How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly
A baby seat (also known as a child safety seat or infant car seat car seat) is a safety seat that has been tested and is regulated that protects children from injury or death in car collisions.
Babies should ride in rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight limit or height allowed by their seat's manufacturer.
Easy Installation
Even the most premium car seats could be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. This is why ease of installation is one of the most important features to look for in a car seat. It's important to take the time to learn how to install the seat in your car and to practice the installation prior to when the baby is born.
The first step is to read the car seat manual. Skip the Table of Contents and head to the index and find 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 area in the rear where the child seat can be put in.
You should also consider whether your vehicle has LATCH systems and what type of lower anchors it has in order to determine if certain seats have different types. The best infant car seats will come with clear instructions, a color-changing indicator and an easy system to use. A lot of models will make a click when properly locked and is a great method to ensure the security of the seat.
If you're looking to increase your safety, buy a seat that has an easy to install base and a load leg. This will keep the seat from being an object of destruction in the event of a crash, and also prevents it from tipping during the braking. Finally, you'll want to take into consideration the weight of the base and seat together. You don't want a large or bulky seat to be too heavy to carry.
If you're not sure how to install your seat, it may be beneficial to seek out advice from a certified child passenger safety technician. They are trained to instruct parents and caregivers on how to install car seats safely, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a directory of inspection stations.
Ease of Use
A baby seat, also known as an infant car seat or safety seat is designed to hold and safeguard the smallest of children. They usually have an adjustable base that is buckled in the vehicle and snaps out for use as a carrier or convertible seat. A lot of them are light and have stroller attachments that permit parents or caregivers to take the child from one vehicle to another without disturbing them.
The government sets standards for car seats based on weight, height, and age to ensure that children are safe in the event of an accident. These standards, also known as the federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR) are guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. To be sold in the United States, a seat must pass these tests.
A lot of infant seats, particularly the lower priced ones come with a harness and headrest made of plastic that is designed to absorb some of the force generated by the crash by crushing and dispersing the force. The more expensive models could utilize softer, more flexible foam, which can better shield the child's body from the impact of the crash. EPS foam is a common material used in safety equipment that require to be light and withstand impact, like car seats and helmets.
A good car seat should have five-point harnesses that attach at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also have a top tether to keep the child safe in the case of a collision with a vehicle. The straps should have an instrument that allows them to be adjusted in tension and loosen. This can be done by pressing an appropriate button or pulling a lever between the child's knees.
Make sure the car seat will fit in the other vehicles in your family If you intend to use it regularly. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites that explain how to fit their seats into various family cars. Using Isofix connectors which are built into the seat and connect to the anchor points of the vehicle with one click, can make this process even easier.
Safety
A car seat is one of the best ways to protect children. Parents do their best to shield their children from illnesses or injuries due to bullying, as well as sports injuries. A child's restraint can cut down the risk for injury by 70% compared to adults who are not restrained. However, it only works when it is used properly. Unfortunately certain Canadian and American studies report that 73% of car seats are used in a way that isn't.
The best way to ensure that your toddler or child is secure in the case of an accident is to choose a car seat that has a five-point safety harness. The 5-point harness will distribute the impact force across an entire area of the body, so it's less likely to cause injury. The harness also holds the car seat in place, which means it won't shift too much during a collision and increase your child's risk of suffering injuries.
In addition, the best car seats for infants have an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child and provide plenty of head support. Some include energy-absorbing foam, or other features to safeguard your child's head and chest in the event of a collision with a car.
When you are shopping for a car seat avoid borrowing or buying one from garage sales, flea market and second-hand shops because you don't be sure of the history of the car seat or whether it's been involved in crash. It is also recommended to avoid using a seat that is more than six years old.
Before installing a seat for a child ensure that the latch is securely fastened and the straps are securely secured. Also, don't place your child in bulky clothing or coats while they're in the seat. The fabric could compress during an accident, leaving the straps on the harness loose. This increases your child's injury risk.
When your child reaches the height and weight limits of an infant car seat, you'll have to upgrade to a convertible or booster seat. The manual for the seat will list recommended weights and ages.
Reliability
A child safety seat or a baby car seat is a crash-tested device that is used to hold infants and children in vehicles. The device secures the child using a harness and, in some models, is cradled and moves with them during the event of a crash, reducing stress on their delicate necks and spinal cords. It is crucial that the child seat is fitted correctly to your vehicle, and is used correctly every time you drive.
Parents would benefit from a system that can detect unintended effects of medical or consumer products, such as car seats. Similar to the phase IV trials which study the unknown side effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are sold, such a system could collect information from doctors who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage people to report problems to Transport Canada (9).
Make sure you read the instruction manual prior to installing your child's seat. A lot of car seats come with guides to show you how to fit the seat into your vehicle. Many manufacturers also have online guides. If you're sharing your vehicle or travel with family members frequently, think about purchasing a baby seat with Isofix connectors that are built-in to make installation easier.
If you own an older car seat, or a second-hand one, make sure it has not been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Verify that it hasn't been recalled or damaged and review the instruction manual carefully to ensure that your child can sit straight and bend their knees comfortably over the front edge of the seat and that they are able to safely wear a lap strap across their hips and the shoulder belt across their chest and mid-chest (9).
Some children are suffering from physical or behavioral issues that require a specially-designed car seat. The only way to transport these children is to use an appropriate car seat designed for them and is installed correctly. Check with rotating infant car seat and local public health programs to learn more.