“Ask Me Anything”: Ten Answers To Your Questions About Baby Seat
How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly A baby seat is a crash-tested and regulated seat that protects children in the event of a collision. Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight or height limit set by the seat's manufacturer. Easy Installation Car seats must pass strict safety tests before they can be sold However, even the best seat could be unsafe if it's not installed correctly. This is why the it's one of the most important characteristics to look for in car seats. It's important to take the time to learn how to install the seat in your vehicle and to practice the installation before the baby arrives. The first thing you need to do is read the manual for your car seat. Do not read the table of contents and go straight to the index. Find the “child safety seats” section. The exact instructions will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle, but the majority have a place in the back of the vehicle for children's seats. You should also consider whether your vehicle has a LATCH system and what kind of anchors it has for lower in order to determine if certain seats have different kinds of anchors. The most suitable infant car seats will include a system that is simple to use with clear instructions and a color-change indicator to indicate when the anchors in the lower are connected properly. A lot of models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to verify the security of the seat. If you're looking to increase your security, consider purchasing seats that have an easy-to install base and a load leg. This will prevent the seat from turning into a projectile in the event of a crash, and also from tipping over when braking. In addition, you need to consider the weight of the base and the seat together. You don't want a large, bulky seat to be too heavy to carry. If you're unsure how to set up your child's safety seat, you might consider asking for guidance from a certified child safety technician. They are trained to show parents and caregivers the proper way to install car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also maintains a list of inspection stations. Easy of Use A baby seat, also known as an infant safety seat or car seat, is designed to cradle and safeguard the smallest of children. They typically have the base that is secured in the vehicle and snaps out to serve as a carrier or convertible seat. Many are lightweight and come with stroller attachments that let parents or caregivers move the sleeping child without waking them. Car seats are designed to meet government standards based on the weight, height and age of the child, with the aim of keeping them safe in the event of a collision. These standards, also known as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR) serve as guidelines for manufacturers when they are designing and testing their products. A car seat must pass these tests before it can be sold in the United States. A lot of infant seats are made of plastic, particularly ones that are less expensive. The headrest and the harness are designed to absorb the impact of a crash, by crushing the plastic and dispersing it. The more expensive models could utilize soft, more flexible foam, which will better protect the child's body from the impact of the crash. It is a typical material used in safety equipment that require to be light and impact-resistant, such as car seats and helmets. A good car seat should include a 5-point harness that connects at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also include an over-tether that keeps the child safe in the case of a collision with a vehicle. The straps should have an instrument that allows them to be adjusted in tension and loosen. This can be done by pressing a button or pulling a lever between the knees of the child. If you plan to travel with the car seat often it is important to ensure that it can be used in other vehicles within your family also. Some manufacturers offer instructions on their websites that show how to install their seats into various family vehicles. The use of Isofix connectors which are built into the seat and connect to the vehicle's anchor points with one click, can simplify the process. Safety A car seat is among the best ways to protect children. Parents work hard to protect them from illnesses or injuries due to bullying, as well as sports injuries. A child's restraint can cut down the chance of injuries by 70% when compared to adults who are not restrained. However, it only works when it is used properly. Unfortunately there are some Canadian and American studies report that 73% of car seats are being used in a way that isn't. Choosing infant car seat in front seat with five-point harness is among the best ways to ensure your baby or toddler will be safe in the event of an accident. The 5-point harness assists in spread the force of a collision across a larger portion of the body. This reduces the likelihood of injuries. The harness also keeps the car seat firmly in place, which means it won't shift too much during a crash and increase the risk of suffering injuries. The most effective infant car seats come with a cushioned seat that is comfortable for your child and offers plenty of head support. Some come with energy-absorbing foam or other features to protect your baby's chest and head in the event of a collision with a car. Don't buy or borrow a car seat from garage sales, flea markets or second-hand shops because you don't know what it's been used for or if it's been in an accident. It is also recommended to be wary of using a seat that's more than six years old. Before installing a child's seat make sure the latch is tightened and the straps are secured. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothing when they are in the seat. The fabric could compress during an accident and leave the straps on the harness loose, putting your child at a greater risk of risk of injury. You'll need a booster or convertible seat when your child has reached the height and weight limit of an infant seat. The manual of the seat will list recommended weights and ages. Reliability A baby car seat, or child safety seat is a safety device that has been crash-tested that is designed to hold children and babies while travelling in vehicles. The device holds the child in place using a harness and, in certain models, it can be used to cradle them and move along with them in a crash to reduce strain on their necks and spinal cords. It is essential that the child seat fits correctly into your vehicle and is used correctly each time you drive. Parents would benefit from a system that identifies unintended consequences of consumer or medical products, like car seats. Similar to phase IV trials that study unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are sold, such a system could collect data from physicians who diagnose injuries caused by car seats and encourage users to report any issues to Transport Canada (9). If you're using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt for your vehicle to attach your child's car seat, check the manual to ensure that it's done correctly. A lot of car seats come with manuals to show you how to install the seat in your vehicle. Some manufacturers also provide online tutorials. Consider buying a car seat with Isofix connectors if you share your vehicle or often travel with family members. If you have an older car seat, or a second-hand one, ensure that it has not been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Check that it has never been recalled or damaged and go through the instruction manual thoroughly to make sure the child is able to sit upright and flex their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and that they can wear a lap strap on their hips and a shoulder belt across their chest and mid-chest (9). Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a customized car seat designed specifically for children with special needs. The only way to transport these children is in an appropriate car seat made for them and installed correctly. Talk to your pediatrician or the local public health departments to learn more.