1. Follow State Car Seat Laws
Each state has different laws regarding car seats. Some states require children use car seats until they're a certain age and weight. Other states base their requirements solely on weight or age. Some states require the use of car seats until children are 8 years old and weigh 80 pounds (the 8 and 80 laws). Make sure that when you travel, you're obeying the state's law for car seats. Few things will get you a ticket faster than not using a car seat. All states require that infants under one year ride rear facing.
2. Pick the Appropriate Seat
There are many different types of car seats. One option is an infant only car seat that's good for infants up to one year and that are less than 20 to 25 pounds (weight limits depend on the specific seat). Infant-only car seats usually snap into strollers, making life a little easier for busy parents. Another option is a convertible car seat that's good for infants all the way up to eight years old (depending on the seat). Parents use a convertible car seat rear facing for infancy and then turn them around for forward-facing children. A booster seat is another option for older children to ensure the lap and shoulder belts fit them correctly.
3. Install It Correctly
When installing a car seat, read the directions included with the car seat. Then read the directions enclosed with your car. Plan on it taking a great deal of time to properly install a car seat. In addition, make sure you've installed your car seat before you plan to bring your baby home from the hospital most hospitals won't release a baby to parents without a properly installed car seat.
4. Get Car Seats Inspected
Chances are you won't install your car seat correctly; few people do. Take your car seat to your local police or fire stations and have them install it for you. Some communities have car seat installation expos or have other areas where you can get your car seat inspected.
5. Car Seat Safety Tips Are Key
Make sure you're tightening any straps when you put your child in a car seat. Take the time to buckle everything correctly and make sure all straps are snug. Straps should be so snug, you can't pinch any webbing between your fingers or insert more than one finger. Make sure any lap belts for children are actually across the lap and not the stomach. In addition, make sure your child hasn't outgrown any car seats or that you're not putting them into advanced car seats before they're ready. Never place a child in front of an active air bag and they should ride in the back seats until they're 12 years old. Read your owner's manual of the car seats for more information.
