Car seat safety is such a popular topic in the mom.life community because it is so important to the…

Car seat safety is such a popular topic in the mom.life community because it is so important to the safety of your child. Here are 10 common mistakes that can easily be corrected.

1️⃣ Using an unknown used car seat

Used car seats can definitely be used for your child, but you must do your research on it. Make sure the car seat:

- Still has a label showing the model number, manufacture date and instructions

- Is not more than six years old or expired

- Has not been recalled

- Does not have any damage or missing parts

- Has not been in a car accident of any kind

2️⃣ Putting the car seat in the wrong spot

The back seat is the safest place for your child's car seat because of your car's air bags. If an air bag inflates and hits a car seat, it could hit your child's heat and cause a fatal injury.

If your child must travel in the front row, the air bags must be deactivated.

Also, the center of the back seat is the best position if you only have one car seat. Positioning it next to a door could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

3️⃣ Using the car seat for sleeping

Remember your car seat's primary purpose is to protect your child while traveling in your car. It should not replace your crib. Recent studies have found that being in car seat for long periods of time could compress a newborn's chest and lead to lower levels of oxygen, cause flat spots on your baby's head and increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

4️⃣ Installing or buckling up incorrectly

Always carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing your child's car seat. Also read your vehicle’s owners manual about car seats.

When placing your child in the car seat, make the straps are secure, allowing no more than 1-inch of movement from the sides. Your child should be snug in the seat.

5️⃣ Reclining your child at the incorrect angle

Recline the car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that your child’s head doesn’t flop forward. This is important when you are using the car seat in a rear facing position. Many seats now include angle indicators or adjusters. One good tip is to place a tightly rolled towel under the seat’s front edge to achieve the right angle.

6️⃣ Moving to forward-facing too soon

The rear facing position is recommended until a child reaches age 2 or the highest weight — at least 35 pounds or 16 kilograms — or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Consider a convertible car seat, which can be used both rear facing or forward facing and usually has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than an infant-only seat.

7️⃣ Dressing your child in bulky winter clothing

This is a common mistake during the winter months. It is best to dress your child in lightweight clothing and place the bulkier jacket over the harness straps. If you strap your child in while wearing the heavy coat, the harness may be too loose and may not hold your child in the seat in an accident.

8️⃣ Moving to a booster seat too soon

Booster seats help older children safely use adult safety belts correctly. Switch from a car seat to a booster seat when your child has topped the highest weight — typically 40 to 80 pounds or 18 to 36 kilograms.

9️⃣ Using a booster seat improperly

Booster seats must always be used with both a lap and shoulder belt, never a lap-only belt. Even backless booster seats must have a shoulder and lap belts. Be sure the lap belt lies snug and low acorss the upper thights, and the shoulder belt should cross the center of your child’s chest and shoulder.

🔟 Using the vehicle safety belt too soon

A booster seat helps position your child safely while using adult seat belts. It is best for your child to stay in the booster until he/she is about 8 to 12 year old. Here’s how you’ll know when your child is ready to come out of the booster seat:

Your child reaches the height of 4 feet 9 inches

- When sitting against the back of the seat, his or her knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat

- The lap belt rests flat and snugly across your child’s upper thighs, and the shoulder belt rests on the middle of your child’s shoulder and chest

- Additionally, the back seat is the safest place for children younger than age 13.

If you have questions about car seat safety laws or need help installing a car seat, check with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to find a car seat inspection station.

Share your car seat experiences in the comments below!