A Guide to Car Seat Safety for Infants

Protecting Your Child Every Ride

At Gabrielson Clinic for Women, we know that the safety of your little one is your top priority. When it comes to car travel, choosing and using the correct car seat is one of the most important decisions to keep your baby safe. Car crashes are unfortunately a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. But when used properly, car seats and booster seats provide essential protection.

The Dangers of Forward-Facing Too Soon

In the event of a crash, everyone in the vehicle moves toward the point of impact. In a frontal collision, everyone is pushed toward the front of the car. For those in forward-facing car seats or using seat belts, the upper body is held back by the chest strap, causing it to stop suddenly. However, the head doesn't stop as quickly. It moves forward until the chin touches the chest and then snaps back, whipping forward and backward rapidly. This movement is known as whiplash.

In adults, the head constitutes only 6% of their total body weight. As a result, while this sudden movement can be jarring, the risk of serious injury is generally lower. However, for a newborn, whose head is about 25% of their body weight, the force on the head during a frontal crash is four times greater. Children are not just smaller versions of adults — their bodies are proportionally different, affecting their ability to handle the force of whiplash. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for infants, so keep them in that position as long as possible.

Here are some key tips to ensure your child is safely secured in their car seat, every time you hit the road.

Types of Infant Car Seats

As your baby grows, their car seat needs will change. Infants under 1 year old should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat. This position provides the best protection by supporting their fragile neck and spine in the event of a crash. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your child rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.

There are several types of rear-facing car seats for infants available:

• Infant Car Seat (Rear-Facing Only): These small, portable seats are perfect for newborns and babies. They're only used rear-facing and can be taken out of the car, making them a convenient option for parents. However, most babies will outgrow them before their first birthday.
• Convertible Car Seat: As your baby grows, a convertible seat can switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. This seat has higher height and weight limits for rear-facing, allowing you to keep your child safer in this position longer.
• All-in-One Car Seat: This seat offers the most versatility. It transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing and eventually to a booster seat as your child grows. It's an excellent long-term option for families looking for a seat that will adapt as their child’s needs change.

Choosing the Right Car Seat

When selecting a car seat, follow these key steps:

• Age and Size: Choose a car seat appropriate for your child's age and size. Review the car seat’s manufacturer guidelines for height and weight limits to ensure a good fit.
• Vehicle Fit: Not all car seats fit every vehicle. Before purchasing, check that the seat fits securely in your car. If you’re unsure, test it before buying.
• Correct Installation: It's vital to install the car seat correctly. Read the manual with your car seat and vehicle to ensure proper installation. You can also consult a certified child passenger safety technician for help. Another option is to get your car seat inspected for free at a police or fire station. To find a location near you, call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK.

Forward-Facing Car Seats: When to Transition

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, they can transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. This is usually at least two years old or for as long as possible. Keep your child in the forward-facing position until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer. 

Most convertible car seats allow rear-facing use up to 35-40 pounds. However, height is also a crucial factor. A general guideline is to ensure at least one inch of space remains between the top of your child's head and the top of the car seat. This ensures that as the child moves within the seat during a crash their head remains well-supported.

Many children outgrow the height requirements for rear-facing seats before they outgrow the weight limits. Therefore, when choosing a convertible car seat, prioritize models with a higher seated height to maximize the rear-facing period.

Installation Tips

A correctly installed car seat is essential for your child's safety. Here are some installation tips:

• Harness Position: For rear-facing seats, place the harness slots at or below your child’s shoulders. The harness should be snug — you shouldn't be able to pinch any slack between your fingers when testing the straps.
• Proper Angle: Make certain the seat is reclined at the correct angle so your child’s head doesn’t flop forward. All rear-facing car seats have built-in recline indicators to help with this.
• LATCH vs. Seatbelt: You can install your car seat using the vehicle's seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. Both methods are equally safe, so choose the one that works best for your vehicle and car seat. Just make sure you use only one method at a time unless both are approved by the manufacturer.
• Back Seat Safety: Keep your child in the back seat until at least age 12. This is the safest place for them in the event of a crash.

Common Car Seat Questions

• What if my baby’s feet touch the back of the car seat? This is a common concern, but it’s perfectly safe. Babies are flexible and can find a comfortable position in a rear-facing seat, even if their feet touch the back of the vehicle seat.
• Can I use extra padding for my baby? It’s important not to add padding or inserts unless they come with the car seat or were specifically made for it. Extra padding can interfere with the harness system and compromise safety.
• What about winter coats? Bulky clothing can compress in a crash, leaving your baby’s harness too loose. Dress your baby in thin layers, and consider using a blanket over the harness instead of a thick winter coat.

Final Thoughts

There are many car seat choices on the market. For more information about choosing the type of car seat that best meets your child’s needs print out NHTSA’s car seat recommendations for children (PDF, 370 KB) or consult the National Child Passenger Safety Board website.

Ensuring that your child is in the right car seat and that it is installed correctly is crucial for their safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and, when in doubt, consult with a certified child passenger safety technician to make sure you're doing everything you can to protect your little one. Safe travels!