Common Car Seat Mistake #2:

Not tightly strapping in your child.

Sometimes, parents loosen the straps thinking their child will be more comfortable. But it's critical that your child is always snugly strapped in and the harness should fit tightly. (If you can pinch a fold in the straps, it's too loose.)

For rear-facing seats, check that the harness straps are positioned at or below your baby's shoulders. The top of the harness clip should be at armpit level, and the harness should lie flat. For forward-facing seats, the harness straps should rest at or above shoulder level.

Common Car Seat Mistake #3:

Turning the seat around too soon.

Many parents like to see their baby in the rearview mirror, but experts warn that turning the seat too soon can be a dangerous mistake. This is because young babies are especially vulnerable to head and spine injuries if their car seat isn't facing toward the back.

From birth until at least a year old and 20 pounds, the rear-facing position offers the best protection for your baby's head, neck and spine. Even when your child has turned 1, keep him rear-facing until he has reached the upper weight limit or the top of his head is less than an inch from the top of the head.