Ensuring the safety of babies is a top priority for parents, and when used correctly, infant car seats provide a crucial layer of protection during car journeys. We have come a long way from these days of questionable infant travel:
However, there are common mistakes that many parents make unknowingly, compromising the effectiveness of their infant car seats. Over the years I have seen that most new parents are making one or more of these mistakes, so today we’ll explore common ways of unintentionally misusing infant car seats so that you can avoid these pitfalls.
Installing or Using the Car Seat
at the Incorrect Angle or Direction
Installing an infant car seat at the wrong angle or facing the incorrect direction is a frequent oversight. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the appropriate recline angle and ensure the seat is positioned rear-facing for infants, as this provides optimal protection for their developing neck and spine. If the angle of the back seat of the car does not allow the baby’s car seat to sit at an appropriate angle, it is recommended to stuff space under the car seat with a rolled towel or cut pool noodle (see picture below).
Turning the car seat from rear-facing to forward facing too early is also common, yet car safety experts recommend rear-facing for as long as possible, even if it means the infants legs are in a bent position or touching the back seat of the car.
Using the Harness
at the Wrong Shoulder Height
The harness straps should be positioned at or just below the baby's shoulders in a rear-facing car seat. Using the harness at the wrong height may result in improper restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Not Tightening the Harness
Correctly
A loose harness compromises the effectiveness of the car seat, and babies have been known to fly out of the seat in accidents if the harness is not tightened snugly. Always ensure the harness is snug against your baby's body, using the "pinch test" to ensure there is no slack in the harness straps. If you can pinch the strap, it's too loose.
Using Padded Inserts Which Tilt
the Baby's Head Forward
While additional padding may seem comfortable, using inserts that tilt the baby's head forward can potentially restrict their breathing. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding padding and inserts. Rather than adding padding behind the baby (which may interfere with the car seat design and the correct positioning of the baby) you can consider adding firmly rolled baby cloths to the side of baby (see picture below)
Remove hats if the car ride is longer than a few minutes as baby may overheat.
NOTE: Some countries advise against the use of a chest clip- check your local regulations, and avoid using a chest clip that did not come with the car seat. If your car seat comes with a chest clip, use it at armpit height, not lower.
Not Putting the 5-Point Harness
on Baby Correctly
The 5-point harness is a critical feature of infant car seats. Ensure that each strap is correctly threaded through the designated slots, and the arms and legs are out the correct sections (I have seen on more than one occasion a baby with their legs through the arm holes of the car seat… really). Additionally, putting the harness over a swaddled baby defeats the purpose of the harness.
Buckling Baby in with
a Thick Jacket or Snowsuit
Bulky clothing (or blankets) can create a false sense of security, as it may seems the harness is snug when it is not. Remove thick jackets or snowsuits before buckling in your baby and use a baby blanket over the harnessed baby for warmth if needed.
Not Attaching the Car Seat
Into the Car Correctly (or at all)
Proper installation is key to the car seat's effectiveness. Neglecting to attach the seat securely to the car or failing to follow the manufacturer's instructions diligently increases the risk of injury during an accident. When you have the car seat installed do the “wobble test” by attempting to push the car seat side to side. If it wobbles in place, it is not installed correctly.
Not Doing Your Homework
on Country Regulations or
Second-hand Car Seats
It is recommended to replace a car seat if they are ever involved in an accident (or dropped/crushed with force during travel) which may damage them imperceptibly. Are you sure your second-hand car seat has never been involved in any of these incidents? Parents are advised also to look out for car seat recalls (even for newly purchased car seats), and check that their car seat is not past its expiry date.
Not Using a Car Seat At All
(Holding Baby Instead)
While it might be tempting to hold your baby during a car journey, it's crucial to use a car seat instead. Holding a baby in your arms lacks the protective features of a properly secured car seat and exposes the child to significant risks in the event of sudden stops or collisions. Countless amount of research shows that parents and caregivers are forced by momentum and inertia to release their hold on the baby in even light impacts. This is contrary to popular belief and shows how important it is that a baby is restrained in their own car seat.
Additionally, putting the same adult seatbelt around both an adult and the infant they’re holding has resulted in countless infant deaths as the babies were crushed by the parents’ own weight against the seatbelt.
Many parents rely on the use of baby carriers or wraps in the absence of a car seat, and while this may be better than holding the baby in your arms in a car, it should be noted that crash tests on many different types of wraps and carriers resulted in babies flying out and buckles undoing from the force of impact.
Ultimately, the safest place for a baby in the car is in their own tested and approved car seat, installed and used correctly. Familiarize yourself with your car seat's manual, follow manufacturer guidelines and the rules in the country you reside, and prioritize correct installation and usage. By being aware of these common errors, parents can take significant steps towards providing their infants with the safest possible travel experience.
