Do you and your family like to take road trips? Well, having a baby along for your adventures will make road trips – and driving, in general – very different. Going on a long drive while baby is on board can be quite exhausting and nerve-wracking for a lot of people. Using a car seat will help alleviate the stress and let you enjoy your next family drive.

As a parent, one of your top priorities is keeping you child safe in the car. One of the reasons for this is because studies shows that car accidents are still one of the biggest causes of injury in children. This has led to the increased use of car seats to protect small children who cannot use conventional seatbelts yet.

Nevertheless, despite their importance, many parents do not use the right car seat for their children. The reasons for this point to behavior are much too complex to analyze here. However, the result of this is likely to increase the risk of danger to your child on a drive. With that in mind, here are 5 compelling reasons why you should use the right car seat:

1. It’s the Law
Laws about car seats vary from one state to another. However, you must ensure that you are complying with the laws of any and all of the states you will be passing through on your drive. For instance, some states do not require your child to use a car seat past a certain age or weight while others do. However, it is important to note that car seats are generally required by law, regardless of what state you live in or drive through.

2. A Basic Safety Requirement
Apart from legal implications, using a car seat is a necessary part of ensuring your baby’s trip while traveling. Think about it: it’s a universal requirement that everyone should use a seat belt while they are in a moving vehicle. Well, babies and small children cannot safely use traditional seatbelts until they are at least a few years older. In the meantime, it only makes sense to use car seats and provide your kids with adequate protection during any drive.

3. Protection against Serious Injury
Recent studies found that more than 90 percent of all car seat installations require some kind of adjustment in order to ensure your child’s safety. It’s undeniable that the hassle of selecting, buying, and setting up car seats can be draining. However, it only makes sense for you to endure some discomfort if it will afford your children maximum protection in case of an accident.
Also, keep in mind that babies and small children are much more susceptible to spinal injuries. Using the right car seat is the best way to avoid such devastating, life-changing injuries if you are ever involved in a collision.

4. Keep them Comfortable
Car seats are usually made to certain specifications, especially focusing on the age and weight of the child. So it only makes sense that using the wrong one will be very uncomfortable for baby, leaving them feeling cranky or – at worst – in pain. Installing old or used car seats might save you some money, but they will cause you more problems down the road.

5. Ensures your Convenience
Whether you are doing a quick run to the grocery store or going on a vacation, using the right car seat will soon prove to be very convenient for you. After all, trying to keep your family organized while worrying about holding your baby or keeping them safe would be quite challenging and time consuming. Cut yourself some slack and use the right car seat to keep your kids safe and comfortable, while ensuring your convenience and peace of mind too.