The Saftey In Childrens Car Seats
When it comes to childrens car seats, its good to hear that many parents put a great deal of effort into their car seat buying decision, since it will be one of the things that will have the most direct affect on their child. Yet, in 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child safety seats inspected. The study states that although it was accidental, many people jeopardized the very person they were trying so hard to protect by messing up the application of the safety restraints. In trying to make their child comfortable, many people leave the harness straps and safety belt attachments looser than they should be. Sadly, it is these mistakes that are the most common that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls 'critical,' as they hold some of the greatest amounts of potential danger to the baby.
Correct positioning is essential, as is making sure you have the right safety seat for the baby's age and weight. Many parents put their child in rear-facing car seats, but this should only be done if the child is less than one year old and smaller than twenty pounds. Infant seats are good for parents who want to make sure their newborn is snug and secure, yet also want the freedom to carry the seat many places with ease. As with all child safety restraints, infant car seats should always be placed in the back seat and only in the rear-facing position.
Instead of an infant-only seat, many parents choose convertible seats which they can use as the child grows. As can be expected, the convertible style of car seat is larger, to accommodate growth, and not as portable. Go ahead and turn the convertible seat around to a rear-facing position if your child meets the infant-only standards of weight and age. The one year and twenty pound children then are allowed to upgrade to a forward facing convertible seat until they reach 40 pounds. Make sure you are clear on how to actually use the seat that you choose.
Two sets of buckles must be snapped correctly for the car seat to function as designed: those holding the baby in place and those holding the car seat in place. Harness straps seem to be an area of particular difficulty for parents; for your baby's safety, the harness must be in the correct slot position and fitted snugly to your baby's chest. If you have an infant-only car seat, make sure the straps go into slots below the baby's shoulders, for convertibles, the slots should go in above. Always untwist your child's harness strap, slip the harness clip to about the armpit level, and double check your owner's manual for precise placement.
Also consult your owner's guide as you strap in the seat belt, making sure it goes through the right path, and tilt the seat back by 45 degrees. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is secured to your vehicle. Every car that has a LATCH system has special requirements, and those mean that the parent should read their owner guides, to both their car and their car seat, to make sure their seat is installed correctly. Many people purchase used seats; they should check the age and condition of their seat. Don't use a seat that is more than five years old or does not come with the manufacturer's instructions. Also make sure it comes complete with all parts and comes accident-free.
Correct positioning is essential, as is making sure you have the right safety seat for the baby's age and weight. Many parents put their child in rear-facing car seats, but this should only be done if the child is less than one year old and smaller than twenty pounds. Infant seats are good for parents who want to make sure their newborn is snug and secure, yet also want the freedom to carry the seat many places with ease. As with all child safety restraints, infant car seats should always be placed in the back seat and only in the rear-facing position.
Instead of an infant-only seat, many parents choose convertible seats which they can use as the child grows. As can be expected, the convertible style of car seat is larger, to accommodate growth, and not as portable. Go ahead and turn the convertible seat around to a rear-facing position if your child meets the infant-only standards of weight and age. The one year and twenty pound children then are allowed to upgrade to a forward facing convertible seat until they reach 40 pounds. Make sure you are clear on how to actually use the seat that you choose.
Two sets of buckles must be snapped correctly for the car seat to function as designed: those holding the baby in place and those holding the car seat in place. Harness straps seem to be an area of particular difficulty for parents; for your baby's safety, the harness must be in the correct slot position and fitted snugly to your baby's chest. If you have an infant-only car seat, make sure the straps go into slots below the baby's shoulders, for convertibles, the slots should go in above. Always untwist your child's harness strap, slip the harness clip to about the armpit level, and double check your owner's manual for precise placement.
Also consult your owner's guide as you strap in the seat belt, making sure it goes through the right path, and tilt the seat back by 45 degrees. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is secured to your vehicle. Every car that has a LATCH system has special requirements, and those mean that the parent should read their owner guides, to both their car and their car seat, to make sure their seat is installed correctly. Many people purchase used seats; they should check the age and condition of their seat. Don't use a seat that is more than five years old or does not come with the manufacturer's instructions. Also make sure it comes complete with all parts and comes accident-free.
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posted by Frank Potter at 5:11 PM
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