Celebrities & Car Seats What Every Parent Needs To Know About Car Seats

Recent media attention has captured celebrities traveling with their children, prompting us all to evaluate the proper installation and usage of our own children’s car seats. According to the Safe Kids Coalition, 82% of all car seats are installed or used incorrectly. In addition, many parents don’t know the appropriate weight, height, and age requirements for car seats. The following are some quick tips on proper car seat use:

• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and usage information.
  
  
• Never purchase a car seat from a yard sale. You never know if it’s been in an accident, been recalled or misused in any way. This is one instance where saving an extra buck is not recommended.
  
  
• Car seats should be discarded after seven years. Materials could wear out and newer, more improved safety standards for car seats may be issued and implemented.
  
  
• Infants should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat. They must stay this way until they are 20 pounds and 1 year of age.
   
• Never put a car seat in the front seat of a car. Children should ride in the back seat until they are 13 years old. (Source: NHTSA)
   
• The belt on the car seat should be fastened at chest level. You shouldn’t be able to place more than one finger between the strap and the baby’s shoulder.
   
• Check the weight and height restrictions on infant car seats! Some have a maximum weight limit of 15 pounds and maximum height limit of 26” which many infants will outgrow well before they reach 1 year.
   
• Booster seats are as important as car seats! A child should remain in a booster seat until he or she is 57” tall and weighs between 80 and 100 lbs.