Parents go out of their way to choose the right car seat for their baby, they spend significant time and money to protect their most precious cargo. 5% of the time. This study claims that the parents who meant well subjected their child to a potential amount of harm by not restraining their child in a proper fashion. In making the harness strap and safety belt attachments looser than they should be, parents prevent the seat from being able to function correctly. Due to their potential for injury, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls these types of safety violations the ‘critical’ ones.

Tips for keeping your newborn childsafe?

Always use the correct seat for your baby’s age and weight and in the correct position. Most infant car seats can be used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age who have not yet reached 20 pounds. Seats that are specially designed for infants are smaller and they fit more tightly around the baby. The infant-only car seats should also always be placed in the back seat of the car, in the rear-facing position.

Another option for a seat is the convertible seats that will grow with your child. Unlike infant-only car seats, these types of seats are typically difficult to navigate because they need to be heavier so that the baby can grow into them. Any child who is smaller than 20 pounds or younger than a year can be placed in the rear-facing position in a convertible. 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. Whichever seat you choose, it is absolutely essential you know how to use it. You have two important guides to help you do this: your vehicle owner guide book and your safety seat manufacturer’s guide. Remember to double check the buckle that straps in the car seat and the restraints that hold the baby in place. Of the critical components that the study by the NHTSA found, the biggest majority dealt with parents who did not have the harness strap in the right slot or fitting snuggly enough. When putting the harness into place, make sure the harness straps are in slots that are at shoulder length, or below for the infant-only seat, or above for the convertible car seats. All seats come with a guide tell exactly where the harness clip should be located, but parents should always place it about armpit height and around straps that are not twisted.

Also consult your owner’s guide as you strap in the seat belt, making sure it goes through the right path, and tilt the seat back by 45 degrees. A helpful tip is a rolled towel underneath the base. Make sure that the safety seat is fastened to your vehicle, and tighten the seat belt as needed. If you have a LATCH system, use it according to the instructions in your car seat guide and car ownership guide. If you purchase a seat that is not new, make sure you check it’s age and condition. For age, keep your seat under five years old, and never purchase any seat that does not include a set of full manufacturer’s instructions. Your seat may look great and be in otherwise great shape, but avoid purchasing if it is missing parts or has been in accident. For other great gifts for new parents try a unique baby blanket or a custom made baby announcement blanket or a monogrammed baby blanket.

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Filed under: Every Day Life

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