Car Seat Tips

Every holiday season I share  share my space here on Parent Club along with my social media influence  for a good cause (absolutely not sponsored). This year I have chosen Car Seat Tips. Car seats protect our children – every time we put them in our vehicles. As a Mom, I hope these car seat tips go viral…

10 Car Seat Tips

Sure you might think you know how to install a car seat because you are an experienced parent however manufacturers make different car seats. Take the time to read the manufacturer’s installation guide. It could save a life.

Newborns should always be rear facing. Always.

And yes, I am so eager for my son to move into a booster seat however I won’t rush him out of the car seat. He hasn’t hit the right age/weight/height for a booster seat yet. Check Transport Canada Car Seat Safety for guidelines.

They might be sleeping, it might be for a short ride, they might have been in the car seat for hours and want to just have a stretch – but always buckle your child into their car seat. Accidents don’t give notice.

Ensure the straps of the car seat fit properly – not too loose and not too tight.

The safest place for a car seat is in the back seat.

Car seats have expiry dates. Good to know n’est pas?…

One child per car seat. Even if your kids are just going on a short trip. You need a car seat for each child who is in the vehicle!

Replace car seats if you have been in an accident (they could be compromised).

Don’t buy used car seats because you do not know the accident or care history.

Before I could bring my son home from the hospital – I had to present a car seat before discharge. I cannot stress how strongly I feel about spreading car seat safety awareness. Every time I hear, on the news, that a child survived a car crash because they were properly secured in a car seat – my heart flip flops. Doesn’t yours?!…

I hope you share these car seat tips – and use a car seat with your kids. Here’s a thought…donate a car seat to your local family shelter or give one as a group present at your next baby shower. Car seats are gifts which last for years through a child’s growing stages – and they could just protect them from a life threatening injury.

Disclaimer: I am not a car seat expert. I am a Mom. And I use a car seat every time my son is in the car. Please do your own car seat safety research and follow the manufacturer’s installation and guide.