Is My Child's Car Seat Safe?

Car accidents happen everyday and many times there are injuries that occur from these accidents.  You can't always prevent car accidents because many times they are due to another drivers negligence, but you can make sure that your child is protected in the event of a car accident.  

Many child injuries occur due to car accidents, but the results could be even worse (sometimes even resulting in death) if your child's car seat is not installed properly or if the car seat has been recalled.  

Here are a few safety tips for your child's car seat:

• Make sure the car seat is less than 10 years old (ideally you want it to be under 5 years old)

• Check the expiration date on the car seat (yes... even car seats expire).  If the expiration date has passed you should get rid of the car seat and purchase a new one immediately because the product may no longer be effective in a car accident.  

• Do not use a car seat that has been previously involved in an accident

• Register your product - usually when you purchase a car seat it comes with a registration card.  Make sure you fill out this information and mail it into the car seat company.  If the car seat is recalled they are supposed to contact you.

• Search for recalls - sometimes car seats are recalled because the car seat is defective.  If this is the case you should contact the manufacturer of the product at which time they will replace whatever is defective on the car seat free of charge.  If the defective part can not be replaced they will give you a new car seat.  

• Always read the instruction manual to make sure your car seat is properly and securely installed.