It is astonishing to know that 21% of the parents think that it is okay not to buckle up their children for a short trip and 12% even consider that doing so is acceptable if one is in a rush. The sad truth is that car accidents are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).

The best car seats can reduce the risk of an injury in infants by 71% and in toddlers by 54%. However, this is done if the car seat has been installed carefully because improper installation is also dangerous for the child. Here are some of the tips which can be extremely useful for the well-being of your little one:

Be Careful to Place the Car Seat at the Correct Spot

Placing the car seat in the back seat of the car is the safest idea – as far away as possible from the active airbags. If the airbag inflates due to any reason, it can actually cause a fatal injury to the head of your child. The child can be harmed by an airbag even in a front-facing car seat.

If there is a single car seat, install it at the center of the back seat instead of next to the door because that is the safest possible place for it.

Do Not Install the Car Seat or Buckle Up the Child Improperly

Make sure to read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer before you install the car seat. It should be tightly secured allowing only one-inch movement from front to back or side to side.

The harness straps and the chest clip should lie flat across your child’s body with no slack. If possible, place rolled small blankets alongside your child in order to provide him with added security.

Keep it Rear Facing for the Longest Period of Time

The rear-facing car seat is usually for the infants but even if your child has outgrown this age requirements, buy a rear-facing convertible car seat for him.The convertible car seat is for kids over 2 years of age.

Parents have a misconception that there is an increased risk of leg injury in rear-facing car seats when actually the front-facing car seats carry higher chances.

Get the car seat inspected by a technician or from the NHTSA to ensure complete safety of your children as they travel in the car.