How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly
A baby seat (also called a child safety seat, infant car seat or car seat) is a crash-tested, regulated seat that shields children from harm or death during car accidents.
Infant seats should be facing rearwards until the child reaches the maximum weight or height that is permitted by its manufacturer.
Ease of Installation
Car seats must pass stringent safety tests before they can be sold, but even the best seat could be dangerous in the event that it isn't installed correctly. That's why ease of installation is one of the most important features to look for in the car seat. It's worth taking the time to study the right ways to install your particular vehicle and to practice installing the seat in a secure empty vehicle before your baby arrives (or in the case of already a toddler).
The first step is to read the car seat manual. Do not read the table of contents and go straight to the index. Locate the "child safety seats" section. The exact directions will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle, however most have a specific place in the back for children's seats.
Make sure your vehicle has a LATCH system, and which lower anchors are available. Different seats require different anchors. The best infant car seat will come with clear instructions with a color-changing indicator as well as an interface that is simple to use. Many models will make a click when they are properly secured, which is a good way to confirm that the seat is secure.
If you're looking to go the extra mile, consider purchasing seats that have an easy-to-install base with an extra load leg for security. This prevents the seat from becoming a projectile in a crash, and it will also prevent it from tipping when the braking. You'll also want to consider the combined weight of the base and the seat. If you intend to carry the seat around or transport it to Grandma's house frequently, a light-weight design is crucial; you do not want to carry around a bulky, heavy package.
If you're not sure how to set up your child's safety seat, you might be able to ask for advice from an accredited child safety technician. They are trained to show parents and caregivers the proper method of installing car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also keeps a list of inspection stations.
Easy of Use
A baby seat is called an infant car seat or safety seat. It is designed to safeguard and hold the smallest of children. infant car seats best have a base that stays buckled in the vehicle and snaps in and out to be used as a carrier or convertible seat. Many are lightweight and have stroller attachments that allow parents or caregivers to take the child from one vehicle to another without waking them.
Car seats are designed to meet government standards based on the height, weight and age of the child, with the aim of ensuring safety in the event of a collision. These standards, also referred to as the federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR), serve as guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. A vehicle must pass all of these tests before it can be sold in the United States.
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 crushing the plastic and dispersing it. Higher-end models can utilize soft and flexible foam that will better shield the child from the impact. The EPS foam is typically utilized in safety products that must be light and impact resistant, such as car seats and helmets.
A good car seat should have five-point harness. It should connect at the shoulders, hips and also between the legs. It should also come with an upper tether to ensure the child's safety in the event of an accident. The straps should have a device that allows them to be tightened and loosened. This can be accomplished by pressing an appropriate button or pulling a lever located between the child's knees.
Check to see if the car seat can fit in the other vehicles of your family if you plan to use it often. There are some manufacturers who have online guides that explain how their seats fit in various family cars. Using Isofix connectors, which are built into the seat and connect to the anchor points of the vehicle with a single click, can make this process even easier.
Safety
Parents are often able to shield their children from illness or injuries from bullies, sports injuries and other illnesses however, one of the best methods to protect children is to use car seats. A child's restraint can cut down the risk of injury by 70% compared to adults who are not restrained. But it only works only if it is properly used. However, according to a few Canadian and American studies, 73 percent of car seats are incorrectly used.
The best way to ensure that your toddler or child is secure in the event of an accident to choose a car seat equipped with five-point safety harnesses. The 5-point harness assists in spread the force of a collision over a larger part of the body. This reduces the risk of injuries. The harness keeps the car seat in position so that it won't move during a collision, which increases the chance of injury for your child.
The best infant car seats come with a cushioned seat that is comfortable for your child and offers plenty of head support. Some include energy-absorbing foam, or other features that protect your child's head and chest in the event of a collision with a car.
Do not purchase or borrow car seats from garage sales, flea market or second-hand stores because you don't know its history or if it was involved in an accident. Avoid using carseats older than six years.
Before installing the seat for a child make sure the latch is securely fastened and the straps are secure. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothing while they are in the seat. The fabric may compress during an accident, leaving the straps on the harness loose. This increases your child's injury risk.
You'll need a booster or convertible seat when your child is past the weight and height limit of an infant seat. Check the seat's manual for recommended ages and weights.
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 device is secured to the child with the safety harness. Some models can cradle them and move along with them during the event of a crash, which reduces the stress on necks and spine cords. It is vital that the child seat fits correctly into your vehicle and is properly used every time you drive.
A system that identifies and makes public the unintended effects of medical or consumer products - like car seats - would be beneficial for parents. A system like this could gather data from doctors who diagnose car seat-related injuries, and encourage patients to contact Transport Canada (9).
If you're using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the vehicle belt to attach your child's car seat, be sure to check the manual to ensure it's done right. Many car seats come with instructions that show you how to install the seat into your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online guides. Consider buying a car seat with Isofix connectors if sharing your vehicle, or frequently travel with family members.
If you own an older or second-hand car seat make sure that it hasn't been involved in any recent serious or moderate crashes. Make sure that the car seat is not damaged or recalled. Take note of the instructions to ensure that the child can sit upright and that their knees are able to be bent easily over the edge of the seat and that they can wear a shoulder strap and a low-level lap belt on their hips.
Some children are suffering from physical or behavioral problems that require a bespoke car seat. It is only safe to transport them in a seat specially designed for them, and properly installed. Check with your pediatrician or the local public health departments to learn more.