Two Common Car Seat Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
9/18/2026
Kate Klovstad, Aspirus Community Injury Prevention Coordinator
For children and teens ages 1 to 19, motor vehicle collisions are the second leading cause of death. For younger children, improper use of car seats and booster seats can increase the risk of serious injury in a crash.
The good news is that parents and caregivers can help protect children by ensuring they are properly secured in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt that is appropriate for their age and size.
"Using a car seat appropriately can truly save a child's life," said Kate Klovstad, Community Injury Prevention Coordinator at Aspirus Health. In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, she shares two common car seat mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Moving to the Next Stage Too Soon
There are four stages of child passenger safety: rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat and seat belt. Knowing when to move a child from one stage to the next is one of the most common questions parents ask.
Klovstad says it's important not to rush these transitions, especially the move from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat. "Keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible is one of the most effective ways to keep young children safe in the car," she said.
A child has outgrown a rear-facing car seat when they reach the seat's maximum rear-facing height or weight limit. Because those limits vary by car seat, parents should check the manufacturer's instructions before making the switch to a forward-facing seat.
Mistake #2: Using Both the LATCH System and Seat Belt
Car seats should be installed using either the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which uses built-in vehicle anchors, or the vehicle seat belt. Some parents try to use both systems at the same time, believing they provide extra security. However, car seats are designed to be installed using one method or the other, not both.
"Either one of those systems is safe and will keep your baby secure," Klovstad said. "We do not want to use both systems together because it puts too much pressure on the car seat and can cause excessive wear."
One installation method is not safer than the other. The best option is the one you can install consistently and correctly every time. Be sure to refer to the instructions in the car seat manufacturer's manual.
When It Comes to Car Seats, Best Practices Matter
Car seat guidelines can feel overwhelming at times, but they aren't arbitrary. Each one is based on research designed to protect children and reduce the risk of serious injury.
"Car seat laws and best practices are not officials being picky," Klovstad said. "They are based on evidence and research designed to help keep your child safe in the car."
If you're unsure whether your child's car seat is installed correctly, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) can help. Many hospitals, fire departments, and community organizations offer car seat checks to ensure your child is riding safely. Find a technician or inspection station near you through Safe Kids Worldwide.
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