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Shopping For Baby Car Seats
Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
by: Martin Smith
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 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?
Baby 2 -in-1 Car Seats
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 programs as 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 center of
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. 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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