Keep your kids safe in the car: National Child Passenger Safety Week

Child Passenger Safety Week is dedicated to raising awareness and education about the proper use of car seats, booster seats and seatbelts.

When installed and used correctly, according to the NHTSA, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. The problem is that most car seats are not installed and used correctly.

“Don’t assume that your child is riding safely; you need to be sure that they are riding safely every time,” said Erin Summa, MPH, health promotion program manager at Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety. “There are many factors to consider, including how to choose the right seat, how to adjust and install it correctly, making sure you are obeying the law and all manufacturer instructions, and being diligent about it with every vehicle your children are riding in — it’s understandably overwhelming for parents.”

The Center for Childhood Safety makes car seat safety easy and convenient by offering free virtual car seat checks by appointment. During a virtual check, our educators can teach you how to use your car seat over video chat, using your smartphone or tablet. In addition, our in-person car seat checks have returned and are available by appointment by contacting the Center for Childhood Safety. These one-on-one visits are an opportunity for parents and caregivers to ask questions and gain confidence in using their child’s car seat correctly.

Four main types of child car seats

Rear-facing-only car seat. These seats double as infant carriers and snap into a base that remains installed in the car. Rear-facing-only seats are a good choice for newborns and young infants.

Convertible car seat. These seats stay in the car and are initially installed rear-facing. As your child grows, you can reinstall the seat forward-facing.

Booster seat. These are designed to boost older children up higher, so an adult seat belt fits correctly. Booster seats can be high-back or backless.

3-in-1 car seat. These versatile car seats can be used three different ways — usually they can be installed rear-facing, forward-facing, and converted into a booster seat.

Washington state law requires that all children under 13 years old ride in the back seat. Additionally, those under 4’9” must ride in a car seat or booster seat. Kids under 4 years old must ride in a harnessed car seat, and if they are under 2 years old, their car seat must also be positioned rear-facing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your child’s car seat and booster seat.

Most common installation mistakes

Installed too loosely. The car seat should not move more than one inch from side to side when pulled at the belt path, the openings where the seat belt or lower anchor straps (LATCH) is fed through to secure the car seat in the vehicle.

Wrong recline angle. Pay attention to the level indicators available on most car seats. Rear-facing seats use a semi-reclined position, while forward-facing seats are installed more upright.

Failure to lock the seat belt (when used instead of LATCH). Read your vehicle owner’s manual to learn how your seat belt locks.

Not enough space between the car seat and the front seats. Do not allow your front vehicle seat to touch the car seat. Some car seat brands specify a required amount of space.

Most common harness adjustment mistakes

Not secured snugly. You should be able to slide one finger under the harness at the collarbone, but if you can pinch any slack in the straps there, it is too loose.

Chest clip too low. Be sure to position the chest clip at armpit level.

Using unapproved aftermarket accessories. Most aftermarket products for car seats, such as head support pads, harness covers and seat protectors, are not safety tested for your specific car seat and should not be used.

Harness routed through the wrong slot. When your child’s car seat is rear-facing, the shoulder straps should come out of the seat at or just below your child’s shoulders. For forward-facing installations, they should be at or just above the shoulders.

“With so many brands, styles and features available for car seats, it can be confusing to know which seat is best,” Summa said. “Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive one. The important thing is to choose a car seat that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and you can use correctly, every time.”

Studies have shown that caregivers who work with a child passenger safety technician are 10 times more likely to use their car seat properly. Ask your child safety questions or schedule a virtual car or in-person seat check with our certified technicians at Mary Bridge Children’s by contacting [email protected] or visiting Center for Childhood Safety.

This article was originally published in September 2021 and was updated in September 2022.