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Baby
Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
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by:
Martin Smith
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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.
(c) www.1st-babies.com
Reprint Rights feel free to publish this article on your website but
you must agree to leave all active links contained within 'About The
Author' intact and "as is" and NOT hidden behind a java or redirect
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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.
About the Author
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer
providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Baby
strollers,
Baby
car seats,
and more! His numerous articles provide a researched resource of
interesting and relevant information.
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