At iSCHURING, we are here for you and your family, so topics like these are important to us. Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, installing a car seat can be tricky. It is important to be sure that your child’s seat is installed properly so that it can perform its essential function of keeping your child safe. Below are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Ignoring the expiration date.
Car seats come with expiration dates, and it is important to adhere to these. In general, car seats typically expire six to ten years after their manufacture date. Over time, changes in regulations, recalls, limits in manufacturer testing, and general wear and tear cause your seat to become “expired.”
2. Poor harness positioning.
Hurriedly putting your child into their seat can cause oversight that can endanger them if you are not careful. Take the time to be sure that your child’s restraints are properly positioned, that they are wearing appropriate clothing (not bulky jackets), and that the seat it firmly in place each and every time.
3. Early Turnaround.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your child rear-facing until at least age two, even longer when possible. Additionally, car seat manufactures list the appropriate height and weight requirements for forward-facing children, so be sure not to turn that car seat around until it is necessary to do so.
4. Bells and whistles.
Those after market items (think mirrors, toys, etc) can be hazardous. They can come loose and strike your child in a crash, and some toys may even become a choking hazard. A good rule of thumb is, if an item didn’t come with your seat or is not recommended by the manufacturer, don’t use it.
5. Secondhand Seat.
Buying a used car seat is a gamble. You cannot be certain its history and condition. Skip the gamble and buy a new seat. While it may cost more, the piece of mind is priceless.
It is important to remember that we are just giving you an overview of this topic and any decisions should be discussed between you and your pediatrician. We hope that this gives you a reminder to check your manual, be sure your seat is properly installed, and be confident that you are using it correctly.
iSCHURING’s Resource Center is meant to provide an overview of the topic, rather than an in-depth review. When deciding how this information applies to your specific situation, we recommend discussing with an iSCHURING licensed insurance agent. Any information provided at iSCHURING may also need to be reviewed by an attorney or tax consultant to determine the best course of action for your unique situation. No information may be copied, reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the expressed written consent of iSCHURING.com.
