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 surprised how fun the little things are! Some of my favorite things are just watching him try new foods, learn new words, and splash in the tub!
I’m 33 weeks pregnant, and I’m surprised how much you can fall in love with the kicks and movements I feel! I can’t wait to hold my little one!
I’m almost 15 weeks pregnant with my first (a girl!) and cannot believe the transition my body is experiencing. I am definitely feeling a lot of changes, which has made me feel so in tune to my body and aware of what it is capable. It has made me feel so connected to her and we can’t wait to meet her!
Surprised how intense morning sickness actually is!
Every day there is a new surprise. Parenting has taught me so much more about myself than I ever imagined. My youngest is 2.5 and we are done, but my next journey will be as an aunt. My niece or nephew will be here soon and would love this car seat!
The best surprise of all – the smiley face on the test! The countdown to needing a car seat has begun! 🙂
I’m 28 weeks pregnant and what’s surprised me the most is how insanely tired I feel …ALL…THE…TIME.
The biggest surprise for me during pregnancy is that I couldn’t believe how swollen my feet, legs, and fingers could get! I couldn’t wear shoes in the end! All worth it in the end when my son arrived!!
I just had a baby 6 weeks ago and what surprised me the most was how much they sleep!
I’m 32 weeks pregnant with my first and I’m shocked at how much I don’t know!!! So many books, tips, and friend advice to think about. Thanks for the tips.
The biggest surprise of motherhood has been the coming out of my fierce momma bear side! I always knew I would love and be protective of my child, but since having her I am amazed at how protective I am. Maybe because it is my heart walking around and I want to keep it safe and happy. Crazy how much joy and love comes with a child.
I neve expected the instant and insane amount of love for my son. He is truly my world and my heart is full because of him♡
I was most surprised how my delivery went. I had a detailed birth plan ready, and because of medical emergencies, not one thing went according to my plan!
Sleep struggles! It’s so more emotionally taxing than I ever imagined!
Surprised by all the weird dreams I’ve been having!
This is so awesome. What surprised me the most is how different the second pregnancy really is. Everything is going very well it’s just the different things during that I had no clue of during my first pregnancy. Also this one really seems to be flying by way quicker! Oh and the cravings. I might as well live in the grocery store and sleep there, lol.
I have a 4 month old and we’ve been surprised by the massive quantities that he spits up! We have the Chico key fit and I feel like I’m cleaning the straps daily because of all his spitting up:)
I’m surprised at how uncomfortable it is to sleep already in just the first trimester!
How well a person can function with little or no sleep
I’m due in a few months with my first baby, so it would be awesome to win this car seat 🙂
I’ve mostly been surprised by how much I think about he/she! My husband recently asked what I want for my birthday and all I could come up with were things that we need for the baby. It’s not just about us anymore!!
I’m only 11 weeks pregnant so I haven’t had a ton of surprises yet, but the one thing that has surprised me has been how much of my body has already changed. I knew my mid section and chest would change, but I also have noticed how loose my muscles are and other random things, like my gums bleed when I brush my teeth! It’s so crazy how much of your body is affected by something that is only the size of a lime at this point!
I was surprised at how comfortable you feel with your own child and how they recognize you as their parent
The biggest thing that has surprised me is how intensely you can love someone you haven’t met yet. The other thing is probably how many strangers try to touch your belly without asking! it’s bizarre!
I cannot believe how much my little 17 month old is understanding at such a young age! Just recently I have noticed so much growth and it’s been amazing to watch!! I would be so excited to win a carseat!!!!!
Sleep
I’m still pregnant but one thing I learned so far is I will never take it lightly when a pregnant woman says that she has morning sickness! The struggle is real! I know this little peanut will be so worth it though! Thanks for all the great car seat tips! It’s so important that we keep our babies safe !!!
I just started my third trimester and we are surprised how much our life has already changed! We are so excited to meet our sweet baby soon!
My daughter is 16 months old and I can’t believe how fast time has gone by. Everyone always said that but once you become a parents it flies by!!
Everything goes by so quickly and there is so much exciting things to think about!
I was amazed at how much babies sleep in the beginning!
We are expecting our first and what is surprising me in pregnancy is how much I already feel connected to and how deeply I love this little person inside me. I love being pregnant, and cannot imagine how much more I’ll love getting to hold and snuggle my little baby. This may be TMI, but I also am surprised how much my breasts grew in the 1st-2nd trimester. Did not expect that to happen so soon or so much, hah. Lots of other little changes and surprises to come, I’m sure.
I’m surprised by the changes in my appetite and food preferences. I’ve always ate very healthy, so I thought my pregnancy would be no different. It’s really been a struggle. But it’s all worth it
I’m just starting to register and I’m surprised at how much STUFF you need and how everyone has an opinion about what’s best!! 😛
This was SO very helpful! It definitely answered all my questions!
I also know that some hospitals will have car seat safety checks. I work at a hospital and we have an employee who is certified in car seat safety. They hold safety checks periodically throughout the year for anyone to go and get their seats checked. If anyone is having trouble finding someone, its worth calling around the hospitals in their area!
I was amazed at how tired I could get, and still somewhat function. How I could have so many different emotions at once!
It surprised me that no matter how scared you are about raising a little one, everything just seems to fall into place & feel so…natural! You’ll wonder how you ever made it without them!
I am not even sure I can choose one thing that surprised me! I think mostly I am amazed at how much my little one has learned in such a short period of time. Also thank you for this blog post! I had some of the same questions!
I was surprised at how enjoyable breastfeeding can be!
I am still pregnant (35 weeks today, almost there!!). I think the biggest thing I have learned so far is not only how your body changes, but how you start to change as a person. I feel like a totally different person, both physically and mentally since I have become pregnant.
It is amazing how fast they grow, their curiosity, and how quickly they learn new things! Everyday is so exciting!
I’m currently 21 weeks pregnant with my first, and the thing that is surprising me the most so far is the CRAZY dreams! I have never dreamed like this in my life! It sure makes each night an adventure 🙂
Julie thank you thank you thank you for posting this!!! Car seat safety is so important and over looked
One thing that has surprised me about being a new parent is how much work nursung is! My 2 month year old nurses every 2 hours and it is truly a non stop job
I am pregnant with my first and one thing that surprised me is how many emotions you feel during pregnancy – excited and terrified at the same time 🙂
My baby is already here… but, the infant seat we have is SO heavy. I would love a lighter one that is easier for me to carry! Thanks for posting the safety tips – such a great post!
The thing that has surprised me the most about pregnancy is how excited and scared you can be at the same time! And the very vivid, crazy dreams.
We are expecting our first baby this December. I have always had body image issues but pregnancy has helped me gain a new respect for my body.
I was surprised how worried I could be about practically everything!
I’m pregnant with my third girl right now 🙂 We’re so excited to have another little girl! What still surprises me about pregnancy is that every pregnancy is different. I’m experiencing symptoms this pregnancy that I never experienced in my past 2 pregnancies. Same thing can be said with having children. Every child is different and it’s so much fun to see their personalities grow and blossom.
I am just starting my second trimester and am surprised that so far I feel mostly normal. I guess I am one of the lucky ones not to really have suffered from morning sickness like so many women do!