DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Before parents get in the car, buckle up and pull off, there’s one passenger they need to check on first: their child.

Is your child safely secured in their car seat? Health experts say a few extra steps can help make sure your child is riding safely.

“If you are not following those, then a lot of times your kid is at risk of major injury, whether that be a punctured lung or a broken rib,” said Emily O’Connell with the Macon County Health Department.

There are ways to help lower that risk. O’Connell said parents often miss small steps.

“A lot of times we see parents not putting the chest strap high enough, or maybe just not getting the seat belt tight enough whenever they’re installing it,” O’Connell said.

As the weather gets colder, kids need to bundle up. But a bulky coat under car seat straps could be dangerous.

“Whenever you are wearing a bulky coat and if you were to get into an accident, that is going to compress, and then those straps are going to be loose,” O’Connell said.

Another common question: When should you switch a car seat from rear-facing to forward-facing

O’Connell shared the basics to keep your little passenger secure.

“Making sure that the straps are tight enough on the child, so you don’t want to be able to pinch the straps. If you are able to pinch the straps, then you need to pull this here, and you’ll just tighten it,” O’Connell said.

Another step: Check the car seat instructions to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements.

“I always want to make sure that my kiddos are safe. So even though my daughter is past the age limit and can be out of a car seat, she is still in one. Just because I know that is safest for her,” O’Connell said.

The Macon County Health Department offers tutorials for families hoping to ensure their children are properly secured.