PSA – Infant Car Seat Safety

A huge percentage of car seats are installed incorrectly – the statistic is somewhere around 75% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That is a pretty shocking statistic and, unfortunately, one I am no longer surprised at.

I see babies secured incorrectly in their infant car seats in blog pictures, on Facebook and even at daycare. L.J. and one of his classmates are approximately the same size/weight and have the exact same car seat. Their car seats should be set up the same way, but they are not. (We had L.J’s seat checked at a fire station with him in it, so I know it is correct.)

It bothers me every time I see it because I want to say something, but I feel like that is too far into “personal space” territory. Car seats are confusing and I know parents don’t set them up incorrectly on purpose. I never want to be the mom that wags her finger and says, “You’re doing it wrong!”

So I thought perhaps my blog might be a good place to share some infant car seat safety reminders. If it helps even one family correct an unintentional mistake, it’s worth it.

1. Get your car seat checked at the local firehouse. We have tried to insert L.J.’s car seat base into 4 different cars – we only succeeded with one of them without professional help.
   
   Important: Not all fire stations are able to check car seats. Visit seatcheck.org to find a station near you and make sure you call in advance to see when the inspector is available.
   
2. The car seat straps should be fed through the slots that are at or below a child’s shoulders. This is different than the instructions for most convertible child seats and probably the mistake I see most often.
   
3. The car seat straps should always be smooth/flat and not tangled or twisted. This one is a pain when strapping in a wiggly baby…but so important!
   
4. Remove the slack. The straps should fit the baby snugly. If you can pinch the strap between your thumb and your forefinger, it is too loose.
   
5. The plastic chest clip should be placed at armpit level, which is essentially the same as placing it over the baby’s nipples. That’s actually an easier gauge for me, because L.J’.s arms are always moving.
   
6. No fluffy outfits or coats! Fluff compresses in an accident, creating slack in the straps. Even in winter, infant seats are like miniature warming ovens…put an appropriate weight blanket over your baby instead of a jacket and he/she will be comfortable.
   
7. Check your car seat’s manual for instructions about when to use inserts. For example, L.J.’s seat came with a cozy little insert, but the manual said to remove it when he reached 11 pounds.

And, finally, here’s an opportunity to do a good deed to help others: Fire stations keep a supply of foam pool noodles on hand because they use them to help properly secure hard-to-fit car seats. When purchasing this summer’s pool toys, pick up an extra noodle or two to donate to your local fire station. They really appreciate the donations!

Disclaimer: This is not an officially sanctioned post and is meant to offer helpful guidelines only. Information was compiled from the Chicco KeyFit 30 Owner’s Manual and the Greenville SC Fire Department. Always read the manual that came with your car seat to make sure that you are using it properly and safely. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer.