Nursery, school or trade customer? Call our sales team for deals on bulk orders.

How to wear a seat belt safely during pregnancy

Posted 16th October 2023

Seat belt safety during pregnancy has hit the news again recently, with one eight months pregnant mum-to-be experiencing severe bruising to her bump after being involved in a collision. Thankfully nothing more serious was suffered by mum or baby in this particular situation, however some women are unfortunately not so lucky. Thus, one of the most critical safety measures during pregnancy is learning how to wear a seat belt correctly while driving or travelling in a vehicle. Contrary to some misconceptions, proper seat belt use is essential and safe for expectant mothers, but it's crucial to understand how to do it correctly to ensure the well-being of both you and your unborn child.

While it's natural to be concerned about the pressure of the seat belt on your abdomen, never forego seat belt wear altogether, due to discomfort or worries of your baby’s safety – a seat belt can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury to both you and your baby in the event of an accident, provided it is worn correctly. Follow our tips below to ensure the seat belt is doing its job, for you and baby:

1. Position the Lap Belt Correctly

The lap belt should be placed low on your hips, below your baby bump. Ensure that it fits snugly, with no slack or twists in the belt. With the belt positioned in this way, any shock in the event of an accident can be transferred through mum-to-be’s hips, and not through the abdomen or the unborn baby.

Correct way to wear a seat belt during pregnancy

2. Adjust the Shoulder Belt

The shoulder belt should cross your chest over your collarbone, away from your neck. It should fit securely over your shoulder without slipping off.

3. Use Seat Belt Adjusters

Seat belt adjusters such as our Bump Belt, are specially designed for pregnant women and make it easier to achieve a comfortable and safe fit. They help to ensure that the lap belt is correctly positioned below your baby bump.

4. Maintain an Upright Position

Sit upright with your back against the seatback. This ensures that the seat belt remains in the right position.

Seat belt adjuster for pregnant women

5. Avoid Leaning Forward

Do not lean forward or rest your belly against the steering wheel. Instead, adjust your seat and steering wheel position to maintain a safe and comfortable distance.

6. Keep the Seat Belt Over Your Clothing

Always wear the seat belt over your clothing. It helps prevent abrasions and provides a better grip on your body to distribute forces evenly.

7. Regularly Check for Slack

Periodically check the seat belt for slack, especially after you have adjusted it. It should remain snug and secure throughout your journey.

8. Educate Others

Let other mums-to-be know about the correct way to wear a seat belt during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is little education provided about correct seat belt wear during pregnancy, but we at Clippasafe want to make sure that as many women know about this as possible. You can find out more on our Seat Belt safety page here. And please share this blog if you know another mum-to-be!

Properly wearing a seat belt during pregnancy is not only safe but also crucial for the protection of both you and your unborn child. The risk of injury to you and your baby in a car accident is significantly reduced when seat belts are worn correctly.

Reviews by Happy Parents
This is the best cupboard lock I’ve ever used. My son is into everything and seems to destroy anything, so we needed something strong that would keep him out of the dangerous cupboards and this is definitely it. It can be a bit fiddly at first (I think it’s because we have curvy handles on the cupboards) but you soon get used to using it and now I don’t even think about it. Easy to fit and looks nice and neat too.

Jayney (verified customer) May 2024

The Penguin Daysack is fabulous. It gives me control and safety of my daughter but with her feeling she has independence and can walk a little ahead of me like a big girl. The backpack is a great size for popping in a snack and couple of nappies in. Or their favourite toy and juice. I like it clips round the front (on their chest) so the day sack isn’t going to come off easily. My daughter likes wearing it as it feels like a backpack to her and not a set of reins. But Mummy loves that she’s always safe but gaining confidence and road safety awareness every time we go out.

Helen (verified customer) May 2024

The Clippasafe Fridge & Freezer Lock has been an absolute God send! Such a clever little gadget! Really easy to install, less than 2 minutes and no tools needed, bonus! Sturdy clasp which catches and locks every time which gives peace of mind each time you’ve been in the fridge. Simple to operate and I’m just wondering why I haven’t had this in my life earlier!

Andy (verified customer) May 2024

I’ve used the Clippasafe Shampoo Shield for about 6 months on two children and it’s still going strong. I love the fact that I can wash my toddler’s hair with little fuss. She tends to pull off anything one puts in her hair and yes she tried to take this off as well until I poured water over her hair! It’s also soft and flexible, making it easy to wear and adjustable for different head sizes.

Temi (verified customer) May 2024

The 22 Piece Home Safety Starter Kit has been an absolute God send! Everything was so easy to install and has stood up to the test of my 11 month old putting all her effort into opening things she shouldn't be! The Door Stoppers have stopped a few accidents already and the Cupboard Locks have stopped her getting into the chemicals. Thank you so much to Clippasafe for helping put this worried mama's mind at rest that my baby is safe!

Charlotte (verified customer) May 2024

The Night Light is absolutely amazing! It's not too bright so it doesn't make your little one fully wake up if they have woken up for a night feed, nappy change or whatever it is. Before we got this night light, my little girl would take so long to fall back to sleep afterwards due to my bright phone torch making her wide awake, but now she settles again pretty much instantly.

Jade (verified customer) May 2024

We’ve found this Child View Mirror so helpful and reassuring, especially during long car journeys. As a mum I have this urge to look at my child in the back every five minutes just to make sure they’re ok. I’m sure a lot of parents can relate to this, but it is dangerous if you’re driving. This mirror takes the risk out of checking on your child and keeps us parents reassured. It’s so easy to use and high quality, I would recommend it to any parent.

Emily (verified customer) May 2024

I was dreading having to lock everything up but Clippasafe's Cabinet Slide Locks are really simple to pop on and off the cupboards. Little man has already tried opening our cupboard in the lounge and luckily these locks have worked well to keep him safe.

Emma (verified customer) May 2024

Great car organiser - value for money, easy to fit, plenty storage pockets plus drink bottle pockets and a clear screen to see tablets or iPads. It’s all round great !

Annabel (verified customer) May 2024