The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Baby Seat Should Know How To Answer
How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly A baby seat (also called a child safety seat or infant car seat car seat) is an approved, crash-tested seat that protects children from harm or death in car collisions. Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight or height limit set by the seat's manufacturer. Installation Ease Even the most premium car seats could be dangerous if not installed correctly. This is why it's one of the most important features to look for in the car seat. It's important to spend the time to understand how to install the car seat and to practice the installation prior to when the baby is born. The first thing you should do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Skip the table of contents and go straight to the index. Locate 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 of the vehicle for child seats. You'll also want to consider whether your car has LATCH systems and what kind of lower anchors it comes with in order to determine if certain seats have different kinds of anchors. The most effective infant car seats feature a system that is easy to use, with clear instructions and a color-change indicator to indicate when the anchors in the lower are in good order. Many models will make a click when they are properly locked, which is another good way to confirm that the seat is secure. If you want to go the extra mile look into buying a seat that has an easy-to-install base that has load legs for additional security. This will prevent the seat from exploding during a crash and also from tipping over when you brake. It is also important to think about the combined weight of the base and the seat. You don't want your heavy, bulky seat to be too heavy to carry. If you're not sure 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 instruct parents and caregivers how to put in car seats safely. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database 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. Many are designed with bases that can be used as an adjustable seat or a carrier. The base is usually a buckled base that stays in the vehicle. A lot of them are light and come with stroller attachments that let parents or caregivers move the sleeping child with no need to wake them. Car seats are designed to meet government standards in accordance with the weight, height and age of the child, with the intention of ensuring safety in a crash. These standards, also referred to as the federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR), serve as guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. A vehicle must pass these tests to be sold in the United States. Many infant seats are made of plastic, especially those that are cheaper. The headrest and harness are designed to absorb the impact of a crash by breaking up the plastic and dissipating the impact. Higher-end models can utilize soft and flexible foam that will better shield children from the shock. EPS foam is often utilized in safety products that must be lightweight and impact resistant, such as car seats and helmets. A good quality car seat should include a 5-point harness that is connected at the hips, shoulders and between the legs. It should also have an over-tether that keeps the child secure in the event of a frontal collision. The straps should have an option that allows them to be tightened and loosened. This can be done by pressing a button or pulling a lever that is located between the knees of the child. If you intend to travel with the car seat often it is important to ensure that it can be used in other vehicles within your family as well. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites that explain how to install their seats into different vehicles in the family. Using Isofix connectors which are built into the seat and connect to the anchor points of the vehicle with just a single click, could make this process easier. Safety A car seat is one of the best methods to ensure that children are safe. Parents are constantly working to shield their children from illnesses or injuries due to bullying, as well as sports injuries. A child restraint system lowers the chance of injury by more than 70% compared with unrestrained adults — but it's only effective if utilized correctly. According to some Canadian and American studies, 73 percent car seats are incorrectly used. Choosing a car seat with 5-point harness is one of the best ways to help ensure that your child is secure in the event of a crash. The 5-point harness helps to distribute the force of a collision over a larger part of the body. This reduces the risk of injury. The harness also keeps the car seat in place, which means it won't move much during a collision and increase the risk of suffering injuries. In addition, the best car seats for infants have padding that is well-padded to protect your child and provide plenty of head support. Some include energy-absorbing foam, or other features to safeguard your baby's head and chest 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 stores because you can't know the history of the car seat or whether it's been involved in a crash. It is also recommended to avoid using a car seat that's older than six years old. Before installing a child's seat, ensure that the latch is securely fastened and the straps are securely secured. Don't let your child wear bulky clothing while they are in the seat. The fabric may compress in an accident, leaving the straps on the harness loose, increasing your child's chance of getting injured. When your child reaches the height and weight limits of a car seat, you'll have to upgrade to a convertible or booster seat. Review the manual of your seat for recommended weights and ages. Reliability A baby car seat, or child safety seat, is a crash-tested device that cradles children and babies while traveling in vehicles. The device secures a child using a safety harness. Some models can cradle them and move with them in an accident, in order to lessen stress on the delicate necks and spine cords. It is important that the baby seat is properly fitted in your vehicle and is properly used every time you drive without any additional products connected. A system that identifies and makes public the unintended effects of consumer or medical products – such as car seats – could prove beneficial for parents. infant car seats best to phase IV trials that study the unknown side effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are marketed this kind of system could collect data from doctors who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage people to report any issues to Transport Canada (9). If you are using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the vehicle belt to attach your car seat for your child, make sure you check the instruction manual to ensure you've done it correctly. Many car seats come with guides to show you how to integrate the seat into your vehicle. Some manufacturers also offer online guides. Consider getting a car seat that has Isofix connectors if you share your vehicle or frequently travel with family members. If you own an older car seat or second-hand model, ensure it hasn't been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Verify that the seat is not damaged or recalls. Follow the directions carefully to ensure that the child can sit up straight and that their knees are able to be bent without difficulty over the edge of the seat, and that they are able to wear a shoulder strap and a lap belt that is low-level on their hips. Some children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a customized car seat that is specifically designed for them. The only secure way to transport these children is in an appropriate car seat designed for them and is installed correctly. For more information, contact your pediatrician or local public health program.