Buying the very best rotating car seat on the market is not enough to ensure your newborn child is safe. The fact is that all car seats need to conform to standards set by the government. The budget option can offer an excellent level of protection.
Of course, the premium models have lots of extras but none of this will count in an accident if you haven’t selected the right type of seat and fastened the restraints properly.
The simple fact is that 95% of people fit their child seat incorrectly; you need this guide to ensure your child is safe:
It is important to note that there is no danger in purchasing a convertible car seat; they offer the same level of safety as a single purpose seat; providing they are installed correctly. You’ll find some of the best convertible car seats on the market here.
In order to keep your child safe in their car seat there are some simple rules you need to follow:
Choose The Right Seat
Whether you opt for a convertible seat or a single use style; you need to have a rear facing child seat for at least the first two years of your baby’s life.
The simple reason for this is that a baby’s head is 25% of its body-weight. In contrast an adult’s head is approximately 6%.
A forward facing seat with restraints would not provide adequate protection for your baby’s head in the event of a crash; the abrupt stopping motion would be very likely to cause fatal harm. In contrast the rear facing seat gives support to the head, neck and shoulders. It can even strengthen their spine.
In fact some experts recommend you should use rear facing seats until your child is 4 years old.
Fitting Procedure
Every car seat is different but it is essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the sear. In fact many stores offer a fitting service which will allow you to see how to install your seat properly.
Correct routing and tightening of the belt is vital to the safety of your baby.
Location
Although it is tempting to have your baby ride up front next to you it is much safer for them to ride in the back. Most cars have the option to turn off the airbag in the front. However; this simply turns off the forward facing one not the side impact ones.
Unfortunately the side airbags can do just as much damage to your baby as the impact of the crash. Securing their rear facing car seat in the back of your vehicle is a safer option.
Keep The Straps Flat
A twisted strap will not be as tight as it could be and will increase the likelihood of injury to your newborn child. You need to ensure the straps are flat and snugly fitted to your baby.
Blanket Care
A blanket is often a good idea to keep your baby warm. However, it should always be placed on top of the seat restraint. If you put it under the harness it will reduce the tightness of the restraints and lower their ability to protect your baby.
You can’t necessarily avoid an accident but you can take steps to help protect your new baby.
Thanks for the many tips to think about when we need to purchase a child next month.