Car Seat Safety

Ever feel like this kid when you think about car seats? You're not alone.

My number one tip is...

get your car seat checked by an expert! 

Our local fire department has a free program for town residents. My appointment was for today and, boy, I'm glad that I finally went in.  I had already read the manual, read posts online, and talked to other moms, but there was still a bunch to learn.

A few things I didn't know before:

• baby mirrors are not safe if you get into an accident (well, I wish someone would have told me that before I bought two of them)
• using a seat belt to secure the car seat is just as safe as using LATCH (if used properly)
• LATCH systems do have a weight limit, so check with your car manual or the car's manufacturer to make sure your baby and his/her seat don't exceed that limit
• it's ok for the car seat to touch the seat behind it, as long as it's not wedged in
• check to make sure that a rear-facing seat is snug by shaking at the base of the seat, near the baby's feet.  It shouldn't move more than an inch. 

Other good tips that I had learned previously:

• keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible (recommended until AT LEAST 2 years old)
• avoid adding anything to your car seat (including strap covers, unless they come with the seat)
• if your baby is premature, he/she may need a car seat that works for 4lb. babies (most US car seats start at 5lbs., so we had to borrow car seats until our twins were big enough)
• pay attention to car seat expiration dates

Remember: I'm not an expert.  These are just things that I've learned and wanted to pass along.  I'm sure it will all change two years from now anyway.  A car seat specialist is the way to go.  See what is available in your area. 

There are about a million things to consider with car seats.  I've learned a lot from thecarseatlady.com, but there are plenty of other helpful websites out there as well.

Before you know it, you and your baby will be feeling nice and peaceful about the whole car seat situation.