Baby Car Seat

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Baby Car Seats Buying Advice

Baby Car Seat

Buying Guide for Baby Car Seats

Selecting a Safe and Useful Car seat For Your Baby

It is vital that all parents purchase a good quality car seat long before mom’s due date, so you have time to get it properly installed.

Did you know… federal law requires that all children up to 60 pounds be in a car or booster seat?

Infant or Newborn Car Seats

These car seats are typically designed for newborn babies until they reach about 20 pounds. They are rear-facing car seats, which means they face the back of the car.

Many come with a base that you can install in your car. The car seat sometimes referred to as an “infant carrier” locks into the base. The infant carrier is superb for transporting young babies from place to place.

Benefits to an Infant Carriers

There are many benefits to an infant carrier including:

• Provides extra comfort for newborns by providing a snug and secure seat.
• You can allow your baby to remain sleeping when shuffling from place to place.
• Rear facing for added safety for your newborn baby.
• Many models fit into strollers with a simple click.

The biggest disadvantage is your baby will outgrow the seat when he or she weighs only 20 pounds. At that point you will have to move up to a convertible seat.

Here are some safety features you should look for when buying your newborn’s car seat:

• Three or five point harness system to keep baby secure. The five point system is the safest. Most car seats come with a five-point harness.
• A latch to secure the car seat to the car. Most newer cars have a built in latch for car seats.
• An indicator on the base of the car seat to help you install the seat. The indicator will ensure you position your baby at roughly a 45-degree angle, which is the safest for your baby.

Accessories and Features of Infant Carriers

There are several bonus features and accessories that are useful when it comes to infant car seats. When shopping for your newborn baby look for the following:

• A car seat that can detach and click into a compatible stroller.
• A base that is detachable.
• A padded seat with head support to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
• Moisture absorbing or easy clean fabric. Also heck for removable fabric so you can wash occasionally.
• A second base to install in a second car.
• An ergonomically designed handle.
• Canopy to protect your baby from the sun.

Convertible Car Seats

The next step up from an infant carrier is convertible car seats. These accommodate infants to toddlers up to 40 pounds, though some models accommodate babies until 80 pounds. These higher weight models convert into a booster seat.

Pros and Cons

Most convertible car seats are either rear facing (for newborns) or forward-facing for older children. Most manufacturers recommend you leave the seat in the rear facing position for as long as possible, as this is safest for baby.

The primary advantage of this car seat is financial savings. It is much cheaper to skip the infant only seat and simply use a convertible in the rear facing position for the first year of your baby’s life.

The biggest disadvantage is the convertible car seat is not detachable. You have to lift your child out of the car seat every time you travel, which means you cannot let sleeping babies like. Most newborns are too small for these seats as well; so many parents have to accessories with head or body supports for the first few weeks of life.

Safety features of convertible car seats include:

• Three or five point adjustable harness, again with five point being the most common.
• Tether ad LATCH that helps secure the seat.
• Shock absorbing padding built into the side of the seat to protect your baby.
• Chest clip to secure the safety harness over your baby’s chest.
• Adjustable slots so seat can grow with your baby.

Some accessories you may want to look for when buying a convertible seat include:

• Infant insert to keep your newborn baby snug and comfortable.
• Harness adjustments that are easily accessible.
• Armrests
• Cup holder and snack tray.
• Ability to convert into a booster.

Car Seats for Older Children

Booster car seats are available for preschoolers and children that are in the 40 to 100 pound range. These seats are common for children that are 4 years old and older.

Booster seats don’t have to be installed; they just sit on top of the car seat so your child can sit in a position that allows you to adjust the seat belt properly.

Many are backless though it is safer if the seat has a high back so your child’s head and neck are supported.

There are no disadvantages of using a booster seat. Booster seats are worthwhile because they are compact and lightweight, and ensure your child’s safety by lessening the risk of injury because a seat belt doesn’t fit your child properly.

Common safety features of booster seats include:

• Enables your child to use adult seat belts safely and correctly.
• Provides foam for impact protection.
• Uses shoulder belt guides for proper positioning

When shopping for a booster seat for your child, consider some of the following added safety features:

• A removable back, so you have the choice of using one or not.
• Armrests and cup holders.
• Adjustable headrest and seat back.
• Optional pillow.
• Pockets to hold toys, books, shoes and more.
• Storage compartment to tote extra items on long trips.
• Washable fabric.

Most parents wonder how long their child should continue to use a booster seat. Federal laws stipulate that children should use a booster seat until they are at 6 years old. If you are truly concerned about the safety of your children however, you should consider using a booster seat until your children are at least 4’9” tall and at least 80 pounds. That typically is between the ages of 8 and 12!! Not surprisingly you see a lot of parents that do not require their children to use booster seats until this age.

Truth be told however, adult seatbelts simply aren’t made to fit your child properly until they are about this size. Did you know that your child could suffer from serious injuries or even death because the adult seat belt didn’t fit properly?

A properly fitting shoulder belt should rest across your child’s shoulder, not neck and throat. The lap belt should also rest across your child’s hipbones.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that disabilities and deaths are most common among children between the ages of 4 and 8, typically because they aren’t properly restrained. That makes it that much more important that you properly restrain your child until they are old enough to use an adult seat belt!

Installation of Car Seats

Installing a car seat doesn’t have to be complicated. If you are installing a car seat on your own you should follow the exact directions supplied to you by the manufactures.

All children using a car seat should sit in the back of the car, preferably in the middle if you have only one child. No child should sit in a car seat where air bags are located, as this may result in injury or death in the event of an accident.

If you want to make sure your car seat is properly installed, the best thing you can do is call your local fire department. They have trained and certified car seat technicians readily available to make sure your car seat is installed properly.

Some auto dealerships will also help you install your car seat safely.

Second Hand Car Seats

If you plan on using a used car seat, make sure the model is in good working order and meets all current safety requirements. You should also verify that the car seat has never been in a crash. If so you must be sure the car seat is free of cracks or damage. It is probably safest if you opt to avoid using a car seat that was involved in a car crash.

Accessories for Car Seats

When it comes to car seats there are a world of accessories to keep your child entertained for road trips and more. Here are some popular picks among parents:

• Toys that can attach to car seats and infant carriers. Some of the more common include activity bars and mirrors.
• Neck supports or body cushions for young babies
• Removable pillows for added comfort when sleeping.
• Shades to block the sun.
• Cup or snack holder.
• Pockets to hold toys and books.
• Leveler, which is an attachment that goes under the seat to make sure it reclines in the right position.
• Canopy to shade baby from the sun.
• Fun colors and washable fabrics.

Remember that the car seat is one of the most important purchases you will make during your child’s lifetime. Take some time to review the models available and make sure that you buy one that meets your individual needs and preferences. Most parents opt for an infant carrier for the first year of their baby’s life, and then move on to a convertible car seat with a booster option to accommodate their child, as they grow older. Ask around and you will find that many parents couldn’t imagine living without the convenience of an infant carrier the first few months of their baby’s life!