Some of you may have younger children, or babies, and may be wanting some information on infant seats, convertible seats, and rear-facing. Here you go!
Remember, if you have questions/comments/want a seat inspection, use the comments feature at the bottom of each post, or click my profile and send me an email!
REAR FACING
A rear-facing infant seat is safest for a newborn. You want to make sure that the shoulder straps are coming out below, or just even with the shoulders. If the strap slot being used is above the shoulders, it is not a proper fit, and you should move the harness to the next lower slot, or a different seat should be used.
By law in Manitoba, you need to keep your child rear facing until they are 1 year old and 20 lbs and walking unassisted. Do remember that this is the bare minimum. It is now recommended to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible. If your child weighs more than 20lbs before they are 1 year old, you need to purchase a convertible seat with a higher weight limit so that they can remain rear-facing.
Do NOT worry about your child’s feet touching the vehicle seat back, or their legs being “too long”. Your child’s legs and feet are fine, and will not be injured. The biggest concern should always be your child’s head and neck, since children as old as 2 or 3 still have large heads and weak necks in proportion to their bodies.
Once your child outgrows the infant seat, it is recommended to use a convertible carseat in a rear facing position. Many convertible seats now rear-face to 35, or even 40 lbs, which gives you the opportunity to keep your child rear facing past a year.
When buckling your infant, make sure the chest clip is at armpit level, and that the straps are not twisted or folded, and snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack in the webbing. You should only be able to fit 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s shoulder.
Showing posts with label rear-facing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rear-facing. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
RESNS newsletter article - Nov.2009
This is an article I wrote for Grayson's Nursery School in November.
Child Car Seat Safety – What You Need to Know
Statistics show that 80% of carseats in Manitoba are being used incorrectly.
To start with the basics, the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act states that all children must be restrained in a Canadian-approved child restraint device until they are both 5 years of age and 50lbs.
This means that, by law, your child must be restrained in an age-appropriate, weight-appropriate child restraint (either a harnessed carseat, or a booster seat) until they are 5 years and 50 lbs.Also, all forward-facing child seats must be used with a tether strap. The fine for having an unrestrained, or improperly restrained child is $247.00.
Manitoba is one of only 3 remaining provinces currently without booster seat legislation. There have been formal recommendations made which could see the MB Traffic Act changed to include restraining children up to age 8 and 80lbs.
Now, how can you make sure you are keeping your child as safe as possible? First of all, you need to consider the weight, height, and maturity of your child.
REAR FACING
A rear-facing infant seat is safest for a newborn. You want to make sure that the shoulder straps are coming out below, or just even with the shoulders. If the strap slot being used is above the shoulders, it is not a proper fit, and you should move the harness to the next lower slot, or a different seat should be used.
By law, you need to keep your child rear facing until they are 1 year old and 20 lbs. However, it is now recommended to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible.
Don’t worry about your child’s feet touching the vehicle seat back, or their legs being “too long”. Your child’s legs and feet are fine, and will not be injured. The biggest concern should always be your child’s head and neck, since children as old as 2 or 3 still have large heads and weak necks in proportion to their bodies. Once your child outgrows the infant seat, it is recommended to use a convertible carseat in a rear facing position. Many convertible seats now rear-face to 30, 32, or even 35 lbs, which gives you the opportunity to keep your child rear facing past a year. When buckling your infant, make sure the chest clip is at armpit level, and that the straps are untwisted and snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack in the webbing. You should only fit 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s shoulder.
FORWARD FACING
Most forward-facing carseats used to have a maximum-harnessed weight limit of 40lbs, after which you would be required to move your child to a booster seat, regardless of height or age. There are now many options available which will allow you to keep your child harnessed up to 47, or even 65lbs. A 5-point harness is the safest option for your child, and it is recommended to keep them in the 5-point harness to the maximum weight/height limit of the seat. Again, when buckling your child, the chest clip should be at armpit level, the straps should be untwisted, and snug enough that you can’t pinch any slack in the webbing. You should be able to fit only 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s chest.
BOOSTER SEATS
Many parents wonder when they can safely move their child to a booster seat. A booster seat can have a high or low back, and its sole purpose is to raise the child up to fit properly in the adult seatbelt. A booster seat does not restrain the child, but allows the seatbelt to restrain them. A booster seat may ONLY be used with a lap/shoulder belt system, NEVER with a lap belt alone!
You may not legally use a booster seat until your child is over 40lbs, and even then, you may want to consider keeping your child harnessed if they are not mature enough for a booster. It is not recommended that a child use a booster seat until they are at least 4-1/2 years of age.
To safely use a booster seat, your child must sit properly at all times. This means no napping, no wiggling/squirming, no reaching for toys, or slumping, or leaning. Any movement or shifting that puts the child out of position for the seatbelt to fit properly puts your child in danger of being injured in a collision.
If your child weighs at least 40lbs, and is able to sit properly in their booster seat every time, make sure they fit the booster properly. The shoulder belt needs to come over the child’s shoulder, not the neck, and should never be placed behind the child, or under their arm. The lap belt should come across the child’s hipbones, not their upper thighs, and NEVER over their abdomen. If the seatbelt does not fit properly, it will not protect your child, and you may want to reconsider keeping your child in a 5-point harness for a while longer.
*******************************************************************
Useful Links:
Transport Canada Road Safety –
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm
(lots of information here about the different kinds of carseats, as well as recall information, and research & testing information)
MB Carseat Coalition FAQ Page –
http://www.carseatsafety.ca/faq.html
MPI - http://mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/OccupantProtection/or_child_car_seat.html
(Please be aware that some of the info regarding weight limits on MPI’s website is out-of-date, and that there are now higher weight limits available than those mentioned on the website)
The Importance of Rear-Facing (explanations, as well as crash-test footage comparisons)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8&feature=related
5-point harness vs. Booster Seat
(crash test footage)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2kO8AxKbrM&feature=related
** How to Safely Buckle your Child in Winter (important for Winnipeg winters!!) **
(a demonstration of how to get the harness close to your child)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLTVPqn0aR8&feature=PlayList&p=D0C1DC6A07241A50&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=100
Child Car Seat Safety – What You Need to Know
Statistics show that 80% of carseats in Manitoba are being used incorrectly.
To start with the basics, the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act states that all children must be restrained in a Canadian-approved child restraint device until they are both 5 years of age and 50lbs.
This means that, by law, your child must be restrained in an age-appropriate, weight-appropriate child restraint (either a harnessed carseat, or a booster seat) until they are 5 years and 50 lbs.Also, all forward-facing child seats must be used with a tether strap. The fine for having an unrestrained, or improperly restrained child is $247.00.
Manitoba is one of only 3 remaining provinces currently without booster seat legislation. There have been formal recommendations made which could see the MB Traffic Act changed to include restraining children up to age 8 and 80lbs.
Now, how can you make sure you are keeping your child as safe as possible? First of all, you need to consider the weight, height, and maturity of your child.
REAR FACING
A rear-facing infant seat is safest for a newborn. You want to make sure that the shoulder straps are coming out below, or just even with the shoulders. If the strap slot being used is above the shoulders, it is not a proper fit, and you should move the harness to the next lower slot, or a different seat should be used.
By law, you need to keep your child rear facing until they are 1 year old and 20 lbs. However, it is now recommended to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible.
Don’t worry about your child’s feet touching the vehicle seat back, or their legs being “too long”. Your child’s legs and feet are fine, and will not be injured. The biggest concern should always be your child’s head and neck, since children as old as 2 or 3 still have large heads and weak necks in proportion to their bodies. Once your child outgrows the infant seat, it is recommended to use a convertible carseat in a rear facing position. Many convertible seats now rear-face to 30, 32, or even 35 lbs, which gives you the opportunity to keep your child rear facing past a year. When buckling your infant, make sure the chest clip is at armpit level, and that the straps are untwisted and snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack in the webbing. You should only fit 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s shoulder.
FORWARD FACING
Most forward-facing carseats used to have a maximum-harnessed weight limit of 40lbs, after which you would be required to move your child to a booster seat, regardless of height or age. There are now many options available which will allow you to keep your child harnessed up to 47, or even 65lbs. A 5-point harness is the safest option for your child, and it is recommended to keep them in the 5-point harness to the maximum weight/height limit of the seat. Again, when buckling your child, the chest clip should be at armpit level, the straps should be untwisted, and snug enough that you can’t pinch any slack in the webbing. You should be able to fit only 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s chest.
BOOSTER SEATS
Many parents wonder when they can safely move their child to a booster seat. A booster seat can have a high or low back, and its sole purpose is to raise the child up to fit properly in the adult seatbelt. A booster seat does not restrain the child, but allows the seatbelt to restrain them. A booster seat may ONLY be used with a lap/shoulder belt system, NEVER with a lap belt alone!
You may not legally use a booster seat until your child is over 40lbs, and even then, you may want to consider keeping your child harnessed if they are not mature enough for a booster. It is not recommended that a child use a booster seat until they are at least 4-1/2 years of age.
To safely use a booster seat, your child must sit properly at all times. This means no napping, no wiggling/squirming, no reaching for toys, or slumping, or leaning. Any movement or shifting that puts the child out of position for the seatbelt to fit properly puts your child in danger of being injured in a collision.
If your child weighs at least 40lbs, and is able to sit properly in their booster seat every time, make sure they fit the booster properly. The shoulder belt needs to come over the child’s shoulder, not the neck, and should never be placed behind the child, or under their arm. The lap belt should come across the child’s hipbones, not their upper thighs, and NEVER over their abdomen. If the seatbelt does not fit properly, it will not protect your child, and you may want to reconsider keeping your child in a 5-point harness for a while longer.
*******************************************************************
Useful Links:
Transport Canada Road Safety –
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm
(lots of information here about the different kinds of carseats, as well as recall information, and research & testing information)
MB Carseat Coalition FAQ Page –
http://www.carseatsafety.ca/faq.html
MPI - http://mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/OccupantProtection/or_child_car_seat.html
(Please be aware that some of the info regarding weight limits on MPI’s website is out-of-date, and that there are now higher weight limits available than those mentioned on the website)
The Importance of Rear-Facing (explanations, as well as crash-test footage comparisons)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8&feature=related
5-point harness vs. Booster Seat
(crash test footage)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2kO8AxKbrM&feature=related
** How to Safely Buckle your Child in Winter (important for Winnipeg winters!!) **
(a demonstration of how to get the harness close to your child)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLTVPqn0aR8&feature=PlayList&p=D0C1DC6A07241A50&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=100
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
common carseat errors
This is a compilation of common carseat errors that was written by another (American)carseat tech. I made changes to Canadian-ize some of the terminolgy & legal stuff, but the usage errors are the same no matter what country you live in.
COMMON CAR SEAT ERRORS
UAS and Seatbelt Errors
Using UAS (universal anchorage system) in a center seating position when it is not allowed by the manufacturer - most vehicles do not permit you to install a car seat in the center, using the two inner UAS anchors from the side seating positions. Check your vehicle and child restraint manuals. If nothing is specifically mentioned to allow it, don't do it.
Using UAS and a seat belt together - you must use one system or the other, not both. Either method is safe when used correctly, so go with the method that gets you the easiest/best install.
Not using the top tether anchor when the lower UAS anchors are used for a forward facing seat - the top tether MUST be used for ALL forward-facing installations in Canada.
Using the UAS beyond its weight limit - most vehicles and car seats have a weight limit for using lower anchors, usually 40 or 48 lb. Check your vehicle and car seat manuals for this information. Sometimes it is not in the vehicle manual and you will need to contact the manufacturer by phone, or ask a CRST for help finding the answers you need.
Incorrect seatbelt routing on a booster - make sure to read and follow the instructions for how to route the seatbelt correctly over your child. Many boosters have arm rests that need the lap belt routed under them instead of over.
Seatbelt not locked - a seatbelt must lock at the retractor (where it goes back into the seat) or the latchplate (the male end of the seatbelt) to hold a car seat securely. If it locks at the retractor, you must pull the seatbelt out as far as it goes and then feed it back into the retractor. Sometimes a ratcheting noise is audible. Gently pull on the belt to test and make sure it is locked. Ask a CRST for help in identifying the locking mechanism on your seatbelts if you are unsure.
Loose car seat install - a car seat must be installed tightly enough that there is an inch or less of movement in all directions at the belt path when pushed or pulled on.
Incorrect belt path used on convertible seat install - you must use the belt path designated for the type of install you are doing. Usually the rear facing belt path runs under the child's bottom/legs and the forward facing belt path runs behind their back.
Harness Errors
Harness in the wrong position - straps must come out at or below the shoulders for rear facing; at or above for forward facing.
Harness twisted - straps must lay completely flat every time the seat is used. A twisted or folded/pinched harness will not distribute weight correctly in a crash and could cause injury.
Harness too loose - straps must be very snug; you should not be able to pinch a horizontal fold in the harness webbing at the child's collar bone
Improperly routed harness - make sure that the harness is going through the same slots on the cover as on the shell of the seat. This mistake usually happens when the straps are moved to a different slot or when the seat has been taken apart for cleaning.
Chest clip out of position (usually too low) - the chest clip should be at armpit level at all times.
Thick coats/snow suits/buntings/seat liners (including the Bundle Me and similar items) - bulky items can cause the harness to be too loose to adequately protect the child, and items that go between the baby and the seat/harness can interfere with correct positioning of the harness. To test the thickness of a clothing item, put it on your child and then strap them into their car seat with the straps tightened normally. Unbuckle them without changing the harness tightness and remove the item of clothing. Strap them in again, still leaving the harness at the same tightness. If you can fit more than one finger under the harness at the collar bone, it's too loose and the item of clothing is too bulky for the car seat. To keep kids warm safely, use fleece jackets/snowsuits/ponchos, "shower cap" type covers for infant seats, or, after the child is securely buckled in, put a blanket on them or put their coat on backwards.
Car Seat Limit Errors
Forward facing too soon - a child must be at least one year old AND 20 lb before forward facing. Keep in mind that this is a very bare minimum; children are MUCH safer rear facing for as long as possible. Research has shown rear facing in the second year of life to be 5 times safer than forward facing.
In a booster too soon - children, especially those under 40 lb, are best protected in a 5 point harness. A child must fit the seatbelt appropriately and be able to stay correctly positioned in a seatbelt for the entire car ride if they are in a booster. Most children under age 5 do not yet have this maturity, and most of them are also too small to get a good fit. Use the harness on your child's forward facing car seat until they outgrow it or at least until 5 years and 40 lb.
In a seatbelt too soon - children need to pass the 5 step test before they can safely ride in an adult seat belt without a booster. 1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat? 2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat? 3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm? 4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? 5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? If the answer to any of these is "no," the child should ride in an appropriate child safety seat or booster.
Using a seat beyond its limits - read your seat's manuals and labels carefully to be sure your child fits within the limits. Many of them go to 80 or 100 lb as a booster, but only to 40 or 50 lb with the harness. Height limits are more arbitrary since children are all proportioned differently, but weight limits are set in stone. A rear facing seat is generally outgrown when the child reaches the rear facing weight limit OR their head is less than an inch from the top of the car seat's shell. A forward facing harnessed seat is generally outgrown when the child's shoulders are above the top harness slots OR the tops of the child's ears are above the shell of the seat OR or the child reaches the weight limit on the harness, whichever happens first.
General Misuse
Aftermarket accessories (head positioners, body padding/positioners, strap covers, hanging toys, under car seat mats/upholstery protectors, mirrors, suction cup window shades, seat belt tighteners/ratchets, bunting bags/liners, custom car seat covers, etc.) - if it did not come with your seat or is not specifically allowed by your car seat manual, don't use it. The less "stuff" involved in your car seat install, the better. Nothing extra should go between the car seat and vehicle seat, the baby and the car seat, or the baby and the harness. Toys, mirrors, and window shades can come loose in a crash and injure passengers. Mats can interfere with an install. Many manufacturers will void the seat's warranty if aftermarket products are used. There are no safety standards for these items, so even those that claim to be "crash tested" or "meet all federal safety standards" (there are none!) cannot be trusted as safe.
Using an expired car seat - car seats are made mostly of molded plastic, which degrades and becomes brittle over time. Because of this, along with ongoing advances in safety research and technology, car seats have an expiration date and should not be used beyond it. Check your car seat's manual and the shell of the seat itself for this information. Most brands have a 6-7 year lifespan from the time of manufacture (NOT from the first use of the seat).
Using a seat that has been in a crash - due to damage that cannot be seen from looking at the car seat, most manufacturers say to replace their seats after ANY crash, even a minor one. Check your seat's manual to see what the manufacturer's policy is, and always err on the side of caution if you have any doubts. In Manitoba, MPI will replace ANY carseat in your vehicle at the time of a collision.
Using a seat with unknown history - buying a used seat from a stranger or a consignment shop, or renting a seat can put your child at risk because you don't know if the seat has been maintained appropriately, if it has ever been in a crash, if it has been recalled, etc. Don't put your child in a used car seat unless you can investigate the history of it and trust the previous user's answers with your child's life.
Improperly cleaning a car seat - most seats have a removable cover that is hand or machine washable, but harness/UAS/tether straps should NEVER be washed in a washing machine or with harsh cleaners. This can stretch them or otherwise weaken the fibers. Check your seat's manual for specific instructions on what can be done to clean your seat's straps. If they are beyond cleaning, you can usually order a replacement set from the manufacturer. Be very careful to reassemble the seat correctly after cleaning it.
Using a car seat for a function it does not perform - make sure you follow the instructions for your seat. Infant seats should NEVER be installed forward facing, and convertible seats that do not become boosters should not be used as a booster.
List compiled by Lisa Carneal, CPST since 2005.
COMMON CAR SEAT ERRORS
UAS and Seatbelt Errors
Using UAS (universal anchorage system) in a center seating position when it is not allowed by the manufacturer - most vehicles do not permit you to install a car seat in the center, using the two inner UAS anchors from the side seating positions. Check your vehicle and child restraint manuals. If nothing is specifically mentioned to allow it, don't do it.
Using UAS and a seat belt together - you must use one system or the other, not both. Either method is safe when used correctly, so go with the method that gets you the easiest/best install.
Not using the top tether anchor when the lower UAS anchors are used for a forward facing seat - the top tether MUST be used for ALL forward-facing installations in Canada.
Using the UAS beyond its weight limit - most vehicles and car seats have a weight limit for using lower anchors, usually 40 or 48 lb. Check your vehicle and car seat manuals for this information. Sometimes it is not in the vehicle manual and you will need to contact the manufacturer by phone, or ask a CRST for help finding the answers you need.
Incorrect seatbelt routing on a booster - make sure to read and follow the instructions for how to route the seatbelt correctly over your child. Many boosters have arm rests that need the lap belt routed under them instead of over.
Seatbelt not locked - a seatbelt must lock at the retractor (where it goes back into the seat) or the latchplate (the male end of the seatbelt) to hold a car seat securely. If it locks at the retractor, you must pull the seatbelt out as far as it goes and then feed it back into the retractor. Sometimes a ratcheting noise is audible. Gently pull on the belt to test and make sure it is locked. Ask a CRST for help in identifying the locking mechanism on your seatbelts if you are unsure.
Loose car seat install - a car seat must be installed tightly enough that there is an inch or less of movement in all directions at the belt path when pushed or pulled on.
Incorrect belt path used on convertible seat install - you must use the belt path designated for the type of install you are doing. Usually the rear facing belt path runs under the child's bottom/legs and the forward facing belt path runs behind their back.
Harness Errors
Harness in the wrong position - straps must come out at or below the shoulders for rear facing; at or above for forward facing.
Harness twisted - straps must lay completely flat every time the seat is used. A twisted or folded/pinched harness will not distribute weight correctly in a crash and could cause injury.
Harness too loose - straps must be very snug; you should not be able to pinch a horizontal fold in the harness webbing at the child's collar bone
Improperly routed harness - make sure that the harness is going through the same slots on the cover as on the shell of the seat. This mistake usually happens when the straps are moved to a different slot or when the seat has been taken apart for cleaning.
Chest clip out of position (usually too low) - the chest clip should be at armpit level at all times.
Thick coats/snow suits/buntings/seat liners (including the Bundle Me and similar items) - bulky items can cause the harness to be too loose to adequately protect the child, and items that go between the baby and the seat/harness can interfere with correct positioning of the harness. To test the thickness of a clothing item, put it on your child and then strap them into their car seat with the straps tightened normally. Unbuckle them without changing the harness tightness and remove the item of clothing. Strap them in again, still leaving the harness at the same tightness. If you can fit more than one finger under the harness at the collar bone, it's too loose and the item of clothing is too bulky for the car seat. To keep kids warm safely, use fleece jackets/snowsuits/ponchos, "shower cap" type covers for infant seats, or, after the child is securely buckled in, put a blanket on them or put their coat on backwards.
Car Seat Limit Errors
Forward facing too soon - a child must be at least one year old AND 20 lb before forward facing. Keep in mind that this is a very bare minimum; children are MUCH safer rear facing for as long as possible. Research has shown rear facing in the second year of life to be 5 times safer than forward facing.
In a booster too soon - children, especially those under 40 lb, are best protected in a 5 point harness. A child must fit the seatbelt appropriately and be able to stay correctly positioned in a seatbelt for the entire car ride if they are in a booster. Most children under age 5 do not yet have this maturity, and most of them are also too small to get a good fit. Use the harness on your child's forward facing car seat until they outgrow it or at least until 5 years and 40 lb.
In a seatbelt too soon - children need to pass the 5 step test before they can safely ride in an adult seat belt without a booster. 1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat? 2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat? 3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm? 4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? 5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? If the answer to any of these is "no," the child should ride in an appropriate child safety seat or booster.
Using a seat beyond its limits - read your seat's manuals and labels carefully to be sure your child fits within the limits. Many of them go to 80 or 100 lb as a booster, but only to 40 or 50 lb with the harness. Height limits are more arbitrary since children are all proportioned differently, but weight limits are set in stone. A rear facing seat is generally outgrown when the child reaches the rear facing weight limit OR their head is less than an inch from the top of the car seat's shell. A forward facing harnessed seat is generally outgrown when the child's shoulders are above the top harness slots OR the tops of the child's ears are above the shell of the seat OR or the child reaches the weight limit on the harness, whichever happens first.
General Misuse
Aftermarket accessories (head positioners, body padding/positioners, strap covers, hanging toys, under car seat mats/upholstery protectors, mirrors, suction cup window shades, seat belt tighteners/ratchets, bunting bags/liners, custom car seat covers, etc.) - if it did not come with your seat or is not specifically allowed by your car seat manual, don't use it. The less "stuff" involved in your car seat install, the better. Nothing extra should go between the car seat and vehicle seat, the baby and the car seat, or the baby and the harness. Toys, mirrors, and window shades can come loose in a crash and injure passengers. Mats can interfere with an install. Many manufacturers will void the seat's warranty if aftermarket products are used. There are no safety standards for these items, so even those that claim to be "crash tested" or "meet all federal safety standards" (there are none!) cannot be trusted as safe.
Using an expired car seat - car seats are made mostly of molded plastic, which degrades and becomes brittle over time. Because of this, along with ongoing advances in safety research and technology, car seats have an expiration date and should not be used beyond it. Check your car seat's manual and the shell of the seat itself for this information. Most brands have a 6-7 year lifespan from the time of manufacture (NOT from the first use of the seat).
Using a seat that has been in a crash - due to damage that cannot be seen from looking at the car seat, most manufacturers say to replace their seats after ANY crash, even a minor one. Check your seat's manual to see what the manufacturer's policy is, and always err on the side of caution if you have any doubts. In Manitoba, MPI will replace ANY carseat in your vehicle at the time of a collision.
Using a seat with unknown history - buying a used seat from a stranger or a consignment shop, or renting a seat can put your child at risk because you don't know if the seat has been maintained appropriately, if it has ever been in a crash, if it has been recalled, etc. Don't put your child in a used car seat unless you can investigate the history of it and trust the previous user's answers with your child's life.
Improperly cleaning a car seat - most seats have a removable cover that is hand or machine washable, but harness/UAS/tether straps should NEVER be washed in a washing machine or with harsh cleaners. This can stretch them or otherwise weaken the fibers. Check your seat's manual for specific instructions on what can be done to clean your seat's straps. If they are beyond cleaning, you can usually order a replacement set from the manufacturer. Be very careful to reassemble the seat correctly after cleaning it.
Using a car seat for a function it does not perform - make sure you follow the instructions for your seat. Infant seats should NEVER be installed forward facing, and convertible seats that do not become boosters should not be used as a booster.
List compiled by Lisa Carneal, CPST since 2005.
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