Installing a child car seat should be an easy task for every parent. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The design of the car and the seat may make the task a little bit confusing. This is the reason why parents who choose to do the job by themselves end up making mistakes. This article explains some of the mistakes the Law Firm Bell & Pollock finds in most cars.
1. Having a Loose Car Seat
After installing the car seat, you need to test it. The seat must be firm and should not move more than an inch when you push it in the front, to the back or sideways. If you test and realize that it is not moving, it confirms that it is tight. A loose seat will not protect the baby in the event of a collision or a crash. Kids in lose seats end up injuring their heads during a crash or emergency braking.
2. Not Consulting the Car Seat Manual
As new car seat designs emerge, there is a need for parents to consult the manual when installing them. Also, the car owner’s manual has plenty of helpful information that can help a parent install a child car seat. Unfortunately, most parents do not consult the manuals. They choose to rely on their experience when installing the seat. When they do this, they end up making costly mistakes. Parents should always consult vehicle guides and car seat manuals during installation.
3. Combining the Seat Belts and Latch
Parents have an option of choosing between a seatbelt or latch during installation. Unfortunately, most parents think that they can use both the latch and the seatbelt. They assume that it improves on the security of the baby. But most seat installation manuals recommend that you either use the seat belt or a latch. Using a latch gives a secure fit in some cars while seat belts will give a secure installation in the modern designs. So, chose either a seat belt or a latch depending on the design of the car.
4. Shoulder Straps Positioning
Ensure that the seat is installed in such a way that the chest clip is at the armpit level. If the seat is facing the rear, ensure the straps are threaded through slots below the baby’s shoulder. But if the seat is forward facing, the shoulder straps should be at the child’s shoulder.
5. Failing to Attach the Top Tether Strap
The top tether strap is important since it optimizes the child’s safety. But most parents may not know where to anchor the tether to optimize the use of the strap. If the tether is used properly, it increases the safety of the child. Always ensure that the tether strap is well anchored to enhance the security of your child.
It does not matter whether you are experienced in car seat installation or not. You should consult both the seat and car manual when installing the seat. If you have no idea about how to go about it, hire a technician.
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