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According to the CDC, a properly fitted and secure car seat reduces a child’s risk of being injured or dying in a car accident by 71%. It can be confusing, though, choosing the perfect car seat for your child. We’d like to offer up some tips on choosing the right car seat and making sure your child is snug and safe in it.

Purchase your seat from a store with a trained staff

When you go out to purchase a car seat, make sure you choose a store that has a well-trained staff that can install your car seat properly. Having your car seat fit perfectly in your car is just as important as having your child fit perfectly in their seat. If you’re living on Long Island, here are some Car Seat Inspection sites that will make sure your car seat is installed correctly.

Take into account your child’s height/weight

Height and weight are the most important factors when it comes to fitting them safely in their car seat. Age is also important, but not as important as your child’s height and weight. So, even if you child meets the age requirement for a car seat, it might not be the right fit for them.

The car seat shouldn’t move at all

If the car seat wiggles while you drive, it’s not safe. Test it yourself before driving with your child in it by pushing/pulling on it. If it moves, take it in for inspection and reinstallation.

Check the fit often

After taking the car seat out and repeatedly adjusting it, the car seat may become a loose overtime. So it’s important to continually check to make sure it is safe and tight. If it becomes loose whatsoever, it’s time for a new car seat.

The car seat is more important than the stroller

Remember that your child’s car seat is much more important than their stroller. It’s best to choose your car seat first, and then find a compatible stroller.

Always purchase new

Never purchase used car seats. They may have been in a car with an accident and therefore, not safe.

The two finger test

You can make sure the shoulder harness fits snugly around you growing child by sliding two fingers under the straps. If you can fit more than two fingers between the straps and your child’s chest, the harness needs adjustment. It’s a good idea to make use the two finger test often.

Choose a seat with two clips

A child who may be squirmy may be able to unbuckle the car seat themselves. Reduce the risk of this happening by purchasing a car seat with two-piece retainer clips, which are more difficult for a child to unfasten.