Top 10 Car Seat Misuses and How To Fix Them

Protecting our little ones on the road is a responsibility that we all take seriously. Yet, even the most well-intentioned caregivers can face challenges when it comes to proper car seat installation and use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to half (46%) of all car seats in the U.S. have been installed incorrectly, even though most parents are confident in their installation. Taking a little extra time to learn about car seat safety and installation can go a long way toward helping you keep your child safe.

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge about proper car seat use so that you can feel confident on every ride. Here’s a list of 10 common car seat misuses along with simple fixes to help keep your child protected.

1. Switching to Forward-Facing too Soon

Why It Matters: The rear-facing position offers exceptional protection for a child’s developing head, neck, and spine, which is why it’s best practice to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible.

Our Recommendation:

• Britax strongly recommends that children continue to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum rear-facing weight or height specified by their seat. Height and weight limits can vary by brand and model, so always refer to the specifications provided in your car seat’s user guide. 

Pro Tip: Look for a convertible or all-in-one seat that has an extended rear-facing capacity, like the Britax Poplar®, Poplar® S, One4Life®, or One4Life® Slim, so you can keep your child rear-facing longer. (Note: There are some differences in rear-facing weight limits for select models between the US and Canada.)

2. Loose Harness

Why It Matters: A loose harness can allow too much movement in the event of a crash.

How to Fix It:

• Remove bulky clothing and jackets before securing your child in the harness.
• Ensure that the harness lies flat and tight (no slack) against your child’s body.
• Use the Pinch Test to determine if the harness is tight enough. Try pinching the shoulder harness strap vertically at your child’s collar bone. If you’re able to pinch the webbing between your fingers, it’s too loose

3. Improper Harness Strap Height 

Why It Matters: Children grow fast, so it’s important to check harness height regularly and make adjustments, if needed, to help maintain a proper fit. Always refer to your car seat user guide for instructions on how to properly adjust and position the straps.

How To Fix It:

• Rear-Facing: Position the harness straps at or just below the child’s shoulders according to the instructions in your user guide. Select Britax models require the harness straps to be in the closest position below the child’s shoulders for rear-facing mode.
• Forward-Facing: Position the harness straps at or just above the child’s shoulders according to the instructions in your user guide. Select Britax models require the harness straps to be in the closest position above the child’s shoulders for forward-facing mode.
• Recheck the harness strap height after growth spurts, clothing changes, or headrest adjustments.

4. Incorrect Harness Chest Clip Placement

Why It Matters: The harness chest clip's role is to help keep the harness straps correctly positioned on your child's shoulders.

How To Fix It:

• Slide the chest clip to armpit level, centered on the chest.
• Ensure that the harness straps are flat (not twisted).
• After tightening, always confirm with the Pinch Test at the collarbone.

Quick Check: The top of the clip should line up with your child’s armpits, not the neck or abdomen.

5. Improper Car Seat Installation

Why It Matters: A correct installation limits seat movement and helps the seat perform as designed.

How to Fix It:

• Choose just one installation method: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or vehicle seat belt (unless both your car seat and your vehicle allow you to use both methods simultaneously).
• If using the seat belt, lock it per your vehicle manual or use the car seat’s built-in lock-off (if provided).
• For forward-facing car seats, use the top tether.

If you're struggling to achieve a secure installation, try a different seating position in your vehicle or a different installation method. You can also consult the car seat manufacturer or a child passenger safety technician (CPST) for guidance. 

Quick Check: When a car seat is installed correctly and securely, it should not move more than 1 inch in any direction at the belt path.

6. Not Adhering to LATCH Weight Limits

Why It Matters: The vehicle’s built-in lower anchors have weight limits, and exceeding them can compromise the installation.

How To Fix It:

• Check both your car seat and vehicle manuals for LATCH limits.
• When your child reaches the stated limit, reinstall their car seat using the vehicle seat belt.
• For forward-facing seats, always use the top tether (per your manuals).

7. Improper Tether Usage

Why It Matters: The top tether helps reduce forward movement of forward-facing car seats in the event of a crash.

How To Fix It:

• Refer to your vehicle’s user manual to identify the tether anchor points in your vehicle.
• Route the tether as directed by your car seat and vehicle user guides, making tether usage a non-negotiable part of your installation process.
• Tighten the tether until slack is removed.
• Do not attach the tether to cargo hooks or non-designated points.
• Rear-facing tethering is model-specific. Refer to your user guide to determine if rear-facing tether usage is permitted.

8. Incorrect Rear-Facing Angle

Why It Matters: Rear-facing seats must be installed at the proper angle to help support your baby’s head and neck while keeping their airway clear.

How To Fix It:

• Always follow the instructions in your car seat’s user guide and/or on the seat’s labels regarding angle positioning.
• Check and adjust the recline angle while your car is parked on level ground.

Quick Check: Angle indicator is in the approved zone; baby’s chin is not on the chest.

9. Not Checking Pre-Owned Car Seats

Why It Matters: Reusing car seats can be economical, but it’s important to make sure that your hand-me-down seat is safe. Unknown history, missing parts, recalls, or expired seats can put a child at risk.

How To Fix It:

• Only use a seat if you know its full history (no crashes).
• Check to make sure that the seat hasn’t been recalled.
• Ensure the seat includes the original user guide, the original labels, and all necessary parts. If any replacement parts are needed, obtain these from the manufacturer only.
• If anything is uncertain, do not use the seat.

10. Failing to Replace Expired Car Seats

Why It Matters: Another issue with hand-me-down seats is that they may have passed their expiration date. Over time, the materials that make up car seats can start to age and weather, particularly when the seat is exposed to a wide range of temperatures inside your vehicle. This natural wear and tear can potentially compromise the seat's integrity and effectiveness if it’s used beyond its expiration date.

How To Fix It:

• Always check the expiration date provided on the serial label or in the user guide to help ensure that your child's safety isn't compromised.
• Once a car seat has expired, be sure to remove the serial label, cut the webbing, and clearly mark the seat with the words, “Expired, Do Not Use.”
• Follow local guidance for recycling/disposal. Do not donate or sell expired seats.

By taking the time to address these common car seat misuses, you can take significant steps toward keeping your child safe on every trip. If you’d like extra support, contact your car seat manufacturer and/or consider a fit check with a CPST.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much movement is allowed when checking for a secure car seat installation?

A: No more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path, using your non-dominant hand.
 

Q: Where should the harness chest clip be positioned?

A: Armpit level, centered on the chest.
 

Q: When should I turn my child forward-facing?

A: Britax strongly recommends that children continue to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum rear-facing weight or height specified by their seat. Always refer to your car seat user guide instructions.

Q: Can I install Britax seats using both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt at the same time?

A: No. Britax car seats should be installed using only one installation method – either the vehicle’s seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) or lower anchors. Parents should always refer to the car seat user guide with any questions.

Q: Are winter coats and/or bulky clothing safe to wear in car seats?

A: Avoid bulky clothing and coats under the harness. Place a blanket or reverse the coat over the harness instead.