Summer is here and family adventures are on the horizon! When you’re traveling with little ones in tow, keeping them secure and protected in the car is the top priority. These car seat safety tips can help ensure you get to your destination with your most precious cargo.
- Rear-Facing Rules: The AAP recommends keeping children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible (until they reach the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer) for optimal protection for head, neck, and spine.
- Tether Together: When your child transitions to a forward-facing car seat, be sure to use the tether strap that comes with it. Tethering provides an extra layer of stability and minimizes forward movement during a collision.
- 5-Step Booster Test: Bigger kids ready to transition out of a booster seat? Make sure your child passes all 5 steps:
- Can they sit all the way back against the vehicle seat?
- Do their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
- Does the shoulder belt cross their shoulder, not their neck or face?
- Does the lap belt sit low on their hips, touching their thighs?
- Can they stay seated like this for the entire trip?
- Restraint Required: Lead by example! Make it a rule for everyone in the car to buckle up, including adults. Show kids that seat belts are a non-negotiable safety measure.
- No Bulky Buckling: Ensure your child removes any bulky clothing, like jackets or sweaters, before buckling them into their car seat. Bulky clothes can prevent the straps from fitting snugly, reducing their effectiveness in a crash.
- Keep Straps Snug: Double-check that the harness straps are snug and secure with no slack for maximum protection.
- Always Use a Car Seat: Whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, always use a car seat for your child’s safety. Rent or bring your own to ensure proper protection no matter where you go.
- Check With a Tech: Seek installation and fit assistance from a certified child passenger safety technician. They can provide expert guidance and ensure your car seat is installed properly.
- No Phone Zone: Distracted driving is dangerous. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in any activity that diverts your attention from driving, even if you have a hands-free device.
- Center is Safest: When you have multiple children, try to place the oldest child with the least-protected car seat in the middle. The center position provides the most protection in case of a side-impact collision.