This was the exact issue over the weekend when 10-month-old Darvin Thomas, Jr was thrown from a vehicle and killed. Authorities said the baby was strapped in a car seat, but the seat was not secured to the SUV. When his father lost control and crashed into a pole during rainy weather Saturday the impact caused a rear door to pop open and the car seat was ejected.
To make matters worse the child’s mother was also severely injured because she was in the back seat with her son and was not wearing a seatbelt.
When meeting with infant seat manufacturers at trade shows the number one concern for them is installation because they know that it doesn’t matter how safe their seat is if it’s not installed properly.
Infant seats can be installed 3 ways; with the base using your lower LATCH anchors on the back of the seat, with a belt pass through on the base or if you are in a pinch, by using the seatbelt pass through on the car seat. Carseatsite.com has some great information on proper installation procedures for rear and front facing seats.
If you are unsure about how to install your child’s seat please call the manufacturer, visit the store you purchased the seat at or even ask a friend who has children. It only needs to be done right ONCE to keep your child safe for years.
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