25-9-2009 - Carseat Correction

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

I remember reading the instruction manual for Hudson's carseat while I was pregnant, apparently I didn't read it closely enough. The last time I was really around carseats was when my brother was a baby, 15 years ago. Well they have changed a lot!

I posted a picture of Hudson on another site tonight and immediately had a lot of responses from concerned Mom's. They all quickly let me know that he was not correctly in the seat. I had no clue and it scared me when I realized just how bad I had put him in it. My ignorance really could have caused him to be seriously injured if I had been in a car accident. As embarrassed as I am for what I did, I want to share just in case there are any other 1st time parent's out there making the same mistake.

I have now corrected how I was placing him in the seat. I received a lot of great advice, which I am very thankful for. I also re-read the manual, twice..just to be sure. I think I might still go to a carseat check, just for reassurance.

Here are the pictures.

Before when I was ignorant:

My mistakes-

1. the straps go on top of the legs not under.

2. The shoulder straps should not be above his shoulder, but either even or just below.

3. The head support didn't come with the carseat, therefore it is also not safe.

4. The straps need to be tighter. There is a pinch test to judge if they are tight enough.

5. The center crotch strap should come up a lot higher, about an inch above his legs, and it should also be on the other side of that little flap.

After now that I am better educated: (I still need to correct the center crotch strap by making it longer)

Also, here is a video explaining how to correctly install.