optionsoil86

How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly A baby seat (also known as a child safety seat, infant car seat or car seat) is a safety seat that has been tested and is regulated that shields children from injury or even death during vehicle collisions. Babies should use rear-facing infant seats until they reach the weight or height limit allowed by their seat's manufacturer. Easy Installation Even the most premium car seats could be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. That's why ease of installation is one of the most important characteristics to look for in car seats. It's worth your time to understand the correct method of installation for your particular vehicle, and to practice installing the seat in a secure empty car prior to when baby arrives (or when you have already a toddler). The first thing you need to do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Do not read the Table of Contents and head straight to the index and find the “child safety seat” section. The exact steps for installing your car seat will depend on your vehicle make and model, but most vehicles have a specific area in the rear where child seats can be installed. You'll also want to consider whether your car is equipped with LATCH and what type of anchors it has for lower, as some seats use different types. 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. A lot of models will sound when they are properly secured, which is a method to verify that the seat is secure. If you're looking to go that extra mile and buy the seat with an easy-to-install base with a load leg for added safety. This will prevent the seat from turning into a projectile in an accident and also prevent it from tipping over when braking. Finally, you'll want to think about the weight of the seat and base together. You don't want your heavy and bulky seat that is too heavy to carry. If you're not sure how to install your child safety seat, you may find it helpful to ask for advice from an accredited child safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers on how to install car seats in a safe manner, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a directory of inspection stations. Easy of Use A baby seat, also referred to as an infant safety seat or car seat is designed to hold and protect the smallest children. They typically have an adjustable base that is buckled in the vehicle and snaps in and out to serve as a carry-on or convertible seat. They are often lightweight and come with stroller attachments that allow parents or caregivers to move their sleeping child from one vehicle to the next without waking them. Car seats are designed to meet federal standards based on the height, weight and age of the child, with the goal of keeping them safe in a crash. These standardizations, called federal motor vehicle safety regulations (FMVSR) are the guidelines used by manufacturers in the design and test their products. A seat must pass these tests to be sold in the United States. Many infant seats are made of plastic, especially ones that are less expensive. The headrest and harness are designed to absorb the force of a crash, by breaking up the plastic and dissipating the impact. The more expensive models could utilize softer, more flexible foam that can better protect the body of the child from the shock of a crash. EPS foam is often utilized in safety products that must be lightweight and resistant to impact such as car seats and helmets. A good car seat should come with five-point harness. It should connect at the hips, shoulders and also between the legs. It should also have an upper tether to help keep the child safe in the case of a collision with a vehicle. The straps should be equipped with an option that allows them to be loosened and tightened. This can be accomplished by pressing the button or pulling a lever between the child's knees. Check that the car seat is able to fit in other vehicles of your family if you plan to use it regularly. There are guides from manufacturers online that show how their seats can fit in various family cars. This procedure can be made easier by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into the seats and connect to anchor points on the vehicle with just a one click. Safety A car seat is one of the most effective ways to keep children safe. Parents work hard to protect them from illnesses, bullying and sports injuries. A child restraint can reduce the risk for injury by 70% as compared to adults who are not restrained. However, it only works when it is used properly. Unfortunately, according to some Canadian and American studies, 73 percent of car seats are not properly used. The best way to ensure that your child or toddler is safe in the case of an accident is to select a car seat with a 5-point safety harness. The 5-point harness helps to disperse the force of a collision across a larger portion of the body. This reduces the likelihood of injuries. The harness also holds the car seat firmly in place, so it won't shift too much during a crash and increase your child's chance of suffering injuries. In addition, the best infant car seats have padding that is well-padded to protect your child, and offer plenty of head support. Some come with energy-absorbing foam or other features to safeguard your baby's head and chest in a crash with a side. Don't buy or borrow a car seat from garage sales, flea market or second-hand stores because you don't know what it's been used for or if it was involved in an accident. Don't use a car seat older than six years old. Before installing the seat for a child make sure the latch is securely fastened and the straps are securely secured. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothing when they are in the seat. The fabric can shrink in an accident, leaving the straps on the harness loose, increasing your child's risk of injury. You'll need a booster or convertible seat once your child is past the weight and height limits of an infant seat. The manual of the seat will provide recommended ages and weights. Reliability A child safety seat or a baby car seat is a crash tested device that can be used to secure infants and children in vehicles. The device is secured to children using a safety harness. Some models can cradle them and move with them in a crash, to reduce stress on the necks and spine cords. It is important that the seat for your baby is correctly fitted into your vehicle and is properly used each time you drive with no additional accessories connected. A system that detects and makes public the unintended effects of medical or consumer products, such as car seats – could prove beneficial for parents. Similar to phase IV trials that examine the unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they have been marketed, such a system could gather data from doctors who diagnose injuries caused by car seats and encourage users to report problems to Transport Canada (9). Check the manual before installing your child's seat. A lot of car seats come with manuals that will show you how to fit the seat into your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online tutorials. If you're sharing your car or travel with other family members frequently, think about buying a child's seat with Isofix connectors built in for easier installation. If you have an older or second-hand car seat, ensure that it has been involved in no recent severe or moderate crashes. Make sure best car seat infant has not been recalled or damaged, and read the instruction manual carefully to make sure the child can sit straight, bend their knees easily over the front edge of the seat, and that they are able to safely wear a lap strap on their hips and a the shoulder belt across their chest and mid-chest (9). Some children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a customized car seat that is specifically designed for children with special needs. It is safest to transport these children in a seat specially designed for them and installed correctly. For more information, call your pediatrician or the local public health department.