How to Install a Baby Seat Correctly

A baby seat (also called a child safety seat, infant car seat or car seat) is a crash-tested, regulated seat which protects children from injury or even death during vehicle collisions.

Infant seats should be forward facing infant car seat rearwards until the child reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the manufacturer.

Easy Installation

Even the most premium car seats could be dangerous if they are not installed correctly. Easy installation is therefore one of the most important factors to look for when buying car seats. It's worth taking the time to understand the correct installation methods for your specific vehicle and to practice installing the seat in a secure empty car prior to when baby arrives (or if you have already a toddler).

The first step is to read the car seat manual. Do not read the table of contents and head straight to the index. Locate the "child safety seats" section. The exact instructions will differ based on the brand and model of your vehicle, however most have a specific place in the back for children's seats.

Consider whether your vehicle has a LATCH system, and which lower anchors are available. Different seats require different anchors. The best infant car seat will have a system with clear instructions, a color-changing indicator and a system which is easy to use. A lot of models will make a click when properly locked, which is a good method to verify the security of the seat.

If you're looking to go the extra mile look into buying the seat with an easy-to-install base that has an extra load leg for security. This will keep the seat from being a projectile in the event of a crash, and also prevents it from tipping when the braking. Also, you should think about the combined weight of the base and the seat. You don't want a large and bulky seat that is too heavy to carry.

If you're not sure the best way to install your child's safety seat, you may consider asking for help from a certified child safety technician. They are trained to instruct parents and caregivers how to put in car seats safely, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of inspection stations.

Ease of Use

A baby seat, also known as an infant car seat or safety seat, is designed to cradle and safeguard the smallest of children. Many are designed with a base which can be used as an adjustable seat or a carrier. The base is usually one with a buckle that remains in the vehicle. Many are lightweight and have stroller attachments that let parents or caregivers to move the sleeping child without waking them.

Car seats are designed to meet federal standards that are based on the weight, height and age of the child, with the goal of keeping them safe 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.

A lot of infant seats, particularly those that are priced lower come with a harness and headrest constructed of plastic. It is designed to absorb some of the force generated by a crash by crumpling and dispersing the force. The higher-end models may use soft and flexible foam that is able to better shield the child from the impact. It is a typical material used in safety devices that require a lightweight and resistant to impact, such as car seats and helmets.

A good quality car seat should come with five-point harnesses that attach at the shoulders, hips and between the legs. It should also come with an upper tether to ensure that the child is safe in the event of an impact. The straps should be equipped with a device that allows them to be loosened and tightened. This can be done by pressing a button or pulling a lever located between the knees of the child.

If you are planning to travel with your car seat often, you should check that it can be used in other vehicles in your family also. Certain manufacturers provide guides on their websites which show how to place their seats into various family cars. Using Isofix connectors which are built into the seat and connect to the vehicle's anchor points in a a single click, can make this process even easier.

Safety

A car seat is one of the best ways to keep children safe. Parents work hard to shield their children from illnesses, bullying and sports injuries. A child restraint reduces the risk of injury by 70% as compared to adults who aren't restrained. But it only works if it is used correctly. Unfortunately, according to some Canadian and American studies, 73 percent car seats are incorrectly used.

The best way to ensure that your toddler or child is secure in the event of an accident to choose a car seat that has a 5-point safety harness. The 5-point harness assists in disperse the impact force over a greater portion of the body. This reduces the likelihood of injuries. The harness holds the car seat in position so that it isn't moved in the event of a collision, thereby increasing the chance of injury for your child.

In addition, the best car seats for newborns car seats for infants have a well-padded seat to cushion your child and offer plenty of head support. Some have special energy-absorbing foam and other features that protect your baby's chest and head in the event of a collision with a car.

Do not purchase or borrow car seats at garage sales, flea markets or second-hand shops since you don't know its history or if it's been in an accident. It is also recommended to avoid using a car seat that's more than six years old.

Before installing a seat for your child, make sure the latch is tight and that the straps are secure. Don't allow your child to wear bulky clothes when they are in the seat. The fabric could compress during an accident and leave the straps of the harness loose, increasing your child's risk of injury.

You'll require a booster seat or convertible seat once your child is past the weight and height limit of an infant seat. Check the seat's manual for recommended age and weights.

Reliability

A baby car seat, or child safety seat, is a crash-tested device that is designed to hold children and babies when they travel in vehicles. The device holds the child in place using the harness and, in certain models, can be used to cradle them and move with them in a crash to reduce pressure on their necks and spinal cords. It is vital that the child seat is fitted correctly to your vehicle and is utilized correctly every time you drive.

A system that identifies and makes public the unintended consequences of consumer or medical products - like car seats - could be valuable for parents. Similar to phase IV trials that examine the unknown adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs after they are sold, such a system could gather data from physicians who diagnose car seat newborn insert seat-related injuries and encourage patients to report problems to Transport Canada (9).

Check the manual before installing your child's seat. A lot of car seats come with guides that will show you how to install the seat into your vehicle. Many manufacturers also provide online instructions. If you share your vehicle or travel with family members frequently, consider purchasing a baby seat (learn this here now) with Isofix connectors that are built-in for easier installation.

If you have an older or second-hand car seat, make sure that it hasn't been involved in no recent moderate or severe crashes. Check that it has never been recalled or damaged, and review the instruction manual carefully to make sure the child is able to sit upright and flex their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and that they can safely wear a lap belt that is low across their hips, and a shoulder belt across their chest and mid-chest (9).

Certain children have special needs or physical or behavioral problems that require a customized car seat that is specifically designed for their needs. The only method to transport children with special needs is to use an appropriate car seat made for them and installed correctly. Check with your pediatrician and local public health departments to learn more.