Myths vs facts: what you need to know about car seat safety
Ensuring your child is safe and secure in the car is of the utmost importance. But how do you know what is really safe and what isn’t? Read on to learn the truths behind common safety misconceptions and ensure you're making the best choices for your little one.
Car seat myth #1: Installing a car seat with a base system is safer than installing it with a seatbelt
Fact: Car seats with or without a base are both safe if installed correctly. There are many different kinds of car seats—some come with a LATCH base system, while others allow you to install the car seat with a seatbelt. Doona offers installation options for both. While both systems are safe, a base can help minimize mistakes and make the car seat easier to install. The ideal installation method for you will depend on your habits, your baby’s comfort, and on the type of car you have.
When shopping for the best rear-facing car seat for your baby, the key is to determine the most compatible car seat for your vehicle. Before you buy, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to review the ways you can install the car seat in your car. When installing the seat, it’s important to stick with one installation method at a time as combining more than one could make the car seat unstable. For ultimate safety, make sure to do your own research. Check the safety requirements in your area as well as the safest position for an infant car seat!
Car seat myth #2: It’s safe to use a second-hand car seat
Fact: If a car seat was in an accident, even a minor one, it is not safe to use and you must replace it. There could be structural damage that you can’t see, or the harness system could be weakened from the force of a crash. The truth is you can never really be certain of the history of a second-hand car seat, which is why we don’t recommend using one. If the car seat was passed down by family or friends and you can verify its history, that’s ok. However, you should still always check the car seat’s expiration date and if there were any recalls before using it.
Car seat myth #3: All car seats purchased online are safe to use
Fact: Some branded car seats sold online could be fakes. In these cases, it’s hard to know if the car seat is certified with the proper safety measures, and definitely not worth the risk. When shopping for a car seat online, always make sure to check who the seller is and if they are legitimate. There are many ways to verify a seller’s validity. Check for reviews and testimonials from previous customers, and look for a brand website. You can also reach out to customer service to verify the company before purchasing. Use your better judgment here. If there are no reviews, no company website, or the pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is. To ensure your car seat is certified with the necessary safety regulations, always purchase from a reputable website.
Car seat myth #4: Car seats don’t really expire
Fact: Actually, car seats do expire. Car seat expiration dates can range from five to ten years from the manufacturing date, depending on the company. Temperature, sunlight, and use can all weaken the car seat’s materials, and safety features are constantly being updated to meet new safety standards. For these reasons, we recommend purchasing your car seat new whenever possible, as you will be able to use it safely for longer before it expires. Note that the expiration date for Doona is six years after the manufacturer's date, which means that you should not use your Doona after this date.
Car seat myth #5: Once your child turns two, they no longer need to sit rear-facing
Fact: On the contrary! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children should stay in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. This means keeping them in the seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat’s manufacturer, and has little to do with age.
Staying rear-facing for as long as your child fits in their seat will ensure maximum safety, as it provides the best protection for your baby’s head, neck, and spine, which are particularly vulnerable in an accident. However, because every child grows at a different pace, it’s important to pay attention to their positioning so you’ll know when it’s time to switch to a forward-facing car seat. Making sure the car seat fits your child’s current size is crucial, but it’s also important not to switch them prematurely, which is a common car seat mistake parents make. For infant car seats, there should be at least an inch of space between your baby’s head and the top of the seat. If there is less than an inch, it could be a sign that your child is starting to outgrow their seat.
Car seat myth #6: Any brand’s car seat will work for my child
Fact: Not all car seats are created equal. These days, car seats are not one-size-fits-all. Each car seat has specific weight and height limits, installation requirements, materials, and features designed for different stages of your child's development. It’s important to note that all car seats in the U.S. pass the FMVSS213 safety regulation, which means any car seat sold by a reputable brand, fits your child, and is installed correctly is safe. However, more expensive car seats may be easier to install, which can ensure proper installation, and they may have advanced materials that go above and beyond in terms of crash testing.
Remember that for ultimate safety and comfort, it’s essential to choose a car seat that fits your child’s current size. But before you make a final decision, be sure to check out how Doona provides the highest level of newborn car seat safety! For help installing your Doona properly in the car, watch our instructional ‘how to’ videos!
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.
