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 protects children from injury or death during vehicle collisions.

Infant seats should be rear-facing until the child has reached the maximum weight or height permitted by the manufacturer.

Ease of Installation

Car seats must pass strict safety tests before they can be sold, but even the best seat could be dangerous if it's not installed correctly. Easy installation is therefore one of the most important aspects to look out for when buying car seats. It is important to take the time to understand how to install the car seat and to practice the installation prior to when the baby arrives.

The first thing you should do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Do not read the Table of Contents and go straight to the index and find the "child safety seat" section. The exact directions for installing your car seat will depend on your vehicle make and model, but all cars have a designated area in the rear where child seats can be installed.

Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a LATCH system and what lower anchors are available. Different types of seats require different anchors. The most secure infant car seat will come with clear instructions with a color-changing indicator as well as a system which is easy to use. A lot of models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to verify the safety of the seat.

If you're looking to go the extra mile, consider purchasing the seat with an easy-to-install base with a load leg for added safety. This prevents the seat from becoming an object of destruction in the event of a crash, and also prevents it from tipping when the braking. You'll also want to take into consideration the weight of the base and the seat. If you plan to carry the seat around or transport it to Grandma's house often, a lightweight style is important; you do not want to carry around a heavy, bulky product.

If you are unsure of how to set up your child's safety seat, you might find it helpful to ask for help from an accredited child safety technician. They are trained to teach parents and caregivers how to put in car seats safely. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a directory of inspection stations.

Easy of Use

A baby seat can also be known as an infant car seat in front seat car seat or safety seat. It's designed to protect and cradle the smallest of children. They typically have a base that stays buckled in the vehicle and snaps out to serve as a carry-on or convertible seat. They are often lightweight and include stroller attachments that permit 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 that children are safe in an accident. These standards, also referred to as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR) are guidelines for manufacturers when they are designing and testing their products. A seat must pass all of these tests before it can be sold in the United States.

Many infant seats are made of plastic, especially ones that are less expensive. The headrest and the harness are designed to absorb the force of a crash, by crushing the plastic and dispersing it. The higher-end models may use softer and more flexible foam that can better protect the child from the shock. The EPS foam is a popular material used in safety devices that require to be light and withstand impact, like car seats and helmets.

A good car seat should come with a 5-point harness that is connected at the hips, shoulders and between the legs. It should also come with the top tether, which will keep the child safe in the event of an accident. The straps should be equipped with a device to tighten and loosen them, which can be accessed by an on the seat or by pulling an arm between the child's legs.

Make sure the car seat will fit in the other vehicles in your family If you intend to use it regularly. Some manufacturers offer guides on their websites that explain how to install their seats in different family cars. This process can be made even simpler with the use of Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into seats and connect to anchor points on the vehicle with just a one click.

Safety

A car seat is among the best methods to ensure that children are safe. Parents work hard to protect them from illnesses, bullying and sports injuries. A child's restraint can cut down the risk for injury by 70% as compared to adults who aren't restrained. However, it only works only if it is properly used. Unfortunately there are some Canadian and American studies indicate that 73% of car seats are being used in a way that isn't.

The best way to ensure your child or toddler is safe in the event of an accident is to choose a car seat that has a 5-point safety harness. The 5-point harness assists in distribute the impact force across a larger portion of the body. This decreases the chance of injuries. The harness keeps the car seat in place so that it won't move during a collision, which increases the risk of injury to your child.

The most effective infant car seats come with a cushioned seat that cushions your child and offers plenty of head support. Some include energy-absorbing foam, or other features to protect your baby's chest and head in the event of a collision with a car.

When shopping for a car seat, avoid buying or borrowing one from garage sales, flea markets and second-hand stores since you don't be sure of the history of the car seat or if it's involved in a crash. Avoid using carseats that are older than six years old.

Before installing a seat for a child ensure that the latch is secured and the straps are secured. Also, don't place your child in bulky clothes or coats while riding in the seat. The fabric may compress in an accident, leaving the harness straps loose, increasing your child's danger of injury.

If your child is past the height and weight limits of an infant car seats on sale car seat, it's time to upgrade to a booster or convertible seat. Review the manual of your seat for recommended age and weights.

Reliability

A child safety seat or baby car seats by age seat is a crash-tested device that can be used to secure infants and children in vehicles. The device is secured to children using the safety harness. Some models cradle them and move with them during the event of a crash, which reduces stress on the necks and spine cords. It is essential that the child seat is properly fitted into your vehicle and is properly used every time you drive.

Parents could benefit from a system that identifies unwanted effects of consumer or medical products, such as car seats. A system like this could collect information from doctors who treat injuries from car seats, and encourage patients to seek out Transport Canada (9).

If you are using the LATCH (lower attachment) or the belt of your vehicle to install your child's car seat, be sure to check the instruction manual to ensure you've done it correctly. A lot of car seats come with guides to show you how to fit the seat into your vehicle and many manufacturers also have online guides. You should 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 second-hand model, ensure it hasn't been involved in any recent moderate or serious crashes. Make sure that the car seat is not damaged or recalls. Take note of the instructions to ensure that the child can sit upright, that their knees can be bent easily over the edge of the seat and that they can wear a shoulder belt as well as an un-level lap belt on their hips.

Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a custom car seat designed specifically for children with special needs. The only way to transport children with special needs is to use a seat that is specially designed for them and installed correctly. Talk to your pediatrician or the local public health programs to learn more.