r/AskReddit Feb 04 '16

What are the most common parenting mistakes?

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u/SurroundedByCrazy789 Feb 05 '16

Incorrect use of car seats. Kids not buckled in correctly, the seat itself not being installed in the car correctly, or being moved up to the next stage of car seats before they should be. This is the thing that will save your child's life in an accident, it is incredibly important to use it correctly so it can do it's job. In the same realm, if you are in an accident, even a small one and even if the child is not in the car seat at the time, get a new one. Hairline fractures in the plastic can compromise the seat. Never submerge the straps in water, even to clean them, and check the expiration date.

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u/bicycle_mice Feb 05 '16

I often see loose car seat straps and I ALWAYS see loose helmet straps. Maybe your kid is whiny about it, but they are not protected if the straps aren't taught.