Episode 14: Along with transitioning too early (episode 13), many parents move their child to just the seat belt too early. Whether it's because they are following their state law (usually a minimum standard, episode 7) or their child is complaining because "none of my friends have to", a child should remain in a belt positioning device until they can pass the 5-step seat belt fit test. Want it in writing? Read Take the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test for more details.Watch a video here to see proper seat belt fit with a child who passes the 5-step seat belt fit test. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Eve ..read more

Episode 13: It's not a graduation and nothing to celebrate. In fact transitioning to the next stage of car seat is actually a reduction of some degree from the previous stage. Listen as we describe how each transition is a step down and why you want to wait to make those transitions and NOT make them too early. Want it in writing? Read Going Forward Facing Too Early — Way Too Early for why we wait for the first car seat transition from rear facing to forward facing. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Most state car seat laws are minimums, follow best practice as much as possible. Parenting Tip Bonus ..read more

Episode 12: The fifth step in properly restraining your child is using the harness correctly. In this episode we talk about making sure the car seat harness straps are at the right level for your child, keeping the straps threaded correctly and properly tightening the harness for safety. Want it in writing? Read Using the Car Seat Harness Correctly Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Wipe harness straps clean when dirty. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the car seat. Parenting Tip Bonus: Ask questions. Just like our children expect us to have a reason, they have one too. You can learn a ..read more

Episode 11: Installing your child's car seat seems like it should be easy but isn't always. And what may seem like the right thing to do, may not be. In this episode we walk you through the two methods of installing car seats, which to use when and tips to make sure you do it correctly. Want it in writing? Read Properly Installing Your Car Seat Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Do the one inch test and more importantly, have your car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. Parenting Tip Bonus: Flexibility wins the game. When it's not necessary to be steadfast, sometimes being ..read more

Episode 10: Where is the safest location in the car to put a car seat? While this matters, what matters more is whether you can get a correct installation in that that position. If not, then another position in which you can get a correct install would be better. There are a lot of details that go into choosing where to put your child's car seat. Listen to find out what you need to consider. Want it in writing? Read Where Should You Put Your Car Seat? Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Most cars do not allow you to use a lower anchor from the passenger side and one from the driver's side to install t ..read more

Episode 9: Part of selecting the right car seat (as we talked about in our last episode) you need to know which direction your child should be sitting. So which direction should you put your child's car seat? Is your child still rear facing or is it time to start forward facing? Best practice is to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible. Want it in writing? Read Keep Your Child Rear Facing for as Long as Possible on our website. If you are interested, you can also read Rear-Facing Recommendations, Are They Changing?, Going Forward Facing Too Early — Way Too Early, or Rear Facing V ..read more

Episode 8: The right seat is: one that fits your child, fits your car and you can correctly install every time. In this episode we break that down to some more detail to help you decide which is the right car seat for you. Want it in writing? Read Selecting the Right Car Seat on our website. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Pick the car seat based on fabric. JUST KIDDING!! If you are able try it in your car before buying.  Parenting Tip Bonus: Teach your children to participate in their own rescue. (See children's book Me to the Rescue) Stay tuned or visit our website for more information abo ..read more

Episode 7: Did you know state car seat laws are considered a minimum standard for car seat safety? Many people think states have car seat laws and booster seat laws but in reality it is a "child restraint law" which includes all stages of car seats. Only a few actually even mention anything about booster seats in particular. Want it in writing? Read Laws Vs. Best Practice in Child Restraints on our website. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up for every drive. Parenting Tip Bonus: Do what you want your children to do. As they say, monkey see, monkey do. Stay ..read more

Episode 6: In this episode, we discuss traveling with kids and car seats. Start with planning. Are you buying a plane ticket for your child and car seat? Are you bringing your seat or renting one for the rental car? What is safest? And what is recommended? What do you need to think about? We have your answers. Want it in writing? Get more tips for traveling with kids on our website. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: This is the biggest tip to remember. Your children are taking their cues from you, the more you can stay calm, the more they can stay calm. Parenting Tip Bonus: Speak in the positive. S ..read more

On episode 5 we are discussing what the deal is with winter coats and car seats. Most parents, though not all, have heard that they are not supposed to use a winter coat in a car seat. We often get questions about this because they don't understand why. We discuss the why here and what to do instead to keep your child warm during winter driving. Want it in writing? Read Winter Coats and Car Seats on our website. Get the car seat friendly coat we mentioned. Plus: Our Tip of the Week: For safety and comfort, take the coat off your child before putting them in their car seat harness. Parenting T ..read more