Adoption STAR recently received a car seat safety check list from safekids.org that we would like to pass on to everyone. We will transcribe the five steps to car safety in this blog post, and you can download the full PDF by clicking here.
– The Right Seat – This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. Make sure the car seat is still safe by checking the label.
– Right Place – Make sure all children sit in the back seat until they are 13.
– Right Direction – You want to keep your children in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.
– Inch Test – Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
– Pinch Test – Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch an excess webbing, you’re good to go.