How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly
A baby seat (also called a child safety seat, infant car seat or car seat) is an approved, crash-tested seat that shields children from injury or even death during car accidents.
Infant seats should be rear-facing until the child reaches the maximum weight or height permitted by its manufacturer.
Easy Installation
Car seats must pass rigorous safety tests before they can be sold, but even the best seat could be unsafe if it's not installed correctly. That's why it's one of the most important aspects to look for in car seats. It's crucial to take the time to understand how to install the seat in your vehicle and to practice the installation prior to when the baby arrives.
The first thing you need to do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Skip the table of contents and go straight to the index. Locate the "child safety seats" section. The exact guidelines will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle, however the majority of them have a designated area in the rear for child seats.
You should also consider whether your car is equipped with LATCH systems and what type of lower anchors it has because some seats have different kinds of anchors. The best infant car seats will have a system that's simple to use with clear instructions as well as a color-change indicator to indicate that the anchors on the lower side are properly connected. Many models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to ensure the security of the seat.
If you're looking to go that extra mile look into buying seats that have an easy-to-install base with load legs for additional security. This will keep the seat from exploding during an accident and also prevent it from tipping over when braking. It is also important to consider the combined weight of the base and the seat. You don't want a large, bulky seat to be too heavy to carry.
If infant car seat for travel how to install your seat, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a certified child safety technician. They are trained to instruct parents and caregivers how to install car seats safely. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a directory of inspection stations.
Simple to Use
A baby seat, also referred to as an infant safety seat or car seat is designed to hold and safeguard the youngest children. Many are designed with an underlying base that can be used as an adjustable seat or a carrier. The base is usually an adjustable buckle that is kept in the vehicle. Many are lightweight and include stroller attachments to allow parents or caregivers to move their sleeping child from one vehicle to the next without disturbing them up.
The government sets standards for car seats based on weight, height and age to ensure children are safe in the event of an accident. These standardizations, called federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR) are the guidelines used by manufacturers as they design and test their products. A seat must pass all of these tests before it is sold in the United States.
A lot of infant seats are made of plastic, particularly 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 it. The higher-end models might have soft, flexible foam that can better protect the body of the child from the impact of the collision. EPS foam is often used in safety products that must be lightweight and resistant to impact, such as helmets and car seats.
A good car seat should include five-point harnesses that attach at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also have an upper tether to help keep the child secure 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 accomplished by pressing a button or pulling a lever between the child's knees.
Check to see if the car seat is able to fit in other vehicles in your family if you plan to use it frequently. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites that show how to install their seats into various family vehicles. This procedure can be made simpler by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into seats and connect to the vehicle anchor points with just a click.
Safety
A car seat is among the most effective methods to ensure that children are safe. Parents do their best to protect them from illnesses as well as injuries from bullying and sports. A child restraint system lowers the risk of injuries by more than 70% when compared to unrestrained adults, but it's only effective if utilized correctly. Unfortunately, some 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 child or toddler 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 assists in disperse the force of a collision over a larger part of the body. This decreases the chance of injuries. The harness also holds the car seat securely in place, so it won't shift too often during a collision, and increase your child's chance of injury.
The most effective infant car seats come with a cushioned seat that is comfortable for your child and offers plenty of head support. Some of them even come with special energy-absorbing foam as well as other features that protect your baby's chest and head in a side impact accident.
Do not purchase or borrow car seats at garage sales, flea market or second-hand shops because you don't know what it's been used for or if it's been in an accident. Do not use a car seat older than six years.
Before installing a child seat Make sure the latch is secured and that the straps are secured. Also, don't put your child in bulky clothing or coats when they're riding in the seat. The fabric may compress during an accident, leaving the straps of the harness loose. This increases your child's injury risk.
You'll need a booster or convertible seat once your child has reached the height and weight limit of an infant seat. The manual for the seat will list recommended weights and ages.
Reliability
A child safety seat or baby car seat is a crash-tested device that is used to hold infants and children in vehicles. The seat holds the child in place using the harness and, in certain models, cradles them and moves with them in a crash to reduce pressure on their necks and spinal cords. It is essential that the seat for your baby fits correctly in your vehicle and is used properly every time you drive, with no extra products connected.
A system that identifies and communicates the unintended adverse consequences of consumer or medical products - such as car seats - could prove beneficial to parents. Similar to phase IV trials that study unknown side effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are marketed, such a system could gather information from doctors who diagnose car seat-related injuries and encourage people to report any issues to Transport Canada (9).
Whether you use the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt of your vehicle to install your child's car seat, check the instruction manual to ensure it's done right. Many car seats come with instructions that will show you how to install the seat in your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online instructions. Consider buying a car seat that has Isofix connectors in case you share your vehicle, or frequently travel with family members.
If you have an older car seat or a second-hand model, ensure it has not been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Check that the car seat is not damaged or recalls. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that the child is able to sit straight, that their knees can be bent easily over the edge of the seat, and that they are able to wear a shoulder strap and an un-level lap belt on their hips.
Some children have special needs or physical or behavioral conditions that require a specially-designed car seat that is specifically designed for them. It is only safe to transport these children in a special car seat designed for them and properly installed. Check with your pediatrician and local public health services to find out more.