A booster seat is used in a vehicle to secure a child in a comfortable position and protect them in case of an accident. Since its invention, parents now find it easy to go on long trips with their kids without having to be concerned about their safety.
However, failure to properly use the booster seat could result in problems or accidents that can hurt your child. This article will enlighten you on common mistakes that parents make when using booster seats to help you avoid them and do the right things while using the seat.
Major mistakes parents make with booster seats
– Using a booster seat too early
It is very wrong to introduce your child to a booster seat too early. A child should attain an age of at least four years and meet the recommended height and weight requirements before they can be introduced to a booster seat. If you rush them, chances are the seat belt might not fit them properly and may put them at great risk when there is an emergency or accident.
– Not securing the booster seat correctly
Different booster seats have different mechanisms for fitting in the car seat. Some will be held in position with the car’s seat belt while others may have their latch system to provide extra support. Therefore, you must follow the manufacturer’s manual when installing a given booster seat to ensure that it is stable and in a fixed position.
– Not using booster seats when needed
Some parents may also stop using booster seats earlier than required, thinking that their kid has grown enough to fit in the car seat like a normal adult. The fact is a child should continue to use a booster seat until they are at least 145 cm tall and supported by the car seat belt. Failure to do this may lead to serious injuries on your child’s body when an accident occurs. Remember that the seat belt needs to hold crucial parts of the body like the collarbone, and the lower one to pass through the thighs.
– Letting children sit in the front seat too soon
It is not recommended to let children sit in front seats because when an accident occurs, an airbag automatically pops up into action to cushion passengers. However, the bag can easily hurt the kids because they are small and fragile, with most of them still undergoing active growth and development. So, always consider putting your child in the backseat until when they are old enough to sustain the pressure of an airbag.
– Not checking for recalls
Sometimes, manufacturers may decide to recall a given batch of booster seats when they notice safety defects. Parents need to keep up with such information to ensure their child’s safety. Failure to adhere to this recall may put your kid in a serious risk. One way of accessing this information is by visiting the manufacturer’s websites for important news or even checking with safety organisations.
A booster seat is beneficial if used correctly. However, failing to understand how to properly use the seat can pose serious risks to you and your child. Ensure you get the right booster seat that will not pose problems when fitting in your car seat and ensure that it is tightly secured in place for a smooth and comfortable trip. It is important to find out if the booster has been recalled probably due to safety defects that they may have. You may conveniently buy child booster seat online.