It can be hard to learn all of the ins and outs of car seats. You have to know what kind to get, how to install it and how to keep your child safe in it.
Rear-Facing
Rear-facing is one of the most beneficial things you can do with your little one’s car seat. Most states require a car seat to remain rear-facing for a minimum of two years.
This is why many people are choosing extended rear-facing for their children. Check the manual of your car seat to see the height and weight limits of how long you can keep your little one rear-facing.
Chest Clip Placement
This is a difficult one for many new parents. The chest clip should sit right below armpit level and go across the sternum of your little one.
Improperly placed chest clips can be extremely dangerous to children. Make sure everyone who puts your child into a car seat is well aware of proper chest clip placement.
Type of Car Seat
Baby seats are the best option for a newborn, though they can only be used for about the first year. An infant typically outgrows this seat when they weigh between 22 and 35 pounds.
The next step is the convertible car seat. These are the most versatile.
Most are considered safe for infants, but they’re the car seat you will use through the toddler years.
Convertible car seats are for both rear and forward-facing children. Most are designed to allow children to rear-face until they are up to 40 pounds and can be used forward-facing up to 60 or 70 pounds.
Last, they will transition into a booster seat. Always check your car seat manual for exact numbers on when to transition your child.
Most states require children to be in car seats of some kind until at least age seven, or they are at least 4’9” tall.
Installation
There are two different ways to install a car seat. If your car is a 2002 or more recent, you have the hooks to install your car seat with LATCH. LATCH is a simple install that doesn’t require you to use your car’s seat belt.
This is considered the optimal way to install your car seat. However, seats can still be installed using the seat belt as well.
If you’re having difficulty with installation, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Association to find an inspection station near you.
Coats
If you live in a cold area, this can be a difficult one. You have to bundle your baby to get to the car, but no bulky clothing can be worn when they’re in the car seat.
It cannot be sufficiently tightened when your child is wearing thick clothing. Instead, you can cover them with blankets in the car to keep your little one warm.
Car seat safety is a little tricky, but it’s an important thing to learn to keep children safe. Follow these tips to ensure your little one is safe and to give yourself peace of mind.
Nobody can plan for an accident, however, having the proper car seat can help save your child’s life. If you are in an accident, don’t hesitate to obtain lawsuit funding.
Regardless of your family’s savings, you should be able to get justice when your little ones are in peril. Hopefully, you won’t have to know first-hand the importance of a safe car seat.
A good car seat requires use with a good car to make sure the seat fits well and it’s adjustable if need be. Check out some of the best cars to install baby car seats.
