A Safe Ride in Vehicles with Baby Car Seats
Car seats are a serious business as your baby’s life will depend on it in times of accidents. Did you know that more than 90 percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly? This means that you could think you are doing everything right, but chances are, your baby could be safer. The following are some things that you should be aware of when it comes to car seats and your child.
1. Read the manual
Every car is different as every car seat is. Always read the manual for both car and car seat. It is extremely important as you can miss something critical in the use or installation of your car seat.
2. Put your weight into it
Kneel in the car seat as you are putting the car seat in. Actually climb into the car and put your weight into the seat. Then pull the seatbelt as tight as it can go. If your car seat moves side- to- side or forward a little bit after it is installed, it is too loose.
3. Secure it
Later model cars have locking seatbelt latch plates, or seatbelts which, when pulled all the way out, will lock in position. Always check your owner’s manual to be sure. If you cannot get your car seat tight by kneeling in it, you will need a locking clip.
4. Get the right angle
Infant car seats should be at a 45-degree angle. Sometimes the incline of the automobile’s seat or way the car seat fits into the car puts it at the wrong angle. Use a rolled up bath towel right next to the seat back, and under the car seat (towards the infant’s feet) to change the angle.
5. Straighten those straps
Twisted straps can apply too much pressure on the baby, in the wrong places. Every time you put the baby in, straighten the straps. Check the car seat owner’s manual to make sure you have threaded the straps correctly, and that you have placed the straps around the baby correctly. The harness that connects the straps together should be fastened around the baby’s armpits. Make sure that straps are snug and tight, just one or two finger-widths from shoulders. Babies are comforted by snug surroundings, so don’t worry that the straps are too tight.
6. Be careful about clothes
Hot weather can cause plastic parts of the car seat to get very hot. Make sure your child has clothing, particularly longer shorts or pants to prevent them from being burned. Heavy winter clothes and bulky hoods can prevent straps from tightening as they should. Put hoods up as you put the child into the car seat. They can go down later, after the straps are tight. Remember that the straps should be one or two finger-widths from the child’s shoulders. You may have to pull the straps tight manually. Better have your children wear sweatshirts and blankets in the car, and use heavy coats only when you go out.
7. Back it up
Never put your car seat in the front seat. Airbags can injure or kill small children, particularly those in rear-facing car seats.
8. Watch out for hand-me-downs
Be careful if your neighbor offers you her old seat, or you see a car seat at resale shop or garage sale. Car seats have a life of about five to six years. After that, the plastics can be weakened, and other parts can be fatigued and not adequately protect your child in a crash. Buy only from the original owner. Car seats are only good for one crash, and then should be replaced. The original owner can assure you that the seat was never in a crash. Never buy a car seat from a thrift store or consignment shop, since you will not know its history. If you decide to get a used seat, check out the recall information.
9. As baby grows
Make sure your baby is not too heavy or tall for the car seat. Read the instructions to find out height and weight limitations. Younger infants must face to the rear because their spines are weaker, and they might sustain injury in a crash. Older children may face forward. After your child outgrows a car seat, move him or her to a booster seat. A seat belt-positioning booster seat will keep the seatbelt from crossing the child’s neck or head. The seatbelt will be across the child’s shoulder, which can sustain the force of a crash. Keep the child in the booster seat until he or she is four and a half feet tall, or exceeds the weight limit on the seat. Your child may be the only 7-year-old in a booster seat, but he or she will be much safer in an accident than a child who is small and buckled in an adult seat belt.
10. Use it
Nothing works well if it is unused. Use your car seat every time, for every trip, even if it is just a short one. Keep in mind that most accidents happen just a few miles from home. By being consistent, and by making sure your car seats are installed correctly and used right, you can improve the chances that your children will remain safe no matter what happens.
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat: It is a convertible car seat which includes a 5-point safety harness and comfortable fabric. A key feature on the Cosco car seat is its no rethread technology. Parents have struggled for years rethreading the harness on the car seat after adjusting the headrest. The no rethread technology makes catering to the larger child a lot easier. This Cosco convertible car seat also uses a push in harness adjustment lever to make adjustments quick and easy. The Cosco 3-in-1 Car Seat is very durable, will grow with your child, can accommodate a child to 100 lbs and is LATCH compatible -a very important feature.
Safety 1st 3 Phase Convertible Car Seat: Converts from rear-facing (5-35 lbs.) to front-facing (22-40 lbs.) to booster seat (40-80 lbs.). 4-position adjustable headrest. Infant head support and body insert. Up-front harness adjustment.
Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat: The Graco Nautilus Car Seat is a 3-in-1 multi- mode car seat for children 20 pounds to 100 pounds. This is the last car seat you will need to buy for your child. The Nautilus is ideal for your children from one to ten years old. First, it is an extended 5 point harness seat for children 20 to 65 pounds that features an easy to install system with a lock off buckle for easy secure installation. Second, it works as a high back booster for children 30 pounds to 100 pounds, and finally as a backless booster for children 40 pounds to 100 pounds. The Nautilus Car Seat has a steel reinforced frame for durability, and has a 3-position recline for proper installation and comfort. The car seat offers easy access storage and cup holders for your child’s enjoyment. Nautilus transforms into three modes to go the distance.
Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat Charcoal and Light Gray: The Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat grows with your child from infant rear-facing to toddler forward-facing to belt-positioner booster. The four-position adjustable headrest also provides comfort for your child as he grows. The car seat features EPP foam in the headrest for energy absorption and comfort, along with a removable cup holder to keep your child’s beverage close at hand. The fabric pad is removable for easy cleaning, and the seat is LATCH equipped for easy installation.
Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat Onyx: Travel safely with your child when you use this car seat that is designed with safety and comfort in mind. Featuring two position set ups, it can hold up to 40 pounds. Patented Versa Tether. Removable, washable fabric cover. Belly pad for comfort and protection. Built-in lock-offs. Sculpted base for a perfect fit. Flexible buckle LATCH system. Comfort foam and EPS protective foam. Tangle-free, polyester 5-point harness. Push button harness adjuster.
Evenflo Tribute Convertible Car Seat – Watertown: Evenflo Tribute Deluxe Convertible Car Seat The Evenflo Tribute Car Seat has all of the features that parents have come to know and love with all Evenflo car seats. Convertible car seats are economical, easy solutions for parents. What helps give the Evenflo Tribute Deluxe Convertible Car Seat an advantage over others is the five-point overhead harness system. It is a shield harness system designed with both comfort and safety in mind. The Evenflo Tribute Car Seat also boasts a weight limit of 40 pounds. This is one car seat that will take your child from the nursery right to kindergarten.
Evenflo Big Kid Booster Seat – Silver Birch: One-hand Full Body Adjustment. Pivoting armrests. Comfort Touch Padding. Fits children between 30-100 lbs. & up to 57″ tall. 2 Retractable extra-large cup holders & convenient storage space for snacks, Gameboy or MP3 players. 5 position height adjustment. Lap belt return. Easily converts to a No-Back Booster. Removable, washable cloth pad.
Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat Iceberg: The KeyFit car Seat interior is lined with energy absorbing foam for improved side impact protection. Large car seat provides ample room for infants up to 22 lbs. Newborn infant insert included with substantial padding to provide improved fit and comfort for smaller babies from 4 – 11 lbs. Thickly cushioned seat pad is made with fine Italian woven fabrics. Car seat has a 5 point harness with one hand center pull adjustment. Ergonomically designed carry handle with comfort grip. Adjustable, multi position canopy offers maximum protection from sun, wind, and cold.
Britax Parkway Booster Car Seat Tiffany: One-hand adjustable headrest with multiple positions grows with your child. Built-in open-loop belt guides for easy installation with lap and shoulder belt. Contoured, slip-resistant base provides a stable vehicle fit. Retractable cup holders keep drinks and snacks nearby. True Side Impact Protection with EPS foam in headrest ensures maximum safety. Cover is removable and washable. Two-position recline allows you to adjust for comfort. Fits children 38″ to 60″ tall; holds approximately 30 to 100 pounds.