mouthtouch2

Choosing a Baby Car Seat A car seat for your baby is one of the most important investments you'll make as a new parent. Learn about the various types of car seats to help you select the best one for your family. Many infant car seats convert into stroller frames to make it easy to move between the car and excursions around town. Take note of this feature if you plan to use the seat for Uber or other ridesharing services. Safety Parents are doing their best to protect their kids from illnesses or injuries due to bullying, sports and other activities. But one of the most important actions they can take is to keep them secure in their car during road trips. The leading cause of death for children and infants is a car crash. Many of these deaths could be prevented with the use of a child safety chair. Car seats are designed to cradle your child's neck and head and protect them from injuries in the event of a crash. The seats also keep your child away from the hot engine air and stop them from being thrown about the interior of your car. When selecting the right car seat, look for the five-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, crotch and hips to give your child maximum security. Many car seats include side impact protection, an additional layer of protection to absorb shock and reduce force in a crash. Whatever kind of seat you pick Be sure to read the directions for installation prior to using it. If you are unsure, visit an inspection station for help from a certified child safety technician. They can show how to correctly install your seat and verify that it complies with the safety standards of motor vehicles in the federal government. Car seats can be costly. If you're unable to afford a new car seat, consult friends and family with kids for their advice. You may be able to borrow the car seat for a brief period. If you do plan on buying a car seat, it is best to purchase a new. Used car seats may have been involved in accidents, and have more problems that could put your child's life at risk. Never leave your child unattended in the car seat. Place the seat on something flat such as a couch or chair. Do not set it on counters. Hanging toys from the handle of the seat is not recommended. They could become projectiles and cause injury or even death to your child in the event of an accident. Comfort In addition to choosing the right seat for your baby, it's also important to think about how your child will feel comfortable on car rides. This is influenced by the padding and materials inside the seat, as well as the temperature and weather conditions in which you reside. For example a seat with merino wool can be cozy for infants in winter months, but uncomfortable for an older infant during summer. It's important to test out a few seats prior to making a choice. Reading reviews will give you an idea of how comfortable they are. Infants and newborns are especially sensitive to discomfort in the car seat. They can't hold their heads up during car rides due to their neck muscles aren’t strong enough. Therefore, they tend to drool or slump forward. For this reason, it's essential to make sure the harness straps are snugly over their shoulders, without gaps or pinching in any part of the body. It's also important to ensure that the chest clip is at the armpit level or lower. Winter coats and other bulky outer layers can also impact the design of the harness. Dress your baby in thin, lightweight clothing, if required. When your baby is outgrowing their infant seat, you can transfer them to a group 1 or a two seat. This will ensure your child's safety and comfort. These seats use the seat belt of the vehicle or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system (LATCH) to secure them into the back seat. They also have a tether to keep the seat in place. Based on the age of your child they may be able to take advantage of extra features in these seats like adjustable body and head support, or inserts for infants that are built-in. If you're looking for an infant car seat or a group 1-3 seat, look for features that are simple to use such as simple buckles and harness adjustments, a simple grip handles, and a release button that is conveniently located. The more simple it is to use a seat the more likely parents will be to use it correctly. This can ensure your child's safety. Easy Installation Car seats are an essential part of your child's safety in the car, but they can only provide protection if they're fitted properly. More than half of children killed in car accidents are not properly restrained or not properly. (FARS: Fatality Analysis and Reporting System). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure that your child's car seat is as secure for use as is possible. If you're not sure about installing your car seat on your own, ask for help from a Child Passenger Security Technician. These professionals can offer you hands-on assistance and show you how to install and use a baby car seat as well as other types. You can save yourself lots of stress by learning about your car seat before the baby arrives. Familiarizing yourself with the car seat's features and mechanisms will make it much easier to install and remove your baby's seat as required. The best way to familiarize yourself with the car seat is to set aside time before your little one's arrival and run a trial run. Install the seat on a flat surface if you are installing it yourself. The majority of baby car seats have bubble indicators to show whether the seat has been properly installed. Some seats also come with a locking mechanism that prevents the seat from moving when you drive. You should also make sure that the base is securely attached to the vehicle and that the locking mechanisms are secure. Check the car seat after it has been installed to determine whether the LATCH attachments or harness straps are twisted. Twists in the harness straps or LATCH attachments can compromise the safety and integrity of the car seat. Also, don't wear your child's coat while strapped into the car seat. It is easy for the buckle to grab and drag the child from the car seat in the event of a sudden turn or stop. This is especially true for snowsuits that create excessive slack in the harness and could lead to a dangerous situation in an accident. Design The best car seat s offer top safety ratings, which assist in protecting your child in case of an accident. They may also have additional features that are beneficial for new parents like an indicator light that shows when the harness is secured and a quick-release buckle. Some infant car seats have the ability to carry a handle making it much easier to get your baby in and out of the car without disturbing them. Some infant car seats can be used as part of a travel system that integrates seamlessly with a compatible baby stroller to facilitate the transition between the car and your destination. The most comfortable car seats are made of high-quality plastics, such as polypropylene. The material bends under pressure to absorb impact and protect the child. The plastic is shipped in pieces of pebbles to the factory, where it is molded into shells for seats and other components. Many car seat manufacturers contract with specialist companies to make smaller components like buckle latch plates and harness adjusters which are usually made from metals. For example, Indiana Mills produces buckle and adjustment mechanisms for most American car seat brands. An important feature of any car seat is a secure fitting, comfortable fit. The seat should fit snugly enough that you are able to not squeeze more than one finger's width under the harness straps after they are tightened, but it shouldn't be so tight that your child is uncomfortable. You should always check the manual for details regarding how to install a car seat for your baby. Another aspect to consider is the number of slots in the harness. A proper number of harness slots will ensure that your child feels comfortable and safe in the seat. This increases security. There are a myriad of baby car seat designs, ranging from basic models to luxury options. The ideal infant car seat will depend on several factors, including your budget, your car and the needs of your baby. Many families find that an all-in-one seat is the best option since it can accommodate your baby from the time of birth to the time of booster which eliminates the necessity for multiple car seats.