How Do We Know Whether A Forward
- Both the childs size and behavior should be considered. Can the child sit for a car ride without wiggling out of the seatbelt, or pulling it behind their back? If they cant, keep them in a forward-facing seat. Some smaller children may need more head support than a booster seat offers. And children who nap in a car are more comfortable in a seat with back and head restraints. A forward-facing seat is always safer. However, once they reach 30 pounds and outgrow the forward-facing seat, they should be switched to a booster.
Find The Best Place In The Car
The back seat is the safest place to ride for all children under age 13. But not all cars allow for a car seat in every place that has a seat belt. Check your car owner manual to see where you can put a car seat. Make sure that the car seat or booster seat for each child riding in the car is in the best possible place. Also, make sure other passengers in the car can ride safely.
When Should I Switch My Child From A Forward Facing Car Seat To A Booster Car Seat
According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning:
- For a five-point harness, forward facing car seat: All children 2 years or older, or those who have outgrown the weight or height limit of their rear-facing seat, should ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as possible up to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat.
- For a booster car seat: All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap/shoulder belt fits properly, typically when the child reaches 49 tall at 8-12 years old.
Also Check: Typical Car Salesman Commission
Pull From The Right Angle
If youre pulling and pulling and the strap just wont tighten, but there seems to be slack, it can be pretty confusing.
The angle of force could be your problem in this case.
It often works best to pull up and toward the center of the car seat, rather than away from the seat .
This is counterintuitive, for sure, but the way most of these straps are designed, the only way theyll tighten at all is if you pull from the right angle.
Get Your Car Seat Inspected
Whether youve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it. Some locations now offer virtual inspections.
Cant find an inspection station near you? You may be able to find a tech through Safe Kids Worldwide.
Recommended Reading: How Long Do Car Batteries Last
Cant Get Car Seat Tight Enough 9 Fixes To Try Right Now
I may receive a commission for purchases made through product links on this page, but I always stand by my opinions and endorsements!
Installing car seats is no ones idea of a good time.
Most of us parents want to, ideally, do it once and then never think about it again.
But its not always that easy.
Whether:
- its your first time putting the seat in
- youre moving it to a new car
- youre installing a rental car seat
- youre adjusting a seat thats come loose
- youre turning the seat around for your toddler
- or youre putting in a brand new car seat
SO many people run into this problem: They cant get the car seat tight enough!
This is an infuriating problem, and frankly a dangerous one. I dont need to go into detail about why living with a loose car seat is a bad idea.
You need to get this fixed, even though it can be a major headache. And here are my top 9 ways to solve or avoid this problem altogether:
- Plan ahead whenever possible
- Use car seat installation aids
- Swing by the fire department
- Just get a different car seat
Let Us Help You Install Your Car Seat Properly
Take time to read the owner manuals for both your vehicle and your car seat. If you would like help installing your car seat, a car seat technician can help. Safe Kids coalitions have car seat checkup events and inspection stations around the country. Find an event here. If there isnt an event near you, look here for a certified child passenger safety technician who can help you.
Don’t Miss: What Gas Stations Accept Synchrony Car Care
Car Seat Inspection Stations
Not all parents will be confident about whether they have installed their car seat properly, which will naturally lead to increased worry and risk when it comes to safety. Some may be unsure with regards to proper use of the car seat and may require advice. There are car seat inspection stations where certified inspectors can provide you with assistance and guidance. This means greater peace of mind for you as well as increased protection for your child.
The certified inspectors at these stations are able to provide assistance and guidance when it comes to installing your car seat. Even if you have already installed the seat, if you have any doubts with regards to whether it has been fitted properly, it is not worth taking the legal or safety risks. It is, therefore, worth taking your vehicle along to one of these stations so that a certified inspector can check and ensure that it is installed correctly. In addition, if there are any problems with installation the inspectors can get this sorted out for you. You can even ask them about proper usage if you have little or no experience with these seats or you just need clarification.
At What Age Do You Change Car Seats
As soon as your child outgrows their car seat, you need to purchase a new one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , children should be in booster seats until they are at least four feet nine inches tall and weigh 80 pounds or more.
That is typically around age eight or older depending on growth and development. However, remember that this is just an average guideeach childs height and weight has different recommendations for best safety practices.
For example, if you have a petite preteen who still weighs less than 80 pounds then it makes sense that she would not technically qualify for being able to ride without a booster seat yet!
On the other hand, if you have an athletic middle-schooler who is bigger than average but still not quite at the requirement of 80 pounds, you may want to consider holding off on buying a booster seat yet as long as she has been riding with her adult belt correctly.
Recommended Reading: How Much Mileage Is Too Much For A Used Car
My Child Has Long Legs Is It Safe For Them To Remain Rear Facing When Their Legs Are Squished +
- According to Dr. Marilyn Bull, the pediatrician who represents AAP on the National Child Passenger Safety Board, children are flexible and able to comfortably cross their legs. There is no data to support evidence of leg injuries in a crash, but there is a great deal of evidence that keeping them rear facing reduced brain and spinal cord injuries, both of which are serious and often fatal. It is much, much safer to keep them rear facing as long as you can.
Where To Get A Car Stero Installed
Hey Waygooks! So I bought a new radio for my car, but I have been trying to get the old radio out with minimal success, I’m not sure if the sony radio is so old that the keys I have don’t work for it, but in any case does anyone know where I could go to get the old radio taken out and the new radio installed?
You May Like: How To Remove Scuff Marks From Car Door Panels
What Is Considered A Moderate Car Crash
While a moderate car crash does not have a precise definition, some common characteristics of minor car crashes include: One or both vehicles traveling at speeds between 25 and 45 miles per hour. The crash involved a rear-end or side-to-side collision. The damage to each vehicle is significant but repairable.
What Is The Child Car Seat Law In Michigan
The child car seat law in Michigan as it stands now states:
- Children under 4 years of age must be properly secured in a child restraint system and positioned in a motor vehicles rear seat.
- Children 4 years of age or older, but less than 8 years of age, and who less than 4 feet 9 inches in height must be properly secured in a child restraint system in accordance with the child restraint manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers instructions
- Children 8 years of age or older, but less than 16 years of age, must wear a seat belt regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle, i.e., the front seat or the back seat.
- Children 16 years of age or older if seated in the front seat as either a passenger or an operator must wear a seat belt.
Also Check: Where To Copy Car Key
Installing The Car Seat
Installing the car seat
It is important to always read the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer before using a restraint system for the first time.
The centre of the back bench of the vehicle is generally considered to be the best place to install a car seat, as it offers maximum shock protection in the event of a collision.
Permanent provincial verification network
For residents wishing to have their child car seat checked, they can consult, free or for a small fee, a registered garage in the list of Réseau members.
Where Do I Go To Get The Car Seat Installed Properly
I went to kosair and they installed the carseat incorrectly. The fire departments around here do not install car seats, none of them are certified. This car seat is going to go through the window if it goes further than 1 mile. The car wear concerned with is a Hyundai. The main car has a car seat that is installed properly but my father installed the seat when he was visiting the week the baby
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Average Car Salesman Make
How To Know If The Car Seat Is Tight Enough
If you think its not, its probably not.
The safety standards for child safety seats are VERY high. And honestly, the majority of car seats arent installed correctly.
So whats the standard?
According to the DMV, the car seat should not move more than an inch in any direction when you wiggle, push, or pull on it.
Thats a high bar! So the strap needs to be super, super tight.
Also: Dont forget to make sure the recline angle of your car seat is correct for your childs age. Most modern models will have a little gauge on the side of the car seat with a level that helps you find the right setting.
Arizona Law Regarding Child Car Seats
ARS 28-907 and : A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on the highways in this state when transporting a child who is under five years of age unless that child is properly secured in a child restraint system. Each passenger who is at least five years of age, who is under eight years of age and who is not more than four feet nine inches tall is to be restrained in a child restraint system.
For more great information, visit The Car Seat Safety Mom
Also Check: How Much Do Car Salesmen Make In Commission
Do You Have To Have An Infant Car Seat To Leave The Hospital
No, you do not have to have an infant car seat. Instead, a nurse will provide a hospital-grade one for the baby and it must be returned upon discharge from the hospital.
It is safest to return this item as well as any other equipment that was used during labour or birth since the medical staff has inspected these items before use on your child.
Otherwise, parents may wait until they purchase their own standard model once leaving the facility with their new bundle of joy in tow!
Try Car Seat Installation Foam Strips
If youve tried everything and just cant, for the life of you, get the car seat tight enough, there are some interesting products on the market that might help.
These foam car seat installation strips can be really useful in this case.
Essentially, theyre little sections of pool noodle, that you jam in the seat crack behind the car seat.
When you put your weight into the seat and tighten the strap with all your might, the foam compresses. When you release the tension, it expands and presses back into the seat, giving it a little bit of extra tightness.
Read Also: How Much Does A Car Salesman Make Per Car
Finding Your Nearest Car Seat Inspection Site
With crashes being a leading cause of death for all children, ensuring your child is in a correctly installed car seat that is appropriate for their size is the best way to ensure their safety when your family is on the road. But many parents still misuse their childs seat, due to uncertainty over which type of seat their child should be in or confusion when installing it. There is plenty of help out there for parents who need a hand.
Car seat inspection sites are organizations with at least one Child Passenger Safety technician on staff where you can go to ensure your childs seat has been installed correctly. Technicians are certified via training and continuing education on the proper usage and installation of car and booster seats. Their seat inspection services are free of charge.
The map below shows the locations of all CPS inspection sites in Massachusetts, including those with technicians who speak Spanish or who are certified to help children with special healthcare needs.
While many inspections sites are active and taking the necessary COVID-19 precautions, some are still not available to the public for seat inspection appointments. If you would like virtual assistance with your childs car seat, please contact .
Can I Take My Baby Home In A Convertible Car Seat
Yes, you can. If your convertible car seat is top-rated in terms of safety and comfort for newborns , then yes! There are some considerations to make this work though.
The main one is that the baby will be facing backwards during their ride home from the hospital or birthing centre.
This means theres less protection in case of an accident however, doctors do say it is safer than having them face forward since infants necks arent strong enough yet to withstand a collision force like older children could at this point.
Read Also: Avis Is Owned By
Child Car Seat Safety Program Town Of Hempstead
Nothing is more important than the safety of our children. With this in mind, the Town of Hempstead has established a free Child Car Seat Safety Check Program. Under New York State’s Child Restraint Law, a child must remain in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until the age of eight .
Out Of 5 Car Seats Are Installed And/or Used Wrong Make An Appointment Today For A Free Car Seat Safety Check Sponsored By Texas Children’s Childhood Injury Prevention Center And Safe Kids Greater Houston
Visit one of several locations in the greater Houston area today. It’s best to bring your children so we can ensure the seats are appropriate and fit them properly. Our inspectors take about 30 minutes teaching parents how to install their children’s car seat correctly.
For more information about upcoming car-seat safety checks, call us at 832-822-2277.
Recommended Reading: What Gas Stations Accept Synchrony Car Care
Plan Ahead Whenever Possible
Ive been there.
There is NOTHING more frustrating than trying to install a car seat while under the gun, with the rest of the family waiting for you to finish, baby crying, the hot sun beating down on you, and finding you juuuuust cant quite get it tight enough.
This is a bad situation to be in. Not only because its stressful, but because youll be tempted to get it good enough, and move on.
Its not always feasible to install the car seat ahead of time and before you need it, but Id urge you to become familiar and well-practiced with taking the car seat in and out on your own.
Car Seat Inspection Locations
Car Seat Inspection Locations. Need to get your car seat checked for proper installation? Search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s listing of child passenger safety seat inspection locations. Certified inspectors at these locations can provide guidance on proper child restraint use and installation.
Read Also: How To Clean Car Door Panels
Car Seat Installation Service
Curbside Car Seat Checks, Full Instruction Courses & Home Service Appointments
Over 17 years in business, the first and most experienced professional car seat checkup service in the Chicago area serving Naperville, DuPage and most of Cook county! For more information about Seatchecks expert car seat checkup service, please see why Seatcheck is the best choice for you, the safest choice for your baby and also about what to expect from my expert service! You also can read about me and below you can find Seatchecks rates for a course that may take up to an hour for a full instruction on a typical carseat. Seatcheck is a part-time small business and appointments are limited, especially from November to March! Appointments are usually available within 1 or 2 business days from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm .
- Child safety seat instruction, installation or inspection: $40 for each car seat . Seatcheck offers two options:
*For addresses in Naperville and Lisle only, including Edward Hospital.
