What is one key point for correctly using a child restraint?

The correct approach to using a child restraint is to install the car seat tightly in the vehicle. A properly installed car seat is crucial for ensuring the child's safety during a vehicle accident or sudden stop. When a car seat is secure, it minimizes the movement of the seat in the event of a collision, reducing the risk of injury.

Using methods such as checking for tightness by pulling on the seat to ensure it does not move more than an inch side to side or front to back at the base provides reassurance that the installation is effective. This firmer installation promotes better protection for the child, as the car seat is designed to absorb and distribute crash forces effectively when correctly secured.

The other approaches do not adhere to best practices. A loosely installed car seat can shift during an accident, decreasing its effectiveness. Only securing the child with a regular seat belt is not appropriate because children require a child safety seat designed for their specific age and size, which offers better protection than a standard seat belt alone. Lastly, it's recommended that child restraints be placed in the back seat wherever possible, as it is generally the safest location in a vehicle to minimize the risk of injury from front-end collisions or airbag deployment.