Ask A Doc: Car seats save lives. Here’s how to use them right

For parents, especially new moms and dads, child safety decisions can feel overwhelming. But when it comes to car seats, the evidence is clear: they save lives.

Proper car seat use reduces the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger vehicle crashes. And while most parents are doing the right thing (nearly all infants and young children ride in car seats), installing and using them properly remains a major challenge. A federal study found that nearly three out of four car seats are used incorrectly, putting children at unnecessary risk.

Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 13. Many of those injuries and deaths are preventable with correct car seat selection, installation and use.

What parents should know?

Here are some evidence-based tips every caregiver should keep in mind:

• Rear-facing is safest for as long as possible. Children should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by their car seat.
• Harness snugness matters. Straps should lie flat and pass the “pinch test.” If you can pinch slack at the shoulder, it’s too loose.
• The seat shouldn’t move. When installed, the car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
• Don’t rush transitions. Moving to a forward-facing seat, booster seat, or seat belt too early increases the risk of injury. Each stage provides specific protection designed for a child’s size and development.
• Check expiration dates and recalls. Car seats expire, and recalls happen. Using an outdated or recalled seat can compromise safety.

We’re here to help.

As a verified Level III Trauma Center, Idaho Falls Community Hospital is committed to injury prevention in our community, and car seat safety is a key part of that work.

Idaho Falls Community Hospital is a certified Car Seat Inspection Site through the Idaho Child Passenger Safety Program. Our staff includes technicians certified through the National Child Passenger Safety Certification program, administered by Safe Kids Worldwide.

Idaho Falls Community Hospital’s certified technicians can help parents and caregivers:

• Choose the right car seat or booster for a child’s age and size
• Install the seat correctly in their specific vehicle
• Properly secure a child in the seat
• Understand when to move to the next stage
• Build confidence so they can keep children safe long after the appointment

For families who need assistance, Idaho Falls Community Hospital can also provide car seats on a needs-based basis.

The bottom line.

Using a car seat is essential. Using it correctly is lifesaving.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s seat is installed properly – or if you just want peace of mind – schedule a car seat inspection at Idaho Falls Community Hospital. A short visit can make a lifelong difference.