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When traveling in the car with your toddler, their safety is vital. Car seats are really the only way to keep your child safe and protected in the car. However, there are a number of things to consider when you strap them in before you hit the road. Many of the safety precautions on this checklist are crucial in maintaining your child’s safety on the road and if any of them are not met, you should probably find a sitter before you hit the gas.
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You always want to keep the harness straps at or below the shoulder. This is important for toddlers up to 2 years old or until they reach a specific weight requirement.
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Harness straps should be snug and should not allow for too much movement.
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The harness strap clip should be at the armpit level to ensure that the harness is at should length.
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Facing backward is the safest position for your child.
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Children should always ride facing backwards and with full harnesses until they reach 40 pounds or the end of their toddler stage.
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For children 1 to 2 years old, you always want to keep the harnesses above the shoulder.
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If you buy a car seat make sure there is a warranty and research to see if they have ever had a history of recalls.
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Never buy a used car seat, especially if it has been recalled or has been in an accident.
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Has the metal frame on the car seat been rusted, bent or broken?
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Make sure the harness straps are not frayed or worn in any way.
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Make sure the harness lock mechanism, locks correctly.
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Make sure you have a copy of the manufacturers instructions. Read all the instructions and the warnings very carefully. You want to make sure that you know how to operate the car seat to the best of your ability.
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Make sure there is a label on the car seat that says that says it has been approved by the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards.
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You also want to make sure that the car seat has a label or a date of manufacture.
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Make sure that there are no noticeable defects like cracks or warping in the plastic or metal.
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If the car seat has been recalled, make sure you find out what the problem was and if it has been corrected.
The National Safety and Transportation Board says that all these precautions must be taken into account before you can travel safely with your toddler. There are specific compact car and SUV safety tips, but the general idea is to keep your child strapped in as securely as possible. If you child resists to the stringent rules, there are a number of ways to make getting into a car seat fun and enjoyable, like making it a game, getting a toy of something that will distract them, or a decal on your back window that will keep them occupied while you travel – to keep them safe and you sane.