Baby car seats
Baby car seats are the responsibility of the parents. Each year thousands of babies are killed or hurt in car accidents. Choosing the correct car seat for your infant can be overwhelming. Installation and care of the car seat is also vital your baby’s life if an accident occurred. Never consider letting the baby ride in your lap or sleep in another passengers arms. On impact, an infant is a projectile that is very difficult to hold onto and protect. Everyone has good intentions. Unfortunately, good intentions will not prevent death. Baby car seats will.
To choose the correct car seat for your baby, you will need to take some variables into consideration. Your baby’s age, weight, and type of vehicle you drive are all important factors. All infants should be seated riding rear faced until they are 1 year old and weigh at least 20 lbs. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends the infant rides as described until they outgrow this particular car seat. There are 2 types: Rear facing infant seats convertible seats and infant only car seats that are small with carrying handles. They are designed for up to 30 lbs depending upon the model of the baby car seats you choose from. Most models come with a base that can be left in the car. You can also buy additional bases for your other vehicles.
Convertible seats to be used rear facing for infants then converted to facing the front for children. The baby literally grows into this type of safety seat. They are bigger than the infant seat and do not come carrying handles or a base. A plus on the side of the convertible seat is they can be used for a larger baby longer than the infant seat. That is something to consider in selecting baby car seats.
If your baby weighs 20 lbs or more and has not yet reached the age of 1 year old, then use the seat that is rear faced for children. Keep your child rear faced, until the age of 1 year old is reached. If your baby slouches down or leans to the side in the car seat, then pad it, but never under, or behind the baby. Don’t use an insert unless it came with the car seat you purchased, or is made by the manufacture for the chair. You can adjust the straps of baby car seats, but make sure the harness is snug. Once your child is 1 year old and meets the weight requirement of 20lbs, then he or she can ride face forward. The child will then be in a car seat till the age of 4 years old, or reaches the weight of 40 lbs.
The majority of hospitals will test your preemie baby in the car seat to see that it will be safe and sound. It has to be determined that the baby can ride safely in a reclining position. Babies who need to ride flat, need a crash tested bed. You can find baby car seats to fit any need.
