Car seats save lives! But it’s crucial that your child is buckled in the right way. Unfortunately, nearly half of car seats are installed incorrectly.
Here are eight common mistakes caregivers make when installing and buckling their child into a car seat, plus easy fixes so you can feel confident that your little one is strapped in safely.
Mistake #1: An incorrect recline angle
If you’re installing a rear-facing infant or convertible car seat, the base should be at the correct recline angle. This is important, since a semi-reclined angle helps keep your baby’s airway open. Sometimes caregivers install the car seat base according to the manual, but forget to check the recline angle indicator before clipping in the carrier.
Make sure you always check the angle indicator to confirm it’s in a safe range for your baby's age, weight and developmental stage. Most car seats have a built-in indicator or “bubble” that makes this easy. You should also continue checking the indicator over time, since the correct recline angle changes as your baby grows.
Mistake #2: Dressing your baby in a bulky coat
Your baby may look nice and cozy in a big warm coat, but you should take off any bulky clothing before putting your child in the car seat. Coats and puffy clothes make it harder to tighten the straps, which can be dangerous for your little one. If it’s cold out, you can put a small blanket over your baby after buckling them in.
Mistake #3: Twisted straps
Another common mistake caregivers make is buckling their little one in with straps that are twisted. Twisted fabric could prevent the harness straps from doing their job in the event of a crash. Always confirm that LATCH straps and seat belts are lying flat before you buckle your child in, and re-buckle them if you notice that one has become twisted.
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Mistake #4: Loose straps
Although you might think loose straps give your baby plenty of room for a comfortable ride, a snug, secure fit is safest. Too-loose straps prevent your child from staying restrained in the event of a crash.
The harness straps need to be adjusted and checked each time your child uses the car seat. After you adjust them, do a “pinch test” on the strap by your child’s shoulder. If you can pinch the fabric vertically, it’s too loose and needs to be tightened. Continue adjusting it until you can’t pinch any extra fabric.
Mistake #5: Uneven straps
Another common car seat mistake? Uneven straps. If the harness straps are snug on one side of your child’s body but loose on the other, he won’t be evenly restrained, which could increase risk of injury.
Harness straps should always be equally snug on both sides. Do a pinch test on each side if you’re unsure! Check the harness straps each time you put your child in the seat. You'll have to adjust them frequently as he grows.
Mistake #6: A too-low chest clip
The chest clip helps keep the harness straps in place. But if it’s positioned too low, it could increase your little one’s risk of injury. Adjust the chest clip so the middle of the clip is even with your child’s armpits. You’ll probably need to adjust it often, as it tends to migrate downward.
Mistake #7: Unfastened buckles
If you’re in a hurry, you might be tempted to strap your child in quickly without fully buckling the crotch buckle. This is dangerous, since it could leave your child vulnerable in the event of a crash. Always secure both sides of the crotch buckle, as well as connecting the chest clip.
Mistake #8: Using third-party accessories
Finally, make sure to avoid any after-market car seat accessories such as mirrors, pillows or seat protectors. Even if they’re marketed as being safe, these types of accessories could interfere with the way your car seat is able to perform in the event of a crash.
A good rule of thumb? Only use a car seat accessory if it came with your specific car seat model and brand, or if the manufacturer specifically allows its use. Check your seat's manual if you’re not sure.
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