Why Every Parent Should Have Their Car Seat Inspected.

by Brian Wallace Affiliate Marketing

Having your car seat inspected is crucial for your child's safety. You should have your car seat inspected at a car seat inspection center. These centers have technicians on-site to check if your car seat is installed correctly and educate you on its proper use.

With the accident rate on the rise and a shocking 90% of car seats installed wrongly, you need to have your seat inspected. In this article, you'll find information about car seats and things to consider during their installation.

Why Are Car Seats So Important for My Child?

Car crashes rank high among the leading cause of death and injury in children. Car seats reduce the risk of your baby been seriously harmed in the event of a crash. They are the most important items you should buy for your child.

However, car seats that are not installed correctly do nothing to reduce your child's injuries during a car accident. A shocking 8 out of 10 car seats are installed wrongly, thus the need to get your seat inspected by an expert.

What is the Importance of Having My Car Seat Inspected?

If you are not confident about the car seat you've installed yourself, consult the safety seat experts. They are available to provide direction and guidance with regards to your car seat. Asides from the general advice on car seats, these seat experts would also:

Check that it is suitable for your vehicle type - make sure the car seat is appropriate for your vehicle. Not every seat matches your vehicle. If your car seat is Ill-fitting for your car, you'd be advised to get one that matches your car design.
Check that your car seat has been installed in the right direction - where your seat faces depend on the weight and age of your child. As your child grows, how they sit in your car will change. The technicians will take to account the age of your child when determining a suitable position.

A rear-facing seat is required if your child is under the age of 1 and weighs less than 20 pounds. If your child weighs above 20 pounds but less than 40, check that the seat faces front. The positioning of your car seat is especially important because it ensures little or no damage is done to your child in the event of a crash.

Check for the seats expiration date - While hand-me-down car seats are not a bad idea, you must keep in mind its expiry date. Most car seats expire six years(source) from the date of manufacture. Before, if you get a used car seat from say, your cousin, be sure that it is still within the validity period.

The expiration date is usually placed on a sticker on the seat. While it may still seem solid, the material must have gone through severe wear and tear. Just think of the heat of summer, the chill of winter, getting covered with pee, food material and poop, tough life for the seat. Make sure your car seat isn't nearing expiration. If it is, be sure to set a reminder to help you dispose of it on time.

How Can I find a Car Seat Inspection Centre Around Me?

Seat inspection centers are all around the country. To locate one, log into the National Highway Traffic Safety website and enter your zip code. A list of centers close to your vicinity will pop up, get in touch with the experts. You may choose to seek advice from them or book an inspection appointment with them.

Can I Install my Car Seat Myself?

Yes, you absolutely can. Follow the instruction manual of the car seat you have purchased. Use the following tips to ensure the safety of your seat.

Make sure the seat is installed tightly in the car with either lower anchors or a locked seat belt. Try moving it to the sides as well as forward and backward. If it moves more than an inch in any direction, it is not tight enough
Ensure the harness straps over the child's shoulder snugly such that when you pinch, there is no slack.
Switch to a front-facing seat once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat. You can secure this to your vehicle utilizing a teether, lower anchor, or seatbelts. Be sure to read the seats user manual to ensure you're doing it correctly. Make sure it is tightly attached to your car.
Use a booster seat if your child has outgrown the forward-facing seat. Most simply rest on the car and are held in place by the seat belt used to fasten the child. Ensure that you use the booster with both lap and shoulder belts.
If your car comes with only lap belts, check if you can have a shoulder belt installed. If this is impossible, you may need to consider getting a new car.

Conclusion

Car seats reduce the risk of potentially fatal injury to your child. Inspecting your installed car seat is important for your child's safety. Seat inspections typically take less than 30 minutes. Put your mind at ease today, get your little one's car seat inspected by a certified technician.