15 Common Car Seat Mistakes
Bill Allen | June 11, 2025 | Car Accidents
New parents may be overwhelmed when installing an infant car seat. Even experienced parents and professionals can make mistakes with car seats. Some car seat mistakes could increase the risk of injury in a car accident, which is also a leading cause of death for children under 14 years old.
Florida car seat laws require children to be secured in a car seat appropriate for their age. However, installing car seats correctly can be challenging—the NHTSA reports that about 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Continue reading to learn more about common mistakes made when installing and/or using a child’s car seat.
1. Using the Wrong Size or Type of Car Seat
Florida law requires children under six years old to be secured in a federally approved child restraint device. Choosing the best type of child seat for your child is crucial. The wrong size or type of child seat can decrease its effectiveness during a crash.
The NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explain the different types of car seats. The AAP advises parents to keep children in a car seat for as long as possible, with specific recommendations based on their height and weight. Therefore, your baby should be in a rear-facing car seat until they exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight and height. Then, you can transition to a front-facing car seat.
2. Placing the Car Seat in the Wrong Position
The AAP advises parents to put children under 13 in the back seat. Placing a car seat in the front seat can increase the risk of death or injury, especially from airbags. Car seats should be in the back seat if one is available.
3. The Car Seat Is Too Loose
When you install a car seat, wiggle it from side to side and back and forth. If the car seat moves more than one inch, it is too loose. A loose car seat may fail to protect your child in a crash. Ensure that you are using the car seat top tether and anchors, if available.
4. Placing the Chest Harness in the Wrong Place
The chest harness secures the harness straps and keeps them in the correct place. Parents often move the chest clip too high or too low. It should be in the center of your child’s chest and level with their armpits.
5. Shoulder Straps Are Loose or Too High
The harness straps prevent the child from being thrown forward in a crash. If you can pinch a significant amount of the harness material near your child’s shoulders, the straps are not tight enough.
Parents must also adjust the shoulder straps to the child’s correct height. Rear-facing car seats should have shoulder straps just at or below shoulder level. Front-facing car seats should have shoulder straps just above or at shoulder level.
6. Incorrect Angle for Car Seats
The manufacturer includes recommendations for the correct angle of a rear-facing child seat. The proper angle allows your child to breathe. It also provides optimal protection in the event of a car crash. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the correct angle for a car seat.
7. Failing to Register a Car Seat
It is essential to register each car seat you purchase. When you register the car seat, you will receive recall notices and other information that could impact the car seat’s effectiveness. Parents can check to see if their car seat has been recalled at the NHTSA recall website.
8. Purchasing a Used Car Seat
Buying a used car seat may save you money, but it could also endanger your child’s life. You are not familiar with the history of a used car seat. It may have been recalled or been in an accident. Older car seats may not meet current standards or regulations. The seller may not have the installation and use instructions.
9. Not Replacing a Car Seat After a Car Accident
You typically should replace your child’s car seat after a moderate or severe automobile accident. However, you may need to replace the car seat after any collision. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for your specific car seat to find out more.
10. Changing to a Forward-Facing Seat Too Soon
Many parents follow an age recommendation for switching their child from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat. However, it is safer to follow the guidelines for height and weight to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
11. Using Car Seats That Have Expired
Car seats have an expiration date. Over time, parts may malfunction, or safety standards may change. Check your car seat to ensure it has not expired. Expired car seats are a problem when purchasing used car seats.
12. Changing to a Booster Seat Too Early
As children get older, they naturally want to get rid of their car seat because it may make them feel like a “baby.” However, switching to a booster seat too soon could increase the risk of severe injuries in an accident. To safely transition out of a car seat, the child must be tall enough for the seat belt to fit correctly while sitting in the booster seat.
13. Using Untested or Uncertified Car Seat Accessories
It is essential to note that not all car seat accessories have been tested for safety. The accessories may be cute or convenient, but they could put your child in harm’s way. Only use accessories that have been tested and certified to be safe for use with your car seat model.
14. Failing to Have Your Car Seat Checked
The best way to ensure your car seat is installed correctly is to have a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician check the installation. The technician can show you how to correctly install and use the car seat. Click here to find a fitting station near you.
15. Not Using a Car Seat
Car seats can be expensive, and some parents may struggle to afford a safe one. Check with a Florida fitting station if you need a free or reduced-cost child seat. The fitting station can also explain the requirements for assistance in obtaining your child’s correct car seat.
Contact Our Ocala Car Accident Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida
Your child may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. An Ocala car accident lawyer at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help parents and guardians file a claim on behalf of a child seeking compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call us today to set up a free consultation.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
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Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
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Gainesville, FL 32601
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Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
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Gainesville, FL 32608
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