the best way to have your child sit in a car-seat...

{EDIT} when facing forward, the straps should be at or ABOVE your child's shoulders to prevent whiplash.  thanks sharon!

before dillan was born, i went to the fire-station to make sure that i had the carseat installed correctly.  little did i know that i would learn so much in that trip.

the biggest thing i learned, that i have had to tell LOTS of parents to do is...

on a five point harness, there is a clip that attaches in the middle of the child's frame. 

be sure to set this clip right at the chest of the child.  in the case of an accident, the clip will hold the child back right at the chest-bone, providing maximum protection.

so this is the incorrect way to place the clip.  notice how the clip is sitting a little low, closer to evan's belly than his chest.   

versus here, the clip is sitting right at his chest. also, the straps coming through the seat over the child's shoulders should come out right at the shoulder or just above to prevent whiplash.  when facing backwards, it should be at or below.


here's to the best way to seat your child in his/her carseat.  hope you know why, it's THE BEST