Common car seat mistakes parents make
We know that nothing is more important than your baby’s safety. But let’s face it, keeping them safe and secure can sometimes get complicated, especially when it comes to car seats. They can be confusing to put together, and the amount of information out there is overwhelming.
If you feel like you don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. The majority of parents will make at least one error during car seat installation, which can have a huge impact on the safety of your child. Being informed and educated is the best way to prevent errors. With that in mind, take a look at some of the most common car seat mistakes parents make, and how to prevent them.
Not reading the manual
The first step in making sure your child is safe is knowing how to use the seat. Although there are general guidelines for all seats, each one is made differently by a different manufacturer and may have specific features or instructions that go along with it. Review the manual for both the car seat and the car itself so you’ll know how to properly install a car seat into your car in the safest position possible.
Installing it too loosely
Most of the mistakes parents make are in the installation. A common error is leaving the seat too loose. When you tug on the car seat, it shouldn’t move more than one inch in any direction, whether you are using a LATCH base or no base at all. Even the highest quality car seats can’t do their job if they aren’t installed properly, so make sure you are educated on safe car seat installation.
If you need help, you can always reach out to a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Their job is to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly use car seats. CPSTs provide personalized instruction on how to properly install a car seat in a vehicle, as well as how to properly secure a child in the car seat. If you can’t find a technician, you can also ask the store where the car seat was purchased to demonstrate and assist you with installation in your car.
Not fastening the harness straps correctly
Harness straps are a common source of confusion for parents, because they must be positioned correctly and can vary between car seats. A general rule of thumb is to keep the straps tight enough that you can only fit one finger underneath, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable for your child. The chest clip is an important piece of the seat and should be positioned at armpit level. Understanding the different types of harnesses, and why your child needs a 5-point harness car seat could also be helpful for preventing improper installation.
Switching to a forward-facing seat too quickly
Knowing when to switch to a forward-facing car seat is extremely important to your child’s safety. Transitioning from rear-facing to a front-facing car seat is a significant milestone in your child’s development, which is why parents sometimes make the switch too early. Keep in mind that each time you transition your child to a different car seat, less protection is in place. Remember to focus on their weight and height as opposed to their age, as each child is different. As long as your child remains within the weight and height limit for their car seat, they should stay in that size. Don’t let them outgrow their seat, but don’t rush the transition, either.
Not checking for recalls
Car seat recalls happen all the time, but many people don’t know to check if theirs made the list. While not all car seat recalls pose a serious threat, a faulty buckle or a latch that doesn’t close properly can affect whether or not your child is safe. If your car seat has been recalled, contact the manufacturer for instructions on next steps. Additionally, it’s never recommended to buy a used car seat, as you don’t know if it’s been recalled or what past damage has potentially impacted its safety.
Not traveling with your car seat
Car seats are meant to keep your child safe while traveling in a moving vehicle, which includes planes, trains, and everything in between. Not only will bringing a car seat help keep your child safe, but it also ensures you’ll have the right one for your child when you get to your destination, rather than relying on the rental car company to provide one. If your family travels a lot, invest in a travel-approved car seat so your little one will always be safe no matter where you’re headed.
At the end of the day, safety is a top priority. No matter which car seat you choose, avoiding these mistakes is the first step towards making sure your child is secure. Even after you finish installing your car seat and feel that it's ready for your child, it never hurts to have a professional double-check. There are tons of car seat technicians who will help you install your car seat and correct any errors you may have made so your child will be safe and secure.
Doona makes it easy, with quick and easy installation with or without a base. It’s also aircraft approved, so you never have to go anywhere without it. If you’re ready to make car seat mistakes a thing of the past, check out our full collection of infant car seat seats and strollers, and view our instructional installation videos so you’ll feel confident every time you and your little one hit the road. For more details on how Doona provides the highest level of newborn car seat safety, be sure to check out our safety blogs.
At Doona, we’re always trying our very best to make parenting simpler for every family. Which is also why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat & Stroller which transforms from a car seat to a stroller in the click of a button; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside toddlers with five modes of use.
