Child Passenger Safety Week 2025: Is Your Child in the Right Car Seat?

At Northshore Toyota, safety is at the heart of everything we do — especially when it comes to our community’s kids. As we recognize Child Passenger Safety Week from September 21–27, 2025, we want to remind all parents and caregivers of the critical importance of using the right car seat — and using it the right way.

Whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent, or driving the neighborhood carpool, it’s worth taking a few minutes to double-check how your child passengers are riding in your vehicle.

Why It Matters

The statistics speak volumes:

• In 2023, two children under 14 were killed daily in vehicle crashes in the U.S.
• 345 children were injured every day on average.
• 43% of children killed were not restrained at all.

These aren’t just numbers — they’re young lives that could have been protected with proper car seat use.

Step One: Make Sure It’s the Right Seat

Not all car seats are created equal — and no single seat works for every age and size. The NHTSA Car Seat Finder Tool helps you match your child to the right car seat based on their height, weight, and age.

Know the Four Types of Seats:

1. Rear-Facing Car Seats – Safest for babies and young toddlers.
2. Forward-Facing Car Seats – With a harness for toddlers and preschoolers.
3. Booster Seats – For children who outgrow forward-facing seats but aren’t big enough for seat belts alone.
4. Seat Belts – When children are big enough (usually at least 4’9”) to fit properly.

Step Two: Get It Installed Correctly

Even the best car seat won’t protect your child if it’s not installed properly. That’s where National Seat Check Saturday comes in — happening on September 27, 2025.

You can visit a certified technician for a free inspection and hands-on help to ensure your car seat is securely and safely installed.

Find a location near you using the NHTSA Inspection Locator.

Bonus Tips for Long-Term Safety

• Register your car seat to get alerts for safety recalls.
• Download the SaferCar app to stay informed on vehicle and car seat safety.
• Follow NHTSA’s installation videos and guides for helpful visuals and instructions.
• Replace car seats after a crash and avoid using expired or second-hand seats without full history.

Let Northshore Toyota Help Keep Your Family Safe

At Northshore Toyota, we care about more than just selling vehicles — we care about the families driving them. Many of our Toyota models come equipped with advanced safety features like Toyota Safety Sense™, but nothing replaces the importance of a properly installed child car seat.

If you have questions about child safety, vehicle features, or need a recommendation for a family-friendly Toyota, our team is always here to help.