The biggest mistakes and how to avoid them
Bulky coats
This is the most common mistake during cold weather seasons. In the last picture we are showing the space that a coat will create during a crash. Even if you really tighten down the harness on the coat, your child could be ejected from the seat!
See the tips page for more ideas to keep your kids warm and safe this winter!
See the tips page for more ideas to keep your kids warm and safe this winter!
Chest clip on the belly?
Please check each and every time that it's even with the armpits.
Loose harness straps
Tighten the straps and be sure there isn't any extra slack that didn't get tightened around the hips. Remember the pinch test on the check list page.
not booster READY
A big mistake when using a booster is that the child isn't ready for the booster or the booster just doesn't fit your or any child well anyway. If the lap belt is up on the child's belly or the shoulder strap is touching the neck/face.
Also, make sure the lap portion is routed correctly, under each of the arms of the booster seat.
ONLY used by a child who has outgrown the internal harness height of a car seat but not tall enough (less than 4'9'')to ride in a seat belt system.
Always use lap/shoulder belt with booster seats. The lap belt is snug flat across the child's upper thighs and the shoulder belt is snug across the chest not touching the neck.
Also, make sure the lap portion is routed correctly, under each of the arms of the booster seat.
ONLY used by a child who has outgrown the internal harness height of a car seat but not tall enough (less than 4'9'')to ride in a seat belt system.
Always use lap/shoulder belt with booster seats. The lap belt is snug flat across the child's upper thighs and the shoulder belt is snug across the chest not touching the neck.
Buying or using a used seat
Buying or receiving a used car seat comes with risks. Whether it be expired (plastic gets brittle as it gets older causing it to break in a crash), involved in a crash with unseen damage, recalled or expired safety standards, or even missing parts. Even if you trust the previous owner with your child’s life, you should still not use a previously owned car seat. If you are unable to pay for a child seat, contact me and I will try and help you get assistance.
Recalls
*Insert information about recalls*
Loose install
Grab at the belt path of your seat and use the same force you would for a hand shake to move the seat left to right. If the seat moves more than an inch, you need to either reinstall, or tighten the seat belt or lower anchors and tether (which ever you use).
**Never use the seatbelt AND the lower tether and anchors, always use just one. **
**Never use the seatbelt AND the lower tether and anchors, always use just one. **
Not installing the seat into the vehicle at all
This may seem obvious. But be sure your seat is in fact, installed.
Do not add things to your car seat that is not permitted |
Your car seat has been crash tested specifically for your child's safety. Adding to the seat, or the install may cause your install or fail during a crash, which as we know, can cause harm or death. Here are some examples of what a child provider may NOT add:
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