Three Out Of 4 Adults Fail On Newborn Car Seat Security - Are You With Them
Plush Toys No Comments »Parents take a lot of time making a decision on the appropriate car seat for their baby. A lot of time and money is spent on giving their baby the most protection that they can. It is strange with all of that though that the numbers of misuse incidents are absurdly high as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently reports that 75% of all parents do not use baby restraints correctly.
The results of this study conclude that 3 of 4 parents put their children at risk while in vehicles unknowingly because they do not use the restraints properly. The most common mistakes found were loose harness straps and safety belt attachments. The potential for injuries with these mistakes is huge and that is why the NHTSA labels these misuses as “critical”.
So how am I to understan the right safety setup for my child?
First you have to be certain that your baby is in the best seat for their age and weight and that it is situated in the appropriate position. Infant seats and for children under 1 year of age and 20 pounds need to be placed in the rear facing position.
A absurdly great choice for newborn babies is the infant only seat as they are designed for younger and smaller babies. Not only are they smaller and more portable than older children’s car seats, but the are a superb fit for this age group. Infant seats should always be used in the back seat, as should all baby safety restraints, and only in the rear-facing position.
If you prefer a seat that will hold your baby as she grows, a convertible car seat is another option. These car seats are made a lot heavier than a regular infant car seat therefore they can accomodate more weight and allow your kid to keep using it through the years.As with regular infant car seats, these convertible car seats are still to be used in the rear facing position for any kid under 20 pounds and under a year old. After your baby reaches 20 pounds and it’s their first birthday you can feel safe to turn the car seat around to face the front position. Convertible car seats has a standard will hold a baby up to around 40 pounds.
Whichever way you decide to go with your child’s car seat, you need to make sure that you understand completely how to properly use it. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as your vehicle owner’s manual. In order for the seat to protect your child, it must be secured to the car correctly and your child must be buckled into the seat correctly.
For some reason many parents have trouble with the harness straps. In order for your baby to be safe, the harness needs to be fitted snugly to your babies chest and in the proper slot position. The straps should be in the slots at or below your baby’s shoulders for most infant seats and at or above baby’s shoulders for more convertible seats. That clip that holds the two straps together should be around armpit level and the straps should not be twisted at all. In order to make sure that you are placing it correctly always referred to the owners manual.
Safety belt use is a common problem, as well. Be sure the seat belt follows the correct path for the position of the seat and recline the seat at about a 45-degree angle, if possible. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is secured to your vehicle. If your vehicle has a latch system, make sure that you use it according to the vehicle’s instructions and the owners manual of the seat.
The age of the seat and the condition of the seat are also important considerations. If the car seat that you have isn’t something you purchased brand-new, you can find out the age by looking at the label. Don’t use a seat that is more than five years old or does not come with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is critical that all the parts are there and that you know if the seat has been in any accidents. If there is any doubt don’t take any chances.
You can also take your car seat into a safety seat technician and have it checked out so that you know it is okay.Your baby’s life may depend on it.




















