When my partner and I prepared for our first child, we quickly discovered that we weren’t exactly handy when it came to car seat installation. The manual suggested it would be straightforward, but once we started, the various buckles and adjustments felt overwhelming. After some frustration, we called in a relative to help us secure the seat, but I often wonder if we did it right. Thankfully, we never had to test it in an accident.
Fast forward to the arrival of our second son five years later. This time, I didn’t want to take any risks. I sought out a certified car seat safety inspector who corrected our previous installation mistakes and provided clear guidance on proper usage. The peace of mind we gained from that appointment was priceless.
Initially, I suspected our car seat was improperly installed, but it turns out many parents share my concern. A recent study from the U.K. found that two-thirds of car seats are not correctly installed. Conducted by the British magazine What Car, the study involved checking 3,000 vehicles between 2016 and 2017. Alarmingly, 36% of the car seats were improperly positioned, and 33% did not fit the child correctly. Even more shocking was that 3% of children were riding without any car seat whatsoever. How is this still happening in 2018?
If that’s not enough to raise eyebrows, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics surveyed 291 families and found that a staggering 77% of car seats were incorrectly installed and 86% were not positioned right. The research highlighted numerous safety errors, with 91% of families making mistakes related to harness positioning, reclining angles, and seat belt usage. This is a serious issue!
Car seat safety should be a priority for all parents. The CDC reports that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among children, and many fatalities stem from improper car seat use. In fact, correct car seat use can reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
What Can You Do?
Experts recommend against attempting to install a car seat on your own, even if you feel confident. It’s best to have a professional check it. Debra Miller, a car seat safety specialist, stresses the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions and consulting your vehicle’s manual. She encourages all parents to seek professional help, stating, “It’s easy to misinterpret directions.”
For assistance, look into SafeKids, which offers free monthly car seat checks nationwide. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provide complimentary inspections. Many local fire departments offer car seat checks, so don’t hesitate to reach out to yours for more information.
Don’t put off getting your car seat inspected! Most parents struggle with the installation process, so getting a professional check is a smart move. Making sure your child’s car seat is properly installed is invaluable.
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In summary, the majority of parents may be installing their car seats incorrectly, which can have dire consequences. Professional checks are recommended to ensure your child’s safety. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your little one.
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