Good morning! How are you guys today!? I hope your Tuesday is off to a good start! We’re talking about car seat safety on the blog today, so buckle up and enjoy the riiiide! (<— Oh the puns! I just can’t help myself.)
A couple of weeks ago, I asked you guys to submit your car seat safety questions so I could pass them along to Chicco’s Child Passenger Safety Advocate and share a Q&A on the blog. The questions came rollin’ in and many of you guys had similar questions related to car seat safety. (Many of your questions were also questions I personally had for Chicco which was great! Thanks for covering my bases, friends!)
Last month was Baby Safety Month and I am partnering with Chicco to help spread the word about car seat safety to encourage parents and caregivers to keep their little ones as safe as possible. A car seat safety Q&A may be found below that incorporates your questions and at the bottom of this blog post you will find a pretty awesome giveaway for a Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat!
Now let’s get to it!
Car Seat Safety Q&A
- How long do we keep the newborn/infant inserts in the car seat?
The infant insert is the smaller contoured seat pad that fits inside your infant car seat. These pads are engineered to position a smaller baby at the correct seat angle, as well as ensure that the harness fits tightly. You can remove the insert when you feel it is no longer necessary, but it must be removed once your infant reaches 11 lbs.
- When do I need to get the next car seat up from the infant car seat? Is it by weight or height?
You may transition your child to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until at least two years old at any time, but must make the switch from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat when your child outgrows either the height or weight guidelines for their infant car seat.
- I can’t find anyone who will check my car seat! The local fire department, highway commission, police, etc. are no longer allowed to due to “liability concerns.” Any tips to help ensure I’ve done a good installation, or other resources I haven’t thought of?
If you’re having trouble finding a certified child passenger safety technician in your area, check out Safe Kids Worldwide’s navigator here or visit SeatCheck.org.
- Is there a difference in an infant car seat and a convertible one as far as safety is concerned?
As long as your convertible car seat is being used in rear-facing mode as instructed and it’s installed correctly, your infant is protected in a convertible car seat. As a reminder, it’s recommended that child passengers be kept rear-facing until two years of age, whether that is in an infant car seat or convertible car seat.
- Why on earth do car seats expire? And will I get in trouble if I use an expired car seat?
Car seats expire for a few different, equally important reasons. First, over time, car seat technology improves and safety standards change. Additionally, materials used in car seats wear down with extended use, which could compromise safety features down the road. It’s also important to note that car seat manufacturers stop safety testing seats after a certain period of time, meaning that past expiration, manufacturers cannot guarantee how a car seat will perform in an accident.
- I heard that we shouldn’t put babies in their car seats wearing winter coats? We get some pretty COLD winters in New Jersey so I’m curious to see if there is any truth in this?
Don’t buckle your child into a car seat with bulky clothing, blankets or add-on products like a car seat bunting. The harness should be as snug as possible, and the added padding can interfere with the harness fit and crash performance of the seat. If you are using an infant carrier, put your child in the carrier and tighten the harness before you head to the car, then put blankets on your child to keep them warm. If you are using a car seat that is installed in your car, have your child take off their coat, get them in the car seat and tighten the harness, then put their coat on backwards until you arrive at your destination.
- What age/weight/height is safe to switch your little one to a forward facing car seat position?
Keep your child rear-facing in their car seat until at least two years old. Are your kid’s feet touching the seat back? Do they look a little cramped? That’s okay. Kids are a lot more flexible than adults. Kids need to stay rear-facing for as long as possible to protect their head and neck in the event of a crash. Kids do not need to be turned forward-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight of the car seat. Kids are fragile, and they are best protected rear-facing, even if that means they have a little less leg room.
- Is there a way to clean a car seat safely? I’ve heard that soaking it in water can make it unsafe…
The best way to clean car seat straps and other non-removable pieces is with mild soap and water, and then let it air dry. To simplify the process, Chicco’s line of Zip car seats include easy to remove zip-off features, such as a removable seat pad, that make clean-up a breeze.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Giveaway
And now it’s giveaway time! Chicco is giving away a KeyFit 30 car seat to one lucky PBF reader!
We absolutely love our KeyFit 30 car seat and I cannot recommend it enough. It easily clicks into our travel and jogging strollers and Chase seems comfortable and secure in it.
If you would like to be entered to win the car seat, simply leave a comment on this blog post, telling me about one thing that surprised you about pregnancy or becoming a new parent. I will randomly select a winner next Friday.
Good luck!
Looking for additional car seat safety information? Check out Chicco’s Car Seat Safety Guide and the Car Seat Education page of their website!
Thank you to Chicco for sponsoring this post and to all of you for your continued support. I truly appreciate it!
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I was amazed at how well she slept those first two nights in the hospital….and THEN we got home. YIKES! We were frantic nuts going around the house putting her everywhere- the swing, the rock n play, the crib, etc. We had NO idea how to get this baby to sleep! Hahahaha! The things you learn…and quick 😉
I can’t believe how much my little guy changes every week. We feel so blessed to have him and raise him!
I’m pregnant with my first baby, and I can’t believe how much things started changing right away. Before we found out, I was telling my husband that it felt like my uterus was growing. Little did we know! 😉
i am always amazed at how strong and right our mom instinct is right from the beginning and how it’s seriously so much work on all levels.
I think the depth of love for my daughter has taken me by surprise. It sounds silly because of course I knew I would love her, but this fierce – would die in a second to protect her – do anything to ensure her health and happiness – most consuming, terrifying and yet life altering (in the best way possible) kind of love has turned my world upside down! 🙂
I’m still early in my pregnancy but I was surprised by how emotional I got when I first heard a heartbeat on the ultrasound!
I am 2 days shy of being 21 weeks pregnant and we found out almost 2 weeks ago that we are having a little boy! So far, I’ve been surprised at how much my body can handle. I’m still able to workout and go about daily business AND create a human in the process! Wow! God is creating and shaping a little human inside of me and HE has my little boy’s life in HIS hands right now. It doesn’t get any more cool than that!
I was also surprised by the ultrasound to see our little boy squirming around in there. Seeing him in there was such a blessing and I truly fell in love with him. We can’t wait to meet him!
What surprises me the most is how much stuff you need! And how much research there is to do 🙂
I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I think that surprised me the most is what a rollercoaster pregnancy can be. Everything from finding out, the early days of worry and all of the doctor appointments that come along with it. It is amazing to me to see our little one on the ultrasound and realize that I’m building a little human!!
I am expecting my first (a boy <3) in February and have been surprised by many pregnancy changes but mostly by how tired I feel from doing everyday things! It's all worth and I can't wait to meet the little guy.
Love this post! I’m due with my 3rd baby in April but have been out of the car seat loop for some time (my youngest is 11!), and I’ve been reading up on all your great pregnancy and baby tips. I’m starting fresh and need to catch up on all the latest info and safety standards before the new baby arrives. Thanks for this!!! 🙂
And I would say the thibg I’m most suprised about is how much I forgot about regarding baby safety and how to purchase new gear!
I’m due in December, and even though I heard it happens from other people, the amount of unsolicited advice is crazy! 😉
I’m having my first baby in March, and one thing that really surprised me is I went from being a huuge sweet tooth to being repulsed by sweets. I had to replace all my gummy vitamins because they made me sick! Also…I have a vizsla too and she has become so much MORE clingy since I got pregnant. She senses SOMETHING. I didn’t think it was possible for her to get any more clingy!
I am 21 weeks along today and am constantly surprised and amazed how much I love this little one inside of me. I’m a teacher, so I have always known that I love children, but infants terrify me! To know that I am responsible for the well-being of this little babe gives life a whole new purpose and meaning, and makes me feel a little silly I hadn’t realized this before baby! It just goes to show us that we are always learning as we go 🙂
My first is almost 9 months old and the thing that surprised me is how fast they grow!! Obviously I’ve heard it from a million people, but I don’t think it registered until I watched him grow so much in such a short amount of time!
How quickly your body begins to adapt to growing a human!
I am 21 weeks pregnant and it is so surprising how pregnancies can be so different! I love reading and hearing about other pregnancies, but I had to learn that mine will be different and that it’s ok. I have a healthy baby growing and that’s the most important part!
It surprised me to find out how incredibly hard it is to leave my child every single day to go to work. I have sat down with our budget weekly since her birth trying to figure out a way to be a stay-at-home mom.
I am 28 weeks pregnant right now! So far I am surprised by how much you can worry/think about someone that you haven’t even met yet! It’s so exciting!
I don’t have kids,but.my sister is expecting her 3rd in March..she absolutely amazes me!
I am 18 weeks and am shocked at how early the constant bathroom trips start!
I agree about how different pregnancies are. I’ve seen so many friends go through their pregnancies and now that I am pregnant, I cannot believe how much women go through! Working through the pregnancy, taking care of other children, just daily things even, are so exhausting and overwhelming.
Newly pregnant! Still experiencing the shock and excitement. Looking forward to using all of your pregnancy recaps along the way.
I have been amazed and exhausted by morning sickness and the plethora of weird ailments that plague pregnant women. It will be worth it when I meet the little peanut though!
I am adoptive parent waiting to be picked by birth parents. The only thing that surprised me by pregnancy was how much it hurt to lose babies that were just the tiniest of cells at that point.
I’d love to win the car seat because we already decided Chico was our choice. And we need the car seat so we are ready when we are picked. Crossing my fingers!
The most surprising thing about our new baby (2 months old already!) is how absolutely wonderful, sweet and adorable she is and how much I just love her more than anything in the world!
What surprised me is how much babies eat!
Oh this would be perfect! We need another car seat! I have a 3 week old little girl and a 2.5 yr old daughter. What surprises me the most is how functional I can be with 3 hrs a sleep a night! I guess when you have no choice, you make it work, but whew it’s tough! I forgot just how exhausting the newborn phase was! Two under 3 and both in diapers is challenging, but of course wouldn’t change it for the world! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
My daughter is almost 3.5 and it surprises me at how much harder each phase gets. When I thought the newborn phase was super exhausting and hard, I had no idea that the daily struggles with a toddler would be equally so or even harder! We have another little one on the way and I’m excited but nervous about how to deal with newborn and toddler!
I’m 30 weeks pregnant and one thing that has really surprised me was all the interesting questions you get from others about being pregnant. Nothing too awkward yet but people are curious!
What really surprised me with this second pregnancy is how absolutely different they have been. My first was 8 years ago and, maybe its because I was 22, it was so easy! Now Im 31 and I was so nauseous for the first 4-5 months, I have a lot more pelvic pain and he is sitting so low, that I havent been able to be active much at all 🙁 I did prenatal yoga throughout my first and had a home waterbirth. Labor was only 5.5 hours. Im hoping this little guys birth will be just as quick and beautiful.
Thank you for the opportunity! Xo
I’m 16 weeks pregnant with my first so this post and giveaway is perfect timing! The thing I have been most surprised about is how I can’t think about anything.else. and my entire world is now praying this little one is growing healthy and strong…that, and day dreaming about her!
I am 20 weeks pregnant with my first and I have been most surprised with how many questions everyone asks you which makes it overwhelming but then when I’m home with my husband and feel my baby move it makes it so exciting and I can’t wait for her to be here!
I never thought I would be able to ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’, but man was I wrong (and so grateful)!
My daughter is 8 weeks old as of today. I’ve been surprised at how long she can nurse for. I never imagined that I’d have multiple nursing sessions so close together and for such a long time! Some sessions are over an hour!
I did not know the cravings would be so strong
I was surprised that I got post natal depression as I thought it would be any easy transition into motherhood. Got the help I needed and I am fine now but it was a bit of a shock.
I was surprised about how much you can actually function on very little sleep! I went back to work 10 hour days 7 weeks post partum. Looking back I have no clue how I functioned haha
I’m 17 weeks along (today!) and not a whole lot has surprised me – lots of honest friends and family in my life! I was surprised that fire departments etc. aren’t doing car seat checks. Thanks for the other esource, I will be sure to look into that!
I am 20 weeks pregnant today and I can’t believe the things people say to you! The opinions, questions, and unwanted touching. 🙂 Who knew? Also, I can’t believe how quickly my sleep was affected upon becoming pregnant.
One thing I never knew about pregnancy is how attached you can get to your baby before it’s even here! I’m due next month.
Well I’m 34 weeks with my third. My first two are 10 and 12 and I think the most surprising thing has been the different things that are available to parents and infants/babies now. And also how different the advice and safety concerns are in only a few years. Also my first two pregnancies were so easy at ages 21 and 24, but at 33 this one has been exceptionally hard on me. So I’ve been very surprised at how vastly different the pregnancy experience can be. I’ve been sick the entire time, I experienced some severe bleeding that put me on bedrest, puppps which is a nightmare, anemia, headaches, fatigue, and so much more with this pregnancy that I did not have the first time around. All I can hope is that my new little love will be happy and healthy because it will make everything worth it.
Hope you feel better soon and have a healthy happy baby!
The biggest shocker for me was the large amount of laundry associated with a newborn baby. OMG…. multiple loads every single day.
I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant with my first child and the one thing that has surprised me with this pregnancy is how much I’m loving my baby bump. The idea of getting big and having a bump freaked me out in the beginning but it’s not that bad!
My son is 13 months old and the most surprising thing to me is how much he understands right now, and quickly he absorbs language.! I was also very surprised by the lack of sleep my husband and I functioned on for the first 6 months of my son’s life! It certainly was more challenging than I expected it to be, but it was worth it!
I was so surprised by how easy my second baby was, and how much more naturally it came to care for him than it did the first time around. I was so scared when my first baby was born, but we grew so much together that when her brother came 16 months later, it was a million times easier than I ever could have imagined.
I was sure that my daughter would sleep through the night by her first birthday. She’s 14 months old and not even close to sleeping through the night. She is happy and healthy so I take naps whenever possible and remind myself how blessed I am to have her!
I am pregnant with my second child now. With my first, I was very surprised how NERVOUS I was that I was doing everything wrong or that my baby was sick in some way. I was up so many nights those first few months. So far this time around I am more calm, we’ll see how things go once baby arrives 🙂
The biggest surprise to me about parenthood is how much I worry about and love my kids. I always knew that I’d love my kids unconditionally, but it’s such an intense love that I couldn’t even imagine! Pregnant with number 4, and our oldest is 5, so our old KeyFit is expiring!
I have twin 2 years olds. The amount of laundry and dishes I do!!