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 car collision.
Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight limit or height set by the seat's manufacturer.
Installation is simple
Car seats must pass strict safety tests to be sold however even the most secure seat could be unsafe when it's not properly installed. Installation is easy, which is one of the most important things to look for when buying a car seat. It's worth the effort to understand the correct ways to install your particular vehicle and to practice installing the seat in a safe empty vehicle before your the baby arrives (or when you have already a toddler).
The first thing you need to do is read the manual for your car seat. Skip the table of contents and proceed to the index. Look for the "child safety seats" section. The exact guidelines will differ based on the brand and model of your vehicle, however the majority of them have a designated area in the back for children's seats.
You'll also want to consider whether your vehicle has LATCH and what type of lower anchors it has in order to determine if certain seats have different kinds of anchors. The most suitable infant car seats will have a system that's simple to use with clear instructions as well as an indicator that changes color to let you know when the lower anchors are in good order. A lot of models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to ensure the safety of the seat.
If you're looking to add security, choose a seat that has an easy to install base and a load leg. This will keep the seat from becoming a projectile during a crash and also from tipping over when braking. You'll also want to think about the combined weight of the base and the seat. If you plan to carry the seat or take it to Grandma's car often, a lightweight design is crucial; you do not want to carry around a heavy, bulky box.
If you're not sure how to install your seat, it might be beneficial to seek guidance from a certified child passenger safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers how to install car seats safely, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of inspection stations.
Simple to 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 are often designed with a base that stays buckled in the vehicle, and snaps in and out to serve as a carrier or convertible seat. Many are lightweight and have stroller attachments that let parents or caregivers to move the sleeping child without waking them up.
The government sets standards for car seats in accordance with weight, height and age to ensure children are protected in an accident. These standards, also referred to as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR) serve as guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. A seat must pass these tests before it is sold in the United States.
Many infant seats, especially those that are priced lower include a harness as well as a headrest made of plastic. They are designed to absorb some of the impact from a crash by crumpling and dispersing the force. The more expensive models could use a soft, flexible foam, which can better protect the child's body from the impact of the collision. The EPS foam is a popular material used in safety devices that need to be lightweight and resistant to impact, such as helmets and car seats.
A good quality car seat should include a 5-point harness that is connected at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also have the top tether, which will ensure the child's safety in the event of an accident. The straps should have a device to tighten and loosen them. It is accessible via an on the seat or by pulling a lever between the child's legs.
Check to see if the car seat is able to fit in the other vehicles of your family If you intend to use it frequently. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites that explain how to fit their seats in different vehicles in the family. This procedure can be made simpler by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into the seats and connect to vehicle anchor points with just a click.
Safety
Parents are often able to shield their children from illness as well as injuries caused by bullies and sports, but one of the most effective ways to ensure that children are safe is to use a car seat. A child restraint system can reduce the chance of injuries by more than 70% when compared to unrestrained adults, but only if used correctly. Unfortunately certain Canadian and American studies report that 73 percent of car seats are being used improperly.
Picking a car seat with five-point harness is one of the best ways to help ensure your baby or toddler will be secured in the event of an accident. The 5-point harness disperses the impact force across more of the body, which means it is less likely to cause injuries. The harness also keeps the car seat firmly in place, which means it won't move much during a collision and increase your child's risk of suffering injuries.
Additionally, the best car seats for infants come with an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child, and offer plenty of head support. infant car seat newborn have special energy-absorbing foam and other features that protect your child's chest and head in the event of a collision with a car.
When you are shopping for a car seat, do not purchase or borrow one from garage sales, flea market and second-hand shops because you don't be sure of the history of the car seat or if it's involved in a crash. Don't use carseats older than six years old.
Before installing a seat for your child, make sure the latch is tight and that the straps are secured. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothes when they are in the seat. The fabric could compress during a crash, leaving the harness straps loose. This increases the risk of injury for your child.
You'll require a booster seat or convertible seat once your child is past the height and weight limit of an infant seat. The instruction manual of the seat will provide the recommended weights and ages.
Reliability
A baby car seat, also known as a 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 seat secures the child with a safety harness. Some models allow them to be cradled and move with them in an accident, in order to lessen the stress on spine cords and necks. It is important that the infant seat fits correctly in your vehicle and is used correctly each time you drive with no extra products connected.
Parents would benefit from a system that identifies unwanted effects of consumer or medical products, like car seats. Similar to phase IV trials that examine unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they have been marketed, such a system could collect data from physicians who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage people to report problems to Transport Canada (9).
Read the manual before installing your child's seat. A lot of car seats come with guides that show you how to install the seat in your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online guides. Consider getting a car seat that has Isofix connectors if sharing your vehicle or often travel with family members.
If you own an older car seat or second-hand one, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Make sure that the car seat has not been damaged or recalled. Take note of the instructions to ensure that the child can sit upright and that their knees can be bent easily over the edge of the seat, and that they are able to wear a shoulder belt and a low-level lap belt on their hips.
Some children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a custom car seat designed specifically for them. It is safest to transport them in a car seat specifically designed for them and that is installed correctly. For more information, call your pediatrician or local public health program.