car seat safety

Guidelines for Safe Use

Using a car seat is the best way to keep your child safe in the car—but it can only protect your child if it’s used correctly. It’s important to follow the instructions that come with your car seat. Read them ahead of time, then practice installing the car seat and strapping in your child. This way you’ll know how to use it when you need it.

Make sure your child is protected in the car seat by following these tips:

• Use a rear-facing car seat for infants and toddlers until they reach the height or weight limit for the seat. They may be able to ride rear-facing past age 2. In an accident, the back of the car seat will help protect the baby’s head, neck and torso.
  
• Don’t dress your child in bulky clothing like a big coat. The straps won’t be tight enough to secure your child. Dress your child in thin layers. If it’s cold, put a coat or blanket over the straps.
  
• Use the pinch test when tightening the harness straps. If you can pinch the straps into a fold, then it needs to be tightened. But don’t make them too tight—make sure you can stick your finger between the strap and your child’s body.
  
• Double-check that the car seat is secured each time you take it in and out.
  
• Only use items that came with your car seat. Using extra items like belt tighteners and extra padding can affect how well the car seat protects your child.

Remember that your car seat should meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. It will say this on the label.