All Topics > Family > The top five mistakes parents make with car seats >

The top five mistakes parents make with car seats Georgia

As many as half of the car seats in use today are installed incorrectly. Here, a look at the top five mistakes people make when it comes to car seats, with advice on how to correct them from Julie Prom, a certified child passenger safety expert based in Stafford, Va.

Local Companies

Babies Right Start
404-755-0942
2216 Lake Harbin rd
Morrow, GA

It's A Baby!
404-255-2493
4920 Roswell Rd Ste #5
Atlanta, GA

Georgia Pediatric Pulmonology Associates PC
404-252-7339
1100 Lake Hearn DR NE
Atlanta, GA

North Atlanta Pediatrics Assoc
404-256-3178
1100 Lake Hearn DR NE
Atlanta, GA

Pediatric Endocrine Associates PC
404-531-4720
1100 Lake Hearn Dr NE
Atlanta, GA

Loads of Joy Diaper Service
678-463-4377
765 Hwy 16 E
Newnan, GA

Kids Avenue Pediatrics
770-909-8007
1720 Phoenix Blvd
Atlanta, GA

Stiefel William III MD
404-605-0540
35 Collier RD NW
Atlanta, GA

Jenkins Albert D MD
404-349-6758
2945 Stone Hogan Connector RD SW
Atlanta, GA

Gentle Beginning WR
478-997-2005
233 N. Houston Rd. suite 134
Warner Robins, GA

The Top Five Mistakes Parents Make With Car Seats

By Dana Sullivan

Buying the wrong seat for a particular car Some seats fit better in certain cars than others. But the only way you'll know which seats work best in your car(s) is through trial and error. If possible, months before your baby is born, go to a baby store and ask to install several different models in your car until you find one that fits. "I tell people to do this before they start looking at cribs," says Prom. "A safe car seat is one of the most important purchases a parent can make for her baby." You can also call your hospital or fire department, or visit the SafeKids Website, to find out when and where the next car-seat safety check will be held in your area.
Facing baby forward too soon and/or using a seat that doesn't fit properly Infants should be in the rear-facing position, in either an infant carrier (a seat with a carrying handle) or a convertible seat (a seat you can turn forward when your baby is big enough) until they are one year old and weigh at least 20 pounds, whichever comes last. If your under-one-year infant is so tall that her head reaches the top of the infant carrier, you need to switch her into a convertible seat but keep her facing rear. Many convertibles accommodate children in the rear or forward position until they weigh about 35-40 pounds.
Not tightening the car seat enough Make sure the seat doesn't move more than approximately one inch from side to side or front to back. Read the car seat manufacturer's instructions so you know where to thread the seat belt, and your vehicle's manual so you know whether you must use a locking clip to secure the seat belt. Be sure to install the locking clip next to the latch plate.
Positioning the harness height incorrectly Read the car seat's instruction manual to determine the proper harness height. Some harnesses should sit level with your infant's shoulders, others should be set just below. You will need to adjust the harness height as your baby grows.
Not tightening the harness enough Adjust the harness so you can't slide more than two fingers between the harness and your baby. And make sure that the chest clip is at your baby's armpit level to keep the harness in place.

"This is one time it's essential to read instructions," says Julie Prom, a certified child passenger safety expert based in Stafford, Virginia. "Read the car seat manufacturer's guide and your auto manual before you install a car seat."

Top

About The Author

Nevada-based freelance writer Dana Sullivan is a frequent contributor to Your Baby Today and also writes for Fit Pregnancy and Parenting. She's mom to Liam, 4, and Julia, 2.

Featured Local Company

Babies Right Start

404-755-0942
2216 Lake Harbin rd
Morrow, GA

Read more about The top five mistakes parents make with car seats

- Sideline Rage Georgia

People who are prone to road rage are also more likely to rant and rave while watching their children play sports. Here are some tips to help parents keep their cool if they feel their anger rising while watching their children play sports.

- How To Evaluate Different Parenting Styles Georgia
- Teaching Your Children to Manage Money Georgia
- Advantages Of Baby Triple Buggy Georgia
- Stylish And Convenience In Carseat Cover Georgia
- Child Sleep Behavior Georgia
- Buying Infant or Baby Car Seats Georgia
- The Importance Of Car Seat Safety Georgia
- Carseat Cover Protection For Baby Georgia
- The Seven Biggest Driving Mistakes Georgia

Regional Articles

- The Importance Of Car Seat Safety Georgia

Car seat safety is very important. If they are not used properly, the risk of danger and injury greatly increases. Car seats must be used appropriately otherwise, they are virtually useless.

- Buying Infant or Baby Car Seats Georgia
- The Seven Biggest Driving Mistakes Georgia
- Teaching Your Children to Manage Money Georgia
- Sideline Rage Georgia
- Child Sleep Behavior Georgia
- Stylish And Convenience In Carseat Cover Georgia
- How To Evaluate Different Parenting Styles Georgia
- Carseat Cover Protection For Baby Georgia
- Advantages Of Baby Triple Buggy Georgia

Advertising	Food & Beverage	Nightlife
Business Services	Franchise	Online Database
Career	Health	Pets
Cars	Holidays	Real Estate Resources
Computer Hardware	Home Appliances	Retail & Consumer Services
Construction	Home Electronics	Software
Education	Home Services	Technology
Entertainment	Industrial Goods & Services	Telecommunications
Environmental	Insurance	Trade Shows
Family	Internet	Travel
Fashion	Legal	Weddings
Financial Services	Miscellaneous	World History

Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History