A study conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that over 80% of infant and toddler car seats are used improperly (NHTSA 2005). One of those common areas of misuse revolves around the restraint’s harness. Because the harness is what keeps the child in the seat, parents should be mindful of these common errors when using the harness.
Remember that many laws have changed in the last few years, so when investigating what is best for your infant, you need to make sure the data is up-to-date. According to recent data as of 2008, babies need to be placed in rear facing car seats until they are around the first year of age or they have reached a weight of at least 20 pounds [Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2008, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008] . The transition to the next size car seat needs to be based mainly on weight and less on age. Just because a child is older does not mean they are not necessarily safer.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a baby car seat as well. When it comes to car seats, there are two main types. There is a small rocker style made for infants only and a larger convertible type made for children from birth to 40 pounds.
The Recaro Young Sport has a 40 lb. harnessed weight limit and 17 inch top slots. The belt positioning booster can be used to 80 lbs. It has added safety features of EPS foam, side impact protection, and a tether that can be used with the belt positioning booster. Knob adjustment for harness and head rest, shoulder belt guide, and a carrying handle enhance the seats ease of use. Children may find this well-padded, plush seat comfortable. The Recaro Young Sport converts to a very good highback booster that will suit families for an extended time period.
Many parents are unaware of the proper height placement of the harness. When a child is placed rear-facing, the harness straps must be at or below shoulder level. This is different when a child sits forward facing, and the straps should be at or above shoulder level.
The main thing is that the seat be at a 45-degree angle and that the chest straps fit snuggly to the baby’s chest. Many car models now have buckles to help fasten your new car seat in place. Check your vehicle documentation to insure proper use. If you want to be extremely cautious, you can always take your car seat to your local fire station, and they will align the car seat for you at no charge.
Avoid buying used car seats. Once a car seat has been in an accident, it may not be safe any longer. Check to see what car seats have been recently recalled. Make sure the car seat you choose has a return policy. While most infants are not transported during daycare, know how the facility handles this situation, if your child ever does need to be driven somewhere.
Finding the best looking seat is not the main issue. The main thing to be concerned with is protecting the cargo it carries. Always be vigilant in buckling your infant in every time you get in the car. Never take a child out of a car seat until she has reached the appropriate age and size. The biggest cause in child injury due to car seats today is the improper use of them. Read all instructions thoroughly and follow every direction to the letter.
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Tags: babies, car seat, children, family, family and home, Home, kids, lifestyle
