Make Sure That You Are Correctly Using the Straps in Your Child’s Car Seat
The car seat straps are designed to protect your child in the event of a car crash; however, they can’t do their job properly if they aren’t used correctly. To properly buckle your child into their car seat, the straps should fit your child snugly and the buckle needs to go over the breast bone. See the photos below: 
The straps also need to fit your child snugly. To check the car seat straps slide two fingers between your child and the straps. You should only be able to place two fingers between your child and the straps, adjust the straps as necessary.
Avoid Bulky Clothing and Jackets
During the winter months, you should avoid dressing your child in bulky snowsuits and coats when riding in the car. Instead, use a light jacket and cover your child with a blanket. Bulky clothing won’t allow the straps to fit your child snugly and could result in your child being injured.
Never Buy Used Car Seats
I would personally would never buy a used car seat for my infant or child. You never know if the seat has been in a car accident, is on a recall list, or has unseen damage that you are unaware of. Unless you purchase or receive a car seat from a trusted friend, it is better to invest in a safe care seat for your child.
Never Use an Expired Car Seat
Did you know that car seats expire? It is true, car seats now come with an expiration date and they should NEVER be used after they have expired. The expiration date may vary from manufacture.
Do you have any other helpful tips for recommendations on car seat safety?
Originally written: November 30, 2012
Comments
17 responses to “Tips to Ensure that Your Child’s Car Seat is Installed Properly”
WOW – thank you – I thought the strap had to be across the chest like the one you have "incorrect". I am glad you shared this.
Your welcome. 🙂 I hope that this helps other mom’s as well.
This is a ridiculously important post. When I had my 3rd after (gasp) 8 years…I completely forgot how to do simple things like install a car seat correctly, where seat belts should go etc. I actually got my seat professionally installed! Crazy I know but not something I wanted to risk.
This is a very important topic. Thank you for sharing Susan.
Great tips! I had to give my baby brother lessons in how to make sure his baby was sitting safe in her car seat not too long ago. To my horror, she was too “loose”!
Your welcome. I am glad that you were able to help your brother.
Bulky clothes drive me crazy w/the car seat adjustment. Thanks for the tips!
I didn’t realize that bulky clothes were an issue. I used to dress my daughter in a huge bulky snow suit in the winter time.
We purchased what was probably one of the 1st safety car seats for infants and children way back in 1963 even before seat belts were required. Safety in cars has come a long way since then. Thanks for sharing these tips for us grandparents, too.
There were no car seats when I was a child and I remember standing up in the backseat hanging over the front seat. Now that would have sent my parents to prison in this day and age. Car seats are VERY important and really should be installed properly. I have seen police and firemen in strip mall parking lots assisting people to install them or to make sure they are installed correctly. Finally someone had a good idea!
I remember riding in my grandmother’s car without seat belts in the back seat. I am so glad the laws have changed it was so dangerous.
It’s been years since my son used his car seat. This post would have come in handy back then. 🙂
This is great information every one should know really. I will have to share this with my sister who has a newborn. Thanks for sharing.
Very useful post! I personally wouldn´t buy and use used car seat either.
Thanks for the safety tips to fix a car seat for our children. A secured journey is what can give you more pleasure & fun. At the same time, if your kid is in the back rear facing seats, then you have to check your child if they are comfortable or would they need anything else. Don’t leave them in the same position for a long time.
Thanks for the safety tips to fix a car seat for our children. A secured journey is what can give more pleasure & fun. At the same time, if your kid is in the back rear facing seats, then you have to check your child if they are comfortable or would they need anything else. Don’t leave them in the same position for a long time.
Awesome post! After reading this post, parents will feel more at ease now that they have a guide to go by when installing child’s car seat. Thanks!