Car Seat Safety

Your baby’s car seat is a vital tool in getting your baby safely home from the birth center as well as to and from appointments. It is important that not only you the mother know how to operate your baby’s car seat but also your partner and anyone else who may be securing them into their seat. 

There are many options and the brand of car seat you purchase does not matter as long as you are using it properly. There are common mistakes even experienced parents make with installing and securing their infant in their car seat. Let's talk about a few of the most common.

Common mistakes

  • Straps too loose - To ensure your baby is properly secured in their seat the straps should pass the “pinch test.” If the straps are appropriately tight you should not be able to pinch it at the top of their shoulders between your finger and thumb. 

  • Straps too high in the car seat frame - While your baby is rear facing the straps should enter the car seat frame at or below the top of the shoulder. 

  • Chest clip misplacement - The chest clip should be placed at armpit level or the middle of the sternum. Its purpose is to keep the straps parallel over the chest in the event of a crash. 

  • Keeping baby warm in cold weather - This can be linked to the strap tightness issue listed above. Many people want to bundle their baby up against the cold as you should. However you should never leave your baby bundled underneath their car seat straps. In the event of a crash those clothes/ coats will compress resulting in straps that are too loose and unable to hold your baby secure in their seat. Instead you should bring your seat inside if it is easily moved/ detached from the base, bundle baby up to and from the car, shower cap style car seat covers, blankets, a poncho, thin fleece jackets, hats, and gloves. In general a thin fleece jacket will require you to slightly loosen the straps but should not require the straps to be so loose they are no longer able to secure your baby. The shower cap style covers are also a safe option that protect your baby from the elements but do not interfere with the seats functionality. 

  • Aftermarket products - Most aftermarket products will void your car seats manufacturer warranty. Aftermarket products are not subjected to crash testing and can often interfere with the car seats functionality in unseen ways. As a general rule you should never add any after market products to your seat. 

  • Fixing baby’s head slump - many people assume to fix head slump you need to immobilize the baby's head. This is not true, it is fine for a baby to have normal range of motion with their head and leaning to the side or turning is safe and normal. The main key in protecting your baby is keeping their head from falling forward, potentially cutting off their ability to breathe. The best way to avoid this is to follow your car seat’s manufacturer instructions for proper recline angle for your baby’s age.

After market products making the car seat unsafe.

The most important recommendations we can give you

  • Read the manual included with your car seat, have your partner read it as well.

  • Practice with your car seat before your baby gets here. 

  • Have your car seat installed and/or inspected by a CPST.

Resources