Choosing a Baby Car Seat
A baby car seat is among the most important investments you'll make as a new parent. Learn about the various types of car seats to help you select the best one for your family.
Many baby car seats can be easily transformed into strollers to take trips around town. Take note of this feature if you plan to use the seat for Uber or other ridesharing services.
Safety
Parents do their best to safeguard their children from illnesses as well as injuries caused by bullies and sports however, one of the most important aspects of ensuring the safety of your child is ensuring they are secure in a car seat during road trips. A car accident is the number one cause of death for youngsters and infants, and many of these deaths could be prevented by using the child safety seat.
The car seat is designed to protect your child's neck and head in the event of an accident. The seats also keep your child away from the hot engine air and also prevent them from being thrown about the interior of your car.
Choose a harness with five points that attaches to the child's shoulders, crotch and hips. This will offer the maximum protection. Many seats also come with side-impact protection which adds an additional layer of protection that helps absorb shock and disperse the force of a crash.
Whatever infant car seats on sale of seat you choose be sure to follow the instructions for installation before using it. If you're not sure, visit an inspection station for assistance from a certified child passenger safety technician. They will show you how to properly install your seat and ensure that it is in compliance with the safety standards of motor vehicles in the United States.
Take into consideration your budget, since car seats can be expensive. If you are unable to pay for a new car seat, ask your friends and family members with children for advice. They might have a car seat you can borrow for a short period of time.
It is advisable to purchase a new car seat if you plan to purchase one. Used ones may have been involved in accidents and are more likely to have issues that could put your child's safety in danger.
Never leave your child unattended in the car seat. Place the seat on something flat such as a couch or chair. Do not set it on a counter. And don't hang toys from the seat handle - they could explode when they crash, and hurt or kill your child.
Comfort
It's important to think about how your baby will feel in the car. The padding and the materials used in the seat and also your local weather and temperature will affect how comfortable your child is. For example the merino-wool-filled seat can be cozy for infants in winter months, but uncomfortable for an older infant during summer. It is important to try a few seats prior to making a decision. Reviewing reviews can provide you with an idea of how comfy they are.
Infants and newborns are the most sensitive to discomfort in the car seat. Their neck muscles aren't strong enough to keep their heads up straight when traveling, and so they tend to drool and slouch forward. Because of this, it's essential to make sure the harness straps fit snugly over their shoulders, without gaps or pinching on any part of the body. Also, ensure that the chest clip is at the armpit or lower. The bulky outer layers of winter coats may also interfere with the proper fit of the harness, so be sure to dress your baby in thin lightweight clothing when needed.
When your child has grown out of their infant seat they can be transferred to a group 1 or 2 seat to ensure safety and comfort. These seats use the seat belt of the vehicle or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system (LATCH) to secure them in the back seat. They also have an anchor to keep the seat stable. Depending on the age of your child they may be able to take advantage of extra features in these seats that include adjustable body and head support or inserts for infants that are built-in.
You should look for features that are easy to use, such as easy-to grip handles, simple buckles and harness adjustments. Also, a seat release button should be placed easily. The easier it is to use a car seat, the more likely parents will be to utilize it properly. This can help ensure that your children are safe.
Easy Installation
Car seats are an essential part of ensuring your child's safety in the car, but they only provide protection if they're used properly. In reality, more than half of children killed in car accidents aren't properly restrained (FARS: Fatality Analysis Reporting System). Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and the vehicle's manual to ensure that your child's car seat is as safe for use as is possible. If you aren't confident in installing your own car seat, seek help from an accredited Child Passenger Safety Technician. These experts can offer hands-on assistance and can help you learn how to properly install and use your infant car seat, and other kinds of child safety seats.
You can prevent yourself from lots of stress by learning about the car seat prior to your baby arrives. Becoming familiar with the car seat's features and mechanisms will make it much easier to put in and remove the baby's seat when needed. To become familiar with your car seat, you should perform a test run before the arrival of your baby.
If you are installing the seat yourself, make sure to do it on a flat surface. Most baby car seats have bubble indicators to show whether the seat has been properly installed. Some seats also have a locking mechanism that prevents the seat from moving when you drive. Also, make sure that the base of your car is securely attached and that the locking devices are secured.
Once the car seat is installed, take a look at it and see whether there are any bends in the harness straps or LATCH attachments. Twists in the LATCH straps or harness straps could compromise the safety and integrity of the car seat.
Also, do not put your child in the car seat with coats. It is easy for the buckle to grab and take the child out of the car seat if there's an abrupt stop or turn. This is especially true for snowsuits that create too much slack in the harness and can lead to a risky situation in an accident.
Design
The most well-designed car seats have top safety ratings to protect your child if an accident happens. Certain car seats come with features that are helpful for new parents. For instance, an indicator light to show the safety of the harness and a quick release buckle. Some infant car seats have the ability to carry a handle, which makes it easier to carry your child into and out of the car without disturbing them. Some infant car seats can be used as part of a travel system that integrates seamlessly with a stroller for babies to facilitate the transition between your vehicle and your destination.
The best-designed car seats are made of premium plastics such as polypropylene, that flexes under pressure in order to absorb impacts and ensure the child's safety. The plastic is shipped in small pieces to the factory, where it is made into shells for seat and other components. Many car seat manufacturers work with companies that specialize in the production of smaller parts, such as buckle latch plates and belt adjusters. They are typically made of steel. Indiana Mills, for example manufactures buckles and adjustment mechanisms which are used by a majority of American car seat brands.
A tight, snug fit is a crucial aspect of a car safety seat. The seat should be snug enough that you can't squeeze more than a finger under the straps once they're tightened. However, it shouldn't feel too tight that your baby is uncomfortable. Always read the instruction manual to find out how to set up a car seat properly.
Another factor to consider is the number of slots in the harness. A proper number of harness slots will ensure that your child is comfortable and safe in the seat. This increases security. A variety of baby car seats are available, from simple basics to high-end luxurious options.
Choosing the best infant car seat for your family will be contingent on a number of factors such as your budget and the type of vehicle you own and your child's requirements. An all-in-one car seat is a great option for many families because it can be used by your baby from birth to the booster seat stage, removing the need to purchase several car seats.