Car seat safety.

Home > Car seat safety

Choose your baby car seat with care.

Leaving the hospital with a newborn baby one of the first things you will need is a car seat. With so many different car seats to choose from lots of people get overwhelmed. Where to start???

 

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

Car seat safety rules:

• 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.

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.

A car seat is not a substitute for a crib.

Many parents use a ride in the car seat to calm their crying or colicky baby. Understandable many parents to avoid waking up their baby, once they come home, they leave him sleeping in the car seat.

Undoubtedly a car seat is very important to protect a baby from accidents but parents should realize that there are serious risks involved when they leave a baby sleeping in a car seat.

Young babies have poor head control and their head can fall forward and block the airways.

To help prevent this, a car seat should be installed at a 45-degree angle.

Recent studies show that infants left for prolonged periods in a car seat have slightly lower blood oxygen levels.

Parents are advised not to leave young babies sleeping in their car seat. When your baby falls asleep in his car seat keep a close eye on him until you are able to put him safely on his back in a crib or cradle.

Car seat 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.

 

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.

There is an unlimmited choice of baby car seats on the market each with different features and designs.

---

Have a look at the car seat brands below and I am sure you will find a car seat that suits your needs.

---

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 2010 Car Seat Price: 258.95	Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 2010 Car Seat Price: 258.95	Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 2010 Car Seat Price: 258.95
Bugaboo Car Seat Adapters Price: 44.95	Baby Bella Maya Pink Champagne Toddler Car Seat Cover Price: 80.00	Tiny Love Frog Kick and Mirror Car Seat Toy Price: 21.95
Tiny Love Wonder Wheel Farm Car Seat Toy Price: 29.95	Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 2010 Car Seat Price: 258.95	Safety 1st onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat in Regal Price: 92.95
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat in Silverleaf Price: 140.95	Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat in Rio Grande Price: 140.95	Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat in Ella Price: 140.95
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air-SE Infant Car Seat in O2 Price: 150.95	Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat in Hanna Price: 279.99	Recaro ProRIDE Convertible Car Seat in Envy Price: 279.99
Recaro ProSPORT Harness to Booster Car Seat in Hanna Price: 279.99	Recaro ProSPORT Harness to Booster Car Seat in Envy Price: 279.99	Little Luxe Infant Car Seat Cover in Pink and Brown Floral Price: 69.99
Little Luxe Infant Car Seat Cover in Black and White Links Price: 69.99	Little Luxe Infant Car Seat Cover in Pink Links Price: 69.99	Little Luxe Infant Car Seat Cover in Blue Transportation Price: 69.99
Little Luxe Toddler Car Seat Cover in Pink and Brown Floral Price: 69.99	Little Luxe Toddler Car Seat Cover in Black and White Links Price: 69.99	Little Luxe Toddler Car Seat Cover in Pink Links Price: 69.99

---

Related articles.

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.

Safety tips for the Best Baby Swings
Find the best baby swing seats for soothing and entertaining fussy babies. Lots of parents find a baby swing helpful at night time to get their baby to sleep. To keep your baby safe in the swing there are a few things to keep in mind.