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 collision.
Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight or height limit allowed by their seat's manufacturer.
Easy Installation
Even the most premium car seats can be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. Installation is easy, which is one of the most important factors to look out for when buying a car seat. It's worth taking the time to understand the correct installation methods for your specific vehicle and to practice installing the seat in a safe empty vehicle before your the baby arrives (or if you have already a toddler).
The first thing you must do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Skip the Table of Contents and go straight to the index and find 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 back where the child seat can be put in.
It is also important to determine whether your vehicle has LATCH and what type of anchors it has for lower in order to determine if certain seats have different kinds of anchors. The most effective infant car seats feature a system that is simple to use with clear instructions as well as an indicator that changes color to let you know that the anchors on the lower side are in good order. A lot of models will click when properly locked this is a great method to verify the seat's security.
If you're looking to increase your security, consider purchasing a seat with an easy-to install base and load leg. This will keep the seat from being a projectile in the event of a crash, and it will also prevent it from tipping during braking. It is also important to consider the combined weight of the base and the seat. You don't want a large or bulky seat to be too difficult to carry.
If you're not sure how to install your car seat, it could be helpful to seek advice from a trained child passenger safety technician. They are trained to instruct parents and caregivers how to put in car seats safely, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a directory of inspection stations.
Simple to Use
A baby seat can also be known as an infant car seat or safety seat. It is designed to safeguard and hold the smallest of children. A majority of them have an underlying base that can be used as a convertible seat or carrier. The base is typically an adjustable buckle that is kept in the vehicle. They are often lightweight and have stroller attachments that allow parents or caregivers move the sleeping child without waking them up.
Car seats are designed to comply with government standards that are based on the weight, height and age of the child, with the goal of ensuring safety in the event of a crash. These standardizations, also known as federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR) are the guidelines that guide manufacturers in the create and test their products. A seat must pass all of these tests before it is sold in the United States.
A lot of infant seats are made of plastic, particularly those that are cheaper. The harness and headrest are designed to absorb the impact of a crash by crumpling the plastic and dissipating it. The higher-end models may use softer and more flexible foam that will better shield children from the shock. The EPS foam is a popular material used in safety equipment that need to be lightweight and impact-resistant, such as car seats and helmets.
A safe car seat should come with a 5-point harness. It should be connected at the shoulders, hips and also between the legs. It should also have an upper tether to ensure the child's safety in the event of an accident. The straps should have a device to tighten and loosen them, which can be controlled by pressing a button on the seat or by pulling an arm between the child's legs.
Check to see if the car seat can fit in other vehicles in your family, If you intend to use it frequently. Certain manufacturers provide instructions on their websites that explain how to fit their seats in different family vehicles. This process can be made simpler with the use of Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into the seats and connect to anchor points of the vehicle with a a click.
Safety
Parents often work hard to shield their children from illnesses, bullies and sports injuries however, one of the most effective ways to keep kids safe is by using a car seat. A child restraint can reduce the chance of injuries by 70% when compared to adults who are not restrained. However, it only works if it is used correctly. Unfortunately there are some Canadian and American studies indicate that 73 percent of car seats are being used in a way that isn't.
The best way to make sure that your child or toddler is secure in the event of an accident to choose a car seat that has a five-point safety harness. The 5-point harness disperses the impact of a collision over more of the body, which means it is less likely to cause injury. The harness holds the car seat in position so that it doesn't move around in the event of a collision, thereby increasing the chance of injury for your child.
In addition, the best car seats for infants have an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child and offer plenty of head support. Some come with energy-absorbing foam or other features that protect your baby's head and chest in a side-impact accident.
Avoid buying or borrowing a car seat at garage sales, flea markets or second-hand shops because you don't know its history or if it was involved in an accident. Don't use carseats older than six years.
Before installing a child's seat, ensure that the latch is tightened and the straps are secured. Also, don't put your child in bulky clothing or coats when they're riding in the seat. The fabric can shrink in an accident, leaving the straps of the harness loose, putting your child at a greater risk of danger of injury.
You'll need a booster or convertible seat once your child is past the weight and height limits of an infant seat. The manual of the seat will provide recommended weights and ages.
Reliability
A baby car seat , or child safety seat is a safety device that has been crash-tested that cradles children and babies while traveling in vehicles. The device secures children using a safety harness. Some models cradle them and move with them during a crash, to reduce stress on the delicate necks and spine cords. It is crucial that the infant seat is properly fitted in your vehicle and is properly used every time you drive, with no additional accessories connected.
A system that can detect and publicizes unintended side effects of medical or consumer products - such as car seats - could prove valuable for parents. Similar to phase IV trials that examine the unknown side effects of pharmaceuticals after they are marketed in a way, such a system could gather information from doctors who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage patients to report issues to Transport Canada (9).
Whether you use the LATCH (lower attachment) or the vehicle belt to install your car seat for your child, make sure you check the instruction manual to ensure you've done it correctly. A lot of car seats come with guides that will show you how to install the seat into your vehicle. A lot of manufacturers offer online guides. You should consider buying a car seat that has Isofix connectors if you share your vehicle or frequently travel with family members.
If you have an older or second-hand car seat ensure that it has been involved in no recent severe or moderate crashes. Verify that the seat has not been damaged or removed from the market. Follow the directions carefully to ensure that your child can sit upright and that their knees are able to be bent easily over the edge of the seat, and that they can wear a shoulder belt and a low-level lap belt on their hips.
Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral issues that require a specially-designed car seat designed specifically for their needs. It is recommended to transport these children in a special car seat designed for them and installed correctly. For more information, contact your pediatrician or local public health program.