Car seat safety. What is the best baby car seat.

 

Car seat safety is one of your main concerns as a parent. With so many different car seats on the market lots of people get overwhelmed.

Choosing the safest infant car seat depends on the age of the child and the type of vehicle. It is best to buy a car seat one month before your baby is due.

Do not use car seats with an unknown history. Used car seats may have expired. Car seats expire after 6 years. Labels may be missing and it may have been in an accident. A CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician can give you advise if you are not sure about a car seat. They will check and install the car seat for you for free. Click here to find a CPST in your area.

The back of the car is the safest place for children under 13 to sit. Always use a lap and shoulder belt. High back booster seats are recommended for a child's head support.

 

The right car seat depends on the age and weight of your child.

 

• Car seats for infants should be rear facing until the age of 1 year old or children should weigh at least 20 lb. For infants there are infants only and convertible seats.
Infant seats can be used for infants upto 22-30 pounds. They have carrying handles and usually come with a base you can leave in the car. Convertible seats can be used rear facing for infants and when children get older forward facing.
• Car seats for toddlers and preschoolers. Wait until children are at least 20 lb and one year old to ride forward facing. Recommended type of seat is a convertible seat.
• Seats for school aged children. Children should sit in a booster seat till they are 8 years old.
• Older children can use a shoulder belt and sit in the back of the car.

 

Car safety tips.

• As a parent always give a good example and ware your seat belt.
• Never leave your child alone in the car or around the car.
• Careful read manuals and instructions on how to use car safety seats and check the labels.

 

How to choose the best infant car seat.

Baby sleeping in car seat

 

 

If you are overwhelmed by the choices of car seats on the market , visit the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)website with infant car seat ratings.

They help you to evaluate car seats and car seat safety on four basic categories. Instructions, installation features, evaluating labels and securing the child.

 

 

 

 

 

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Don't use baby bike seats for infants less than 12 months.

Baby bike seats are not suitable for infants under one year old according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If the baby's neck is not strong enough your child shouldn't be in a bicycle child carrier.

Baby bouncer seat. How to protect your child from getting hurt.

A baby bouncer seat or a baby bouncer chair is for lots of parents a great help. Every year about 2000 infants get injured in a baby bouncer seat. Make sure you check the weight limit on label.

Travel Booster Seat.

A travel booster seat or on-the-go booster seat is a must have when you are traveling with a baby or toddler.Some are inflatable, leight weight portable chairs that fit in a diaper bag.