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.
Easy Installation
Even the most premium car seats can be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. Easy installation is therefore one of the most important factors to look for when buying a car seat. It is important to spend the time to learn how to install the car seat and to practice the installation before the baby is born.
The first thing you must do is read the manual for your car seat. Do not read the Table of Contents and head straight to the index and locate the "child safety seat" section. The exact steps for installing your car seat will depend on your vehicle make and model, but most vehicles have a specific location in the rear where child seats can be installed.
You should also consider whether your car is equipped with LATCH and what type of lower anchors it has, as some seats use different types. The best infant car seats will include a system that is easy to use with clear instructions as well as a color-change indicator to let you know when the anchors in the lower are in good order. Many models will make a click when properly locked this is a great method to verify the safety of the seat.
If you're looking to go the extra mile and buy a seat that has an easy-to-install base with an extra load leg for security. This will keep the seat from becoming a projectile during the event of a crash, and also from tipping over during braking. In addition, you need to take into consideration the weight of the seat and base together. If you intend to carry the seat or take it to Grandma's place frequently, a light style is important; you don't want to be lugging around an extra-heavy, bulky package.
If you're unsure the best way to install your child's safety seat, you may consider asking for help from a certified child safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers how to install car seats in a safe manner, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a list of inspection stations.
Easy to Use
A baby seat, also referred to as an infant safety seat or car seat, is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children. A lot of them are equipped with a base which can be used as a convertible seat or carrier. The base is typically one with a buckle that remains in the vehicle. Many are lightweight and have stroller attachments that permit parents or caregivers to take the child from one vehicle to the next without waking them up.
The government sets standards for car seats based on weight, height, and age to ensure that children are protected in an accident. These standards, referred to as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR), serve as guidelines for manufacturers when they are designing and testing their products. To be sold in the United States, a seat must pass these tests.
Many infant seats, particularly those that are priced lower, have a harness and headrest constructed of plastic. It is designed to absorb some of the impact of an accident by crumpling and dissipating the force. Higher-end models can utilize soft and flexible foam that will better protect the child from the impact. EPS foam is commonly used in safety products that must be lightweight and resistant to impact like helmets and car seats.
A safe car seat should have a 5-point harness. It should connect at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also have an over-tether that keeps the child safe in the case of a collision with a vehicle. The straps should be equipped with an option that allows them to be tightened and loosened. This can be accomplished by pressing an appropriate button or pulling a lever that is located between the child's knees.
If you intend to travel with your car seat frequently make sure it is compatible with other vehicles within your family, too. There are guides from manufacturers online which show how their seats can fit in various family cars. This procedure can be made simpler by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into seats and connect to anchor points on the vehicle with just a one click.
Safety
Parents are often able to shield their children from illness, bullies and sports injuries, but one of the most effective methods to protect children is by using a car seat. A child restraint system lowers the chance of injuries by more than 70% compared with adult restraints, but it's only effective if it is used properly. Unfortunately certain Canadian and American studies show that 73 percent of car seats are utilized incorrectly.
The best way to make sure that your toddler or child is secure in the event of an accident is to select a car seat equipped with a five-point safety harness. The 5-point harness assists in distribute the force of a collision over a larger part of the body. This reduces the likelihood of injury. The harness keeps the car seat in position so that it won't move during a collision, which increases the chance of injury for your child.
In addition, the best car seat s for infants come with padding that is well-padded to protect your child and offer plenty of head support. Some even have special energy-absorbing foam as well as other features to protect your baby's chest and head in the event of a collision with a car.
When shopping for a car seat, do not purchase or borrow one from garage sales, flea market and second-hand shops because you don't know the car seat's history or if it's involved in a crash. Also, avoid using a car seat that's older than six years old.
Before installing a child's seat ensure that 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 a crash, leaving the straps on the harness loose. This increases the risk of injury for your child.
You'll require a booster seat or convertible seat when your child has reached the weight and height limits of an infant seat. The manual for the seat will include recommended weights and ages.
Reliability
A child safety seat or a car seat is a crash tested device that can be used to secure infants and children in cars. The device secures a child using a safety harness. Some models allow them to be cradled and move along with them during an accident, in order to lessen stress on the delicate necks and spine cords. It is vital that the child seat is fitted correctly to your vehicle, and that it is utilized correctly each time you drive.
Parents would benefit from a system that can detect unintended effects of medical or consumer products, such as car seats. Similar to the phase IV trials which study unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are sold this kind of system could collect data from doctors who treat injuries from car seats and encourage patients to report issues to Transport Canada (9).
If you're using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt for your vehicle to install your child's car seat, check the manual to make sure that it's done correctly. Many car seats come with manuals to help you install the seat in your vehicle and many manufacturers also provide online tutorials. If you're sharing your vehicle or travel with other family members frequently, consider getting a baby seat that has Isofix connectors to make installation easier.
If you own an older or second-hand car seat make sure it has not been involved in any recent serious or moderate crashes. Check that it has never been recalled or damaged and read the instruction manual carefully to make sure the child is able to sit upright, bend their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and that they are able to safely wear a lap belt that is low on their hips and a the shoulder belt across their chest and mid-chest (9).
Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral issues that require a customized car seat designed specifically for their needs. The only method of transporting these children is in a seat that is specially designed for them and is installed properly. Talk to your pediatrician and local public health departments to learn more.