Car Seat Safety - A Must Read For Every Parent

At Tiny Town Playhouse, your child’s safety doesn’t stop at our doors it starts the moment they’re in the car. Ensuring your child is properly buckled into their car seat is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe on the road. Here are some helpful tips and reminders to make sure your little one is secure every ride:

Car Seat Safety Directions Below.

1. Choose the Right Seat for Their Age and Size - Make sure your child is in the correct car seat for their age, weight, and height. Infants should be in a rear-facing seat until at least age 2 or until they reach the maximum height/weight limit. Toddlers can transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and older children should use a booster until seat belts fit properly without it usually around age 8-12.

2. Proper Harness Positioning - For rear-facing seats, harness straps should be at or below your child’s shoulders. For forward-facing, straps should be at or above the shoulders. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level to keep the harness in the correct place.

3. Check for a Snug Fit -The harness should be snug enough that you can’t pinch any excess strap material at the shoulders. A loose harness can be dangerous in the event of an accident.

4. Avoid Bulky Clothing - Puffy coats or thick clothing can interfere with harness safety. Instead, buckle your child in with lighter clothing and layer a blanket o

ver the harness if needed for warmth.

5. Install the Seat Correctly - Always refer to your car seat’s manual and your vehicle’s owner manual when installing a car seat. Use either the seatbelt or the LATCH system never both unless instructed. The seat should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back when pulled at the belt path.

6. Rear-Facing is Safest - Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible this is the safest position in a crash. Don’t rush the transition to forward-facing or booster seats.

Final Tip: Always double-check your car seat installation and harness fit every time you put your child in the car. If you’re unsure or want extra peace of mind, many local police or fire stations offer free car seat checks.

At Tiny Town Playhouse, we care about your child’s well-being both inside and outside of our doors. Taking the time to buckle up correctly can save lives let’s keep every ride a safe one!