In this article you will be provided with information about baby car
seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for
buying new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked
questions about car seats are provided as well.
Q. What is the best baby car seat?
The
best car seat is the one that matches your baby's size and weight. It
also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.
Q. What types of baby car seats are available?
There
are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing
car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can
face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each
type of seat there are variations.
Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?
A
five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it
holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield
or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of
chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious
injury to your baby.
Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby's car seat?
All
car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions.
If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly
install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations
and hospitals have assistance programsas well.
Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?
Yes,
there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat.
How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age
and size of your baby.
For children under a year of age they should
be placed in rear-facing seats in the centerof the rear seat. Older
children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind
the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.
Q. What is LATCH?
LATCH
refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat
installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of
the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made
of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car
seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby's head in crashes.
Q. What is a Tether?
The
tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches
to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a
crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby's head,
reducing the severity of injuries.
Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?
Your
child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he
can sitall the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably
over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the
neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your
child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.
Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?
Yes
it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved
car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane
seats. Call ahead and find out ifyour seat is an approved seat. Once on
the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assistyou.
Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?
Yes
it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety
check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should
be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline
easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history
of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to
safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat doesn't
come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be
properly installed.If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it,
it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new
model cars.
Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?
In
most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what
to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it
for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts
also at no cost to you.
Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?
Children
with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss
your options with your pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have
programs and information on baby car seats for special needs children.
Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?
There
are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness
has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch.
The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips
and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at
the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and
latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses are the five or
six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in
crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too
much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a
crash.
In Conclusion
You can never go wrong if you err on
the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of
your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will
purchase. This article has provided you with a number of tips to keep
your baby safe while riding with you in the car.
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