Car Seat FAQs
What’s the safest car seat I can buy?
The truth is, every car seat on the market can be used to transport your child safely and help prevent injuries. The safest car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, fits your budget, and that you can use correctly every time. If you aren't sure where you start in your research, send me a message! I can help you determine what factors to consider when purchasing a car seat.
When can I turn my child forward facing?
Washington State law requires that all children remain rear facing until at least 2 years of age. Since your small child's bones and brain are still developing, it is best practice to keep your child rear facing until they max out the rear facing height or weight of their car seat. I can help you find a car seat that keeps your child rear facing as long as possible.
Do I really need a professional to check my car seat? I read the manual!
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) found that 59% of car seats and booster seats are being used incorrectly Here in Washington State, our misuse rate is over 70%. Even well-informed caregivers can make mistakes, especially when car seat manuals are not as clear as they could be. As a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) I have advanced knowledge about car seat safety. I collaborate with caregivers to ensure their car seats fit their child, fit their vehicle, and are installed correctly. I provide personalized education about correct car seat use so that you are not one of the 59%.
When can my child sit in the front seat?
According to Washington State law, all children must sit in the backseat of a vehicle until they are 13 years of age. Children's bodies are still forming and, until they go through puberty, their bodies are not big enough and their bones are not hard enough to withstand the crash forces and airbag deployment in the front seat of a vehicle.
Does my child really need a booster seat?
Seatbelts in cars are designed and crash tested to fit adults, not children. Properly using a booster seat reduces the risk of serious injury by 45% for kids aged 4-8 years old. A booster seat lifts a child up to the height of an adult which helps position the seatbelt correctly over the strongest/boniest points on their bodies. This extra height also allows them to take advantage of side curtain airbags when they deploy. A poorly positioned seatbelt (over the soft stomach rather than flat across the pelvis) could mean damage to internal organs and even spinal fracture in the event of a crash.
Can I get my car seat checked at the fire station/police station/hospital?
The only people who are qualified to check your child’s car seat are currently certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). Some fire people, police officers, and nurses may also be CPSTs, but always ask to see our wallet card to confirm!
Will using LATCH lower anchors and a vehicle seat belt to install my child’s car seat make it safer?
Most manufacturers do not allow this as it can actually make the car seat LESS safe. The majority of car seats should only be installed with either lower anchors OR a vehicle seat belt. Please read your car seat manual to see what your manufacturer allows.
Should I turn my child forward facing when their feet bunch up on the vehicle seat back?
No! Bunched up legs is never a reason to turn a child around. This positioning does not mean a greater risk for leg injury during a crash and most kids are not uncomfortable in this position. In fact, most kids prefer sitting this way since it’s a built-in foot rest! Best practice is to keep your child rear facing until they max out the rear facing height or weight of their car seat. In Washington State, children must be rear facing until at least 2 years of age.
Are more expensive car seats better?
No! All car seats on the US market must pass the same federal crash standards. More expensive car seats may have ease of use features and extra safety features that may improve outcomes in a crash over and above the federal standard, but if these are outside your budget please rest assured that the best way you can help protect your child is by installing and using your car seat correctly every time.
