Baby Seat: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly A baby seat is a crash tested controlled seat that safeguards children in the event of a car collision. Babies should ride in 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 strict safety tests to be sold however even the most secure seat could be unsafe if it's not installed correctly. It is therefore one of the most important things to look for when purchasing car seats. It is important to spend the time to learn how to install the seat in your vehicle and to practice the installation before the baby arrives. The first thing you should do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Do not read the Table of Contents and head to the index and find the “child safety seat” section—the exact instructions for installing your car seat will depend on the model and make of your vehicle. model, but all cars have a specific location in the rear where children's seats can be placed. You'll also want to consider whether your vehicle has a LATCH system and what kind of anchors it has for lower because some seats have different kinds of anchors. The most suitable infant car seats will have a system that's user-friendly with clear instructions and a color-change indicator to inform you that the anchors on the lower side are properly connected. Many models will make a click when they are properly locked, which is another excellent way to ensure that the seat is secure. If you're looking for a way to improve your security, choose a seat with an easy-to install base and a load leg. This prevents the seat from being an object of destruction in the event of a crash, and also prevents it from tipping over during the braking. Also, you should consider the weight of the base and seat together. If you plan to carry the seat or take it to Grandma's place frequently, a light-weight design is crucial; you don't want to carry around an extra-heavy, bulky product. If you're not sure about how to set up your car seat, it could be beneficial to seek guidance from a certified child safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers on how to install car seats safely, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of inspection stations. Easy of Use A baby seat is also known as a car seat or infant safety seat. It's designed to protect and cradle the smallest of children. A majority of them have a base which can be used as an convertible seat or a carrier. The base is typically one with a buckle that remains in the vehicle. They are often lightweight and come with stroller attachments that allow parents or caregivers to move the asleep child without disturbing them up. Car seats are designed to meet government standards that are based on the height, weight and age of the child, with the goal of ensuring their safety in the event of a crash. These standardizations, called federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR), are the guidelines that guide manufacturers in the create and test their products. To be sold in the United States, a seat must pass these tests. Many 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 breaking up the plastic and dissipating it. The higher-end models might use a soft, flexible foam that can better protect the body of the child from the shock of the crash. The EPS foam is typically utilized in safety products that must be light and impact resistant, such as helmets and car seats. A good car seat should include a 5-point harness that is connected at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also have an upper tether to ensure the child's safety in the event of an impact. The straps should be equipped with a device to tighten and loosen them, which can be controlled by pressing a button on the seat or by pulling a lever between the child's legs. Check that the car seat will fit in the other vehicles in your family, if you plan to use it often. Some manufacturers have guides online that show how their seats can fit in various family cars. This procedure can be made easier by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into seats and connect to vehicle anchor points with just one click. Safety A car seat is among the most effective ways to keep children safe. Parents work hard to shield their children from illnesses, bullying and sports injuries. A child's restraint can cut down the risk of injuries by 70% when compared to adults who are not restrained. However, it only works if it is used correctly. However, according to a few Canadian and American studies, 73 percent of car seats are improperly used. Selecting a car seat that has five-point harness is one of the best ways to ensure that your child will be safe in the event of an accident. The 5-point harness disperses the impact of a collision over an entire area of the body, meaning it is less likely to cause injury. The harness also keeps the car seat in place, so it won't shift too much during a collision and increase your child's risk of suffering injuries. Additionally, the top infant car seats have an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child and offer plenty of head support. Some have special energy-absorbing foams and other features to protect your baby's head and chest in a side impact accident. Avoid buying or borrowing car seats from garage sales, flea markets or second-hand shops since you don't know the history of the seat or if it was involved in an accident. It is also recommended to avoid using a car seat that's older than six years old. Before installing the seat for a child, ensure that the latch is secured and the straps are secure. Don't also put your child in bulky clothing or coats while riding in the seat. travel infant car seat could compress during an accident and leave the harness straps loose, thereby increasing your child's risk of injury. When your child reaches the weight and height limits of a baby car seat, you'll need to upgrade to a convertible or booster seat. The manual for the seat will list recommended weights and ages. Reliability A baby car seat, or child safety seat is a device that has been tested for crash that is designed to hold children and babies while travelling in vehicles. The seat holds the child in place using the harness and, in some models, is cradled and moves along with them in the event of a crash, reducing strain on their necks and spinal cords. It is vital that the child's seat fits correctly into your vehicle, and is used correctly every time you drive. A system that detects and communicates the unintended adverse effects of medical or consumer products – like car seats – would be beneficial for parents. Similar to phase IV trials that study unknown side effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they have been marketed this kind of system could gather data from physicians who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage patients to report problems to Transport Canada (9). If you are using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt for your vehicle to install your child's car seat, check the manual to make sure it's done right. A lot of car seats come with guides that will show you how to install the seat in your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online tutorials. Consider getting a car seat with Isofix connectors if sharing your vehicle or frequently travel with family members. If you own an older or second-hand car seat, ensure that it has been involved in no recent moderate or severe crashes. Check that the car seat has not been 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 easily over the edge of the seat, and that they are able to wear a shoulder belt and an un-level lap belt on their hips. Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral conditions that require a customized car seat specifically designed for children with special needs. It is recommended to transport these children in a special car seat designed for them and properly installed. Talk to your pediatrician or the local public health programs to learn more.