15 Top Baby Seat Bloggers You Should Follow

How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly A baby seat is a crash-tested controlled seat that safeguards children in the event of a car collision. Infant seats should be facing rearwards until the child reaches the maximum weight or height that is permitted by the manufacturer. Easy Installation Even the best car seats could be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. This is why the it's one of the most important aspects to look for in the car seat. It is important to take the time to understand how to install the car seat and to practice the installation before the baby arrives. The first thing you must do is read the instruction manual for your car seat. Do not read the table of contents and proceed to the index. Locate the “child safety seats” section. The exact instructions will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, however most have a specific place in the back of the vehicle for children's seats. Consider whether your vehicle is equipped with a LATCH system, and which lower anchors are available. Different seats require different anchors. The best infant car seats will have a system with clear instructions with a color-changing indicator as well as an easy system to use. Many models click when locked properly, which is a good method to ensure the safety of the seat. If you're looking to go above and beyond look into buying seats that have an easy-to-install base that has load legs for additional security. This will keep the seat from becoming a projectile in a crash, and it will also prevent it from tipping during braking. You'll also want to take into consideration the weight of the base and the seat. If you intend to carry the seat around or transport it to Grandma's house often, a lightweight design is essential. You do not want to carry around a heavy, bulky box. If you're not sure how to install your car seat, it could be beneficial to seek guidance from a trained child passenger safety technician. They are trained to instruct parents and caregivers on how to install car seats safely. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a list of inspection stations. Simple to Use A baby seat, also referred to as an infant safety seat or car seat, is designed to cradle and safeguard the youngest children. A majority of them have bases that can be used as a convertible seat or carrier. The base is usually a buckled base that stays in the vehicle. Many are lightweight and have 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 comply with government standards based on the height, weight and age of the child, with the intention of ensuring safety in a crash. These standards, referred to as federal motor vehicle safety regulation (FMVSR), serve as guidelines for manufacturers when designing and testing their products. To be sold in the United States, a seat must pass these tests. Many infant seats are constructed of plastic, especially those that are cheaper. The headrest and harness are designed to absorb the force of a crash by breaking up the plastic and dissipating it. Higher-end models can utilize a softer and more flexible foam that can better protect the child from the shock. The EPS foam is typically used in safety equipment that must be light and impact resistant like helmets and car seats. A good car seat should include a 5-point harness that connects at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also include an over-tether that keeps the child secure in the event of a frontal collision. The straps should have an instrument that allows them to be tightened and loosened. This can be accomplished by pressing the button or pulling a lever located between the knees of the child. Make sure the car seat is able to fit in the other vehicles of your family if you plan to use it often. Certain manufacturers provide instructions on their websites that show how to fit their seats in different vehicles in the family. This procedure can be made simpler by using Isofix connectors. These connectors are built into the seats and connect to anchor points of the vehicle with a a click. Safety Parents often put in a lot of effort to protect their children from illness, bullies and sports injuries However, one of the most effective ways to keep kids safe is to use a car seat. A child restraint system can reduce the risk of injuries by more than 70% compared to adult restraints, however, it's only effective when used correctly. However, according to a few Canadian and American studies, 73 percent car seats are not properly used. The best way to make sure that your child or toddler is secure in the case of an accident is to select a car seat equipped with a 5-point safety harness. The 5-point harness will distribute the force of a crash across more of the body, which means it's less likely to cause injuries. The harness also keeps the car seat in place, so it won't shift too often during a collision, and increase the risk of injury. Additionally, the best car seats for infants have an adequately cushioned seat that will protect your child, and offer plenty of head support. Some have energy-absorbing foam or other features that protect your baby's head and chest in a side-impact accident. Don't buy or borrow a car seat from garage sales, flea markets or second-hand shops because you don't know what it's been used for or if it was involved in an accident. Do not use carseats older than six years. Before installing a child seat Make sure the latch is secured and that the straps are secure. Don't also put your child in bulky clothing or coats when they're riding in the seat. good infant car seats may compress in an accident, leaving the harness straps loose, increasing your child's risk of injury. When your child reaches the height and weight limits of an infant car seat, you'll have to upgrade to a booster or convertible seat. The manual for the seat will include the recommended weights and ages. Reliability A child safety seat or baby car seat is a crash-tested device that holds infants and children in vehicles. The device secures the child using the harness and, in certain models, cradles them and moves with them in an accident to lessen the strain on their necks and spinal cords. It is essential that the child seat is fitted correctly to your vehicle, and is utilized correctly each time you drive. A system that detects and publicizes unintended side effects of consumer or medical products – such as car seats – could prove beneficial to parents. Similar to phase IV trials that examine the unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are marketed in a way, such a system could gather information from doctors who treat injuries from car seats and encourage users to report problems to Transport Canada (9). Make sure you read the instruction manual prior to installing your child's seat. A lot of car seats come with instructions that will show you how to fit the seat into your vehicle and many manufacturers also have online guides. You should consider buying a car seat with Isofix connectors if sharing your vehicle, or frequently travel with family members. If you have an older or second-hand car seat, ensure that it has been involved in no recent moderate or severe crashes. Make sure that the car seat is not damaged or removed from the market. Take note of the instructions to ensure that your child is able to sit straight and that their knees are able to be bent without difficulty over the edge of the seat, and that they are able to wear a shoulder belt as well as a lap belt that is low-level on their hips. Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral conditions that require a customized car seat specifically designed for them. It is safest to transport them in a car seat specifically designed for them, and that is installed correctly. For more information, please contact your pediatrician or the local public health department.