Have you considered what would happen in the event of a crash, with your little one in the car? Did you know that the safest thing when getting your child out of the car is to leave them in their seat, strapped in and cut or take the whole seat out instead?

The seat, with them strapped into it, acts like a back board or brace. Any spinal injuries remain stabilised until a paramedic gets to see them.

So have you considered how you would quickly remove the seat from the car? My latch set up is a little difficult and I fear that it would take a long time to remove, so I was debating keeping something in the car to cut through the latch straps.

We have one of those emergency tools that has a seat belt cutter and blunt end to punch out a window. I suppose it would work pretty good to cut out a car seat that was strapped in for a regular accident. Its if the car fell into water that makes me worry.

We have one of those emergency tools that has a seat belt cutter and blunt end to punch out a window. I suppose it would work pretty good to cut out a car seat that was strapped in for a regular accident. Its if the car fell into water that makes me worry.

Where can you get one of these? I never knew they existed, and it would be a good gift for someone I know!

I have one of those too. We got it as a gift from someone who works in law enforcement. They can be purchased from www.galls.com. I think I've seen them at other places as well during the holidays or in the tools section.

Thank you for bringing this up-I had not considered this situation at all, just assuming I could always unstrap her or whatever. But you are right-removal in the seat is safest and the latch fittings are kind of fiddly.

Thanks for the link, I'll take a look.

Don't forget that many car seats are improperly installed. The numbers can be as high as 75% of carseats are not installed properly. In the event of an accident, the child isn't protected as they should be. I don't know if they have them in the US but a car seat clinic is a great way to make sure the seat is installed properly.
Also, a nasty one in the winter, snowsuits. The bulk from the snowsuit will bunch up and the child will slip out of the harness in an accident.

Don't forget that many car seats are improperly installed.

Exactly! When we were leaving from the hospital for our girls birth last year, they had us checkout with a car safety inspector person who helped tons of families that week (huge baby boom). :)