What Every Mom Should Know
As a mom of three, I know firsthand how overwhelming car seat safety can be. Between figuring out which seat is right for your baby, wrestling with installation, and understanding when to make that next big switch to a different seat, it’s a lot! That’s why I’m so thankful for National Child Passenger Safety Week, running from September 15-21, 2024, which helps bring awareness and offers hands-on support to parents. It’s not about being preachy; it’s about keeping our little ones safe during every car ride—whether it’s a five-minute trip to the store or a long road trip.
Why Car Seat Safety is a Big Deal
Here’s the deal: motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for kids, and a big chunk of that comes from misuse of car seats. Did you know that about 46% of car seats are not used correctly? As moms, we’re juggling so much already—so making sure our kiddos are in the right seat, and it’s properly installed, can seem like one more thing on an already full plate. But trust me, it’s worth it.
I polled multiple groups of Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York moms and was shocked to find out that nobody checked their baby’s carseat before leaving the hospital with their precious newborn! While I absolutely understand it can be a liability, I can’t think of many things more important than checking to be sure a brand new babe is buckled correctly in their carseat — especially considering how many appointments (times in the car) a babe has those first few weeks of life! So consider this your opportunity to learn about car seat safety and where you can go to be sure you’re using the right seat, installing it correctly, and buckling your babe in the correct way!
Which Car Seat for Which Stage?
Getting the right car seat for each stage of your child’s growth is key. Here’s a quick rundown to help you figure out where your little one is at:
- Rear-Facing Seat (Birth to 3 years): This is the safest position for your baby. I kept all my kiddos rear-facing as long as possible because it’s been shown to provide the most protection in a crash. Ideally, you want to keep them rear-facing until they hit the maximum height or weight allowed by the seat.
- Forward-Facing Seat (3 to 7 years): Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, it’s time to switch to forward-facing with a harness. This seat will last them until they are about 7 years old, depending on how they grow. Using the harness properly is key to keeping them safe.
- Booster Seat (7 to 12 years): After the forward-facing seat, your child will move to a booster seat. I know my middle child thought he was so grown-up when he finally moved into one! This seat makes sure that the vehicle’s seatbelt fits your child correctly across the lap and shoulder. They’ll likely need this until they’re at least 12.
- Seatbelt (12+ years): Only when your child is big enough for the seatbelt to fit properly without a booster (lap belt low on the hips, shoulder belt across the chest) can they safely sit without extra support.
Car Seat Installation: Are You Sure It’s Right?
Even if you’ve got the right seat, making sure it’s installed properly is another hurdle. Did you know you can have a Certified Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) check your car seat for free? CPSTs are trained to install car seats correctly and can walk you through it so you’re confident every time. For those of us in the Harrisburg area, there are plenty of locations where you can get a car seat check. You can find a local CPST through this link to ensure your seat is installed correctly.
One of my favorite resources when it comes to car seat safety is Car Seats for the Littles. This nonprofit is made up of a dedicated group of certified car seat experts and techs who provide thorough reviews, safety tips, and guides to help parents choose the right seat for their child. Whether you’re unsure about which seat to buy or need help with installation, they’ve got you covered with an incredible amount of detail and research. It’s my go-to for staying updated on car seat safety recommendations!
Target Car Seat Trade-In Event
Here’s a bonus tip for all you moms juggling the costs of parenting: Target holds an annual Car Seat Trade-In Event where you can bring in your old, expired, or outgrown car seat and get a 20% off coupon for a new one. It’s a great way to save money while upgrading your seat as your child grows. Keep an eye out for the event, which typically happens in the spring and fall, just in time for National Child Passenger Safety Week.
Keeping It Real
I get it, life is chaotic and the idea of wrangling car seats, especially with multiple kids, can feel overwhelming. But making sure they’re in the right seat—every trip, every time—is one of the easiest ways we can protect our kids. So, during this year’s National Child Passenger Safety Week, take a moment to check your child’s seat and consider getting it inspected. Our kids are worth that extra peace of mind.
Please note that I am not a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). The information shared here is for general awareness and should not be considered expert advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date car seat safety guidelines, I recommend consulting a certified CPST.
About the Author
I’m a mom of three, raising my family alongside my wonderful husband in York County, PA. I know firsthand the beautiful chaos of motherhood – the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. I’m passionate about capturing these fleeting moments through my lens and helping other families preserve their precious memories for generations to come.
