Even if you think you know everything there is to know about car seats and driving with young children, there are several prevailing myths out there that many parents have unwittingly come to believe are fact. This is the reason why Buckle Up for Life, a national education program presented by Toyota and Cincinnati Children's, recently came up with a list of the top five myths (and the facts that prove them wrong) to help parents better protect their children.
MYTH 1
It's okay to buy a used car seat.
FACT: Unless you know the person you're buying it from and know that the car seat hasn't reached its expiration date (yes, car seats have expiration dates), then you should never buy used. Additionally, when buying used from a stranger, you never know if the car seat has been involved in an accident, and it’s important to discontinue using car seats that have been in accidents, even if they do not look damaged.
MYTH 2
Once my child doesn't need a booster seat it's okay for them to sit up front.
FACT: Experts say children 13 and younger are safer riding in the back seat. Also, make sure you don't get rid of your child's booster seat too soon, which leads to the next myth.
MYTH 3
A seatbelt alone will properly protect my child once they're too old for a car seat.
FACT: Once past the forward-facing child seat phase, a booster seat is a must. And children generally aren't ready to go without booster seats until: they are at least 4'9" tall, their legs bend comfortably around the seat edge, the seatbelt is centered within their shoulders and chest, and they sit all the way back against the seat.
MYTH 4
Children are ready for forward-facing car seats at the age of 1.
FACT: This is an important one. Children should actually remain in rear-facing car seats until at least the age of two. And really, regardless of age, they should use rear-facing seats until they grow out of them. Once they exceed the height and weight recommendations, then they can be transitioned to a forward-facing seat.
MYTH 5
More expensive car seats offer greater safety.
FACT: Performance standards are the same for all car seats, regardless of their price tag. While more expensive car seats may use premium padding, fabric and other elements, it doesn't mean that they are safer than less expensive alternatives.
