The Most Common Car Seat Mistakes

Installation

• Car seat has excessive movement when moved side to side along the seat belt or ISOFIX/LATCH path: Maximum of 2.5cm of movement at belt path, not top of the seat.

• Wrong seat belt routing: Car seats can have more than one route for the seatbelt depending if it is installed for rear or forward facing.

• Seat Belt and ISOFIX/LATCH used together

• Top tether not used for a forward-facing seat: Provides further protection in a side impact crash and stops the seat from tipping forward.

• Top tether not used for Australian/New Zealand seats when rear-facing: USA car seats do not use a top tether. Check the manufacturer’s manual.

• Top tether not attached to approved anchor point: Luggage clips can look like tether points but only designed to withhold loads of 25 kg compared to tether anchor points of 350kg.

Harness fit

• Incorrect harness height (a crucial aspect of car seat set-up!): Harness can come from just under, at, or just over the shoulder depending on the seat. Make sure to check the manufacturer manual.

• Harness is not pinch test tight: The harness should be tight enough so it cannot be pinched at the shoulder/collar bone. Winter jackets and thick jumpers should be removed before being placed into the carseat.

• Harness is twisted

• Chest clip incorrect height (USA seats): Clip should be in line with your child’s armpits.

Miscellaneous

• Incorrect recline: A 40-45° angle prevents head flop and supports airways. If additional recline is required a pool noodle or rolled-up towel can be used.

• Child exceeds weight limit: Child exceeds seat limits. Children must be within the height and/or weight limit. Or the height markers on AUS/NZ.

Other important safety factors

• Do not use a car seat that has expired

• Replace car seats after an accident: Even if there is no obvious damage. Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations.

• ALWAYS consult your car seats manufacturer manual. NEVER use any after-market products with a car seat, this can include chest clips, newborn inserts, and seat protectors. Any additions must be those sold by the manufacturer of the car seat. Just because it is for sale does not mean it is safe!