Dutch Lab USA

For most parents, there is no amount of money that is too great for a proper car seat for their loved ones. 5% of the time. The improper usage of safety restraints was the major fault found in the study. Both the harness straps and safety belt attachments were frequently too loose. Among the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s study, these mistakes - the most frequent ones - are also the most potentially ‘critical,’ because they pose a great danger to the child.

{So how do you know make sense of keeping your newborn safe?}

Keep in mind three things as you pick out a car safety seat: your child’s age, weight, and the position of the seat. For children who are a year old and not yet 20 pounds, they can usually be placed in a rear-facing position in their car seats. Their portable size and snug fit around the baby is a good clue that these types of seats are appropriate only for newborns. The back seat is where infant car seats should be, and they should always be rear-facing.

Many convertible seats are also available which accommodate your child’s growth spurts. Out of necessity to accommodate a growing child, these car seats are larger and more bulky. They are used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age and for children over one year who do not yet weight 20 pounds. The seat should not be turned around until the child reaches the 20 pound weight requirement, or the 1 year age requirement, and at that stage, they can comfortably face front until they reach 40 pounds. Make sure you are clear on how to actually use the seat that you choose. Use both the manual that came with the safety seat and your car ownership guide to help you learn how to use the seat. Remember to double check the buckle that straps in the car seat and the restraints that hold the baby in place. Harness straps give parents a good deal of difficulty; they need to be in the right slot and fastened tightly around your baby’s chest. Always put the convertible car seat harness straps into slots above the baby’s shoulders, and aim below for the infant seats. Always check the owner’s manual for proper placement, but the harness clip should be at armpit level and the straps should not be twisted.

It helps seat belt placement to recline the seat 45 degrees; always double check that your seat belt is in the right path for the position of the seat. Another tip is to include a rolled up towel that you can place under the seat. Manually tighten the seat belt if you need to make adjustments, so that the seat belt is held into place. Every car that has a LATCH system has special requirements, and those mean that the parent should read their owner guides, to both their car and their car seat, to make sure their seat is installed correctly. If purchasing a seat that is not new, age and condition must be taken into account. As we have seen, manufacturer’s instructions are vital, so you should never buy a seat that doesn’t come with them; also do not purchase a seat that is more than five years old. Make sure your used seat has all its part and inquire on whether or not it has been in an accident.