On family vacation, parents take on the role of chauffeur, entertainment director, short-order chef, travel agent and more. Even while juggling packing lists and busy itineraries, keeping little ones safe along the way is always the number one priority. New research from Chicco found that stress and anxiety are common feelings for over half of parents (52%) in the days leading up to a family road trip. Further, the same percentage of parents (52%) are managing multiple young children of car seat age in the backseat, highlighting the importance of taking extra care to ensure child passenger safety – especially on extended road trips. To help parents juggling it all, the Family Road Trip Safety Hub from Chicco and AAA offers resources on hot topics and expert tips – from car seat questions to car maintenance and driving – to ensure families get to their destinations safely, while making memories along the way. Navigating Car Seat Laws by State When used properly, infant seats, boosters, and seat belts will effectively protect young passengers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, child restraints reduce fatalities by 71% for infants younger than 1 year old and by 54% for children 1 to 4 years old in passenger cars. In the United States, car seat use is required by law in all 50 states. However, it is important to know that child restraint laws vary from state-to-state and you’ll need to comply with the laws of the state through which you are traveling. To help you navigate the various regulations, we’ve compiled an easy-to-use map that details car seat, booster seat and child passenger seatbelt laws by state: When it comes to using car seats properly, Chicco Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and dad of three Josh Dilts reminds parents to keep in mind: Children are safest when they ride in the back seat in a properly installed car seat that fits the child’s age and size. Be sure your most precious cargo is protected in the car. States vary in the exact requirements for a child’s weight, height and/or age to determine the correct car seat type. It’s a good idea to cross-check the states’ guidelines with your car seat manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations to comply with the law. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height limit of the seat to ensure best protection of the child’s head, neck and spine in the event of a crash. Child safety is essential every day whether you’re going around the block or on a multi-hour road trip. Since kids grow quickly, it’s a good reminder to double-check that your child still fits within the recommended size and weight range of their car seat before you head out. The Chicco car seat guide can help you find the right seat for your child’s current stage of development. For more information on car seat laws, guidelines and when to transition between modes of use, Chicco also offers this comprehensive guide as a resource for parents. Road Trip Prep: Tips for a Safer Journey It can be easy to rush when the family is eager to hit the road and get to their destination. But taking the time to do additional prep will help the driver navigate with ease, keep your littlest passengers entertained and comfortable, and ultimately result in a safer road trip experience for the entire family. The experts at Chicco and AAA share their top tips to get road trip ready: Build in extra prep time: Prep the night before you leave, or even make a checklist, to avoid feeling rushed to get on the road and missing items. Pro Tip: AAA recommends packing an emergency kit that includes both auto items like jumper cables and first-aid items like bandages and antiseptic wipes in case of a breakdown or unexpected need. A simple test to check your car seat: Chicco found that 2 in 10 parents may forego checking that their child’s car seat is installed properly before hitting the road, but building in a few extra minutes for the “inch test,” is a quick way to do so. Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and attempt to move it front to back and side to side. The car seat should not move more than one inch in any direction. If it does, the car seat should be reinstalled to achieve a tighter, more secure fit. Maximize your child’s comfort: If your car seat offers a recline option, take advantage of it to enhance child comfort, but always ensure that even in the reclined position the seat is installed properly according to the instructions of the car seat manufacturer. A comfortable child is a happy child and one who is less likely to wiggle around in their seat during a long trip. Plan your route: Become an expert of the road with planning assistance from AAA TripTik that offers custom maps and directions for your route. Pro Tip: TripTik also offers curated routes for the most popular road trip destinations in the U.S. – like National Parks, a favorite among families. Stop for activities: “When will we get there?” is asked by kids once every 20-30 minutes (40%), and in some cases more frequently (31%), according to parents surveyed by Chicco. Young kids can get antsy in the backseat even on short trips, so longer journeys may require more stops to keep them entertained. AAA’s Trip Canvas tool allows users to search local guides and recommended activities from experienced travel editors to make sure the whole family has a more relaxing journey to their destination. Pack Snacks: More than 4 in 10 parents told Chicco that they address backseat commotion 2-3 times per hour on a road trip. Make sure to pack entertainment for kids to enjoy, and don’t forget snacks: most parents (82%) revealed it’s their ultimate go-to to keep their kids entertained on road trips. Safe Driving Tips for New Parents AAA has been working to improve safety on roads for more than a century, which includes providing safe driving tips for any stage of driving. But when you have a child in the backseat, putting into practice everything you know about safe driving becomes even more important. The following tips from Chicco and AAA are specific for new parents navigating the roads with little one(s) in a car seat for the first time: Drive defensively: Use AAA’s READ the Road approach to low risk driving: R = Right speed, for right now. Constantly be on the lookout for reasons to reduce your speed, such as changes in traction or visibility. E = Eyes up, brain on. Search the entire traffic scene so you see everything going on around you – in all directions. A = Anticipate their next move. Play the “What if?” game, predicting what other road users might do next. D = Keep a huge DONUT of space around your vehicle – especially to the front! Minimize distractions: Loud music, eating, technology – especially phones – are key distractors when driving. Avoid these until you reach your destination and stay calm, be alert and well-rested when driving with a baby in the backseat. Have trusted gear: Parents will generally need multiple car seats for secondary cars, caregivers and as their child grows, buying a new seat is always the best way to minimize risk and maximize safety. Hand-me-down car seats should only be used if you know the previous user and can verify that it hasn’t been modified, reached its expiration date, recalled or involved in a crash. Car seat placement matters: Car seats should normally be in the back seat. Depending on your vehicle, you also may need to consider which seats have the LATCH system if that’s the preferred method of installation and how much leg space the driver needs and access points for parents, i.e. side seats if you park on the street, when choosing the best placement for your child’s seat. Adapt to weather: Especially in the summer, vehicles can get hot both while parked and in use. Always make sure your car’s backseat AC is turned on during the warmer months or pre-cool your car if you can. Sunshades and window covers can also prevent overheating. No matter the conditions, never leave a child alone in the back seat of the car. When rain or storms hit, slow down and leave room between the cars around you and avoid cruise control. Share the road with large trucks: Road trips may mean more time driving on the highway and closer proximity to large trucks. Don’t drive in their blind spots, (if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you), give them space and keep both hands on the wheel as you pass since they create wind gusts. Check your resources: AAA has additional resources for driving tips and even local courses available. Chicco offers online resources to help with car seat installation – and always check your car seat’s manual. Local car seat checks offered by fire departments and AAA can help too. Tips for Alternative Methods of Travel Navigating new methods of travel with your children, especially for first time parents, can add an extra layer to the trip planning process. Chicco CPST Josh Dilts shares how to make the process seamless and stress-free when using a rental car or rideshare service. Always bring your own car seat when you can. That’s because you’re familiar with it, know how to install it properly and know how it fits your child - all important factors that ensure your child is safe in their car seat. Due diligence is key if you must rent a car seat. There are times when renting a car seat makes more sense, like with rental cars or international travel. Always check the expiration date and make sure you have access to a users’ manual. Then, inspect all areas of the car seat for any rips, tears, stains, etc. and make sure all straps and buckles work correctly. Popular rideshare services offer a “request car seat” feature for children that use forward facing mode. However, if your child is under the age of two, you will need to bring your own infant car seat, convertible or all-in-one car seat. In both instances, you’ll be responsible for installing the car seat on your own, so be prepared, especially if you’re in a busy metro area where they may not be a clear place for the driver to pull over. If your child is older, you’ll also need to supply a booster seat. About the Survey Conducted in June 2025 on behalf of Chicco, Pollfish obtained a sample of 1,000 U.S. parents with children 0-10 living at home.