As a new mom, car seat safety can be confusing and overwhelming. Car safety knowledge (and rules) have changed a lot since we were kids. It’s easy to assume that the way your parents did it is the best way to do it (after all, you were fine, right?). Turns out a lot of research (and legislation) has happened since we were kids.
Because of that, 24/7 Moms has partnered with Chicco, a leader in car seat safety, to help educate parents about car seat safety. Did you know that the majority of car seats are not used and installed correctly – putting kids (like yours) at risk every day? That’s why it’s important to know the facts. So we’d like to share the answers to your most burring questions. You can also learn more on Chicco’s website at ChiccoShop.com/Car-Seat-Safety-Guide.
We’re also thrilled to offer a car seat giveaway! You can win Chicco’s #1-rated KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat. Enter below!
Some of the most common car seat safety questions we hear from moms:
Q: When can I switch my baby to forward-facing?
A: Keep your child rear-facing in their car seat until at least 2 years old. Are your kid’s feet touching the seat back? Do they look a little cramped? That’s okay. Kids are a lot more flexible than adults. Kids need to stay rear-facing for as long as possible to protect their head and neck in the event of a crash. Kids do not need to be turned forward-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight of the car seat. Kids are fragile, and they are best protected rear-facing, even if that means they have a little less leg room.
Q: Is there a way to make sure a car seat will be the right size for your car?
A: Before purchasing a car seat, test it! Most retailers will let you test a car seat in your vehicle before purchasing. You can also look for car seats with features that make installation simple, like bubble level indicators and multiple recline angles.
Q: Do car seats have to be in the middle seat in the back? What if it’s challenging to install in that position?
A: In most instances, the middle rear seat is the safest place for your car seat. However, there are multiple factors to consider; the most important being a seat location that allows you to install your car seat easily and correctly every time.
Q: Winter is on the way. Is it okay for my baby to wear a coat while in his car seat?
A: Don’t buckle your child into a car seat with bulky clothing, blankets or add-on products like a car seat bunting. The added padding can interfere with the harness fit and crash performance of the seat. A good trick is to buckle your child in without his or her jacket and then put it back on backwards over the harness.
Q: Does my car seat need to be replaced if it’s been involved in a car accident?
A: Yes, you must replace your car seat if it has been involved in a vehicle crash, even if you can’t see visible damage. A damaged car seat may not protect your child in a future accident.
Q: Is it true that you’re not supposed to put your car seat on a shopping cart? Everyone does it.
A: While it seems convenient, infant car seats are not designed to be secured to the top of shopping carts. Because the car seat is not properly attached, one bump could cause your infant car seat along with baby to topple off the top of the cart, or the weight from the car seat could cause the cart to tip over. We recommend you put the car seat in the basket of the cart or use a carrier when shopping.
Learn more about car seat safety on Chicco’s safety hub: http://www.chiccoshop.com/car-seat-safety-guide/
Test your car seat knowledge with Chicco’s safety quiz: https://a.cstmapp.com/p/15637
Follow Chicco on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
WIN: 24/7 Moms and Chicco are giving away one KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat.
The #1-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat isthe easiest car seat to install. One-pull LATCH tightening technology attaches the car seat base to your vehicle quickly and efficiently while the built-in leveling system secures an accurate fit.
Enter for a chance to win using the Rafflecopter entry form below.
US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on October 29, 2016.
Disclaimer: I have teamed up with Chicco in support of this campaign. We received compensation for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.