As a parent of three (twin 5-year-olds and an 11-month-old) and a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how car seat safety can be a life-saving measure. In my legal practice at Mory & Colliersmith, I’ve represented families navigating the aftermath of accidents, and the difference a properly installed car seat can make is staggering. But beyond my professional experience, I’ve lived the everyday challenges of parenthood—choosing the right car seat, installing it correctly, and ensuring my kids are as safe as possible every time we get in the car.
Like many parents, my wife and I were overwhelmed by the endless car seat options, weight limits, expiration dates, and ever-changing recommendations. We wanted the absolute safest choice for our children, and in our search, we found Safe in the Seat. This site is a goldmine of expert information, offering guidance on selecting and installing car seats based on your child’s needs. It’s one of the resources we used when choosing our car seats, and I highly recommend it to other parents looking for trustworthy advice.
Now, let’s dive into what every parent needs to know about car seat safety—whether you're expecting your first baby or upgrading to a booster, the proper knowledge can make all the difference.
The Importance of Car Seats: Facts Every Parent Should Know
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children, but having the right car seat and installing it correctly can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Unfortunately, studies show that nearly half (46%) of car seats are installed incorrectly —which means many children are at risk, even when parents believe they’re protected.
One of the most concerning trends? Parents moving their children out of car seats and booster seats too soon. According to a Safe Kids Worldwide study, 4 out of 5 parents transition their child out of a booster seat before they are ready. This puts children at risk of severe injuries in an accident, as adult seat belts are not designed for smaller bodies.
As both an attorney and a parent, I want to empower other parents with the right information so they can make confident, informed decisions.
How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child
Choosing the right car seat isn’t just about age—it’s about height, weight, and developmental
needs. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Infant Car Seats (Rear-Facing Only)
- For newborns and infants up to about 12 months (or until they outgrow the seat’s height/weight limit).
- Rear-facing is the safest position for infants, as it distributes crash forces across the child’s entire back, head, and neck.
- Best for: Parents who want a removable, portable seat that clicks into a stroller.
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2. Convertible Car Seats
- For infants, toddlers, and young children—can be used rear-facing and later converted to forward-facing.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, even up to age 4.
- Best for: Parents looking for a long-term car seat investment.
3. Forward-Facing Car Seats (with a 5-Point Harness)
- For toddlers and young children who have outgrown rear-facing limits.
- A harness provides better protection than a seatbelt alone, as it distributes force over a larger area of the child’s body.
- Best for: Children at least 2 years old (but preferably older) who have outgrown rear- facing limits.
- *Our twins are 5 and a half years old and still sit in a forward-facing - 5-point harness seat.
4. Booster Seats
- For kids at least 40 lbs and until they’re big enough for an adult seatbelt (typically between ages 8-12).
- Boosters position the seatbelt properly across the child’s chest and lap—without one, the belt can sit dangerously on the neck or abdomen.
- Best for: Kids who are too big for a 5-point harness but not big enough for just a seatbelt.
5. Seatbelt Only
- Children should stay in a booster seat until they are at least 4’9” (typically around age 10-12).
- The 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test can help determine if they’re ready:
- Can they sit all the way back against the seat?
- Do their knees bend at the edge of the seat naturally?
- Does the lap belt sit low on their thighs, not their stomach?
- Does the shoulder belt rest properly across the chest and not the neck?
- Can they stay in this position the entire ride?
Common Car Seat Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)
Even the best car seats won’t protect your child if they aren’t installed or used correctly. Here are some of the most common mistakes I see—both as a mom and in personal injury cases:
Loose Harness Straps: Always perform the pinch test. If you can pinch extra webbing at the shoulder, the straps are too loose.
Incorrect Chest Clip Position: The chest clip should be level with your child’s armpits, not too low or too high.
Moving to the Next Stage Too Soon – Keep your child rear-facing and harnessed as long as possible. The law is the minimum requirement, but best practices go beyond that.
Not Using the Top Tether (Forward-Facing Seats) – The top tether significantly reduces head movement in a crash and should always be used.
Improper Installation: Find a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) near you to check your car seat. For a list of local inspection stations, visit Safe Kids Kentucky. This is so important to me and my family that I will be taking a test in April to become a certified U.S. CPS technician.
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What to Do After a Car Accident
If you’re ever in a crash—whether minor or serious—here’s what you should do regarding your
child’s car seat:
Replace the car seat after any moderate or severe crash, per NHTSA guidelines. Even if the seat looks fine, the integrity could be compromised. The NHTSA recommends replacing the car seat unless the crash meets ALL of the following criteria:
- You were able to drive the vehicle away from the scene.
- The vehicle door nearest the car seat was undamaged.
- No one in the vehicle sustained injuries.
- The airbags did not deploy.
- The car seat itself shows no visible damage.
If your crash does not meet all these conditions, replace the car seat immediately.
Check with your insurance—some policies cover car seat replacements.
Monitor your child for injuries—even if they seem fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen families struggle with insurance companies after an accident. If you ever have trouble getting your child’s medical expenses or car seat replacement covered, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance.
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Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Our Kids Safe
Car seat safety isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting our children in the best way possible. I encourage every parent to double-check their car seat setup, consult the NHTSA or American Academy of Pediatrics for guidance, and stay informed about best practices.
If you ever need legal advice after an accident, my team at Mory & Colliersmith is here to help. But more than anything, as a mom, I hope no parent ever has to face the heartache of a preventable injury. Let’s keep our little ones safe, one car ride at a time.
Get to Know The Author:
I'm Natalie Colliersmith, a personal injury attorney and mom of three based in Louisville, KY. As a partner at Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, I help Kentucky families navigate the legal side of injuries while also juggling the everyday joys (and chaos!) of parenthood. My passion for child safety isn’t just professional—it’s personal. When I’m not in the courtroom or meeting with clients, you’ll find me spending time with my wife and kids, researching the best ways to keep them safe, and making sure our family adventures always start with securely buckled car seats.
If you ever have questions about car seat safety or need legal guidance after an accident, I’m here to help. You can reach me at (502) 212-4333 or visit morycolliersmith.com. Stay safe out there!
