Ensuring Child Passenger Safety: The Baby Safety Alliance Launches S.E.A.T. Steps

The Baby Safety Alliance, previously known as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), is spearheading the Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week from September 21 to 27, 2025. During this public awareness initiative, the Alliance is unveiling a user-friendly checklist designed to streamline car seat safety, aptly named the S.E.A.T. Safety Steps. This initiative is an essential part of raising awareness about the safety of child passengers during travel.

The acronym S.E.A.T. stands for Select, Ensure, Adjust, and Technical Help. This four-part framework provides caregivers with a straightforward path to navigate the often complex car seat safety landscape. It serves as a reminder to families to “check your S.E.A.T. before every ride,” simplifying the process of ensuring a child's safety in vehicles.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car-related accidents continue to be a leading cause of injury and fatalities among children. On average, two children under the age of 14 lose their lives, and 345 are injured daily while riding in passenger vehicles. Alarmingly, more than half of all car seats are reported to be misused, emphasizing the importance of the Baby Safety Alliance's new initiative.

Joe Colella, the Director of Child Passenger Safety for the Baby Safety Alliance, recognizes the challenges parents face in choosing the right safety measures for their children. He states, “As a parent and safety advocate, I understand how overwhelming it can be to ensure the right choices are made for child safety. The S.E.A.T. initiative aims to provide families with a simple and memorable checklist to follow, reinforcing that the most critical step is ensuring every child and adult in the vehicle is securely buckled up.”

How to Check Your S.E.A.T. Before Every Journey

S.E.A.T. Safety Checklist

1. S – Select the Right Car Seat
Understand your car seat’s labels concerning weight, height, and age limitations. It’s crucial to keep your child in each stage—rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, and ultimately a seat belt—until they reach the maximum limits.

2. E – Ensure Proper Attachment
A well-attached car seat should fit snugly and should not have more than one inch of movement when pulled at the base. Follow the installation directions provided by the manufacturer, utilizing Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) or a seat belt, and always tether forward-facing seats for added security.

3. A – Adjust the Harness
Ensure that the harness straps fit comfortably against your child without any slack. For rear-facing seats, the straps should sit at or below the child's shoulders, while for forward-facing seats, they should be at or above the shoulders.

4. T – Technical Help
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance! Families can locate manufacturer customer service contacts through the Car Seat Directory and connect with certified CPS technicians to verify proper installation of their car seats.

For additional information, safety tips, and instructional videos on car seat usage and related children’s products, visit BabySafetyMonth.org.

About the Baby Safety Alliance

The Baby Safety Alliance stands as the authoritative voice for safety in products made for infants and children throughout North America. Their commitment to safety is upheld through advocacy, education, rigorous product testing, and philanthropic efforts. The Alliance's Verification Program annually assesses thousands of products in over 30 categories, ensuring they meet stringent safety, performance, and functionality standards. Additionally, the Alliance offers parents and caregivers invaluable guidance through Baby Safety University and supports families through the Baby Safety Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) charity.

By participating in initiatives like Child Passenger Safety Week and introducing essential resources like the S.E.A.T. checklist, the Baby Safety Alliance reinforces its mission to protect the well-being of children during travel, ensuring that every journey is a safe one.