ONE Critical Mistake New Parents Are Making (+ Giveaway)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in San Diego just released findings that 93% of parents leaving the hospital made at least one critical error when installing or using their car seat.  This is a very troubling statistic, I know, but it’s an issue that can be easily addressed.

Here are some tips from the consumer safety experts at Safety 1^st about car seat safety and proper installation:

Importance of Rear Facing

In March of 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their car seat recommendations advising that children should remain rear facing until the age of two.  According to a study in the Journal of Injury Prevention children under the age of two are 75% less likely to die or be severely injured in the event of a car crash if they are rear facing. When a child is rear facing their head, neck and spine are better supported and in the event of an accident, crash forces are distributed over the child’s entire body.

Location

Typically the center rear seat is the safest place for a car seat, and never install a car seat in the front seat.  If your car does not have a latch connector for the middle seat, you can use the middle seat belt to properly secure the base.  When installing, make sure the base of the car seat moves no more than an inch from side to side. An easy way to test this is to hold at the belt path.

Car Seat Expiration

Car seats do have an expiration date, it is recommended that car seats be replaced every 5-8 years, or immediately after a crash.  The reason for an expiration date is because plastic can warp and materials can fray, which can make car seats not as effective in the event of a crash.  Additionally car seat technology and state and federal car seat regulations change over time.  Important warning labels may wear out and instruction books may get lost, which can lead to improper use of the car seat.

Safeguard the Car

Childproof the inside of the car and eliminate projectiles.  Anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile – even a child’s toy, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.

I need your help...

To help raise awareness of this statistic … my friends at Safety 1^st are going to give ONE lucky Procrastinating Mommy reader an onBoard™35 Air+ Infant Car Seat.

The onBoard™35 Air+ Infant Car Seat features their new Air Protect + to keep children from 4-35 pounds safer in the car. Air Protect + combines the advanced protection of their Air Protect^® cushion system with patented GCell HX™ foam designed with hexagonal shapes for superior protection around the torso. TOGETHER they provide full body side impact protection.

Enter the giveaway below and then share my post so hopefully you and I together – can raise awareness on improper infant car seat installation!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This website was not compensated for this post. My website/blog is not responsible for fulfillment of this prize. Prizes will be shipped by each individual sponsor listed. This giveaway and post are not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platforms.