There is no room for error when using a baby car seat. It is up to you to make sure your little one is as safe as possible while traveling in an automobile. Here are some common mistakes that parents make unknowingly:

THE WRONG CAR SEAT - State laws vary as to what type of restraint must be used at each weight and age. To find your state's laws if you are in the US, go to:

www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/r estrain2.html

Basically, an infant less than 20 pounds and 1 year of age, MUST be in a rear facing car seat in the back seat of a vehicle. Children over 20 pounds or a year of age, up to about four years and 40 pounds can be in a front facing car seat in the backseat of an automobile. A child over 40 pounds and 4 years of age, can be seated in a booster seat. Children 9 or 10 years, and 50 lbs. or more can use the lap and shoulder seatbelt in the rear seats of cars away from any front air bags. Also, if you feel for any reason you should have your car seat inspected, you can visit an inspection site free of charge.Remember to never use a baby carrier as a car seat, but a federally approved seat. To find an inspection site near you , go to...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/peopl e/injury/childps/CPSFittingSta tions/CPSinspection.htm

THE WRONG USAGE - Are you using your car seat correctly? In rear facing infanct seats, the harness clip should be at chest level on baby. The recline of the seat should be at a 45 degree angle. Make sure all straps are snug and untwisted. The adult seatbelt that is latched through the slots on baby's seat should be snug and firm when pulled upon. In forward facing baby seats, the tips above should be followed. If the child has a "T" shaped piece that comes down between his legs, make sure the bottom of the T is almost flush with baby's/toddler's thighs. It should be close, but not rub your little one's leg. Booster seats should have high backed seats. Use BOTH the lap AND shoulder belt when belting your child in. In all car seats, make sure they sit firmly to the backseat of your vehicle, even if you have to put your knee in it, and give it a little push before baby gets strapped in.

UNSAFE PARENTING DECISIONS - You are alone in the car with baby and he begins to cry uncontrollably? You are a nervous wreck by the time you get 5 miles down the road, and baby's wailing is getting louder. Certainly, holding baby for a few minutes as you drive is okay? Never! Pull over, come to a complete stop in a safe area and tend to baby. When he is calm you may contine your travel. Other unsafe decisions might be to allow a pillow to "boost" your child under a seat, or allowing a toddler/baby to play with hard edged toys in the vehicle. Do not allow baby to ride in the front seat...ever! Though you would love to have your child near you, he is not safe if an airbag explodes in his face. Do not give baby hard candy or other foods he could choke upon just to pacify him while you are driving.

NOT STAYING INFORMED - Has your baby seat been recalled? (See http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/c ars/problems/recalls/childseat .cfm to check your car seat). Have your state car seat laws been changed? Did you read all of the warning, labels and manuals that came with your vehicle and car seat? Sure, it takes a little more time, but your precious child is worth it.

No one is perfect, including those of us who are blessed with little ones, but a few steps taken can ensure that our babies will enjoy long, healthy, fulfilling lives.

Learn more about this author, Elise Warren.
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