Did anyone else catch the Today Show on Monday? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just released findings that 93% of parents leaving the hospital made at least on critical error when installing or using their car seat. While this is a troubling statistic, it's an issue that can be easily addressed by spreading the word about car seat safety and proper installation.
I've teamed up with Safety 1st to try to bring awareness to new and old parents alike! I'm a pretty big stickler for proper car seat use, just ask my in-laws! It's always important to for new mom and dad leaving the hospital to know right from wrong, but even the most experienced parents (our own!) could always use a refresher in how new technology is supposed to be used to protect our most valuable possessions - our kids.
Car Seat Safety Tips
By the experts at Safety 1st
Importance of Rear Facing
In March of 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their car seat recommendations advising that children should remain rear facing until the age of two. According to a study in the Journal of Injury Prevention children under the age of two are 75% less likely to die or be severely injured in the event of a car crash if they are rear facing. When a child is rear facing their head, neck and spine are better supported and in the event of an accident, crash forces are distributed over the child’s entire body.
Location
Typically the center rear seat is the safest place for a car seat, and never install a car seat in the front seat. If your car does not have a latch connector for the middle seat, you can use the middle seat belt to properly secure the base. When installing, make sure the base of the car seat moves no more than an inch from side to side. An easy way to test this is to hold at the belt path.
Car Seat Expiration
Car seats do have an expiration date, it is recommended that car seats be replaced every 5-8 years, or immediately after a crash. The reason for an expiration date is because plastic can warp and materials can fray, which can make car seats not as effective in the event of a crash. Additionally car seat technology and state and federal car seat regulations change over time. Important warning labels may wear out and instruction books may get lost, which can lead to improper use of the car seat.
Safeguard the Car
Childproof the inside of the car and eliminate projectiles. Anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile – even a child’s toy, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.
Safety 1st has generously offered to giveaway one onBoard 35 Air+ Infant Car Seat, in St. Germain, to a lucky reader. Enter below and tell your friends!
I will keep emily safe and properly buckled for EVERY trip
ReplyDeleteThese are great reminders. I remember being freaked out over the car seat before our 1st was born. It's intimidating for new parents!
ReplyDeleteI cannot even tell you how great it would be to win an Infant seat (the one we had for Ellie isn't the best)
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy how so many people don't put children in the seats correctly - like loose shoulder straps or the chest connector at the belly button! I want to fix it every time!!
How about not putting the car seat in the front of the cart at the grocery store or Target? I want to correct people all the time.
ReplyDeletethis would be great for our baby arriving this December!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is almost 2.5 and I amazed at the rude remarks from family and friends about how we still keep her rear-facing. To properly educate these individuals I have showed them the data and my main reason for keeping her rear-facing but they seem disbelieving. My daugher doesn't get upset or ever cry in the car so I know she is fine with the arrangement. I wish others would try harder to know the facts and even if they decide to deviate they would not try to discourage others from keeping their children safe. Better be safe than sorry! I went to 2 different car seat safety classes and both had either policemen or fireman that talked about horrible accidents they witnessed and the only reason the children survived was the rear facing car seats. Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteWe got some of those comments too! Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chrissy! We're still rear-facing (at almost 2.5) and we get so many nasty comments from friends. WHY?!! We will be rear-facing both kids until they hit the height/weight requirements. They don't know any better at this point and are fine with it.
ReplyDeleteoooh new baby could use a new seat! ;)
ReplyDeleteI always pledge that!
ReplyDeleteI pledge to keep my baby girl safe each and every time!
ReplyDeleteALWAYS pledge that! Safety first!!!
ReplyDeletethis would be great for baby #2 coming in December!
ReplyDeletePledge!! Safety first always!!
ReplyDeletewe also still RF Harper and plan to until she maxes out the seat limits. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI will. My baby is too precious not to!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I will always pledge that!
ReplyDeleteALWAYS Safety First! I always make sure my daughter is buckled, and had the car seat inspected at the police station. I pledge!
ReplyDeleteI pledge to keep the little ones safely and properly buckled, for all trips!
ReplyDeleteI pledge to keep my son & daughter safely and properly buckled, for all trips!
ReplyDeleteI too pledge. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI pledge to keep my 13 month old rear facing until she is two! Thanks for all the tips
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I feel there's a lot of people who take a leisurely approach to this, which is unfortunate. I'm a stickler too :)
ReplyDeleteI pledge to!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great pledge- I pledge to keep my little ones properly buckled and rear facing for as ling as possible- I've almost made it to four with my oldest!
ReplyDeleteI pledge to keep my little ones safe
ReplyDeleteI always pledge!
ReplyDeleteI pledge.
ReplyDeleteI pledge!
ReplyDelete