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 vehicle collision.
Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight limit or height that is set by the manufacturer of their seat.
Ease of Installation
Car seats must pass stringent safety tests before being sold However, even the best seat can be unsafe when it's not properly installed. This is why it's one of the most important features to look for in the car seat. It is important to spend the time to understand how to install the seat in your car and to practice the installation before the baby arrives.
The first step is to read the car seat manual. 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 the make and model, however, most cars have a specific location in the rear where child seats can be installed.
Consider whether your vehicle has LATCH systems, and which lower anchors are available. Different types of seats require different anchors. The most suitable infant car seats will feature a system that is user-friendly, with clear instructions and 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 sound when they are properly locked, which is another method to verify that the seat is secure.
If you're looking for a way to improve your safety, buy seats that have an easy-to install base and a load leg. This will stop the seat from turning into a projectile in a crash and also from tipping over when braking. It is also important to consider the combined weight of the base and the seat. You don't want your heavy and bulky seat that is too difficult to carry.
If you're unsure the best way to install your child's safety seat, you might be able to ask for help from an accredited child safety technician. They are trained to show parents and caregivers the correct method of installing car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also keeps a list of inspection stations.
User-Friendliness
A baby seat, also referred to as an infant safety seat or car seat is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children. They usually have a base that stays buckled in the vehicle and snaps out to be used as a car seat or a convertible seat. A lot of them are light and come with stroller attachments that permit parents or caregivers to move the sleeping child from one vehicle to another without disturbing them.
Car seats are designed to meet federal standards in accordance with the weight, height and age of the child, with the aim of keeping them safe in the event of a collision. These standardizations, also known as federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR), are the guidelines used by manufacturers as they create and test their products. A car seat must pass these tests before it can be sold in the United States.
Many infant seats are constructed of plastic, particularly those that are cheaper. The headrest and harness are designed to absorb the impact of a crash by crumpling the plastic and dissipating it. The higher-end models may use soft and flexible foam that can better shield the child from the impact. It is a typical material used in safety equipment that require a lightweight and withstand impact, like car seats and helmets.
A high-quality car seat should come with five-point harnesses that attach at the hips, shoulders and between the legs. It should also include a top tether to keep the child secure in the event of a frontal collision. The straps should be equipped with a device that allows them to be loosened and tightened. This can be done by pressing the button or pulling a lever between the knees of the child.
If you plan to travel with your car seat often, you should check that it is compatible with other vehicles in your family also. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites which show how to fit their seats into different family vehicles. Using Isofix connectors that are built into the seat and connect to the vehicle's anchor points in a just a single click, could make this process easier.
Safety
A car seat is among the most effective ways to keep children safe. Parents do their best to shield them from illness, bullying and sports injuries. A child restraint system reduces the risk of injuries by more than 70% compared with unrestrained adults -- but only if it is used properly. Unfortunately, some Canadian and American studies indicate that 73% of car seats are used in a way that isn't.
Selecting a car seat that has 5-point harness is one of the best ways to help ensure your baby or toddler will be secured in the event of an accident. The 5-point harness helps to disperse the force of a collision over a larger part of the body. This decreases the chance of injuries. The harness holds the car seat in place to ensure that it doesn't move around during a collision, which increases the chance of injury for your child.
Additionally, the best infant car seats have an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child and offer plenty of head support. Some even have special energy-absorbing foam as well as other features that safeguard 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 markets, and second-hand stores since you don't know the history of the car seat or if it's been involved in crash. It is also recommended to avoid using a car seat that's more than six years old.
Before installing a child's seat ensure that the latch is secured and that the straps are secure. Don't let your child wear bulky clothing while they are in the seat. The fabric could compress during an accident, leaving the straps of the harness loose. This increases the risk of injury for your child.
When your child reaches the weight and height limits of an infant car seat, you'll need to upgrade to a convertible or booster seat. The manual for the seat will provide the 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 traveling in vehicles. The seat secures the child using a harness and, in certain models, is cradled and moves along with them in a crash to reduce pressure on their necks and spinal cords. It is essential that the child seat fits correctly into your vehicle, and that it is utilized correctly every time you drive.
A system that can detect and communicates the unintended adverse effects of medical or consumer products - like car seats - would be 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).
If you are using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt of your vehicle to attach your car seat for your child, make sure you check the manual to ensure you've done it correctly. Many car seats come with manuals to help you fit the seat into your vehicle and many manufacturers also provide online tutorials. Consider getting a car seat that has Isofix connectors in case you share your vehicle or often travel with family members.
If you own an older or second-hand car seat make sure it has not been involved in any recent serious or moderate crashes. Verify that it hasn't been damaged or recalled, and read the instruction manual carefully to make sure the child is able to sit upright and bend their knees comfortably over the front edge of the seat, and that they can wear a lap strap across their hips and shoulder belts across their chest and mid-chest (9).
infant car seats on sale have special needs or physical or behavioral conditions that require a customized car seat specifically designed for them. The only secure method to transport these children is to use an appropriate car seat designed for them and installed correctly. Talk to your pediatrician and local public health services to find out more.