Car Seat Safety

Do You Think Your Child's Car Seat Is Installed Properly?

If you think, "Yes", think again. Statistics show anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of car seats are installed improperly. In this month's Safety section we're going to tackle some of the information you need to make sure your child is riding safely. I spoke with Chuck Fowler, Lt. Jason Wells, and Sherri Anne Shuey of Project Safe Seat to get the facts on car seat safety and installation. Each is certified to install car seats. KidsAndKaboodle even went on a car seat check appointment to see exactly what is done. Click Here to See Our Car Seat Check. There is a lot of information to cover on this topic. Please make sure you carefully read all of the information we have provided for you.   

 Where to Start?

Well, let's start at the beginning -- buying a seat. When buying a seat:
First make sure you know the height and weight of your child. That information is crucial in finding a car seat that fits your child properly.

 
Second when you go to buy a seat, try to go to a store that will allow you to try the seat in the car before you actually purchase the seat. If you are unable to "try before you buy", make sure you save the receipt so you can take it back should you need to do so. 

Third keep in mind that just because a seat cost a lot of money, doesn't mean it's "the best". Chuck Fowler of Project Safe Seat says that all seats have to pass the same inspection and meet the same requirements. "A thirty dollar car seat may fit your car correctly and make your child safer than the one-hundred-and-thirty dollar [seat] that really fits in well, so you can't always go with price," says Fowler.

Things To Keep In Mind When Buying a Seat:

1. The seat fits well in your car

2. The seat is a seat that you are comfortable with

3. Know your child's height and weight to determine how long you can use the seat you choose.

4. Realize you could be making a lifestyle change -- Do you need a different vehicle to ensure the safety of your child(ren)?

5. Make sure you fill out the recall card that is in the box your seat came in. If there should be a recall on your seat the manufacturer can notify you.

6. Make sure you hold on to your car seat manual. Not only do you need it to install the seat, but you may need to refer to it at a later date.

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If We Can Do It...So Can You

The most important thing you can do is to make an appointment to have your car seat checked. You may think you are doing everything right, yet up to 90% of us are still making mistakes when installing our children's seats. We went with one mom to a car seat check. Click Here to Go On a Car Seat Check With Us.