Tips And Advices - Inspect a Child Safety Seat

Check to see that the child safety seat you own has not been recalled. Call the manufacturer directly or the toll free number for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 to see if your seat has any safety issues.

Read the installation manual that came with the child safety seat and the installation procedures in your vehicle owner's manual. Check to make sure you have purchased a seat that is appropriate for your child's age, height and weight.

Install the seat as directed in the vehicle owner's manual and child safety seat directions. Always install a child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Make sure the seat fits in your vehicle correctly.

Ensure that the seat belt used to secure the child safety seat is thread through the seat correctly and that it is tightly pulled and completely locked. If using LATCH, make sure the straps are secured into the anchors and are pulled tightly. To secure the seat, kneel in the seat with all of your weight while pulling the strap towards you to tighten. If you have a tether strap, fasten it to the appropriate anchor in your vehicle.

Place your child in the seat and check to see that the harness straps are snug fitting. You should only be able to insert one finger width between the child and the strap. The harness clip should be at armpit level and the tops of the harness straps should be at or below shoulder level. If your child has a high back or no back booster seat, make sure the lap belt fits snugly over the hips and the shoulder belt comes across the chest from the shoulder.

Visit a child safety seat technician in your area. This individual is trained to inspect the seats and understands the regulations in your state.