Car Seat Safety Information

A child safety seat will probably be one of your first purchases, since the law in most states requires one to bring your baby home from the hospital. Additionally, every state has child passenger protection laws that require small children to ride in a child safety seat, usually until age 4. Some hospitals even rent car seats and it may be a good idea to start out with a rental until you find a seat that fits your car correctly, as not all car seats fit well in all vehicles. However, you shouldn't take too long to decide since renting is not the most economical choice.

For answers to your individual car seat questions, you can visit a great website designed by SafetyBeltSafe USA

If you can't find the answers to your questions on that web site, you can complete their car seat checkup form online. You fill out the form online to get the answers you are looking for. The National Highway Traffic Safety Information also has an abundance of information on their web site. To visit the Child Passenger Safety Section Click Here

Purchasing Tips

1) When purchasing a new seat, as well as any baby product, make sure you take the time to fill out the registration card so that the manufacturer can contact you in the event of a recall.

2) Never put an infant or a young child in the front seat, regardless of whether or not they are in a child safety seat. This is especially dangerous in cars with airbags. Proper placement of the seat is in the back of your car in the middle of the seat, if possible.

3) Never buy a used car seat. You have no way of knowing whether or not there was a recall on that model and you could be creating a dangerous situation without even knowing it. Also, car seats manufactured before 1981 do not meet today's safety standards.

4) Some health insurance companies offer free car seats or lower prices for expectant parents who agree to attend safety seminars.

5) Make sure the car seat is an appropriate fit for your car. Not all car seats fit well in all vehicles. To test the fit, install the seat and pull the base side to side and back and forth. If it budges more than an inch in either direction, return the seat and try again with another one.

6) Before you buy the seat, you may want to check out this new web site that provides a database of car seat compatibility information. You just need to choose the manufacturer and model of your vehicle and the car seat you are interested in purchasing and they will tell you if they are compatible.

To check car seat compatibility Click Here

More Issues When Buying a Car Seat

1) How easily does the belt adjust? You will be making adjustments constantly not just to accommodate your growing child but variations in clothing as well. The best car seats allow you to make the adjustments from the front, while others have auto adjustment options, just like regular car seat belts.

2) Is the pad cover machine washable? Like everything your baby touches, car seats can get dirty very quickly, so make sure it can be washed.

3) Does the seat need to be installed with each use or is the car seat permanently installed in the car? Again, with infant car seats, many come with autobases that allow mom and dad to just click in the seat and go.

4) Is the car seat appropriate for your child's weight and height? Always follow the manufacturers' guidelines.

Explanation of Harness Systems

5 Point Harness System
The 5 point harness system is the kind used by race car drivers in their vehicles. The belt supports your baby at 5 points, 2 over the shoulder, 2 across the hips, and 1 at the crotch. This system provides the best support with the least amount of pressure put on the baby. The 5 point harness is best, especially for infants. This configuration is found in many infant and convertible seats.

T Shield
The T Shield is good for children 6 months and older. It locks down between the baby's legs, making it more convenient to use.

3 Point Retractable Harness with Shield
This harness is pulled over the baby and straps between the baby's legs. Attached to the harness is a flat piece of plastic (shield) that covers the abdomen and protects it by distributing the force of impact in a crash. One benefit of this system is that it is supposed to be easier to use than the 5 point system while still providing adequate protection. The harness is retractable and gives when the child moves forward and gets snug again when they move back.

Baby Carriers

When purchasing a baby carrier, think about the following:

1) Will the carrier accommodate the child from birth through toddlerhood?

2) Can a baby be worn in front, on the side, and in back?

3) Can a child be transferred from one wearer to another without being taken out of the sling?

4) If a baby falls asleep vertically, can he easily be moved to a horizontal position without being taken out of the carrier?

5) Can a baby be put into all carrying positions by the wearer, or is another person's help necessary?

6) Is it possible to easily adjust the carrier so that different points on your body feel the weight?

7) Does the carrier let the baby be worn in many different positions? For example, horizontal facing toward wearer, horizontal facing up, inclined with legs stretched out, inclined with legs folded underneath, vertical facing outwards with legs folded underneath or in front, vertical facing outwards with legs stretched out, etc. A carrier with limited positions won't meet a baby's changing needs and desires.