Information on infant car seat safetly that will drastically reduce the risk of injury to your child!
Since your child's safety is the most important thing on your mind, your child's car seat needs to be installed properly and the instructions adhered to. If it is used correctly, a car seat can prevent your child from getting injured or killed when in an accident.
When looking to purchase a car seat, keep in mind that your child's life depends on it. Don't purchase a certain one simply because of price. Check out the features it has. Most seats should have a tether strap that can be attached from the top of the car seat to the hatch of the car. Some car dealers will install this attachment free of charge. If you cannot afford a car seat and must borrow one, never use one that has been involved in a car accident. Your child's life is worth a lot more than the price you might have to pay for a car seat.
There are two kinds of car seats to consider when you have an infant. You can purchase an infant carrier car seat or a convertible infant/toddler car seat. Some of the convertible car seats can even become booster seats.
After you make your purchase, read the instructions thoroughly to ensure proper installation of the car seat. A few car seat companies include a directional video. When you are ready to install, keep these things in mind:
1. Infants that are younger than one year old and weigh less than 20 pounds, should have their car seats facing the rear of the car.
2. NEVER put an infant in the front seat with a passenger or side air bag.
3. Rear facing car seats should be at a 45 degree angle.
4. Car seats should not be able to move more than an inch from side to side and front to back.
Once your infant is over one year old and between 20 to 40 pounds, he or she can now face forward in their car seat. The car seat should now be in an upright position.
When your child is between four and eight years old and weighs between 40 to 80 pounds, he or she can sit in a booster seat. There are three different types of booster seats.
SHIELD: This booster is for places in the car where only a lap belt can be used.
BELT-POSITIONING: This booster used both a lap and a shoulder belt.
HIGH BACK BELT-POSITIONING: This booster is for cars with a low back seat. It is necessary if your child's ears reach above the back seat to protect their head.
Once your child is over 80 pounds and is older than eight years old, they can fit properly in a lap and shoulder belt. They should still remain in the back seat because it is the SAFEST place for a child to ride.
