Keeping Your Child Safe During RV Travel

Millions of families embark on adventures in their motorhomes every year. In fact, according to data released by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), an estimated 12 million families in the US undertake motorhome trips yearly. 

With RV travel becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to keep RV safety at the forefront of your mind. This is especially true if you want to complete safe RV travel with children at your side. In this blog, the team at I-10 RV Storage has detailed how to keep kids safe in an RV to help ensure your family enjoys safe, exciting, and entertaining motorhome journeys every time. 

Are RVs Safe For Kids?

Traveling by RV can be an exciting and rewarding experience for families. It offers comfort, convenience, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. It can also be a safe and enjoyable way to travel with children with a little preparation.

While some older RV models may not meet the same safety standards as passenger vehicles, many modern Class A, B, and C RVs are designed with family safety in mind. Today’s RVs often include seating with seatbelts that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS 208), ensuring proper restraint for both adults and children. In fact, many manufacturers are improving seatbelt designs, attaching them securely to the vehicle’s frame for enhanced safety.

However, we understand that you might still have some concerns. You should be able to breathe easier knowing you can use booster seats for your children to keep them safe during RV travel. To secure a booster seat for a child in an RV, you must look for designated seating areas. Once you’ve found where to install one, you must follow the seat installation instructions, and you’ll be good to go! 

Child Safety Measures To Take Before Travel

Safe RV travel begins with undertaking child safety measures. Below, we’ve shared a few simple child safety measures you can implement before you travel to keep yourself and your children safe: 

  • Get an appropriate RV child car seat: You need to invest in a child safety seat appropriate for RV travel. Luckily, there are various car seats made to suit each age. So, before you travel, make sure it is legally appropriate for your child’s age and that you can install it in your RV. 
  • Rest well before travels commence: You should always ensure you are well-rested before a trip so that you can be aware of your surroundings. The last thing you want to do is get into an accident with your child while driving your RV because you weren’t well rested. 
  • Plan for emergencies: When traveling with a motorhome, you should prepare a backup plan in case of an emergency. You should also run through the steps with your children beforehand so that they know what to do if an emergency occurs. 
  • Review safety features: An RV is equipped with many different safety features. You need to make sure they work to keep your family safe. By reviewing the specific safety features of your RV model and ensuring your seatbelts and child restraints are properly installed, you can confidently hit the road, knowing your family is safe.

How To Install Car Seats For A Child In An RV

Finding the right RV seat for your child’s age is just the beginning. To ensure safe RV travel for your little one, you’ll need to properly install the car seat in your RV. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you through the process:

Choosing the Right Seat

Consider your child’s age, weight, and height to select the appropriate car seat. Here are the three main types:

  • Rear-facing seat: This is best for infants and very young children, providing maximum support for their heads, necks, and spine.
  • Forward-facing seat: This is suitable for toddlers and young children who have outgrown the rear-facing seat. It provides additional support and protection in case of a collision.
  • Booster seat: This seat is designed for older children who have outgrown the forward-facing seat but are not yet large enough to use the vehicle’s seat belt alone.

Installation Steps

  1. Read the manual: Each car seat comes with its own installation guide. Carefully review the instructions specific to your seat model.
  2. Adjust the positioning: Place the seat in your RV’s designated seating area. If you use a rear-facing seat, ensure it is securely attached at the correct angle.
  3. Secure the seat: Secure the car seat using the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Once the seat is secured, ensure it is tightly installed and allows minimal movement.

When putting your child in the seat: 

  • Strap in the child: Adjust the harness straps to fit snugly over your child. For child rear-facing seats, the straps should sit comfortably at or below the child’s shoulders and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing seats.
  • Check for tightness: Test the installation by giving the seat a firm shake. It should not move more than an inch in any direction.

Following these steps and referring to the car seat’s installation guide will ensure your child’s safety during RV travel.

How To Make Your Child Feel Comfortable During RV Travel

A core part of safe RV travel with children is ensuring they feel comfortable. To make the journey pleasant for them, it’s essential to be prepared. The first step in making them feel comfortable is organizing your travel plans and accommodations ahead of time. This will help you feel more at ease and allow you to focus on your child’s needs.

Your next focus should be on planning regular, family-friendly stops, which can also make a big difference. You should schedule breaks at interesting or enjoyable locations to help prevent restlessness. These stops allow everyone to stretch their legs, explore, and enjoy downtime.

Another way to make your child feel comfortable is to develop a thoughtful packing strategy. To do this, you must create a comprehensive packing list that includes your children’s daily necessities, such as medicine and formula. Additionally, pack items for planned activities like hiking, picnics, or camping to ensure you’re ready for any event and can ensure their comfort.

Finally, keep your child engaged throughout the trip. Play fun car games, visit national parks, and participate in family activities to make the journey more enjoyable. Incorporating these elements will help your child experience the joy of road-tripping in an RV.

The Wrap-Up On Keeping Your Child Safe During RV Travel

Now you know more about how to keep your child safe while you travel in your RV. However, part of keeping yourself and your family safe is looking after your motorhome. One of the best ways to keep your motorhome in tip-top condition is to ensure it is stored correctly. 

At I-10 RV Storage, you can trust us to store your motorhome safely. Our facilities are equipped with everything needed to keep your motorhome well-maintained before you’re ready for your next family holiday. So contact us here and learn how we can help you. 

A boy and his teddy with seatbelts sitting at the table area in an RV

< Previous Post Next Post >