Learn about Car Seat Safety

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Car Seat Safety

When a car seat
is correctly installed and used properly it can reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The first step to car seat safety is to learn how to install the car seat
properly in the car. Car seat fitting is a complicated process that results in 90% of car seats not being installed correctly.

The most common misuses included: the vehicle's safety belt was not holding the car seat in tightly; the car seat's harness straps were not snug enough; the harness straps were not routed correctly; the harness retainer clip was not at armpit level; the locking clip was not correctly used; the vehicle seat belt was not locked; the car seat was recalled and not repaired.

OpMom just launched a campaign talking about traveling with your family and car seats to learn more about it check this group out at Safe and Fun Family Travel.

Installing a Car Seat 

Things to know when you are Installing a Car Seat

To make sure your car seat is installed correctly you can begin by contacting the dealership where you bought your car to see if they have anyone on staff that is knowledgeable about the compatibility and installation of different car seats.

At a Car Seat Checkup Clinic, seats are evaluated for defects, recalls, suitability for the age and size of the child, and fit with the safety belt system in the vehicle. A Car Seat Inspector accompanies the families to their cars and aids in the installation of the seat. Local police and fire departments often provide information and demonstrations on car seat safety and installation.

Some basic tips are to make sure the car seat is installed tightly in the vehicle and that the harness fits the child snugly. Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a front passenger air bag. Locking clips come with all new car seats.

Check the instructions that came with the car seat to be sure. If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car seats. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat back by putting a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base near the point where the back and bottom of the vehicle seat meet. Be sure the car seat is installed tightly.

True Fit Car Seat by First Years 

Get $100 off the Ture Fit Car Seat!!

One of car seats that we recommend is the True Fit Car Seat by First Years. It is a great car seat and an amazing value. It can be used from birth right on through to when your child is 65 lbs. The True Fit adapts better and easier to more cars than any other convertible car seat, and offers the comfort and safety features you have come to expect from Compass car seats, Compass booster seats and The First Years travel gear products.

It offers deep side wings that have been side-impact tested, a full EPS foam liner that absorbs energy, and built-in lock offs to provide a secure installation without the use of confusing locking clips.

Right now you can take a survey to qualify to get this car seat for only $100.00 and free shipping all you have to do is take a survey of 6 questions to qualify for this special offer!

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by Carrie-at-OpMom

Carrie Pacini is a mother of two and founder of OpMom.com, a leading site offering tips for moms to manage their busy life, as well as great organizat... (more)

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