Car Seat Safety Tips: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Did you know that approximately 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused? That makes them almost ineffective in a crash ⁽¹⁾.

Car seat safety is non-negotiable. But buying the seat is only step one. You also need to know the proper placement, how to buckle your child correctly, and exactly when to upgrade.

We have the car seat safety tips you need to protect your little passenger on every trip.

Why You Should Use a Car Seat

You might be the safest driver on the road, but you cannot control other vehicles. Crashes happen instantly, and preparation is your only defense. Here are the statistics you need to know:

• Usage gaps: The CDC found that in a one-year study, 618,000 children rode without a car seat or booster at least once.
• Fatality risks: In 2020, 607 children under age 12 died in car crashes ⁽²⁾. Of the children killed who were buckled up, 35% were not restrained correctly.
• Injury rates: Approximately 63,000 children were injured in crashes in 2020 alone.
• Driver behavior: When a driver doesn’t wear a seat belt, there is a 40% chance their child is also unrestrained.

These numbers highlight a scary reality. Hearing your baby cry in the back seat is stressful. However, taking them out of their seat while the car is moving jeopardizes their life.

Proper restraints work. Between 1975 and 2010, car seats saved an estimated 9,611 lives ⁽³⁾.

Infants have heavy heads and weak necks. They are incredibly vulnerable to spinal injuries. The right car seat distributes crash forces away from these fragile areas and saves lives.

Car Seat Types

You cannot use the same seat for a newborn that you use for a kindergartner. Understanding the three main categories helps you choose the right protection for your child’s current stage.

1. Rear-Facing

Experts agree that rear-facing is the safest position for infants and toddlers ⁽⁴⁾. In a crash, a rear-facing seat cradles the child. It moves with the impact and protects the head and neck. This distributes force across the entire back rather than focusing it on seat belt contact points.

Do not rush to switch your child. Experts recommend you keep them rear-facing until they max out the height or weight limits of their specific convertible seat.

Most seats handle up to 40 or 50 pounds in this position. This keeps the average child rear-facing until age 3 or 4.

Check the height limit too. There should be at least 1 inch of clearance between the top of your baby’s head and the top of the seat shell. If there is less than an inch, you need to upgrade.

Here are the three variations of rear-facing seats:

1. Infant Car Seat

Infant car seats are portable carriers designed exclusively for newborns and smaller babies. You install a base in the car and click the seat in and out. Most babies outgrow these by weight (usually 30-35 pounds) or height within the first year or so.

2. Convertible Car Seat

Convertible car seats stay installed in the car. They start as rear-facing seats for babies and convert to forward-facing seats for toddlers. They have higher rear-facing limits than infant carriers.

3. All-in-One Car Seat

These are the long-haulers. An all-in-one seat starts rear-facing, switches to forward-facing, and eventually converts into a booster seat. They are a great investment if you want one seat to last for years.

2. Forward-Facing

Forward-facing seats use a five-point harness to secure your child. The harness straps go over the shoulders, around the hips, and buckle between the legs.

Most children use these seats between ages 2 and 7 ⁽⁵⁾.

Always check your specific model’s limits. Forward-facing harness weight limits usually range from 40 to 65 pounds, though some go higher.

Check the fit regularly. Your child’s ears should never reach above the top of the shell. The shoulder straps must sit at or slightly above their shoulders.

There are three common types of forward-facing options:

1. Convertible Car Seat

If you started with a convertible seat for your infant, you simply turn it around once they max out the rear-facing limits.

2. Combination Car Seat

This seat faces forward only. It uses a harness for smaller children and converts into a belt-positioning booster once the child is big enough.

3. All-In-One Car Seat

If you bought an all-in-one for your newborn, you will adjust the recline and installation method to use it in the forward-facing harness mode.

3. Booster Seat

Booster seats lift your child up so the vehicle’s seat belt fits correctly. They do not use a built-in harness.

Your child should stay in a booster until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. This usually happens between ages 8 and 12.

There are two styles of boosters:

1. High-Back Booster

This creates a mini seat with a backrest and head support. It provides a belt guide to keep the shoulder strap in the right place. It is the best choice for younger booster riders or children who fall asleep in the car, as the wings prevent them from slumping over.

2. Backless Booster

A backless booster is a simple cushion that raises the child. It requires the vehicle seat to have a headrest to protect against whiplash. It is portable and great for older kids who just need a height boost.

How to Find a Safe Car Seat

Finding the perfect seat matters. If you are pregnant, buy your seat early. The hospital will not discharge you until your newborn is safely buckled up ⁽⁷⁾.

What You Need to Look for

Buying a car seat is stressful, but focusing on these features simplifies the process:

• Consider a convertible: Newborns turn into toddlers quickly. A convertible seat saves you money by adapting as your child grows, eliminating the need to buy a new seat after a year.
• Check vehicle fit: Not every seat fits every car. Measure your back seat space before buying. If you have a small car or need to fit three seats across, look for narrow models.
• Installation method: Decide if you prefer using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children) or the seat belt. Most modern cars have LATCH, but weight limits apply.
• Harness ease: You will use the buckle multiple times a day. Make sure it is easy to tighten and loosen.
• Head support: Newborns need extra stability. Look for a seat with approved infant inserts. Never use aftermarket pillows or head positioners; they are unsafe.
• Fabric quality: Look for energy-absorbing foam for safety and removable covers for hygiene. You will want something easy to clean after the inevitable diaper blowout.
• Side-impact protection: Look for deep side wings and head barriers. These features provide crucial protection during T-bone accidents.
• Registration card: Always register your seat. This is the only way the manufacturer can contact you regarding safety recalls.

What You Need to Avoid

Some seats are simply unsafe to use. Watch out for these red flags:

• Expired seats: Car seats expire after 6 to 10 years. Plastic degrades over time. If you cannot find a date, do not use it.
• Missing labels: If a seat lacks a model number or manufacturing date, you cannot check for recalls. Skip it.
• Recalled models: Check the NHTSA database. If a seat has been recalled for safety failures, do not buy it.
• Visible damage: Cracks, stress marks, or frayed straps indicate compromised structural integrity.
• No manual: You need instructions for a safe install. If a secondhand seat has no manual, try to find a digital copy. If you can’t, do not use the seat.
• Missing parts: Never use a seat that lacks original components.
• Crash history: Never use a seat that has been in a moderate or severe accident. The damage may be internal and invisible ⁽⁸⁾.

Best Way to Install a Car Seat

You can install a car seat using either the LATCH system or the vehicle seat belt. Both are safe, but you usually cannot use them together. Read your manual carefully.

LATCH System

LATCH uses anchors built into your car’s seat crack to secure the car seat. Most vehicles made after 2002 have two sets in the back.

Here is the general process:

• Click the lower anchors: Locate the lower connector straps on your car seat. Click them onto the metal bars located in the vehicle seat bight (the crease between the back and bottom cushion).
• Tighten the straps: Press down firmly on the center of the car seat while pulling the LATCH strap tight to remove slack.
• Attach the top tether: For forward-facing seats, you must attach the top tether strap to the anchor behind the seat. This prevents head whip in a crash.
• The Inch Test: Grab the car seat at the belt path. Pull it side-to-side and front-to-back. It should not move more than one inch in any direction.

Seat Belt System

The seat belt method works in any seating position and has no weight limit restrictions.

Here is how to do it:

• Find the belt path: Check your manual to find the correct path for rear-facing or forward-facing installation.
• Thread and buckle: Route the seat belt through the designated path and buckle it. Ensure the belt is not twisted.
• Lock the belt: Pull the seat belt all the way out until it stops. Feed it back in slowly; you should hear a clicking sound. This engages the locking mechanism.
• Tighten and tether: Push down on the car seat and pull the shoulder belt tight to remove slack. If forward-facing, attach the top tether.
• Verify stability: Perform the Inch Test. The seat should not wiggle more than an inch at the belt path.

10 Safety Tips for Car Seats

Nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. Follow these ten tips to ensure your child is truly safe:

1. Everyone Should Buckle Up

Safety is a family effort. If you are unbuckled in a crash, your body becomes a heavy projectile that can strike and kill other passengers, including your baby. Set the example. If the car is moving, everyone is buckled. No exceptions.

2. Don’t Distract Yourself

Focus on the road, not the baby. Texting, reaching back to hand out snacks, or adjusting mirrors to see your child takes your eyes off traffic.

If your baby is fussy, try these safe distractions:

• Check comfort first: Ensure straps aren’t pinching and the temperature is mild before you drive.
• Soft toys: Keep soft, plush toys nearby. Avoid hard toys that can become missiles in a crash.
• Time your drive: Plan long trips during nap times to increase the odds of a quiet ride.

3. Always Use the Tether Strap

When your child switches to forward-facing, the top tether is mandatory. It anchors the top of the seat to the vehicle.

Without a tether, a child’s head can fly forward an extra 6 inches during a crash. This significantly increases the risk of head and spinal injuries. Check your vehicle manual to locate the tether anchors in your car (usually on the seat back or rear shelf).

4. Place the Car Seat in the Middle

The center rear seat is statistically the safest spot because it is furthest from any side impact. However, the “best” spot is wherever you can get the tightest installation. If your middle seat has a hump or lacks anchors, use a side seat. A solid install on the side is safer than a loose install in the middle.

5. Keep the Straps Snug

Loose straps allow ejection. You should not be able to pinch any webbing at the child’s shoulder. This is called the “Pinch Test.”

Also, check the chest clip. It must sit at armpit level. If it is too low, the child can fly out of the straps; too high, and it can injure the neck.

6. Remove Heavy Winter Clothes

Puffy coats create a false sense of security. In a crash, the air in the coat compresses, leaving the harness too loose to hold the child.

Buckle your child in regular indoor clothes. Tighten the harness against their body, then put their coat on backward over their arms or cover them with a blanket to keep them warm without compromising safety.

Try layering your children’s clothing with long-sleeved shirts and a thin fleece jacket. Thin layers provide additional warmth without the bulk. Once your child is secure in the car, you can then place a blanket over them as well.

Editor's Note:

Kristen Gardiner, CPST

7. Correct the Angle

Newborns have heavy heads and no neck control. If the seat is too upright, their head can flop forward and cut off their airway.

Most seats have a bubble level or line indicator. Ensure the ball is in the green zone or the line is parallel to the ground. If your car’s seats are sloped, you may need a pool noodle or rolled towel (if allowed by the manufacturer) to get the right recline.

8. Get the Installation Checked

Don’t guess. Visit a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). They will check your install for free and teach you how to do it correctly. It is a small step that offers huge peace of mind.

9. Don’t Jump the Gun on Booster Seats

Maturity matters. A booster seat relies on the child sitting properly for the entire ride. If they slouch, lean over, or play with the belt, the protection fails.

Most kids are not ready for a booster until at least age 5 or 6 and 40 pounds. Use the 5-step test to know when they are ready to ditch the booster for a regular seat belt.

10. Car Seats Expire After a Crash

Car seats are one-and-done items. If you are in a moderate to severe crash, replace the seat immediately ⁽⁹⁾. Stress fractures in the plastic may be invisible to the naked eye. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a replacement seat, so check your policy.

You Might Also Like

Old Car Seats and How to Properly Dispose of Them

FAQs

Is It Okay if My Newborn’s Head Goes to One Side?

Yes, a slight tilt to the side is usually fine. However, if their head flops forward (chin-to-chest), it can restrict breathing. To prevent this, ensure your car seat is installed at the correct recline angle. You can use tightly rolled receiving blankets on either side of the baby’s body for support, but never place padding under the harness straps or behind the head unless it came with the seat.

What if My Preemie Doesn’t Meet the Weight Minimum?

Most infant seats start at 4 or 5 pounds. If your baby is smaller, check if your manufacturer offers a specific low-birth-weight insert. Some seats, like the Evenflo LiteMax, are rated for babies as small as 3 pounds. Always consult with the hospital’s NICU team before discharge; they often perform a “car seat challenge” to ensure the baby can breathe safely in the seat.

Is It Okay if My Baby’s Feet Touch the Back Seat?

Yes, this is perfectly safe. Children are flexible and will cross their legs or drape them over the sides. In a crash, leg injuries are rare and much easier to fix than the spinal injuries that occur from forward-facing too early. Keep them rear-facing as long as possible.

How Should I Dress My Baby in the Car in Winter?

Dress them in thin, tight layers. Fleece works well. Once they are buckled tightly, place a coat backward over their arms or use a blanket over the harness. Never put a snowsuit or puffy jacket under the straps; it creates dangerous slack.

Caution

Never place a blanket over a baby’s face. It poses a suffocation risk.

Can Babies Sleep in Car Seats Outside the Car?

No. Car seats are designed to be at a specific angle in the vehicle. On the floor, the angle changes, which can cause the baby’s head to slump and block their airway. Transfer a sleeping baby to a crib or bassinet immediately upon arriving home.

Do I Have to Use a Car Seat on Airplanes?

It isn’t legally required, but the FAA and AAP strongly recommend it. Turbulence can be severe enough to injure a lap baby. Using a car seat also ensures you have a safe restraint at your destination. Check that your seat has a sticker saying “Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.”

Are There Car Seats for Obese or Wider Kids?

Yes. Many manufacturers now produce seats with higher weight capacities and wider seat pans. Look for “convertible” or “all-in-one” seats with 65-pound harness limits and boosters that go up to 120 pounds.

Is It Okay to Use Lap Belts Only?

No. A lap-only belt is dangerous for a child in a booster or just using a seat belt. Without a shoulder belt, the upper body can jackknife forward, causing severe head and abdominal injuries. If your car only has lap belts in the back, you must use a car seat with a 5-point harness (which can be installed with a lap belt) until the child outgrows it.

What Should I Do if My Child Refuses the Booster?

Hold the line. This is a non-negotiable safety issue. Show them videos of crash test dummies (age-appropriate ones) or explain that the “big kid” seat belt can hurt them if they aren’t tall enough. Make the booster feel like a privilege that lets them see out the window better.

Do Car Seats Really Expire?

Yes. Plastic becomes brittle over time due to UV exposure and temperature fluctuations. This weakens the seat’s ability to withstand crash forces. Always adhere to the expiration date stamped on the shell.

How Many People Install Car Seats Wrong?

Estimates range from 46% to over 60%. The most common errors are loose installation, loose harness straps, and incorrect chest clip placement.

Who Makes the Safest Car Seats?

All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet the same federal safety standards (FMVSS 213). A $50 seat is just as safe as a $500 seat if installed correctly. The “safest” seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and that you can install correctly every single time.

Can You Use a Pee Pad In a Car Seat?

Only if the specific car seat manufacturer allows it. Most aftermarket mats interfere with installation or introduce friction that alters how the seat performs in a crash. It is safer to put a diaper or pull-up over the child’s clothes for the ride.

What Is the 2-Hour Rule?

It is a guideline recommending that infants should not sit in a car seat for longer than two hours at a time. Their lack of neck strength can compress their airway if they sit upright for too long. If you are on a long road trip, stop every two hours to take the baby out and stretch.

Can I Use a Secondhand Car Seat?

You should generally avoid used car seats unless you know the complete history. You need to be 100% certain it has never been in a crash, has all original parts, labels are intact, and it hasn’t expired. If you buy from a stranger, you cannot verify these facts.

What Is the Pinch Test?

The Pinch Test is the best way to check if your child’s harness is tight enough. Once buckled, try to pinch the strap fabric at the child’s shoulder vertically. If you can pinch any fabric between your fingers, it is too loose. Tighten it until your fingers slide off.