Safety
Car Seat Safety
Car crashes are leading cause of death for children. Proper car seat use reduces death risk by 71% for infants.
Rear-facing as long as possible (minimum 2 years, ideally until child maxes out seat limits). Rear-facing protects head, neck, and spine in crash.
Never use used car seat unless you know full history (no accidents, not expired, has manual). Car seats expire 6-10 years from manufacture.
What to Do
- Choose rear-facing infant seat (birth-40 lbs) or convertible seat (birth-65 lbs rear-facing)
- Have car seat inspected by certified technician (find at safekids.org or NHTSA.gov)
- Install in back seat middle position if possible (safest spot in car)
- Harness should be snug (can't pinch any slack), chest clip at armpit level
- Harness straps should be at or below shoulders when rear-facing
- Keep rear-facing minimum 2 years (ideally until child exceeds height/weight limit)
- Never add aftermarket products (head supports, strap covers) unless approved by manufacturer
- NO bulky coats in car seat - makes harness too loose; use coat over harness instead
- Never leave baby in car seat for long periods outside of car (sleep risk)
- Register car seat for recall notifications
- Replace car seat after any moderate or severe crash (even if looks undamaged)
- Check expiration date on car seat label - typically 6-10 years from manufacture
When to call a doctor
ALWAYS use properly installed car seat for EVERY car ride (no exceptions, even short trips). Never leave baby in car seat outside of vehicle for extended periods (sleep/positional asphyxia risk).