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Recent studies revealed that, despite the wide availability of free car seat checks, an alarming majority of parents are still failing to correctly install and use their child’s car seats. Many parents do get their car seats inspected before bringing a new baby home from the hospital, but fail to get it inspected as they trade up while their baby grows into a toddler.
One of the most common errors in installing a car seat is a failure to use tether straps that can help keep the top of the car seat secure in the case of an accident. Use of these straps helps insure that there is no injury to a child’s head, so it is extremely important that they are used. Many parents are not even aware that tether straps exist, and groups concerned with child safety are attempting to raise awareness.
Another concern is that some children are not even in seats when they need to be. While it’s commonly believed that those over the age of six do not need any additional restraints in a vehicle, children ages seven and eight should actually be using a booster seat while in a vehicle.
Although past recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that children need only be put in rear facing car seats until they reach their first birthday, the latest research has prompted the organization to amend their prior recommendation. Now, parents are advised to continue using a rear facing car seat until they reach their second birthday.
Are you using a car seat in your vehicle? Instead of hoping or assuming that you’ve followed the instructions correctly, why not schedule an appointment for a free inspection? If you’re not sure where to go to get your child’s car seat inspected, start by calling the local AAA, which often does inspections whether or not you are a member, or the police department. Even if neither in your area offers the service, they will likely be able to point you in the right direction. Your child’s safety is worth the fifteen minutes it takes to have your car seat inspected!
