Essential car seat safety tips

September 08, 2025 Auto

If you have children or regularly transport them in your vehicle, ensuring they are properly secured in the correct car seat is critical. Children are safest in the back seat, especially those under age 13 or riding in a car seat. Front-seat airbags can pose serious risks to smaller children.

Using a car seat correctly can significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash. However, many parents unknowingly make mistakes—choosing the wrong seat, improper installation, or incorrect buckling techniques. Even minor errors can lead to serious consequences.

Top tips for proper car seat use

Never place an infant in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag
Follow the car seat manual for installation instructions. You can also consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician—many fire departments offer this service
Keep harness straps snug and position the chest clip at armpit level
Ensure straps lie flat and are not twisted
Dress your child appropriately—avoid bulky clothing that can create slack in the harness during a crash
Rear-facing is safest. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing until at least age two

For detailed guidance, visit Car Seats for the Littles, a trusted resource for car seat safety.

Avoid using a car seat if:

It's expired (typically 6–10 years after manufacture)
Has been involved in a crash
Missing instructions, you can often download a manual from the manufacturer
Has cracks or missing parts
Has been recalled

Check with the Auto Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT and register your seat for future recall notices

Is your child ready for a seat belt?

Keep your child in a car seat or booster if possible. When transitioning to a seat belt:

The shoulder belt should rest across the shoulder, not the neck
The lap belt should lie low across the hips
Knees should bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
If the seat belt doesn’t fit properly, your child should remain in a booster seat. Maturity also matters—children must be able to sit correctly without slouching or leaning

Car seat safety is non-negotiable. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can ensure your child is protected every time you hit the road.

Armed Forces Insurance: your trusted renter insurance advisor

Armed Forces Insurance has been a trusted advisor to American armed forces service members for more than 135 years. We’re not a giant corporate skyscraper full of slick insurance executives. We’re a small company headquartered just down the road from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. We know each other, and our customers know us. If you’re looking for a someone you can trust to shoot you straight and help you protect your home and property, check out our renter insurance page.