Car Seat Safety Tips: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Did you know that approximately 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused, making them almost ineffective ⁽¹⁾?

Having the correct car seat protection is vital for your child’s survival in a crash. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to merely strap them in — knowing where to place the seat, how to properly buckle them, and when to upgrade is crucial.

We have all the information and car seat safety tips you’ll need to get up to speed on how to best protect your baby.

Why You Should Use a Car Seat

No matter how good of a driver you are, crashes can happen. It’s not always your fault, so it’s essential to prepare. We’ve gathered some eye-opening statistics you need to read.

• No car seat: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a one-year study on children between birth and 12 years old. They discovered that 618,000 rode without a car seat or booster on at least one occasion.
• Fatalities: Approximately 607 children aged 12 years and under died due to a car crash in 2020 ⁽²⁾. Keep in mind that this figure includes those with and without car seats and boosters. Of those who were in a safety device, 35% were buckled up incorrectly or not at all.
• Injuries: Around 63,000 children between birth and 12 were injured in car crashes in 2020. This statistic also includes babies in or without proper car seats.
• No restraint: Another study estimated that in around 40% of the cases where the children were riding without a seat belt, the driver was also unbelted.

These statistics underscore the importance of placing children in car seats. As any mother knows, sitting in the front, listening to your baby crying is one of the hardest parts of the car journey. But by taking your little one out of the seat, you’re jeopardizing their life.

Between 1975 and 2010, an estimated 9,611 children under 5 years old were saved due to the usage of car seats and proper restraint systems ⁽³⁾.

Infants and toddlers are fragile — vulnerable to spinal and neck injuries. Investing in the right car seat and strapping them in correctly significantly decreases their chances of injury.

Car Seat Types

The car seat you’d buy for an infant differs greatly from the one you’d buy for a 4-year-old. To give you an overview, here are the three available types.

1. Rear-Facing

Experts recommend rear-facing car seats for infants and toddlers ⁽⁴⁾. If you’re in a crash, the rear-facing car seat will distribute the force of the collision around your baby. It cradles the child and moves with them, protecting the head and neck and helping your child’s body slow down to a stop more gently.

Rather than an age limit, experts recommend you use a rear-facing seat until your little one reaches the weight and height limits of a convertible car seat.

The usual weight limit is 40 pounds. This will typically accommodate children up to the age of 3 years or so. Some have a weight limit of up to 50 pounds, which would still work for an average 4-year-old.

The height limit is typically determined by the distance between your baby’s head and the top of the seat. There should be at least a 1-inch clearance. Anything less usually means that it’s time for an upgrade. Always read your car seat manual for clarification because each car seat has its own set of rules and limits.

There are three types of rear-facing car seats.

1. Infant Car Seat

Infant car seats are designed for newborns and infants. They are small, generally portable seats only to be used rear-facing. Babies usually outgrow these seats by around 25 to 35 pounds.

Once your little one exceeds the limits of the infant seat, you can change to a convertible seat or an all-in-one.

2. Convertible Car Seat

Convertible car seats allow you to change from rear-facing to forward-facing using a harness and tether. These accommodate larger babies than infant seats, so you can use them in a rear-facing position for longer.

3. All-in-One Car Seat

As the name suggests, all-in-one car seats can do it all. You can use them for your little one in a rear-facing position, then change to forward-facing when they’re ready. You can convert the all-in-one to a booster seat when your child outgrows the car seat forward-facing.

2. Forward-Facing

A forward-facing seat consists of a shell and seat secured by a tether. A five-point harness keeps your child safe with a strap over each shoulder, around the hips, left and right, and one between the legs.

As with the infant car seat, there’s no set age limit. The typical range is between 2 and 7 years ⁽⁵⁾.

To determine if your child is beginning to outgrow the forward-facing seat, check your specific model’s weight and height limit. The five-point harness weight limit can fall anywhere between 40 and 90 pounds, depending on the manufacturer.

If the seat converts to a booster, verify the weight limit of that as well. Sometimes, the booster seat has a different weight capacity than the harness.

Check the height of the shoulders and head. Your little one’s ears should never be higher than the top of the seat. And the shoulders should always be lower than the harness strap slot.

There are also two types of forward-facing seats:

1. Convertible Car Seat

You can use these for your newborn or toddler as a rear-facing seat, then turn it forward-facing once your little one is ready. Investing in a convertible car seat like this is an excellent idea if you plan on having another baby.

2. Combination Car Seat

A forward-facing combination seat still has a harness and tether for safety, but you can convert it into a booster once your child is big enough. Make sure you buy one with a high weight limit for both the harness and the booster.

3. All-In-One Car Seat

This car seat grows with your child and can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster. You can convert the all-in-one to a booster seat when your child outgrows the car seat forward-facing.

3. Booster Seat

Booster seats are the next step after facing your child forward. They stay with your child until they’re big enough to use a seat belt without needing a lift.

You should keep your child in a booster seat until they measure 4 feet and 9 inches tall. This is generally somewhere between 8 and 12 years of age.

There are two types of booster seats:

1. Booster With High Back

This type boosts the height and provides some head and neck support and a built-in shoulder belt guide. It helps your child fit the seat belt while still being comfortable. A benefit of high-back boosters is they give extra support for long car rides for children who tend to fall asleep in the car. They are less likely to slump over when they have the support of a high back. This is important because slumping over results in a poor belt fit, potentially injuring your child in a crash. High-back boosters are recommended for new booster riders, children who need extra support, and cars without headrests.

2. Backless Booster Seat

Backless booster seats are there to lift your child higher so the seat belt fits properly. They come with belt guides to help keep the seat belt in place. Your child will need to use a backless booster seat in a seat position that has a headrest in order to protect their head a neck.

How to Find a Safe Car Seat

As you might have guessed, finding the perfect seat is essential. If you’re currently expecting, this is something to buy before the baby is delivered. The hospital may not let you leave unless your new arrival is buckled up in a car seat ⁽⁷⁾.

What You Need to Look for

Buying your first car seat can be stressful — we all want to ensure our babies are safe. Between infant-only seats, convertibles, and necessary features, some things are worth looking into.

• Opt for a convertible: As any mother knows, the first year passes quickly — in the blink of an eye, your newborn is a toddler. We recommend opting for a convertible car seat instead of an infant-only seat. Then you’ll have one less thing to worry about for a couple of extra years.
• Check your car: Believe me — buying a car seat only to learn it doesn’t fit your vehicle is annoying. Prevent this by measuring how much room you have to spare in the back seat. This is crucial, particularly if you need more than one seat. Read your vehicle’s manual to see what other rules your car has for child restraints.
• Attachment system: Will you be using the seat belt or LATCH system to secure the seat? Most modern vehicles allow for LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children). Not all middle seats allow for this, so verify first.
• Harness: Ensure the buckle is easy to secure and undo, especially for non-caregivers. Verify that the shoulder straps are below shoulder level. They should come up and over the shoulders rather than down. Check to see how easy the harness will be to adjust as your baby grows.
• Head support: Your newborn will likely require some extra head support. Look for a seat with inserts or one that allows for them. Avoid using neck pillows or inserts from another brand, as these can potentially restrict your baby’s breathing and won’t be safe in an accident.
• Material: We recommend a seat with energy-absorbing foam because if there is a crash, it will reduce the impact’s force around your little one. We also recommend something that’s easy to clean. Babies are mess-making experts, so you’ll thank us later for this one.
• Protection and comfort: Look for deep walls and barriers to the side and around the head to ensure protection from side impacts. Not all car seats include this, so do your research.
• Registration: Make sure you register your car seat after buying it. Then you’ll receive alerts on recalls or updates.
• Fabric design: This isn’t a critical point, but having something that looks good is a bonus. You’ll likely look at the seat daily, so finding one to match the car interior is a good idea.

What You Need to Avoid

Some car seats should be avoided. Check for these things before use.

• Outdated seat: The typical lifespan of a car seat is six to 10 years. You may be given a hand-me-down seat. If you can’t verify the age, don’t use it.
• No label: If there’s no label stating the manufacturing date or model number, don’t buy the seat. You won’t be able to check if it’s been recalled.
• Recalled seats: When a manufacturer recalls a seat, it means something is wrong. Avoid purchasing or continuing to use a recalled seat. You can check with the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Has visible cracks: Visible cracks will likely mean even more internal damage. This reduces the safety of the seat, and you should avoid these.
• No included instructions: If you buy a secondhand seat or get a hand-me-down from a friend or family, ensure it comes with instructions. Every seat requires a different installation, so to be safe, instructions are a must-have.
• Missing parts: If the car seat you inherited from a friend is missing a piece or two, check that you can replace the components. If not, don’t use it.
• Has been in an accident: Car seats should not be used if they’ve been in a crash where the vehicle suffered damage ⁽⁸⁾.

Best Way to Install a Car Seat

When it comes to installing a car seat, there are two systems you can use — LATCH and seatbelt. Here are some brief instructions for each. However, read the included guidelines for your specific seat:

LATCH System

The LATCH system comprises built-in anchors in your vehicle, which you use to secure the car seat by attaching a strap with hooks. Most vehicles sold in the U.S. after 2003 have at least two sets of these in the back seat.

Here’s what you do:

• Attach the lower anchors: Locate the belted hooks on the car seat and attach each to the two lower anchors. If your baby is rear-facing, skip to the last step.
• Attach tether: Forward-facing seats have an additional belted hook at the top. Pull the tether over and attach it to the anchor on either the back of the vehicle’s seat or the floor behind it. Some rear-facing seats also have one, so check the instructions and car manual.
• Test the stability: Grab the seat near the belt path and pull the seat from side to side and front to back with the force of a firm handshake. It should not move more than an inch to any side.

Seat Belt System

If your car doesn’t have a LATCH system, or you cannot safely use it in the seating position your child is in, the seat belt works just as well. Here’s what you do:

• Scope out the seat belt path: Consult the instructions, and find the marked seat belt path on the car seat. It’s usually indicated with colored openings, which you pull the belt through.
• Pull the seat belt through: Feed the seat belt through the marked openings, and buckle it in.
• Switch retractor system: It’s essential to lock your seat belt to ensure it won’t loosen. Slowly pull it to its full length, and listen for a click. Then gently feed it back into the retractor, feeling for a ratcheting motion. If nothing changes, refer to your vehicle’s owner manual — your car may have a button.
• Attach tether: If it’s a forward-facing seat, attach the tether to the hook on the back of the seat or car floor.
• Check the seat: Again, check the tightness of your installation by placing your hands at the belt path and moving the car seat side-to-side and front-to-back to ensure the car seat is secure. Remember, it shouldn’t budge more than an inch.

10 Safety Tips for Car Seats

It’s been estimated that almost half of all car seats are installed incorrectly or misused. Below we’ve listed ten safety tips that will ensure you and your passengers are as safe as possible in your vehicle:

1. Everyone Should Buckle up

It’s not only your little one who should wear a seat belt. Everyone in the car must buckle up for several reasons.

Firstly, wearing your seat belt at all times sets an excellent example for your child as they grow up. As parents, we should always be role models. How can you tell your 3-year-old to stay buckled when you sit freely?

Secondly, it’s for safety reasons. By not wearing a seat belt, you’re not only endangering yourself but all the passengers. When you’re in a crash, the force is so high that anything not secured becomes a missile — even you.

The same goes for the unbuckled person sitting in the back seat beside your baby. In a hard-impact crash, that person could crush your baby. So although you made sure to buckle up the little one, they could still get hurt due to the irresponsible actions of another passenger.

We know this sounds gruesome, but it’s vital to be aware of it. If the seat belt is uncomfortable, check your car manual to see if it can be adjusted.

2. Don’t Distract Yourself

Entertaining the baby, taking photos or videos, talking on the phone, or texting are all distractions. It’s essential you keep your eyes on the road, especially with precious cargo such as human lives.

It can be stressful sitting in the front and hearing your baby cry. There are some things you can do to help make your child’s journey more pleasurable.

• Comfy baby: Ensure your baby is comfortable. Check that they’re not too hot or cold, they have enough head support, and they aren’t wearing scratchy or pinching clothes.
• Bring entertainment: Take some favorite toys or music with you. Colors, lights, and sounds are perfect for distracting a fussy baby. Perhaps look for a musical car seat mirror, but only if it can be firmly attached with hardware so it does not become a projectile in a crash.
• Schedule your trip: If you’re going on a long outing, try to schedule it during your baby’s nap time or bedtime so they can rest peacefully while you focus on the road.

3. Always Use the Tether Strap

Once you turn your baby forward-facing, it’s vital to ensure the seat doesn’t whip forward in an accident. For this, we use the tether strap.

The tether strap sits on the top of the car seat. It’s the one you bring over the car’s back seat and secure to the anchor. The tether anchor is usually on the car’s back seat or on the floor behind it.

The tether keeps the car seat from whipping forward upon impact. It minimizes potential injuries to your child’s spinal cord and neck. In tests, it showed that without tether attachment, a baby’s head could launch six inches further forward in a crash than with it.

Most cars produced after 2003 have tether hooks behind all three back seats. Double-check if you drive an SUV or minivan. All forward-facing car seats have tether straps, and some rear-facing also.

4. Place the Car Seat in the Middle

The middle position in a vehicle is statistically the safest place to install a car seat. This is because, in side-impact crashes, the child is further away from the potential point of impact on each side. But the most important factor in deciding where you should place your child is where you can safely install your seat. It is more important to install the car seat correctly than to have it in the middle.

If you have more than one passenger in the back seat, place the most vulnerable child in the center position. This could vary depending on your situation. Contact a Child Passenger Safety Technician for assistance if you aren’t sure what the best setup is for your family.

Use the seatbelts if there aren’t any LATCH hooks on the middle seat.

5. Keep the Straps Snug

The straps are there for a reason — to keep your baby secure. Many of us are, unfortunately, guilty of keeping them too loose. Toddlers and older children often complain of how tight it is — even when it’s not.

As you tighten the shoulder straps, you shouldn’t be able to pinch any slack from the straps at the shoulder. Also, verify that the chest clip sits at armpit level.

6. Remove Heavy Winter Clothes

Babies should stay warm during the winter, but don’t overdo it.

It’s important to remove heavy coats or thick clothing in the car seat. Otherwise, it could prevent the harness from tightening enough. You don’t want to risk your baby slipping out or being whipped back and forth.

Secondly, heavy clothing could restrict breathing, particularly in infants. Remove restrictive clothing and, instead, use boots or a small blanket. Conversely, ensure your little one isn’t overheating. If you feel hot, they’re likely feeling the same.

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

Because infants can’t support their heads properly, it’s common for them to flop forward. This isn’t safe as it could block the airways or injure the neck.

To prevent injury, ensure the car seat sits at a 45-degree angle, with the top tilting slightly backward. There should be a recline indicator on the side of your car seat to help you measure when your car seat is positioned at the correct angle. If you are having problems, you can use a rolled towel to lift one end to achieve this angle (if your car seat manual permits it).

8. Get the Installation Checked

Once your new car seat is installed, get it checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. They can verify the installation is correct and give you additional helpful information.

Getting a pair of trained eyes to double-check gives you peace of mind, which can mean a world of difference. When it comes to car seat safety, assuming doesn’t cut it.

9. Don’t Jump the Gun on Booster Seats

Booster seats are the step before no seat at all and help properly position the seat belt so it can adequately protect your child in a crash. For your child to upgrade, they must show maturity. They shouldn’t lean over excessively, slouch, or play with the seat belt. If your child isn’t able to sit still in a booster seat, the seat belt can’t do its job of protecting your child. The seat belt must be positioned correctly.

Most kiddos don’t reach this stage until at least 6 years of age — some even later. Remember, your child should weigh at least 30 to 40 pounds before making the change.

You shouldn’t let them out of the booster seat until they’re ready either. To minimize injuries, the seat belt should sit right around the shoulder and low on the hips. This 5-step test gives the criteria to help you know when your child is ready to graduate from a booster seat.

10. Car Seats Expire After a Crash

Car seats expire after an accident. Following a moderate to severe crash, the seat needs to go in the trash ⁽⁹⁾. Even if there’s no visible damage, getting rid of the seat is essential since its effectiveness could be compromised. If you are ever unsure, contact your car seat manufacturer for further guidance.

Check with your insurance company. Some reimburse a new car seat if deemed necessary after a crash.

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FAQs

Is It Okay if My Newborn’s Head Goes to One Side in the Car Seat?

It’s not uncommon for newborns to turn their heads to one side of the car seat. This is perfectly safe for most children. The dangerous position is when the newborn slumps their head forward in a chin-to-chest position. This pinches the airway and restricts their breathing, which can be deadly. To prevent this, follow the installation and harnessing instructions in your car seat manual exactly. Of particular importance is the recline angle of the car seat.

If you would like to provide additional support around your baby’s head, you can use the infant insert that comes with your car seat, or check with the car seat manufacturer to see if they sell an insert that is compatible with your car seat. Never purchase infant inserts that are not approved by the manufacturer. These are not crash tested with your particular car seat, so there is no way to know what effect they could have on your child’s safety in a crash. It is possible that these after-market inserts could allow for too much slack in the straps and are likely not flame-resistant according to federal standards. If no approved insert is available, you might consider placing clean, rolled-up receiving blankets vertically by each shoulder.

What if I Have a Preemie Who Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Weight Limits?

Preemies are extra small — some leave the hospital weighing under five pounds. Most infant car seats have a minimum weight limit of four or five pounds.

There are solutions. Some manufacturers also sell preemie inserts that can improve the fit of the car seat for your preemie. Only purchase these directly from your car seat manufacturer, if available. If you do not have access to a car seat suitable for your smaller baby, inquire with the hospital to see if they can help you find one.

For preemies weighing under four pounds, there are currently two options on the market. The Evenflo LiteMax and Evenflo SafeMax infant car seats allow infants as small as three pounds to use them. This change is retroactive and applies to all existing Evenflo LiteMax and Evenflo SafeMax car seats.

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

This will naturally occur as your little one grows, and don’t worry; it’s not a cause for concern ⁽¹⁰⁾. There’s no reason to turn your car seat around if your child’s feet are touching the seat.

Toddlers can bend their legs while still sitting comfortably. And in the case of a crash, your little one is still safer like this.

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

Heavy clothes and jackets should always be removed before tightening the straps. Extra layers make it difficult to adjust the harness enough ⁽¹¹⁾.

Take the carrier or the whole seat with you inside at night. This way, your baby and the seat both start the journey at room temperature.

Use hats, mittens, and socks to cover your child’s ears, fingers, and toes. Dress your child in thin layers for added warmth without the bulk. A thin fleece jacket is usually a great option. And lastly, you can place a small blanket over your little one.

Caution

Never place a blanket or other item over a baby’s head, even if it sits loosely. Doing so could deprive your little one of oxygen.

Is It Safe to Let Babies Sleep in Car Seats Outside of the Car?

Experts have estimated that most car seat deaths occur while the seat is being used outside the vehicle ⁽¹²⁾.

As soon as you get home, get your snoozing baby out of the seat and onto a flat surface to sleep safely. Sitting in the chair can lead to slouching, which could block your baby’s airways.

Do I Have to Use a Car Seat on Airplanes?

Using a car seat while traveling in the air is not required, but it’s highly recommended. Experts suggest you bring an FAA-approved car seat with you ⁽¹³⁾.

It’s by far the safest option in case of turbulence or a crash. However, this means that you’ll have to buy another ticket. Some airlines offer reduced fares for this situation. Call your airline to see what options are available.

Are There Car Seats for Obese or Wider Kids?

It’s normal to worry about how to safely accommodate a tall, wide, or obese child in a car seat. Fortunately, manufacturers have come a long way. Today, most constructed seats with a higher weight limit both for the rear, forward, and booster seats ⁽¹⁴⁾.

Is It Okay to Use Lap Belts Only?

Lap belts only are not okay to use for booster seats or if your child is riding with just the seat belt. If your child uses a booster seat, they must wear both the shoulder and lap belt in the car. Lap belts (when used alone) don’t provide adequate protection and could lead to serious injuries to the stomach, hips, and head in a crash (from hitting a seat or other object in front of the passenger).

What Should I Do if My Child Doesn’t Want to Use a Booster?

The point of a booster seat is to position your child so the seat belt fits correctly. As a mom who endures daily fights over the booster seat, I get it. Kids that age want to sit like mom and dad.

However, it’s crucial that you don’t transition too early. Injuries caused by a large seat belt can be life-altering, such as spinal cord damage, paralysis, or death. It’s important to note that children ages 5 to 14 have higher fatality rates in car crashes compared to younger children. They still need extra protection!

If your child puts up a fight, make it clear that it’s not negotiable. Try to be enthusiastic about it — perhaps show them how much easier it is to look out the window. Try to explain the importance so they understand it’s not a punishment.

Do Car Seats Expire?

Car seats don’t last forever, so make sure you know when yours is due to expire. On the car seat, there should be a label with a manufacturer and expiration date (much like a milk carton). The typical time frame is six to ten years.

After that, the materials begin to become brittle and won’t be safe. If you cannot locate the expiration date, make a note of the make and model, and check with the manufacturer.

What Percentage of People Install Car Seats Wrong?

Surprisingly, around 46% to 64% of child safety seats are not installed correctly, which can seriously compromise their effectiveness in a crash.

What are the Most Common Mistakes Parents Make With Car Seat Safety?

Common mistakes include not securing the car seat tightly enough, incorrect harness strap positioning, using the wrong seat for the child’s age and size, and making the car seat face in the wrong direction.

Who Makes the Safest Car Seats?

Brands like Britax, Chicco, Graco, and Evenflo are known for their high safety standards. However, the safest car seat is one that fits your child, your car, and is used correctly every time.

Can You Use a Pee Pad In a Car Seat?

While pee pads can make cleanup easier, they should not be used unless approved by the car seat manufacturer, as they can interfere with the seat’s safety features.

What Age Does the 2-Hour Car Seat Rule End?

The two-hour rule, suggesting that babies shouldn’t be in a car seat for more than two hours at a time, generally applies until they are about 6 months old or can sit upright unassisted.