How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly
A baby seat is a crash tested, regulated seat which protects children in the event of a collision.
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 strict safety tests before they can be sold, but even the best seat can be unsafe if it's not installed correctly. This is why the it's one of the most important features to look for in car seats. It's important to take the time to learn how to install the car seat and to practice the installation prior to when the baby arrives.
The first thing you should do is read the manual for your car seat. Skip the Table of Contents and head straight to the index, and then look for the "child safety seat" section. The exact steps for installing your car seat will depend on the make and model, but most vehicles have a specific location in the back where the child seat can be put in.
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with LATCH systems and what lower anchors are available. Different types of seats require different anchors. The best infant car seats will feature a system that is user-friendly with clear instructions and an indicator that changes color to indicate when the anchors in the lower are properly connected. Many models click when locked properly this is a great method to verify the safety of the seat.
If you're looking to go the extra mile, consider purchasing the seat with an easy-to-install base and load legs for additional safety. This will keep the seat from turning into a projectile in the event of a crash, and also from tipping over during braking. It is also important to take into consideration the weight of the base and the seat. You don't want a large, bulky seat to be too difficult to carry.
If you're unsure about how to set up your seat, it may be helpful to seek advice from a certified child passenger safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers the correct way to install car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also keeps a list of inspection stations.
Easy of Use
A baby seat is known as car seat or infant safety seat. It is designed to safeguard and cradle the smallest of children. They are often designed with a base that stays buckled in the vehicle and snaps out to be used as a carry-on or convertible seat. Many are lightweight, and some come with stroller attachments that allow parents or caregivers move the sleeping child without waking them up.
The government sets standards for car seats that are based on height, weight, and age to ensure that children are safe in the event of an accident. These standards, also known as federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR) are the guidelines used by manufacturers as they develop and test their products. To be sold in the United States, a seat must pass these tests.
Many infant seats are made of plastic, especially those that are priced lower. The headrest and the harness are designed to absorb the impact of a crash by breaking up the plastic and dissipating the impact. Higher end models can use soft and flexible foam that will better protect the child from the shock. The EPS foam is typically utilized in safety products that need to be light and impact resistant such as helmets and car seats.
A good car seat should come with five-point harness. It should connect at the hips, shoulders and also between the legs. It should also include a top tether that will keep the child safe in the event of a collision. The straps should be equipped with an instrument that allows them to be tightened and loosened. This can be accomplished by pressing a button or pulling a lever between the child's knees.
Make sure the car seat is able to fit in the other vehicles in your family If you intend to use it often. Some manufacturers offer guides on their websites that explain how to install their seats into various family vehicles. Using Isofix connectors that are built into the seat and connect to the vehicle's anchor points with a single click, can make this process easier.
Safety
Parents often work hard to protect their children from illness as well as injuries caused by bullies and sports however, one of the most important methods to protect children is to use car seats. Pushchairs & Prams can reduce the risk for injuries by 70% when as compared to adults who are not restrained. But it only works only if it is properly used. Unfortunately there are some Canadian and American studies report that 73% of car seats are being used incorrectly.
The best way to ensure that your toddler or child is secure in the case of an accident is to select a car seat that has a five-point safety harness. The 5-point harness will distribute the force of a crash across a larger area of the body, meaning it's less likely to cause injuries. The harness holds the car seat in position so that it isn't moved during a collision, increasing the chance of injury for your child.
The best infant car seats come with a comfortable seat that is comfortable for your child and provides plenty of head support. Some include energy-absorbing foam, or other features to protect your child's head and chest in the event of a collision with a car.
When shopping for a car seat, avoid buying or borrowing one from garage sales, flea markets and second-hand stores because you can't be sure of the history of the car seat or whether it's been involved in crash. Avoid using carseats older than six years old.
Before installing a child seat, make sure the latch is secured and that the straps are secured. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothing when they are in the seat. The fabric could compress during a crash, leaving the straps of the harness loose. This increases the risk of injury for your child.
You'll need a booster or convertible seat when your child has outgrown the weight and height limits of an infant seat. The manual of the seat will provide the recommended age and weights.
Reliability
A baby car seat, or child safety seat, is a crash-tested device that holds babies and children while traveling in vehicles. The device secures the child using the harness and, in some models, cradles them and moves along with them in a crash to reduce strain on their necks and spinal cords. It is essential that the child seat fits correctly into your vehicle, and is utilized correctly every time you drive.
A system that detects and communicates the unintended adverse effects of medical or consumer products, such as car seats - would be beneficial for parents. Similar to phase IV trials that study the unknown side effects of pharmaceuticals after they have been marketed in a way, such a system could collect data from physicians who treat injuries from car seats and encourage users to report issues to Transport Canada (9).
If you are using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt for your vehicle to attach your car seat for your child, make sure you check the manual to make sure it's done right. Many car seats come with instructions that guide you on how to install the seat into your vehicle. A lot of manufacturers offer online tutorials. Consider getting a car seat with Isofix connectors in case you share your vehicle or often travel with family members.
If you have an older car seat or a second-hand one, ensure that it hasn't been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Check that the car seat has not been damaged or recalls. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that your child can sit up straight and that their knees can be bent easily over the edge of the seat, and that they can wear a shoulder strap and a lap belt that is low-level on their hips.
Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral issues that require a custom car seat designed specifically for children with special needs. The only safe method of transporting these children is to use the seat specially designed for them and is installed properly. For more information, call your pediatrician or local public health department.