Avoid these mistakes when strapping your child into a car.
Car seats are an absolute must for any parent. They help to protect your child throughout the entire car journey and minimize the impact if an accident does occur. Since September is National Baby Safety Month, we’ve rounded up a few common mistakes parents make when strapping their child into the car. Once you’ve armed yourself with this knowledge, you will be better prepared to protect your bundle of joy.
Mistake: Purchasing the wrong seat.
Choosing the right seat for your vehicle and child can seem tricky, but take the time to ensure you purchase the right one. Many parents score a secondhand car seat at a garage sale for a fraction of its original price. While this may seem like a bargain, old and used car seats could be dangerous if they are missing their original instructions or important parts. If you must use a secondhand seat, make sure it has the original instructions, all the parts, check the expiration date and that the car seat hasn’t been recalled.
Mistake: Turning your child to face forward too soon.
Children have large heads and weak necks. In a head-on collision, a child’s head can jerk forward suddenly, resulting in spinal injuries. For this reason, keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2, or until he/she reaches the seat's maximum rear-facing height and weight limits.
Mistake: Securing the straps too loosely.
The harness should be snug enough (with no gaps or twists) to keep the child restrained in the event of a crash. For a snug fit, check the harness straps by using your index finger and thumb. If you can still pinch the fabric of the harness straps, they are too loose.
While you improve your child’s safety during National Baby Safety Month, let the insurance professionals at Reata Insurance Group handle your auto insurance needs. If you are ever involved in a crash, feel rest assured that you have a trusted team behind you. As local professionals and parents ourselves, we keep your family’s best interests in mind.
Contact us today to get started on your insurance in Lakeway and neighboring cities in Texas.
