Car Seats, One Last Word (For Now)!

One last post about car seats for now, I am sure you would like to hear about other baby things that you will need.  However, I did have a few more safety tips to talk about before I could move on.

1. Car Seats have an expiration date.  Make sure to take note of your expiration date.  This is one baby item that you will definitely use again if you have another child, but you do not want to use it if it has passed the date.  As the pieces get older they can get worn and the car seat may not function properly.
2. Use the Latch system if you car is equipped with it.  In case you are not familiar with the Latch system, it stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.  All cars  manufactured after September 1, 2002 are required to have it.  Vehicles must have anchors between the seat cushion and the seat back, and they must have at least two top tether anchors in the rear.  Your car seat will come with straps and clips that attach to the anchors in the car.  This is the preferred method of installing car seats since it is more secure than using the seat belts in the car.
3. Make sure to keep your receipt when you purchase the seat.  It does not happen often, but occasionally you will have a seat that just does not fit or work with your car and you will need to get a new car seat.
4. Make sure to read and reread the installation directions before installing.  The smallest mistake when installing the seat can have devastating consequences if you have an accident.
5. I highly recommend you have your seat inspected after it is installed.  Many local police stations will do this and many baby stores will have certain days where they have someone there to check the installation.  We were so sure that my husband had our infant seat installed secure enough when we first started using it.  We took it to the police station to have it tested just in case, and found out it was too loose.  You should have seen all of the things the officer did to get that seat in nice and tight.
6. If you get a second hand seat make sure that it has not been in an accident (I do recommend buying new when it comes to car seats).  Small parts inside that you cannot see may have broken off and will affect the security of the seat.

Well, those are my car seat safety tips.  I hope you find them useful!