Car seat safety: Choosing and using the right car seat for your child

At Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC), we know choosing the right car seat can feel overwhelming, especially for new and growing families. Car seats play a critical role in protecting children on the road, but they only work as intended when they are the right fit for your child, meet safety standards and are used correctly every time. Here are a few simple steps to help you choose the right car seat and use it safely. 

Select the correct restraint for your child’s age and size 

It is important to make sure that your car seat matches your child’s current stage of growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants and toddlers should stay in a rear-facing seat until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit. Once they outgrow that seat, children should move to a forward-facing seat with a harness and remain there until they reach that seat’s limits.

The next step is a booster seat, which should be used until the vehicle’s seat belt fits the child properly. For many children, that does not happen until about age 12. Whenever possible, children should ride in the back seat through age 12. 

Buy from a reputable retailer 

Where you buy a car seat matters. A new car seat purchased from a reputable retailer is typically the safest choice. Seats sold through unverified online marketplaces, third-party sellers or informal resale channels may be counterfeit, previously damaged, missing critical parts or not compliant with federal safety requirements.

Buying directly from a trusted retailer or manufacturer can help reduce those risks and give families greater confidence that the seat includes complete instructions, registration materials and current safety information. 

Check the seat before use 

Before using any car seat, check that it has a permanent manufacturer label. In the United States, compliant child restraints should display the manufacturer’s name and address, model name or number, date of manufacture, height and weight limits, and a statement that the seat meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Families should not use a seat with cracks, missing parts, frayed straps or an unknown history. If a seat has been previously owned, check for recalls and confirm that it has not expired based on the manufacturer’s guidance. 

Get help with a free car seat check 

Families in the greater-Fredericksburg region have access to free child seat inspections and prenatal seat belt checks through local Virginia Department of Health (VDH)-approved safety seat check stations. If you are expecting a baby, scheduling a check before your due date can help you feel more prepared when it is time to travel home. These appointments can also be helpful as your child grows and transitions to the next type of seat. 

During the appointment, families receive hands-on guidance from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on installation, harness positioning, strap tightness and what to expect as a child grows. It is also a chance to ask practical questions about topics such as winter coats, travel and when to move to the next type of seat. Below is a list of local VDH-approved safety seat check stations that can help. 

VDH-Approved Safety Seat Check Stations 

Mary Washington Healthcare IMPACT Trauma Alliance: Contact Amy K. Cantwell, Trauma Education & Outreach Specialist. Fill out this form to request a car seat or prenatal seatbelt check. 

Stafford County Sheriff's Office: Schedule a car seat inspection with a deputy by  filling out this form. Contact Deputy Kulbeth at 540-658-4958 with questions. 

Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office: 9119 Dean Ridings Lane Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553 
Contact: Justin Young. 540.582.7115 or jyoung@spotsylvania.va.us 

Three easy steps to get started 

1. Review the manufacturer's instructions. Read the manual carefully and watch the manufacturer’s instructional videos if they are available. If the manual is missing, download a copy from the manufacturer’s website before using the seat. 

2. Register the seat. Registering the car seat helps families receive recall notices and safety updates. If the seat was purchased secondhand, contact the manufacturer to ask whether registration is still available. 

3. Schedule a professional inspection. A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can verify installation, check harness fit and help families understand when it is time to transition to the next type of restraint.  

Choosing the right car seat, buying it from a trusted source and making sure it is installed correctly can go a long way in protecting your child on the road. If you would like added reassurance, MWHC offers free child seat inspections to help families feel confident every time they travel.