I had no idea how difficult it was to install a car seat until months after my first child was born. Before she arrived, I flipped through the manual of my seat, installed it a few times to practice, and felt confident that it was in properly. It wasn’t until my partner and I did our training as Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) that I learned that every seat our child had ever ridden in had been installed incorrectly in some way. These days, it’s a known fact among parent groups that over 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly, but an experienced CPST will tell you that it’s closer to 99%. I have only been checking car seats since October 2019, but I have yet to see one installed properly.
But there is some good news, too: caregivers are starting to follow best practice with their kids’ car seats. Keeping kids rear-facing longer, then harnessed longer before transitioning into a booster seat is rising in popularity (yay!). My own daughter is currently 2.5 years old, 38” tall, and weighs 35lb. She happily rides rear facing in the back of our convertible Mustang in her Graco Extend2Fit. I must say, it is pretty amusing pulling up to car seat checks in a sports car, it helps show that there are many ways kids can be safe in the car in varying situations if you’re willing to get creative (however, I do not recommend sports cars as family vehicles…at all). We’ve also had a Cosco Scenera NEXT and Evenflo Sonus fit nicely behind the driver’s seat when we have another little friend tagging along.
©2020 Mandy Preston
There are many reasons why I chose to become a CPST: the scary stats around misuse, all the friends I have whose children I adore and because I’ve always been intrigued by baby gear, to name a few. My partner only became a CPST because I signed him up for the training without his knowledge, but he was happy to go. It also helps to have a second person to help with car seat checks and answering questions.
So, if you have any questions about car seats, booster seats, seat accessories, seat belts, head restraints or anything else related to child transportation…PLEASE ASK! Beyond my own knowledge, I have access to a nation-wide group of techs who are extremely passionate about keeping kids safe in the car.
©2020 Mandy Preston
Feature photo by It’s a Thing Imagery
Mandy's Car Seat Stuff 
Hi Mandy,
Your blog has really good tips about car seat safety, especially with kids. I think it’s a good informational blog that a lot of people should be aware of. Safety always comes first and there should be no compromise with it. Especially not, when it is related to child safety. I look forward to knowing more about Car Seat safety through this blog!
Ary
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Thanks Ary!
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Hey Mandy – I think you’ve picked a great blog topic. My partner has a young son who is getting bigger by the second and we were discussing the other day when he will move to a booster seat. It’s a topic I definitely didn’t realise was as complicated as I thought (you can tell I’m not a parent!) and I’m looking forward to learning more about it through your blog, so I can share a bit of knowledge too. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
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Hi Sarah!
Thanks for your comment! Moving to booster seats is way more complex than parents realise – I was actually just putting together some information on that topic an I found it really hard to make the explanation concise! When it comes to moving to a booster seat, the most important thing to consider is maturity level. Having kids in a regular lap/shoulder belt gives them the freedom to move around, and it can be really hard to sit still for longer car rides (for anyone!). When your partner does decide his little one is ready, I definitely recommend starting with a high back booster to encourage him to sit properly as he gets used to this big transition.
-Mandy
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