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Articles: Parenting - Car Seats
By Martin
Smith
In this article
you will be provided with information about baby car seats and
keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for buying
new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked
questions about car seats are provided as well.
Q. What is
the best baby car seat?
The best car seat is the one that
matches your baby’s size and weight. It also fits properly in your
car and is easily installed.
Q. What types of baby car seats
are available?
There are several types of baby car seats
such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats.
There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster
seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are
variations.
Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest
for my baby?
A five point harness gives your child the
greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat
in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint
allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and
legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your
baby.
Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby’s
car seat?
All car seats (except most second hand seats) come
with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still
are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the
manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance
programsas well.
Q. Is there a correct way to secure my
child in the baby car seat?
Yes, there is a correct way in
which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby
in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby.
For children under a year of age they should be placed in
rear-facing seats in the centerof the rear seat. Older children can
sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the
driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.
Q. What is LATCH?
LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The
lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat
and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt
material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and
prevents excessive movement of the baby’s head in crashes.
Q. What is a Tether?
The tether is a strap made of
seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat
and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents
excessive movement of the seat and the baby’s head, reducing the
severity of injuries.
Q. How can I tell when my child is
ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?
Your
child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when
s/he can sit all the way back in the seat and the knees can bend
comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder
between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the
thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.
Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?
Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be
in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in
the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out ifyour seat is an
approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to
assistyou.
Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car
seats?
Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats
provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be
frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat
cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the
baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in
a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child
has been compromised. If the seat doesn’t come with a manual contact
the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed.If
the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in
a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.
Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?
In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with
instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some
cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it
somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.
Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with
special needs?
Children with special needs may require
different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your
pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have programs and
information on baby car seats for special needs children.
Q.
What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?
There
are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness
has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the
crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two
at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle
that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from
over the head and latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses
are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive
movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the
over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby
to be ejected from the car in a crash.
You can never go
wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby.
The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide
what type of seat you will purchase. This article has provided you
with a number of tips to keep your baby safe while riding with you
in the car.
(c) www.1st-babies.com
Martin Smith is a
successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on
purchasing a variety of Nursery
Bedding which includes
Baby strollers, Baby car seats, and more!
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