Is Your Child’s Car Seat Really Safe? Let’s Double-Check This September

From the team at Blue Horizon Law — Supporting Colorado families with safety-first legal guidance

Child Passenger Safety Week: September 21–27

As school routines ramp up and fall schedules take over, it’s easy to forget the small things—like rechecking your child’s car seat. But those “small things” can make all the difference in an emergency.

That’s why Child Passenger Safety Week is the perfect reminder for families across Denver and surrounding areas to double-check their car seat setups. At Blue Horizon Law, we’ve worked with too many families impacted by auto accidents where improper car seat use magnified the harm. Prevention begins with awareness—and a few critical checks.

1. Check the Installation

Over 50% of car seats are installed incorrectly, according to national data. To ensure your child’s seat is secure:

  • The base should not move more than one inch when you tug it at the belt path.

  • Use either the vehicle seat belt or the LATCH system—not both, unless your car seat manufacturer specifically allows it.

  • Ensure the seat is rear- or forward-facing at the correct angle for your child’s age and weight.

Need help? Denver offers free inspections through local fire departments and child safety organizations.

2. Choose the Right Seat for Your Child

Age alone isn’t the best guide. Use a combination of height, weight, and developmental stage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a helpful Car Seat Finder Tool to determine the best match.

Colorado car seat law requires children under 8 to be properly restrained in a child safety seat—but that’s just the legal minimum. We recommend best-practice standards, which are often stricter.

3. Get a Free Professional Inspection in Denver

There’s no substitute for a certified car seat technician. Local services like:

  • SafeKids Denver Metro

  • Denver Health

  • Children’s Hospital Colorado

...offer free inspection clinics during Child Passenger Safety Week and year-round. A 15-minute appointment could catch critical errors and give you peace of mind.

4. Don’t Rush the Transition

It may be tempting to move your child to a booster seat (or straight to the car’s seatbelt) earlier than necessary. But remember:

  • Each transition reduces the level of restraint.

  • Keep children rear-facing as long as possible, then harnessed forward-facing until they reach the top limits of the seat.

  • Only move to a booster once the child meets height and weight requirements and can sit properly for the entire ride.

5. Perfect the Strap Positioning

Even a perfectly installed seat can fail if your child isn’t buckled in correctly:

  • Harness straps should be snug with no slack and lay flat (no twists).

  • The chest clip must be level with your child’s armpits—not the belly or neck.

  • Remove bulky coats before strapping in—use blankets over the straps for warmth if needed.

Prioritize Safety. Every Ride. Every Time.

As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen how just one oversight can change lives. During Child Passenger Safety Week, we encourage every parent and caregiver in Denver to pause, assess, and make adjustments if needed. A few minutes of effort today could prevent tragedy tomorrow.

Questions About Car Seat Safety or Auto Injury Claims?

At Blue Horizon Law, we’re committed to protecting Colorado families—in court and in the car. If you or a loved one has been in a vehicle accident and you're unsure how car seat safety may affect your case, we're here to help.

📞 Call us at (720) 555-HOPE
📅 Book your free consultation at www.bluehorizonlaw.com

 

Blue Horizon Law — Advocating for families with compassion, clarity, and safety at the heart of every case.
Attorney Advertising. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.