Important car seat tips
· Read the instructions. Before installing a car seat, read both the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual. These documents contain critical information about correct car seat installation in your vehicle. Skipping steps or misusing equipment can have serious consequences. To get expert help installing your car seat, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you for free.
· Use the tether on forward-facing car seats. Securing the tether is an essential step when installing a forward-facing car seat. It prevents the car seat from moving forward in a crash and may prevent head injury. Read your vehicle owner’s manual to find the correct tether anchor location.
· Don’t rush to the next seat. Moving children to the next type of car seat before they’re ready leaves them vulnerable in a crash. Keep your kids in the right seat as long as possible for their age and size.
· Keep children under 13 in the back seat. Riding in the front seat is not safe for kids. Air bags in the front seat are designed for adult passengers. All children under 13 should be buckled in the correct seat — always in the back seat. Never place a car seat in the front seat.
· Register car seats with the manufacturer. That way, in the event of a safety recall, the manufacturer will be able to notify the caregiver. NHTSA’s SaferCar app provides an easy way for parents and caregivers to save their vehicle and car seat details. The app will send the user a notification if any of their saved vehicles or car seats are included in a recall.
Child Passenger Safety Week is the perfect time to make sure your child is in the right seat and
that it’s installed correctly. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat for tips to keep your child as safe as
possible in the car. #ChildPassengerSafetyWeek #TheRightSeat
