Even though every parent knows that keeping babies properly secured in a car seat is important, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that three out of every four car seats are installed incorrectly. I know that I often wondered if I had properly secured my boys’ seats in the car and also questioned when I should move them to seats meant for older or larger children. I only wish that I’d had Kelley Adams-Campos to advise me back then! Recently the top Ford child passenger safety expert came to Regina to share her knowledge of car seat safety with teen mothers who attend the Shirley Schneider Support Centre and even having raised two kids, I learned a lot. Here are four great tips from Kelley:

Keep Kids Facing Back

Children should remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, says Kelley, since it minimizes the chance of neck and head injury in the event of a collision. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find the maximum height and weight recommended for having a seat facing the rear and don’t turn it forward before a child reaches it. Ideally, Kelley says, children should be rear facing until at least two years of age. If you’re concerned about your baby being able to see you, remember that he’s never known any other way of driving and so won’t miss a thing. And if you’re worried about checking on your little one while driving, stop. Distracting yourself from the road to entertain your child just puts both of you in greater danger of an accident. [Read more…]