Three Greatest Moments In Baby Seat History
How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly
A baby seat (also known as a child safety seat, infant car seat or car seat) is an approved, crash-tested seat that shields children from harm or death in car collisions.
Babies should use rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight or height limit that is set by the manufacturer of their seat.
Easy Installation
Car seats must pass stringent safety tests to be sold, but even the best seat could be unsafe if it's not installed correctly. It is therefore one of the most important factors to look for when purchasing car seats. It's worth the effort to study the right installation methods for your specific vehicle and to practice fitting the seat in a secure, empty car before baby arrives (or in the case of already a toddler).
The first thing you must do is read the manual for your car seat. You can skip the Table of Contents and go straight to the index and find the "child safety seat" section. The exact directions for installing your car seat will depend on the model and make of your vehicle. model, but all cars have a designated area in the rear where children's seats can be placed.
Check if your car is equipped with LATCH systems and what lower anchors are available. Different seats require different anchors. The most suitable infant car seats will include a system that is easy to use with clear instructions as well as an indicator that changes color to let you know when the lower anchors are connected properly. Many models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to ensure the seat's security.
If you're looking to go the extra mile, consider purchasing seats that have an easy-to-install base that has an extra load leg for safety. This will keep the seat from becoming a projectile during a crash and also from tipping over when braking. Also, you should consider the combined weight of the base and the seat. If you're planning to carry the seat around or take it to Grandma's place frequently, a light-weight design is crucial; you don't want to be lugging around a bulky, heavy product.
If you're unsure how to install your car seat, it could be beneficial to seek guidance from a trained child passenger safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers the correct procedure to install car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also maintains a list 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 an adjustable seat or a carrier. The base is usually a buckled base that stays in the vehicle. Many are lightweight and include stroller attachments to allow parents or caregivers to move their sleeping child from one vehicle to another without disturbing them up.
The government sets standards for car seats that are based on height, weight and age to ensure children are safe in an accident. These standards, referred to as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR), serve as guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. A seat must pass all of these tests to be sold in the United States.
Many infant seats, especially the lower priced ones come with a harness and headrest made of plastic that is designed to absorb a portion of the impact of a crash by crumpling and dispersing the force. The more expensive models could use a soft, flexible foam, which will better shield the child's body from the shock of the collision. The EPS foam is typically utilized in safety products that must be lightweight and resistant to impact, such as car seats and helmets.
A high-quality car seat should have five-point harnesses that attach at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also include an upper tether to help keep the child safe in the case of a collision with a vehicle. The straps should be equipped with an option to tighten or loosen them, which is accessible via pressing a button on the seat or by pulling a lever between the legs of the child.
Make sure the car seat is able to fit in other vehicles in your family If you intend to use it regularly. Some manufacturers have instructions on their websites that show how to install their seats into different family cars. This process can be made even easier by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into the seats and connect to anchor points on the vehicle with just a a click.
Safety
Parents are often able to protect their children from illnesses as well as injuries caused by bullies and sports, but one of the most important ways to keep kids safe is by using car seats. A child's restraint can cut down the chance of injuries by 70% when as compared to adults who aren't restrained. However, it is only effective when it is used properly. Unfortunately certain Canadian and American studies show that 73% of car seats are used improperly.
Selecting a car seat that has 5-point harness is among the best ways to ensure your baby or toddler is secure in the event of an accident. The 5-point harness distributes the impact force across a larger area of the body, so it is less likely to cause injuries. The harness holds the car seat in position so that it won't move during a collision, which increases the risk of injury to your child.
The most effective infant car seats have a well padded seat that cushions your child and provides plenty of head support. Some even have special energy-absorbing foam and other features to protect your child's chest and head in a side impact accident.
When you are shopping for a car seat do not purchase or borrow one from garage sales, flea market and second-hand stores since you don't be sure of the history of the car seat or if it's been involved in a crash. Do not use a car seat older than six years.
Before installing the seat for a child, 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 can compress in a crash, leaving the straps of the harness loose. This increases the chance of injury for your child.
You'll require a booster or convertible seat when your child is past the weight and height limits of an infant seat. The manual of the seat will list 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 device secures the child with the safety harness. Some models allow them to be cradled and move along with them during a crash, to reduce the stress on necks and spine cords. It is vital that the child seat is properly fitted into your vehicle, and that it is used correctly each time you drive.
A system that identifies and communicates the unintended adverse effects of medical or consumer products - such as car seats - could prove valuable for parents. A system like this could collect data from doctors who diagnose injuries caused by car seats, and encourage patients to seek out Transport Canada (9).
Make sure you read the instruction manual prior to installing your child's car seat. A lot of car seats come with guides that will show you how to fit the seat into your vehicle. Some manufacturers also have online guides. If you're sharing your car or travel with other family members often, consider buying a child's seat that has Isofix connectors for easier installation.
If you have an older car seat or second-hand one, make sure it hasn't been involved in any recent serious or moderate crashes. Make sure it has not been recalled or damaged and go through the instruction manual thoroughly to ensure that the child is able to sit upright and bend their knees comfortably 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 shoulder belts across their chest and mid-chest (9).
Some children have physical or behavioral issues that require a custom-made car seat. The only method to transport these children is in the seat specially designed for them and installed properly. For more information, contact your pediatrician or local public health program.