Heather Toro Blog | July 2024

When you bring a new baby into your family, their safety and well-being is your top priority. I get it! That’s why I take safety so seriously as a newborn photographer and baby photographer, and that’s also why I love to share information to help parents keep their little ones safe. That’s why I’ve dedicated this blog to a hot topic among parents, especially new parents: tips for car seat safety.

Avoid Winter Coats with Car Seats

During colder weather, you want to bundle up your kids so they’re comfortable, of course. But if your child is in a car seat, there are special precautions to take. Thick clothing like puffy winter coats can compress during a car accident, which can make the straps too loose to be able to restrain your baby. Instead, put your child in their car seat wearing only thinner layers like a long-sleeved shirt, buckle them in, and then put their coat or a blanket on top of them after they’re secured in the car seat.

Keep Your Car Seat’s Limits Somewhere You’ll See Them

Every car seat has limitations for the height and weight a child must be to safely use the seat. As quickly as kids grow, it’s so easy for your child to outgrow those limits without you realizing it. Here’s a trick: find your car seat’s limits (they’re usually on a sticker on the side or bottom of the car seat) and jot them down somewhere you’ll see them regularly, like in a notes app on your phone. This way, you’re more likely to notice when your child is nearing those limits so you can replace the car seat with a more size-appropriate one.

Do Your Research on Any Car Seat Before Buying or Using

Car seats are expensive, so it’s common to buy car seats secondhand or to receive them from another family who no longer needs theirs. As economical as that can be, you do need to make sure a secondhand or gifted car seat is still safe and valid. Car seats do expire, usually after about six years, and car seats are sometimes recalled too. Always check the expiration date (usually listed on a sticker on the car seat) and do a quick Google search for any recalls on the model. While this is less likely to be an issue if you’re buying a car seat new, it’s worth a quick recall search anyway.

Consider Asking a Professional for Installation

Car seats are only at their full effectiveness if they’re installed properly, and as every parent knows, installation isn’t always simple. Fortunately, there are professionals who can help! They’re called certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a directory of technicians who, in most cases, offer free inspections and will teach you how to properly install your car seat.

Protecting Your Child…And Your Memories with Them

Your child’s safety is your top priority as a parent, and while you keep your little one safe and healthy, it’s my job to capture the treasured memories of this amazing time in your family’s life through custom portrait photography. Reach out to book your newborn photography or baby photography session today.

heather’d violet Photography is based out of Lafayette, Indiana, and is owned and operated by Heather Toro, who specializes in maternity and newborn photography. heather’d violet Photography serves Lafayette, Indiana, and all surrounding areas. Follow along on Instagram.