Your Grandchild's Car Seat May Be Installed Incorrectly

When I was a toddler, I remember riding in the front seat of my Mom and Dad's big green Packard -- standing up. If Mom had swerved to avoid a squirrel, I would have put my eye out on one of the stainless steel radio knobs.

Thankfully, these days babies and small children must be strapped into well-made car seats in the back seat. But how do you know if your car seat is installed correctly? There' s a very good chance yours is installed incorrectly.

"The seat should not be able to move more than an inch along the belt. Next, make sure the lower anchors and tethers are properly attached. Another big mistake experts say they see is a harness that is too loose. Gina Duchossois, of the Safe Kids Coalition said that to prevent the harness from falling off the child's shoulder, you should pull the retainer clip up and put it at the child's armpit level. The retainer clip keeps the harness on the child's shoulders."