Once you have children you do everything you can to protect them. Are your children safe in your car? Many parents think that they have taken care of their children’s safety because they have put their children in child safety seats. However if the seat is installed improperly or if the straps are not adjusted correctly then you children may not be as safe as you think they are.
The first time you purchase a child safety seat you need to make sure that it fits properly in your car. Different child safety seats do not work as well in certain cars. Most baby stores have an easy return policy for child safety seats so that you can find a child safety seat, which will fit safely. You can take your child safety seat to a certified check site in order to guarantee that it is secured properly.
While I know that parents think about child safety seats when you first have a child, it is important that you continue with the safety checking process as the children grows older and you buy new child safety seats for your child. You will want to make sure that you know how to properly install and use the new child safety seats as well.
Another time to consider child safety seat safety is when you purchase a new car. It is a good idea to have your child safety seats rechecked by your local police department. Car dealerships are often certified as being official check sites as well. If you need to purchase new child safety seats that will work with your new vehicle it is important to know as soon as you purchase the car.
After an accident it is important to replace your child safety seats right away. The child safety seats have done their job, and are no longer safe. Many police departments will escort you to the store to make sure you truly replace the seats. Seats also expire after about six years. On the bottom or the back of most child safety seats is an expiration date. You should comply with this date and purchase a new seat when you need to.
After you have installed the seats correctly, make sure you are securing your children correctly. The straps should be tight and not loose. You should be able to fit your fingers beneath the straps, but that is it. If you have a five point harness, the top latch should be level with your child’s armpits. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your child’s safety seat. If your child is in a booster seat the seat belt should come across his shoulder, and not his neck.