Tips for Installing Your Child's Car Seat

Several years ago I was involved in a car accident that claimed the life of another driver. During a rainstorm, a man hydroplaned into my lane and my vehicle struck his. The man was not wearing a seat belt. He was thrown out of the car and into the road. Through this experience, I saw more than I ever wished to see.

Since the accident, I have been very avid to wearing a seat belt and ensuring that my children are properly buckled. I cannot stand for car seats to wiggle or move. I do not believe in letting my children ride unrestrained no matter how short the drive.

When my children ride in the car with others, I always place the car seat in myself or I check to ensure that it is tight enough. I pride myself in being able to properly and tightly install a car seat.

When friends of mine have a new baby, I also discuss the importance of car seats with them. In a few cases, I have installed their seat for them.

Many feel that simply buckling the seat belt across the car seat is enough. However, if the seat is not secured down tightly the child and the seat could be thrown from side to side and causing head and neck injuries.

In this article, I would like to offer some tips on how to get your child's seat tight and safe.

Always check the car information to determine which type of car seat installation your vehicle is equipped with. Older models cars usually do not have anything but seat belts for restraining car seats. However, newer models are often equipped with a LATCH system. I use three LATCH systems with the car seats in my car.

After you have determined how the seat will be installed, determine where it will be installed. Do not place car seats in the front of the car. If you drive a truck and do not have a choice, make sure that the seat cannot be hit by air bags. Most trucks allow for the passenger air bag to be turned off. If you drive a car or vehicle with a bench seat in the back, place the car seat in the middle. This location will receive less impact if the car is hit from wither side.

When installing the car seat, infant or forward facing, buckle the seat while you are pressing down on it. I usually climb into the seat myself facing backwards. If you are too big for this, place a knee in the seat. After the belt or LATCH is buckled, pull tightly on the strap while once again pressing on the seat. If using a seat belt and it is easy to buckle, then it is probably not tight enough. You should have some strain in pulling the belt across.

After the seat is buckled, pull on it each direction and check to see if there is any "give". If the seat gives in any one direction, put more weight on the seat and pull the strap again.

If you are installing an infant seat for a newborn, you probably will need to place a rolled up towel, water noodle, or seat support under the seat before it is tightened. This is placed in the crevice of the vehicle seat. The purpose is to keep the seat from sitting too upright. Newborn babies cannot control their head well enough to sit upright. Most infant seats have an indicator on the side to detect if they are level.

If you car has a LATCH system, use all LATCH hook-ups. Two are usually in the seat between the back and bottom. One LATCH is usually behind.

Always ensure that your child is safely buckled!