Is Your Child Safe in His Car Seat?

Is Your Car Seat Safe?

Sad but true, I was not shocked to learn that roughly 80 percent of parents across the country are using their child’s car seat incorrectly. The recent study by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Commission isn’t out to demonize parents, but instead to shine a light on a huge problem with educating moms and dads about the proper way to harness their child for a car trip.

Heaven knows that with my four little ones, there have been times when it’s felt like half the day was spent with my rear sticking out of the side door of the car adjusting, buckling, snapping, and double checking their seats before we could do something as simple as head out to the supermarket. It’s not an easy task—especially since every make and model seems to work just a little differently—and having to do it with a little one (or several) impatiently crying out for your attention can leave you flustered, stressed, and unsure if you’re getting it right.

With so much money being spent on car seat testing to ensure they meet national safety standards, it seems insane to me that very little to none is spent on moms and dads knowing how to use them properly. If I were ever in charge of things (President Pope, hmmm, I like the sound of that!) I’d make sure that every hospital gave new parents a course on car seat installation and use before leaving with their new baby, and that pediatricians would help you evaluate your car seat’s safety at annual checkups. There would also be public service announcements on TV, like those silly The More You Know bits with the cheesy flying star, but for car seat safety and kiddo safety in general. Can’t you just picture new mom Kerry Washington popping up on your screen to tell you that babies and children should not be strapped in while still wearing jackets or other outerwear, explaining that the straps fit more snugly without and offer better protection? Seriously—Olivia Pope, we’ve got a new job for you!

Until my dreams come true and car seat education is way more available and accessible to every family, I’m hoping you’ll spend a bit of time this week boning up on best practices for car seat safety. The confidence you’ll gain from a little refresher will put your mind at ease, and could save your child’s life.