Common Car Seat Mistakes That May Be Putting Your Child In Danger! {+ Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 Review}

This Common Car Seat Mistakes That May Be Putting Your Child In Danger was first seen on Thrifty Nifty Mommy.  This Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 Review post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own.

While (September) car seat safety month may be over, there’s never a time to slack on being safe.  Especially with children involved.  And with winter about to swoop in, we need to talk about some of the most common car seat mistakes.

10 Most Common Car Seat Mistakes That May Be Putting Your Child In Danger!

Mistake #1:  NOT Registering Your Seat

When you purchase a new seat, it’s easy to think you’re now good and just toss all the paperwork.  STOP. RIGHT. THERE!  Registering that seat allows the car-seat manufacturer to alert you in the event of a future recall.  To make it even easier, many manufacturers allow online registration.

Mistake #2:  Forgetting To Read The Manual

Again, SO easy to just toss aside.  But every seat is different.  The features are different.  Even the way you buckle correctly may be different from seat to seat.  And don’t forget to ALSO check your vehicle manual as that will have information on where to place the carseat too!

Mistake #3:  Facing The Car Seat In The Wrong Direction

The newest regulations state that children should stay rear-facing until a minimum of 2 years.  So a high quality Convertible Car Seat is important.  And there are some seats that allow kids to stay rear-facing till 4+ years of age even!  That’s why reading the manual is important so you know your seats capabilities and limitations.

Importance Of Rear-facing Carseats:  Keeping your child rear-facing will provide better head and neck protection in a crash over forward-facing counterparts.  It also helps absorb crash forces across the car seat’s shell.  Some parents have concerns about their older child being uncomfortable in a rear-facing seat, but kids are resilient and will find a position that works well for them.  They can cross their legs or rest them on the seat back.  Being uncomfortable is a fallacy as they are actually in a much more comfortable position when rear-facing.  When we switched our daughter forward-facing at 4 years old, she actually wanted to go back to rear facing!

Mistake #4: Improper Buckling Of The Carseat/Installation

Many times, parents think more is better.  Well, in the case of the latch and seat belt, this just isn’t the case.  Please be sure to install your seat using the Latch system OR the seat belt.  Using both may actually be more dangerous.

Car seats have NOT been crash-tested with both seat belts and Latch systems securing them.  So it is not known how the carseat will — or won’t — perform in a crash. When installing a car seat, use either the seat belt — making sure it’s locked — or the Latch system.  A good rule of thumb is to go to a local child safety seat inspection station for help or to check your install.

Mistake #5:  Using Incorrect Angles

Forward and rear installation requires different seat angles.  Most new carseats these days have an indicator on the side to ensure you have the correct angle.  Be sure you pay attention to it!  While not all manufacturers recommend the same angle, it’s important to follow each manufacturer’s guideline for their seat.   This angle helps keep your baby’s airway open. And as baby gains more head control, they can sit more upright (closer to a 30-degree recline).

Mistake #6:  Buckling Children In Thick Coats To Keep Them Warm In Winter

Winter can get COLD.  In Minnesota, we have days that have a 40 degree BELOW zero wind chill!  So I get it.  But it’s still not safe to buckle your baby or child in a carseat with thick clothing and coats.  In the event of an accident, those clothing items will compress.  Which means the straps will have slack and your child could, potentially, fly out of the harness.  Consider using a carseat safe coat or just a lightweight jacket and keeping a blanket in the car to cover them with after harnessing.

Mistake #7:  The Harness Is Too Loose

Even when wearing the correct clothing, many times, parents don’t tighten the straps adequately.  To keep your child properly restrained in an accident, there should be no slack.  The straps should be tight against your child’s body, without being TOO tight.  You should not be able to pinch and grasp the straps.  Again, find a local child safety seat inspector to help if you’re unsure.  Most don’t even charge!

Mistake #8:  Placing The Chest Clip Too Low

While some countries don’t have chest clips, seats in the US do.  So it’s important to use them correctly.  The chest clip is the little piece of plastic  that slides along the car-seat harness.  It’s  job is to keep the harness straps in the correct position. The chest clip should be at your child’s armpit level, hence the name “chest clip”.  Neck injuries could result if it’s too high, stomach trauma if it’s too low.  Keep it at armpit level.

Mistake #9:  Forgetting To Adjust Harness Strap Height As Your Child Grows

Many parents are great about making sure their child fits properly when they first get a carseat.  However, kids grow!  But instead of just loosening those straps, you actually need to adjust the harness height too!  It’s important to remember that a child in a rear-facing seat needs to have the harness straps positioned AT or BELOW the shoulders. But once forward-facing, the straps should be AT or ABOVE the shoulders.  To keep your child as safe as possible, it’s important to make sure everything is at optimal performance positions.

Mistake #10: Using The Wrong Carseat For Your Child

There are several different reasons you may be using the wrong seat.  Are you keeping your child in an infant carrier they’ve outgrown? Or have you upgraded your toddler to a booster they just aren’t mature enough for?  It’s extremely important to make sure they fit their age, height, AND weight to the seat they are in.  But remember, children have outgrown a car seat when they reach its height OR weight limit.  A good idea is to find a great Convertible Seat that can grow with your child through many ages and stages.

Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 Review

With the Pria Max 3-in-1, you can take comfort in knowing that you’ll have a safe, comfortable car seat for your child, from birth to 10 years old.   So the awesome thing about the Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 is that it’s the ONLY seat you will need to purchase!

Children can ride rear-facing, from 4-40 pounds; forward-facing to 65 pounds; and up to 100 pounds in booster mode.  Converting to each new stage is simple and intuitive, so you can quickly make car seat adjustments. This seat allows for a wide range of adaptability with its 3-position recline, 5 headrest heights, along with a QuickFit shoulder harness.

Meet The Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1

Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 Review Features

Drive with confidence knowing that the Pria Max 3-in-1 is backed by over 30 years of European engineering and exceeds all federal standards.

Safety Where You Need It

Featuring the GCell® patented foam, it’s designed to absorb crash energy and protect your child’s head where it’s needed most in a side impact crash.

3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Designed to grow with your child and provides a perfect fit from birth to 10 years (4-100 pounds)

Superior Comfort

Soft-to-touch cushions and premium fabrics and padding throughout, provide the most comfort during the journey.

Unique Harness System

Fast and easy to buckle with spring assist ‘out-of-the-way’ harness system.  And there’s also a ClipQuik auto magnetic chest clip.  The magnetic chest clip means no more pinching fingers or struggling to line up clasps when clicking shut!

Easy In And Out Of Seat

Designed with flip away buckles, the straps stay out of the way as the child gets in and out.

Adjustable Headrest

Featuring a QuickFit shoulder harness, it automatically raises the harness and headrest height together.  So no rethreading straps!

Top Notch Support Starting At 4#

Removable infant pillow supports allow for a safe, secure, and comfortable support for infants as small as just 4 pounds.

Quick And Simple Install

One click LATCH connectors offer easier installation.

2 Cup Holders

And the best part is that they are easy to remove and dishwasher safe!  As a parent, you probably already know how dirty those can get.  So this is a GREAT feature!

3 Position Recline System

The recline system makes it easier  to get the correct install in your vehicle.

Simple To Clean

Seat pads and harness covers are both machine washable and dryer safe.  So whether your child spills food, has an accident, or gets sick, you’ll be able to get your seat cleaned up in no time.

Color Options

While not the most important feature, it’s still something I like to point out.  The Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 is available in four color options:

• Nomad Black
• Nomad Grey
• Nomad Sand
• Nomad Blue

So as you can see from my Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 review, this seat is a great choice.  The high performance paired with a luxurious ride makes it a top choice!

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