Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
In this article you will be provided with information about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for buying new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked questions about car seats are provided as well.
Q. What is the best baby car seat?
The best car seat is the one that matches your baby's size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.
Q. What types of baby car seats are available?
There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are variations.
Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?
A five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby.
Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby's car seat?
All car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programsas well.
Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?
Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. For children under a year of age they should be placed in rear-facing seats in the centerof the rear seat. Older children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.
Q. What is LATCH?
LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby's head in crashes.
Q. What is a Tether?
The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby's head, reducing the severity of injuries.
Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?
Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sitall the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.
Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?
Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out ifyour seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assistyou.
Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?
Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat doesn't come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed.If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.
Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?
In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.
Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?
Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have programs and information on baby car seats for special needs children.
Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?
There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash.
In Conclusion
You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase. This article has provided you with a number of tips to keep your baby safe while riding with you in the car.
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About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Nursery Bedding which includes Baby strollers, Baby car seats, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
MORE RESOURCES:
Properly secured baby, toddler escape injury in fatal rollover Ottawa Citizen, Canada - A newborn baby and a toddler escaped a fatal single-car rollover unscathed thanks in part to being properly secured in their car seats, Ottawa Paramedics ... |
Health chiefs share ideas for children Staunton News Leader, VA - By Nicole Barbano/staff • nbarbano@newsleader.com • November 20, 2008 STAUNTON — State Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health, Dr. Karen Remley, ... |
Woman charged over home alone baby, toddler ABC Online, Australia - A 22-year-old woman has been charged with child cruelty after two children were found alone in a Townsville house in north Queensland this week. ... |
Baby, toddler hurt Family car rolls off road The Standard - Warrnambool, Australia - BY ANDREW THOMSON TWO Simpson children have been flown to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital with serious injuries after being involved in a ... |
 Telegraph.co.uk | Baby, toddler stabbed to death in Manchester Irish Times, Ireland - A 21-year-old woman was being held on suspicion of murder today after the bodies of a baby and a toddler were found at a house in Manchester. ... Police question 21-year-old over deaths of baby and toddler Woman held on suspicion of murder after baby and toddler stabbed ... Woman Questioned Over Baby And Toddler Deaths |
Custom Doll Maker My Twinn Enriches Playtime With 'My Twinn My World' International Business Times, NY - Through itsbaby business, the company is a leading online retailer of brand-name baby,toddler and maternity products sold through the BabyUniverse.com ... |
 24dash | Woman arrested after leaving baby and toddler home alone Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - A woman was arrested after a baby and toddler were found alone in a house, police said. The woman, aged 20, was arrested yesterday after police found a ... Home-alone youngsters taken into care |
 Washington Post | Safety inquiry ordered after UK toddler death Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - British Schools Secretary Ed Balls has ordered an independent inquiry into the care of children in the London borough of Haringey where a toddler died a ... Britain in shock over abuse death of toddler Father devastated over death of Baby P |
Guilty of baby's death The Australian, Australia - LONDON: A baby boy, who died after a series of horrifying assaults, had been "used as a punching bag" by his mother's boyfriend, a court has heard yesterday ... |
 The Flint Journal - MLive.com | Catch the moments as childhood flies by; Share your favorite ... The Flint Journal - MLive.com, MI - by Joe Lawlor | The Flint Journal Flint Journal Feedback: Do you have toddler stories you'd like to share? Please do in the comments area below. ... |
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