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„Featuring” infant car seats |
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Ingrid Sure |
| Date: |
2007-12-21 |
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We all want the safest car seat possible for our infant or child. A car seat that has been used might have been in an accident. Any child car seat that has been in an accident, been subjected to extreme temperatures or otherwise received trauma or stress, may fail at the moment we need it most! It is important to order a NEW car seat. Not only they protect your baby in the car, but infant car seats allow you to easily carry your baby between the house and the car, especially during naptime. There's quite a bit of difference between infant car seat models on the market today. That’s why it’s best to take into consideration the following aspects when buying this specific product, just to be sure you get the right infant car seat for your baby and your vehicle. First of all, you have to make sure your children are safe and secure in the back of your car, no matter how old they are. When traveling with a baby in the car, your biggest priority is their safety! Both child and baby car seats should cater to the needs of you and your family, even as they grow. As your child gets older there’s no reason to compromise on safety. You must order products that cater to your child from birth into their early teens. There is a wide range of reducer and booster kits on the market to ensure that, no matter the age or size of your little ones, they’re always protected and comfortable. Your child car seat must adapt to your every need. It has to be light, portable and strong. For extreme flexibility, you might want to buy one of those 3-seats-in-1 models. You’d better choose an infant car seat that is easy for you to click in and out of the base, so you won't struggle daily in the car. Many infant car seats have a base system that can be left in the car for easy installation and removal of the car seat itself. Find out how many bases come with the car seat and how expensive extra bases are, if you'll need them. Also check that the car seat can be installed without the base, in case you need to ride in a different vehicle. The seats should also have headrests that adjust and, of course, an integrated belt guide. Mothers would agree that covers that are removable and washable at 40° C are preferable. Every single baby car seat is designed and crafted to meet the precise needs of the child, with particular attention paid to accesories, head support and ultimate stability and protection. You only have to find the one that will best suit your child’s needs. As your child grows and starts to dream of sitting in a big seat all of their own, the booster and child car seats can ensure they get a grown up view, while always remaining safe and protected. Due to the Internet, you can find the best deals, and biggest discounts on car seats for your infant, toddler, or even your pet. You will have the comfort of purchasing through online retailers. In many cases you will save additional money if you qualify for free shipping. Simply browse specialized websites or search by brand and/or category. Everything from infant seat accessories to complete convertible travel systems are on sale. You will surely find on Net the perfect car seat for your loved one!
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„Featuring” infant car seats Keywords: |
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„Featuring” infant car seats Parenting Home & Family |
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Related Article:„Featuring” infant car seats |
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Bob Russell |
2007-08-08 |
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Title: Car Seat Selection Tips
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It’s important to choose a car seat designed for your child’s age and weight to give him or her the best chance of escaping injury in a crash. There are three main types of car seats -- infant car seats, infant/toddler convertible car seats, and booster seats. Below are the facts about car seat options and some tips for making educated purchasing decisions for each car-seat type:
If your baby is less than a year old, he or she must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
One choice is to buy a rear-facing infant car seat (suitable for babies up to 20lbs), that will fit your baby snugly during the first few months and often comes with a handle for easy carrying. And, if you’re looking for the utmost in convenience, select a travel system. Infant travel systems include a ready made car seat and stroller combination.
The downside to the infant car seat is that you’ll spend $60 to $150 on the seat and your child will outgrow it in 6 months to a year. You’ll have to upgrade to a convertible car seat once your baby reaches 20 lbs. If this is a concern for you, you can buy a convertible car seat that will face the rear for your newborn and can turn around to face the front for your baby once he or she reaches 20 lbs.
However, some parents feel that their newborn is “swimming” in a convertible car seat and prefer to use an infant car seat until their baby gets big enough to sit in a front-facing car seat.
No matter what you decide to use for your infant, you’ll eventually need a convertible car seat.
Regardless of the choice you make as to whether to use a convertible car seat from day one or use an infant car seat until your baby weighs 20 lbs, you’ll need to buy a convertible car seat at some point. Convertible car seats are larger than infant-only car seats and are designed to grow with your child through the toddler years. Most convertible car seats fit babies up to 40 lbs (usually around age 4) and some convert to a booster car seat and are safe for children up to 80 lbs.
Convertible car seats range in price from $80 to $300.
For toddlers weighing more than 40 lbs and big kids, you’ll need a booster car seat.
Booster car seats are designed for children age 3 or older who weigh at least 40 lbs. They are designed to use your car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. They literally boost your child into a position that makes it safe to use the car’s seat belt system.
Booster car seats are essential to your child’s safety because using your car’s seat belts on a child without a booster seat can actually cause injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children who’ve outgrown their convertible car seats use a booster car seat until they are 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Some booster seats provide back support and you should choose one of these options if your vehicle seat is low or has no head restraint. A backless option is fine for vehicle seats that offer plenty of support behind the head.
Booster car seats range in price from $60 to $200.
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Thomas W. Huffman |
2007-05-31 |
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Title: Britax Car Seats - What are the Britax LATCH, HUGS, and Versa Tether Systems?
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If you've been shopping for car seats, particularly Britax Car Seats, you may have come across the term "LATCH," or in the case of Britax car seats, "Versa Tether" and "HUGS." Wonder what they mean? It's actually pretty simple. LATCH is an acronym for "Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren." This system consists of easy-installation connectors that attach to cars featuring LATCH connection points. LATCH in Your Car These anchor points are factory installed, and are located near your vehicle's seat belts. They provide an easy and very secure connection. The lower anchor points are usually a small bar or rod tucked between the seat back and cushion. The upper anchor is often a ring-like object located behind the seat on the rear filler panel of a passenger car, or it might be on the floor of an SUV or station wagon. In other words, the LATCH system is simply three connector points that car manufacturers installed to make it easy for buckling in a car seat. This system was designed to standardize the installation of a child's car seat; it basically lets you install the car seat without using your car's seat belt. Is your car equipped with the LATCH system for your Britax car seat? The USA has required that vehicles manufactured after September 1st, 2002 must have the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system installed in at least two rear seats. So depending on the year of your vehicle, you just may have the LATCH system built in. If you have an older car, does that mean you can't use a Britax car seat that is equipped with LATCH connectors? Absolutely not! The car seat can still be used with the car's regular seat belt. The LATCH System on a Britax Car Seat LATCH-equipped Britax car seats have connectors that you snap or hook on those bars installed between your car's seat cushion and seat back. Installation is a snap, it's much easier than wrestling around with seat belts! Gone are the days of snaking seat belts through narrow holes and struggling to find the latch on the other side of the car seat. Rear-facing car seats are required to have the lower LATCH attachments. Convertible car seats (ones you can use forward and backward-facing) and forward-facing car seats are required to also have the top tether strap in addition to the lower attachments. Britax Versa Tether The Britax Versa Tether system is an additional anchor aid. It provides even more security with both front and rear-facing Britax car seats. Versa Tether anchors the top of the car seat to the top LATCH mount in your car, minimizing the chances for head injury to your children. Britax especially recommends Versa Tether for children over 50 pounds. The Britax HUGS System Some Britax car seat models are equipped with a patented floating "Harness Ultra Guard System." This is a feature Britax designed to distribute the car seat webbing loads, which reduces head movement and minimizes the possibility of webbing edge loading on the neck in the event of an impact. The LATCH system is a great safety innovation that has made the lives of parents easier and the lives of our children safer. Britax has made it clear with their Versa Tether and HUGS systems that safety is a high priority. Britax has a track record of style, quality, and safety, and it comes through plainly on each model of Britax car seat. Find out more about Britax Car Seats at http://britax-car-seat.com. Learn about different models such as the Britax Marathon Car Seat, and the safety innovations offered by Britax.
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Glady Reign |
2007-03-21 |
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Title: Consumer Reports to Review Testing Policies
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Last January 4 of this year, Consumer Reports made public the result of their study on rear-facing infant car seats. But on the 18th of the said month, the said report was withdrawn due to fact that the result of the study was found out to be flawed. What caught the public’s attention about the inaccuracy of the report is the statement made by the organization that ten of the twelve infant seats that the have tested provides poor protection. In reaction to the said error, Jim Guest, the President of Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, has this to say: “We made a mistake, but we're committed to correcting it, preventing similar ones and most importantly continuing to serve the consumer interest. We've also not lost sight of our original goal and intend to work with leading experts to develop more realistic crash simulations, improve usability, and remind parents to keep children safely restrained.” The organization, after the discovery of the flaw, publicly apologized to their subscribers by sending them letters and e-mails informing them of the error. The letters and e-mails also state that they are suspending all ratings and recommendations in the said study. In their upcoming May issue, Consumer Reports will explain to its subscribers how the error was made and that they are taking steps so that such flaws will never happen again. The flaw is generally found in their testing procedure for side impact. One of the steps that Consumer Reports will be taking is to discuss the tests that they will perform with outside experts. The organization is currently working with experts on the field on some of their tests and they will further increase their coordination with them. When a major test is being planned, the organization will now involve outside experts from every field concerned with whatever consumer product they are testing. Another step that Consumer Reports is looking into is the refinement of their procedures when working with outside testing facilities. The organization is currently running most of their tests on their own facility while 11 percent of the tests are done on outside labs equipped with specialized equipments. From now on, Consumer Reports will be disclosing the outside lab they have collaborated with along with the result of the tests. They will also hire a consultant to review a particular lab’s testing procedures if necessary. Another step that they will be doing is to review test findings which are unusual. These steps are needed to be undertaken on their future testing procedures so as to ensure that they will be providing accurate information to the public which would as accurate as a Volvo oxygen sensor when providing the needed information.
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Margaret Adams |
2006-04-27 |
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Title: Good Car Seats for Children
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Car seats are oftentimes ignored and taken for granted. However, there is an important truth behind car seats: Car seats actually assist much in providing comfort and ease for those who drive or ride in an automobile. That is why it is important for car owners and car buyers to check about the seats of their vehicles. In fact, automobile experts have already come up with categories for such car seats. There are various types of seats and each has their own distinct design and their own unique feature. There are even car seats made especially for children so as to be able to support them well. The rear-facing infant-only seat is a good seat for infants who weigh around five to twenty two pounds. Although infants and babies actually grow quickly, it is best to have this kind of car seat during the early months of infanthood. This kind of seat has a handle that allows the parent to take the infant with him or her and then snap the seat into a frame or a stroller. However, to properly protect the baby, this seat should be installed in correctly at the right angle. A convertible seat can face towards the rear or it could also forward. It is good for toddlers who weight from twenty pounds to some sixty five pounds. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that it is best for children to be kept facing the rear up until he is around a year old. Just like the infant seat, it would work best if the seat is installed correctly. Combination seats can actually be used with a harness. In fact, this type of seat could also be used as a bolster. They can hold children who are a year old up until they weight some 100 pounds. They are sometimes referred to as toddler seats or as booster seats. They face forward and can change from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster seat. Seats keep your children safe. However, on your part, keeping your vehicle and your car parts in good condition also assist in keeping everybody safe. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts provide customers with a complete line of the highest quality Mazda 929 parts, Mazda 323 Parts and other Mazda model parts. They have highly dependable and proven Mazda parts that meet customers’ standards and preferences.
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Jerry Smith |
2006-03-08 |
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Title: Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
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In this article you will be provided with information about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for buying new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked questions about car seats are provided as well. Q. What is the best baby car seat? The best car seat is the one that matches your baby’s size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed. Q. What types of baby car seats are available? There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are variations. Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby? A five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby. Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby’s car seat? All car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programsas well. Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat? Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. For children under a year of age they should be placed in rear-facing seats in the centerof the rear seat. Older children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts. Q. What is LATCH? LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby’s head in crashes. Q. What is a Tether? The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby’s head, reducing the severity of injuries. Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat? Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sitall the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip. Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane? Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out ifyour seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assistyou. Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats? Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat doesn’t come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed.If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars. Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled? In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you. Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs? Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have programs and information on baby car seats for special needs children. Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat? There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash. In Conclusion You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase. This article has provided you with a number of tips to keep your baby safe while riding with you in the car. (c) www.1st-babies.com Reprint Rights feel free to publish this article on your website but you must agree to leave all active links contained within 'About The Author' intact and "as is" and NOT hidden behind a java or redirect script. Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Baby Crib Bedding and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
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Ross Bainbridge |
2006-03-01 |
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Title: An Overview Of Infant Car Seat Covers
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Most moms worry about their babies all the time. Moms worry have even more apprehensions about proper baby care during travel. Parents know that infant car seats are the law in the United States and most are thankful for it. Having a separate and safe seat for their babies is as important as sticking to speed limits and forms a vital part of baby care. But what if these seats are not properly maintained? Jagged and rough edges will develop and harm baby arms and feet during the drive. Covering up these seats with soft covers becomes necessary to keep your baby warm and snug during your travels. Infant car seats are meant for babies less than one year old and weighing not more than twenty pounds; infant toddler seat covers are for babies more than a year old. Babies of all age groups fit into these seat covers for toddlers. Infant seat covers are best suited for babies only a few months old, as they support the body at all the right parts and guarantee a safe journey. The best car seat cover for your baby is the one that fits the baby seat perfectly and can be installed and used easily and correctly during every ride. But it is important to keep your baby in the rear seat of your car, especially if the front seats have air bags, to avoid suffocation in case of accidents. The car seat covers aim to provide a soft ride for the baby, without discomfort from the hard edges of a baby seat. Baby Brella is one of the popular brands of infant covers for car seats. Their patented designs use fabrics that are lightweight and resistant to water and snow. Babycentre.com provides a wide range of fleece seat covers with soft lining for car seats. Apart from being resistant to wind, water, and ultraviolet rays, they are machine washable and have a double-layer fleece exterior with shearling inside. With their reinforced zippers, they fit seats with three or five harnesses. Car Seat Covers provides detailed information on Seat Covers, Car Seat Covers, Dog Car Seat Covers, Truck Seat Covers and more. Car Seat Covers is affiliated with Portable Massage Chairs.
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Max Bellamy |
2006-03-01 |
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Your baby undoubtedly deserves nothing more than the most comfortable and safest car seats, but with the hundreds of choices that all seem to offer different features, how do you know which is best? Use this guide to help you decide. The features you should look for in a car seat should change as your baby grows. You typically start with a rear-facing seat for an infant, and then progress to a forward-facing child seat for toddlers, and then to a booster seat for bigger children. Let us discuss what you should look for in each type. Rear-facing seats are designed for infants under twelve months. Look for a seat that is big enough to support the baby’s head, neck, and spine. If your baby’s head goes higher than the top part of the seat, get a bigger size or graduate to a car seat designed for toddlers. Choose a rear-facing seat with sturdy harnesses – the more support, the better. Five-point harness straps support the shoulders, hips, and the crotch, but can be quite restricting. There are three-point versions available, which adequately secure the baby’s shoulders and crotch. You may have to pay a few extra dollars for added features such as detachable bases that can be secured to your car, or adjustable bases, but these add-ons are more than worth it. Some models even have convertible seats, which are great if you have a big or a fast-growing baby. Forward-facing car seats are needed when your baby is already a year old or older. Remember to install this seat on your back seat, not your front seat, because your airbags can injure your child or cause him or her to suffocate in the event of a collision. Booster seats are for children ages four to six. These seats are designed much like adult car seats, with a seatbelt that supports both the rib cage and the hips. Fasten and adjust the belt just like you would your own seatbelt – the belt should go over the hips (not the tummy), and the strap should support the shoulder (not the neck). Baby Car Seats provides detailed information on Car Seats, Baby Car Seats, Dog Car Seats, Heated Car Seats and more. Baby Car Seats is affiliated with Custom Car Seat Covers.
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Anthony Fontanelle |
2008-05-04 |
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Title: Combi Recalls 67,000 Child Safety Seats
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Combi USA, Inc. recently announced a voluntary safety recall of 67,000 child safety seats that include the Centre, Centre ARB, and Shuttle Rear Facing Infant Restraints. The Centre and Shuttle were manufactured from October 19, 2005 to December 15, 2007. Federal tests show the seats could potentially separate from their bases in front-end collisions. Model numbers affected consist of 8065, 8074, 8086, 8087 and 8520 and associated Travel systems containing the Centre and Shuttle with model numbers 4400, 4515, and 4520. To know the model number and the date of manufacture, customers could look into the sticker found on the underside of the seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Transport Canada, and Combi conducted several in-car laboratory tests to analyze the overall effectiveness of the Centre and Shuttle in frontal crashes. In some cases these tests exceeded the requirements of the present American standard, said the company’s release. To note, all Centre and Shuttle restraints unfailingly met government safety standards. But notwithstanding such fact, the manufacturer initiated voluntary safety recall to address the potential for seat separation as demonstrated in testing of the seat in motor vehicles. Combi will conduct a voluntary recall campaign in an effort to provide safety seats with enhanced protection under these in-car test conditions. “Our first priority at Combi is to provide the highest level of safety and quality to the children we protect. We are taking this action in the interest of children who use our products and to ensure the public’s trust in our products,” said the company in a statement. The Fort Mill, South Carolina-based seat maker will send notification letters to all registered owners detailing the process of obtaining a free retrofit kit. In a release Monday, Combi said that those consumers who have not registered their product should immediately visit the company’s web site at www.combi-intl.com or call Combi Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-543-7734 Monday through Thursday. The company said it could take six to eight weeks to get the retrofit kit. “In the meantime, Combi recommends that consumers use the Combi Centre and Shuttle without the base until the retrofit kit is installed,” the recall notice said. Though the company did not receive injury reports, Combi decided to recall the products so as not to sacrifice quality and safety. Spark plug wires, engines, radiators, airbags, and the rest of the auto parts accessories should be regularly checked, nonetheless.
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Christine Loxley |
2006-10-20 |
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Title: The Perks To Stroller And Car Seat Sets
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When you are getting ready for the new baby to arrive, you already know that you need to buy an infant carrier before you head to the hospital. There are so many different infant car seats out there to choose from, so how do you narrow it down? When you are shopping for an infant car seat, you need to consider spending the extra money and get a stroller/car seat combo.
These combos come with an infant car seat as well as a nice, larger stroller that lays flat for infants. While they might seem big and bulky or too expensive, they are truly something that you should have when you are bringing home a new baby.
One of the main perks to these stroller/car seat combos is that the car seat fits onto the stroller so you don't have to get your baby in and out of the car seat every time you need to use the stroller. You can simply fit the car seat onto the stroller and off you go. This can save you time when the weather is bad or you are in a hurry. Plus, it can save you from waking the baby up to switch them from one to the other.
While there are some of these combos that are very expensive, the majority are very affordable. By shopping around, you can find one of these combos that is in the right price range for you and that matches your theme or personality. Since these combos come in a vast array of colors and designs, you are sure to find just the right one!
You can find these combos just about anywhere, from discount stores to designer baby stores, even online. It won't take a lot of shopping around to find just the right one for you and your baby. So, when you are out searching for an infant seat, make sure that you check out the stroller/car seat combos that are on the market today, you will be glad you did.
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Meena Kumari |
2008-04-07 |
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Title: Know Everything About Baby Car Safety
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Please read this to know more about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car.
Q. What is the best baby car seat?
The best car seat is the one that matches your baby’s size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.
Q. What types of baby car seats are available?
There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are variations.
Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?
A five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby.
Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby’s car seat?
All car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programs as well.
Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?
Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. For children under a year of age they should be placed in rear-facing seats in the center of the rear seat. Older children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.
Q. What is LATCH?
LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby’s head in crashes.
Q. What is a Tether?
The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby’s head, reducing the severity of injuries.
Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?
Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sit all the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.
Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?
Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out if your seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assist you.
Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?
Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat does not come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed. If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.
Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?
In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.
Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?
Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician.
Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?
There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash.
In Conclusion
You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase.
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