Safety is the most important thing that you will think of when you decide which type of car seat to purchase for your child. Due to the high number of traffic fatalities, this should be utmost thing on people’s minds when they put their children in the car.
Due to the increased awareness and the passing of laws that carry a big fine for not having the proper car seat for your child, many more people are purchasing car seats. This should not have been the reason for purchasing a seat. The safety of your child depends upon having the proper seat installed and used.
If you are in a collision or have to brake suddenly, a child that is not in a car seat can be thrown through the windshield. This is why that baby car seat safety is being brought to the attention of the public more today than ever. Using an improper car seat for your child’s size and weight can also have dire consequences.
If you are in doubt as to which seat is the best for your child, there are many good resources available to help you make the right choice. Many highway patrol offices have information on the different types of seats that are recommended for children depending upon their age and weight. Hospitals are getting in on the act and teaming up with suppliers of car seats so that newborns will have one to take with them when they are discharged.
Rule of thumb says that a child up to a year old and 20 lbs. should be in a rear facing car seat in the back seat. After this they can ride in a forward facing seat. These seats can be used until he is about four years old or weighs more than 40 lbs. Booster seats used with a seat belt are recommended for children weighing from 40 to 80 lbs. Keep in mind that different makes of car seat manufacturers may recommend different guidelines.
Another concern when purchasing a car seat is if at all possible you should buy a new one. Used car seats are subject to all kinds of problems. It may have been recalled and you do not know it. There could be pieces missing. It could have been in a crash and though it may look fine, it could have been damaged. The directions for using it are usually not included with used car seats.
Any of these reasons could put your child in jeopardy if you decide to purchase a used seat. If you are in doubt, it is best not to purchase a used car seat. Sometimes this is an option because money is an issue. However there are many groups and police agencies that have started projects to be able to provide parents who cannot afford them with new car seats.
Baby car seat safety is one of the most important things we can do for our children. Make sure that your baby is correctly positioned in the proper seat and installed per the manufacturer’s instructions. These are the two main reasons that children are injured when the car they are in is involved in a collision or crash.
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