Have you ever wondered if you were securing your child’s car seat properly? Sure, it is a thought that frequently passes through the minds of thousands of parents. You’re constantly wondering if your child is safe and protected while inside your vehicle and we want to assure you that yes, they are safe inside a BMW. But when it comes to their car seat there are a few tips that can help further the safety of your precious cargo and we’ve dedicated this week’s blog to sharing those tips with you. So, buckle up and follow along with us!

1. Leave your child facing backward until they are at least one years old and weigh 20 pounds. It is preferred that they ride facing backward longer than just a year.
2. Is the car seat snug to the seat? If you jiggle the seat, it should only be able to move about one inch, no more, in any direction. If it can jiggle, tighten the belt around the seat.
3. Be sure that harness straps are tight enough so that slack can’t be pinched between your thumb and forefinger.
4. The harness retainer clip should be at your child’s armpits. Often times, the clip slips and/or moves, be sure that it sits at your child’s armpits each time you buckle them in.
5. Read the manuals, both your vehicle and the car seat manual, to ensure that you are using the car seat properly and you have correctly installed it into your car.
6. Harness straps should always be on your child’s shoulders and should be snug enough that they do not fall off or have the potential to fall off during the car ride.
7. Getting the correct recline angle is crucial for the baby and should be installed at 45 degrees. Your vehicle’s manual can help with this further.
8. Use the correct car seat for your child’s age and height. Don’t switch unless your child has outgrown the requirements for the seat.
9. If you’re using a second-hand car seat, look it over and make sure it has not expired, been damaged or is missing any parts.
10. NEVER use a car seat that has been in a collision, even if your child was not present at the time of the collision. The force of impact can weaken the seat.

And, there you have it! Our list of tips to follow when it comes to securing your child in their car seat. If you have additional questions, read over your owner’s manual for both your vehicle and the car seat.