As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. And when it comes to car safety, we want to do everything possible to keep them safe while they’re in the car. Unfortunately, one thing we sometimes forget is that car seats are not 100% effective. In fact, according to the Department of Transportation, 95% of fatal crashes occur in vehicles where a child is not properly restrained. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of checking a car seat and help you decide whether or not it’s worth it. Read on to learn more about the risks and benefits of checking your car seat.
Why Check A Car Seat?
Checking a car seat is an important part of ensuring your child’s safety. Car seats should be regularly inspected for tears or defects, and if they are not in good condition, the child should not be put in the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children younger than age 1 ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old and taller than 42 inches tall. Children who will be age 1 year or older before their first birthday should ride in a forward-facing car seat until they reach the height and weight limit for their car seat, which is typically about 40 pounds. After your child reaches 1 year old, you can switch to a booster seat if needed.
How to Check a Car Seat
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your car seat is correctly installed, there are a few simple steps you can take to check.
1. Locate the car’s safety belt anchor points. There are usually two, one on each side of the car. Use a sturdy object to pry up on either side of the anchor point until it pops free. Make sure that the belt is tight across your child’s chest and shoulder blades, and reattach the anchor point.
2. Try to click the car seat into place by pulling up on one side, then pushing down on the other side until it clicks into place. If it doesn’t click, try adjusting both straps until it does.
3. Invert the car seat so that the sides with the buttons are up (the back should be facing out). Press down on one button and lift up on another to see if they move independently (they should). If they don’t move individually, they’re probably connected by a hinge at one end or the other – in which case you’ll need to replace both parts. Otherwise, press down on one button and push up on another until they do move independently – if they still don’t move together, there may be something blocking their movement, like debris or a cord, and you’ll need to remove that obstruction before continuing.
What to Look for When Checking a Car Seat
When checking a car seat, there are a few things to look for. The first is the weight limit. Car seats should fit children up to a weight of 65 pounds. If your child weighs more than this, you will need to buy a car seat that is rated for their weight and size.
The next thing to look for is the type of car seat. There are three types of car seats: rear-facing only, forward-facing only, and convertible. Rear-facing only car seats should be used until your child is two years old, and then they can switch to a forward-facing car seat. A convertible car seat can be used from birth until your child reaches 40 pounds or when they reach 4 feet 11 inches tall, whichever comes first.
The last thing to look for is the safety features of the car seat. Some common safety features include: an emergency stop button, adjustable straps so it will fit most children well, and protection from side-impact collisions.
When to Replace a Car Seat
When to Replace a Car Seat:
If your car seat is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it. New safety standards will require that all car seats be replaced by 2020. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 1 year old use rear-facing seats until they are at least 1 year old, and children between 1 and 2 years old should use booster seats until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. If you have a child between 3 and 8 years old, the AAP recommends using a seat belt unless the child weighs less than 40 pounds or is taller than 44 inches. If your child weighs between 40 and 110 pounds or is taller than 44 inches, use their weight as the guideline for choosing a seat belt or booster seat.
Conclusion
Should you always check your car seat for proper installation? That answer is a little more complicated than you might think. Every car has different features and straps that make installing and using a car seat different, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer if you’re not sure how to install the seat or use any of the straps. In general, however, it is always advisable to check your car seat installation and make sure it is secure before taking a trip.