Some carseat safety tips for new and old moms:
As new moms some of you may not realize ALL that goes into keeping your kids safe while in the car. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death to children in the US and over 70% of carseats are either installed improperly or are being used improperly, lets keep our kids safe by following a few simple rules.
1. Children should remain rearfacing until the limit of their seats, or until the bare minimum of 2 years old but ideally until 4 years old or longer.
2. When installed, the seat (or base) should not move more then one inch side to side at the belt path
3. The harness straps should be AT or BELOW for rearfacing....and AT or ABOVE for forward facing (unless you live in Europe)
4. It's called a chest clip for a reason. The chest clip (unless you live in Europe) should be EVEN with the armpits and the straps should be tight enough that you cannot pinch the straps between your fingers at the shoulder.
5. Never install your seat with BOTH the Latch and the seatbelt. Pick one or the other.
6. After market products should not be used while baby is riding in the car. These include but are not limited to....bundle me's, harness strap covers, suction cup window shades, head positioners, toys on the carrying handle...ect. The rule of thumb is, if it didn't come WITH the carseat or is not made and tested BY the manufacturer it should not be used while baby is riding in a car.
7. Never leave your baby unattended in a car for any reason, even to run into the gas station to pay for gas. Take them with you.
8. Infant seats do not go on top of shopping carts. Put baby IN the cart or wear them in a sling
9. If you are unsure if you seat is installed properly or are not sure you are able to install it right, find a certified CPST in your area by going to cert.safekids.org.
10. No coats or snow suits while in the car seat. Use blankets, preheat your car or put the coat on backwards AFTER the child is properly strapped in.
Keep those kiddos safe in the car. They are our future!