in a booster seat for as long as possible.