Experts List Top 5 Car Seat Mistakes

EASLEY, S.C. - WYFF 4.com

The Easley Fire Department Station 2 is one of about five places in the Upstate people can get an appointment to have a car seat checked to make sure it's installed properly.

People who check these things said it could mean the difference between life and death.

In the more than eight years Kathy Harper has worked with

Safe Kids Upstate.

She said he's checked hundreds of car seats.

"You want it to be snug, be able to run your little finger at the top of the shoulder. You want this harness clip at armpit level," Harper said.

The senior checker has seen so many mistakes over the years that are easy for parents to make.

Her top five list starts with putting the car seat too close to the passenger seat.

"We want a full palm width between the back of the seat of the infant carrier and the back of the passenger front seat."

No. 4: Parents not having their car seats inspected.

Safe Kids Upstate offers free inspections at several different places in the upstate.

"It's as simple as calling and getting an appointment," said

No. 3: The next major mistake made by parents is not putting toddlers in a car seat. If a child is under 4 feet 9 inches and 80 pounds then a car seat will help keep that child safe.

No. 2: Harper said never buy a used car seat.

"Your seat needs to be registered and if there's a recall they'll let you know. That's why we encourage people to use new seats that you know the history of," Harper said.

"There may be stress fractures here, there may be stress fractures on the base."

And the No. 1 car seat mistake that puts children at risk: Parents don't have the right car seat that fits their child.

Look on the side sticker to find the right one for the child.

"This gives you your height and weight," Harper said. "This one goes 4 to 30 pounds."

The seat should also fit your budget and your car.

"I tell everybody go to store, customer service and say I'm here to purchase a car seat but I need to try it in my car. It's two shopping trips," Harper said.

It's something that could save a child and it all can be checked for free.

"It takes approximately 30 minutes, 30 minutes to save your child's life," Harper said.

Most Popular Stories at WYFF 4

• High School Football Players Arrested On Assault Charges
• Man Survives After Being Shot In Head
• Prosecutors: 21 Busted In Cockfighting Ring
• Mysterious Search Under Way In Spartanburg County
• Babies Ejected From Car; Toddler Dies

MORE FROM WYFF4.COM

WYFF4.com Section Front

Deputies: Two Men Hurt After Fight Over Woman   Shoppers Get Two-Day Tax Break On Gun Sales In SC   Lowcountry Holds No Monopoly On Boeing   Man Dies After Stabbing   Free Holiday Meals Fed To People In Need WYFF4.com Section Front   Add WYFF4.com headlines to your news reader: