Defend Your Child In Your Car - Be Among The 25% Who Do
Parents go out of their way to choose the appropriate car seat for their baby. They spend significant time and money to protect their most precious cargo. Yet currently , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 3 quarters of the baby safety seats inspected.
The results of this study conclude that 3 of 4 parents put their children at risk while in vehicles unknowingly because they do not use the restraints properly. The most common mistakes found were loose harness straps and safety belt attachments. The potential for injuries with these mistakes is huge and that is why the NHTSA labels these misuses as “critical”.
So how am I to understand the correct safety setup for my child?
First you have to be certain that your baby is in the correct seat for their age and weight and that it is situated in the suitable position. If your child is under a year old and hasn’t reached the 20 pound mark yet then an infant seat is required in the rear facing position.
A very great choice for newborn babies is the infant only seat as they are designed for younger and smaller babies. Not only are they smaller and more portable than older children’s car seats, but the are a amazing fit for this age group. As with all children’s car seats these should only be used in the back seat and facing the rear.
If you desire a seat that will hold your baby as he grows, a convertible car seat is another option. These car seats are made a lot heavier than a regular infant car seat therefore they can accommodate more weight and allow your baby to keep using it through the years.As with regular infant car seats, these convertible car seats are still to be used in the rear facing position for any baby under 20 pounds and under a year old. After your baby turns a year old and grows to be over 20 pounds you can turn the seat around and face it forward. Convertible car seats has a standard will hold a kid up to around 40 pounds.
Whichever seat you choose, it is absolutely essential you know how to use it. It is important that you pay attention to all of the manufacturers instructions and if your vehicle is in your check out the owner’s manual as it may have directions as well. The only way that the seat will protect your kid is if the child is buckled in fitting and the seat is secured correctly in the car.
An area of difficulty that many parents seem to have trouble with is the harness straps. In order for your kid to be safe, the harness wishes to be fitted snugly to your babies chest and in the right slot position. For most convertible car seats, the straps should be in the slots at or above the baby shoulders while with an infant car seat they should be at or below your baby shoulders. The harness clip that holds the straps together should be at about armpit level, and the straps should not be twisted. If you are unsure of the right placement you need to check the owners manual to make sure you are putting it in the appropriate spot.
Another common area with problems is the safety belts. If it’s at all possible, the seat wishes to be reclined at around a 45° angle and the belt needs to follow the appropriate path for the seats position. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Make sure to tighten up the seat belt as much as you can so that the seat is restrained securely in your vehicle. If your automobile has a LATCH system, use it according to the specifications of your baby’s seat and those of the vehicle owner’s manual.
Other important seat considerations include seat age and condition. If you didn’t buy the seat brand-new, the label will tell you how old it’s. If the seat is older than five years, and doesn’t have any manufacturers instructions don’t use it. It is critical that all the parts are there and that you know if the seat has been in any accidents. If so, be safe not sorry – don’t take the chance.
Finally, if you are unsure about your safety seat sense – or even if you are, visit a safety seat technician to have your seat checked.The life of your child is depending on your judgment.
