National Car Seat Safety Month–What You Need to Know

September is recognized as National Child Passenger Safety Month and Larry H. Miller Colorado Chrysler Jeep couldn’t be more thrilled to spread the word. It’s reported by safekids.org that 73 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Before you hit the road, review our car seat check list we’ve compiled to keep your little ones safe.
 

• For the best protection possible, place your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as you can–preferably until they’re two years old. Your car seat should indicate the exact height and weight limit on either the side or back of the seat. Children who ride in a rear-facing car seat have the greatest protection for their spine, neck, and head.

• After the age of two, your child will most likely be ready for a front-facing car seat. When installing your forward-facing car seat, ensure that the top tether is tightened after you lock in the seat belt or lower attachments. There will be a label on your car seat with specific instructions pertaining to your model.

• Some car seats are equipped to hold children up to 65 pounds. You’ll discontinue the latch system when your child is over this weight limit and proceed using a booster seat instead.

• When your car seat of any size is installed, you’ll proceed to do a couple of quick tests to ensure it’s properly secured.

1. Inch Test. If you can move the base of your car seat more than an inch in any direction, you’ll need to fasten your car seat tighter.
2. Pinch Test. The chest clip will be placed at armpit level. Pinch the strap at their shoulder and if you are unable to pinch excess webbing, it’s secure.

• Did you know car seats have expiration dates? To find the expiration date on your model, look for the label that also indicates the proper height and weight for that particular seat. More often than not, the expiration date will be around six years.

• If you are going to buy a used car seat, make sure you’re aware of its full crash history. Once a car seat has been in a crash or is broken, it needs to be replaced.

Once you’ve gone through our Larry H. Miller Colorado Chrysler Jeep car seat safety checklist, you should be ready to rock n’ roll on the open road with your family. If you’re driving around with little ones, we recommend driving our Jeep Grand Cherokee. This vehicle will comfortably fit your smaller children and their car seats, as well as the rest of your family. See our full inventory and current specials for this model. We hope you enjoy National Child Passenger Safety Month and drive safely!