Are you confident that your child’s car seat is correctly installed? Do you know if they are in the appropriate seat for their weight and height and secured properly? These are essential safety questions every parent should prioritize. Despite car accidents being a leading cause of fatalities among children, many parents overlook the critical importance of car seat safety.
To address this issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated September 23-29 as Child Passenger Safety Week, with Saturday, September 29, celebrated as National Seat Check Saturday. The goal is to raise awareness about car seat safety, provide vital resources, and encourage parents to participate in free car seat checks to ensure that their children’s seats are installed correctly.
“Car seats and boosters offer crucial protection for infants and children during a crash, yet car accidents are a leading cause of death for kids aged 1 to 13,” emphasizes a representative from the NHTSA. “Choosing the right car seat and using it correctly every time your child is in the vehicle is essential. To enhance safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as they fit within the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.”
It’s a stark reality—car crashes are a leading cause of death. While I understand that car seats can be frustrating to manage and children can resist getting buckled in, the risk of losing our kids far outweighs these minor inconveniences.
The NHTSA provides free literature and tutorials on their website to help parents get started with the basics. One of the best actions you can take is to consult a car seat safety expert or find a free car seat check event near you. There will be numerous events on September 29 for National Seat Check Saturday, where professionals will assess your car seat setup at no cost and assist you in properly securing your child. We took advantage of such an event when my youngest was born, and it was invaluable.
For more expert advice, we spoke with Sarah Quinn, a pediatrician and co-creator of the informative site, The Car Seat Lady. She highlights common issues in her practice, such as improper harnessing of children and incorrect installation of car seats. “Often, the child is too loose in the seat’s straps, and the seat itself isn’t secured properly in the car,” Dr. Quinn points out.
One critical mistake many parents make is not using the tether strap on forward-facing car seats. “Always use the tether straps, without exception,” she advises. This practice significantly enhances the safety of the child’s brain and spine during a crash, regardless of how the seat is installed—whether with a seat belt or lower anchor strap.
Additionally, ensuring your child is securely strapped in is vital. Dr. Quinn has a helpful video demonstrating how to eliminate slack around the child’s body and how to position the chest clip correctly at armpit level.
It’s essential not to transition your child to a new type of seat too soon. Children should remain in a rear-facing seat until at least 24 months, as the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends keeping them rear-facing as long as possible, even beyond two years, until they reach the maximum height and weight for their car seat. They should stay in a harnessed forward-facing seat until they are at least 5 years old and weigh 40 pounds.
For children using boosters, it’s crucial they can sit properly in the seat without slouching or playing with the seat belt throughout the entire ride. They shouldn’t abandon their booster until they pass the five-step test available on Dr. Quinn’s website.
I recognize that this topic can feel tedious, and no one wants to be seen as a parent who critiques others’ car seat setups. However, this is an area where there’s little room for error—safety is paramount.
So, let’s spread the word about car seat safety. Share as many resources as you can, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to consult a car seat safety expert or attend a free event this month.
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Summary
Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday are crucial initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of car seat safety. Parents are encouraged to ensure their child’s car seat is correctly installed and used. Expert advice highlights the significance of following safety guidelines and utilizing available resources, including local car seat check events.
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