CAR SEAT SAFEY + FREE HOUSTON RESOURCES FOR INSTALLATION AND CHECKS
Every time you buckle your child into the car, you want peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly and your little is as protected as possible. However, studies show that many car seats are misused or improperly installed which undermines their life-saving potential.
Below is a guide to best practices, common mistakes and free resources in Houston to help you ensure that your child’s car seat is safe.
Why Car Seat Safety Matters
In crashes, children properly restrained in appropriate car seats or booster seats are far less likely to be injured or ejected than unrestrained children.
The correct car seat must match your child’s age, height, weight and developmental needs.
Even a good car seat can’t protect your child if its installed incorrectly (loose, twisted straps, wrong angle, etc). According to Texas Children’s Hospital, 4 out of 5 car seats are installed or used incorrectly.
Attention to detail matters; from the type of seat to the installation method, harnessing and maintenance.
Car Seat Safety Basics
Stay Rear-Facing as Long as Possible The rear-facing position offers superior protection for a child’s head, neck and spine. Most safety guidelines recommend keeping children rear-facing until they outgrow the height or weight limits of their seat.
Use the Correct Installation Anchor (Seat belt or Lower Anchors, Not Both) You generally should use either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH /lower anchors (but not both unless the seat’s instructions allow it). Once your child is forward-facing, be sure to attach the top tether (if available) to reduce forward head motion in a crash.
Harness Straps: Snug, Straight and the Right Height
• The straps should lie flat (no twists).they should be snug. You should not be able to pinch extra webbing at the shoulder.
For rear-facing seats, the harness slots should be at or below your child’s shoulders.
For forward-facing, the slots should be at or above the shoulders.
The chest clip (sternum clip) should be at armpit level (across the chest, not the stomach).
Remove Bulky Coats or Padding Before Harnessing Heavy winter coats or bulky clothing can prevent the harness from being snug. Instead strap the child in first, then place a blanket over them (not under the straps).
Check for Less than 1” of Movement After installation, grab the car seat at the belt path (where it attaches to the vehicle) and try to move it side to side or front-to-back. It should not move more than 1 inch.
Use the Correct Recline Angle Infants especially, need an angle that prevents their head from flopping forward (which can obstruct breathing). Most car seats have level indicators or angle adjusters for this.
Watch for Seat Expiry, Recalls and Crash History
Car seats come with expiration dates because plastic, fabric, and hardware degrade over time.
Register your seat with the manufacturer so you’ll be notified of recalls.
If the car seat has been in a moderate or sever crash, replace it.
Never Leave Children Alone in a Car Even briefly, heat, carbon monoxide or accidental movement can post serious risks.
Model Good Seatbelt Behavior
Children mirror our behaviors. Displaying safety will encourage and reinforce good seatbelt behavior.
Backseat is the Safest Place
The safest spot in a car for a child is the back seat, away from active airbags.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using both seat belt and LATCH when seat instructions forbid it
Harness too loose or twisted
Chest clip too low or high
Installing the seat at the incorrect angle
Not using the top tether when required
Continuing in a rear-facing position beyond the seat’s limits
Use of a car seat with expired or damaged parts
Not updating or replacing seats after recalls
Bulky coats interfering with harness fit
FREE & LOW-COST CAR SEAT INSPECTION & INSTALLATION HELP IN HOUSTON
It’s one thing to know what to do… its another to do it correctly. Fortunately, Houston has resources where you can get hands-on help for free or minimal cost. Always call ahead to verify appointments and requirements.
Safe Kids Greater Houston led by Texas Children’s Hospital, Car Seat Program. https://www.safekidsgreaterhouston.org/
This coalition hosts child restraint inspection events and runs inspection stations across Greater Houston.
Their Installation Locations page lists regular sites & events.
You can book a slot via their scheduling system.
Technicians will also provide education to parents and caregivers on proper harnessing, fit, and correct installation in their vehicle. This public service is free-of-charge.
2. Injury Free Coalition for Kids https://www.injuryfree.org/safetytpc_display.cfm?PermanentId=ECD095C0-D586-4030-89B37DA8D43019E8
They offer a one-hour class for families who can’t afford a car seat. After completing the class, attendees get appointments at inspection stations and may receive a free seat if eligible.
The Center for Childhood Injury Prevention (CCIP) has 23 permanent Inspection Station sites throughout the Greater Houston area where monthly inspections are conducted by appointment. One site is fully operated by staff from the CCIP, while the other sites are operated by community partners with the support of the CCIP.
3. SaveMeWithASeat https://www.savemewithaseat.org
This Texas initiative offers free car seat safety checks using certified technicians. You can sign up using your zip code to find an inspection site near you.
How To Use These Resources to Your Advantage
Prepare before your appointment
• Read your car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual.
• Know your child’s weight, height and age.
• Bring everything with you (seat, base, accessories).
Arrive on time and allow at least 30 minutes Technicians usually walk you through a full safety check and may help you practice installing properly.
Ask questions If something doesn’t make sense, ask the technician to show you.
Re-check periodically As your child grows or changes clothing, re-check fit and tension.
Stay informed on recalls and updates Sign up with manufacturers and check for safety notices.
