Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but the views are completely personal.
When we were expecting our first child, many experienced parents used to say jokingly “you need to have a car seat if you want to bring your baby home from the hospital. Unless you don’t have a car seat, you will not be allowed to leave the hospital.” The message behind this conversation was Car Seat is a must. It is of utmost importance for both parent and kids. While driving, if the child is properly buckled up in his/her car seat then the parent can concentrate on driving. They can have a conversation with the child while the child is happily and comfortably sitting in the car seat. We don’t have to convince ourselves about the need and importance of car seat. Today, let’s talk about few common mistakes parents do unknowingly or due to lack of proper knowledge while using a car seat.
- Not using the car seat for your child all the time: No matters what the distance it, always place the child in the car seat when you are on road. Do not carry the baby in your lap just because the baby is not very happy or crying. Use other measures to entertain the baby. If the baby is crying too much, you can always stop by and then soothe the baby.
- Borrowing used car seat: We often use our friend’s used car set for our kids. You friend’s car seat may not be the right fit for your car. Sometimes you might need more than one car seats. Cars.com gives you the list of cars that can fit three car seats.
- Not changing car seat after an accident: Most of the insurance companies cover a new car seat in case of an accident. Parents should not hesitate in buying a new one.
- Placing the car seat at the wrong spot: Safest spot for a car seat is in the back seat away from the active airbags. If it is placed in the front seat and the airbag inflates, it could hit the back of a rear-facing car seat — right where your child’s head is — and cause a serious or fatal injury. A child who rides in a forward-facing car seat could also be harmed by an air bag. Ideally, a rear-facing car seat should be installed at the center of the seat. If you drive a Van then it should be diagonal to the driver’s seat. The child should be visible to the parent while driving. Same applies to the front facing seat as well.
- Installing the car seat incorrectly: Always read the manual before the installation. Even if you are an experienced parent, read the manufacturer’s instructions and the section on car seats in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. In case of any doubts or confusions, take your car to the local car seat check station.
- Transitioning to forward facing: Once our little munchkin starts growing and getting more active, entertaining him/her in a rear facing position becomes challenging and we start waiting for the moment when we can change it to a forward-facing position. Wait until your child reaches the limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
- Not removing the thermals, or blankets before buckling up: In order to keep their child warm, parents do not remove thick jackets, sweaters or blankets. It can prevent harness straps from snugly securing your baby.
- Transitioning to the booster seat soon: Alike the front facing transition, moving to the booster seat too has certain guidelines.
- Transitioning to seat belt too soon: Every child wants to sit independently like an adult wearing just the seat belt. Sometimes parents also get tempted but it is always advisable to wait.
These were few very common but yet important points that every parent should take care of. Do you have any point to add to this list?
