Child Passenger Safety Week

I did not realize how important car seat safety was until I was pregnant with E. Car seat safety unfortunately has a steep learning curve and really, we don’t know what we don’t know.

I’ve learned lots over the last year, and while I am not a certified car seat tech (check out @safeintheseat to get solid info from a CPST), here are 5 basic pointers I have learned:

1. Rear facing is safest. While the minimum for turning your child forward facing is 2 years old, the goal is to max out the limits of your specific car seat for rear-facing. We have committed to keep E rear facing until she maxes out her seat.

2. The pinch test. When tightening the harness, it should be able to pass the pinch test. After tightening, when you try to pinch the strap at the shoulders with two fingers, you should not be able to pinch up any of the strap.

3. When rear facing, the harness should come from at or just below the shoulders. When forward facing, the harness should come from at or just above the shoulders.

4. Lower anchor connectors. While they are convenient, make sure you are using the LATCH connectors safely (check anchor borrowing or exceeding weight limits). We opted for a seat belt install so we do not have to worry about switching when E maxes it out.

5. Do not add anything that didn’t come with it to the car seat. No extra head pillows, strap cushions, cup holders, etc.

If you haven’t pulled out your car seat manual and car manual, now is a good time to make sure you are keeping those kiddos as safe as can be in the car.

This year, during Child Passenger Safety Week, I am committing to working on projectiles in the car. I have a total mom car with stuff everywhere, so this is a hard one for me, but I am hoping to do better!

I know I still have so much to learn! If you aren’t already following @safeintheseat, Michelle is a WEALTH of knowledge about car seats and safety (and she keeps it real about motherhood). I owe so much of what I have learned to her! ❤️