Car seats are one of the most challenging aspects of family travel. It is usually less than ideal because many countries do not require car seats, especially young children. In 2018, just 84 nations had any federal or national law that calls for kid restraints, according to a World Health Organization road safety report.

Every year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in car accidents. The proper use of car seat aids in the protection of children. The type of seat your child need is determined by numerous factors, including their age, size, and developmental needs. More details on choosing the suitable car seat for your kid from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Accidents are as sudden as a bolt of lightning. It may strike unexpectedly, with victims being clueless to the severity of injury that it will leave. Keeping this safety advice in mind will help you prepare for anything that may come. There is no harm in thinking forward for our children’s safety by being alert and ready. Remember that there are lawyers for auto accidents that will help you throughout your journey in case of an accident.

For further safety measures, here are some tips on traveling safely with kids and car seats:

Statistics On Car Seat-Related Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the top cause of mortality among youngsters in the United States. In 2018, 636 children aged 12 and under were killed in car accidents, while over 97,000 were wounded. Thirty-three percent of children aged 12 and under who died in an accident in 2018 (for which restraint usage was recorded) were not strapped up. Parents and caregivers can save a child’s life.

According to a 2015 research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), virtually all parents utilize the harness straps. Yet, at least 40% have the harness too slack, 34% have the chest clip in the improper position, and 30% have the harness straps twisted. These figures are for forward-facing car seats alone, although the figures for rear-facing car seats are quite comparable.

Different Types Of Car Seat 

Rear-Facing Car Seats 

Your little youngster has the finest seat to utilize. It features a harness to lessen the stress on your kid’s sensitive neck and spinal cord in an accident.

            Types

• Infant Car Seat (Rear-Facing Only)
• Convertible Seat
• All-in-One Seat

Forward-Facing Car Seat

Has a harness and tether that restricts your child’s forward movement in the event of an accident.

Booster Seat

Positions the seat belt so that it is in the correct position.

Types

• Booster Seat with High Back
• Backless Booster Seat
• Combination Seat
• All-in-One Seat

Seat Belt

To properly confine your child in a crash, it should lie over the upper thighs and be tight across the shoulder and chest. It should not be placed across the stomach, over the neck, or across the face.

Safety Tips

Choose the correct car seat.

Your kid should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, preferably until two years old. When your youngster outgrows that seat, it’s time to upgrade to a forward-facing car seat. Learn more about selecting the best car seat for your child.              

Assume that seat belts will not automatically lock.

As is the case in the US and Canada. Check the instructions to see if the car seat has an integrated locking system, or learn how to use a locking clip. But be warned: locking clips are not easy to use for beginners, and they are not a practical option for taxis or ride-hailing.            

Allow children to handle their equipment.

When your child is old enough to use a booster seat, they will most likely be able to carry it about on their own.                                     

Do not use baby carriers as a replacement. 

Because of the popularity of baby carriers, several parents use them in taxis and taxi alternatives. However, they are not a replacement for vehicle seats. A distressing video from The Car Seat Lady shows how one popular type of infant carrier fails in a 21-mph crash. Even strapping the carrier is not advised since the kid may become trapped between the parent and the seat belt in the case of an accident.

Wear a seat belt on all trips, no matter how brief.

This is an excellent example. Make sure children are correctly strapped up in a child restraint, booster seat, or seat belt, depending on their age, height, and weight.

All youngsters under the age of 13 should travel in the rear seat. Airbags in the front seat have the potential to harm small children. Never install a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle. Or directly in front of an airbag.

When feasible, place youngsters in the middle of the rear seat, which is the safest location in the car.            

The new legislation permits automakers to add a manual cut-off switch that disables a passenger-side airbag for a short period. If you need to use a front-seat booster seat and your car has this cut-off switch. Use it to turn off the airbag during the journey, as recommended by the Highway Safety Authority. When you remove the booster seat, make sure to turn the airbag back on.