Babies Car Seats

Perhaps the most valuable investment you can make for your child's safety is the proper car seat. Yet, in 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child safety seats inspected. By failing to properly use the safety restraints, the study reports, many parents unknowingly put their child in peril. Many people, in the study, allowed the harness straps and safety belt attachments to be too loose. The same study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls these types of misuses of safety seats the most 'critical,' because the possibility for injury is so great.

Keep in mind three things as you pick out a car safety seat: your child's age, weight, and the position of the seat. Many parents put their child in rear-facing car seats, but this should only be done if the child is less than one year old and smaller than twenty pounds. These types of seats are designed especially for babies; they are a snug fit and small and portable. As with all child safety restraints, infant car seats should always be placed in the back seat and only in the rear-facing position.

Many parents do not see the purpose of an infant-only seat, choosing instead to go with a more flexible convertible seat. Frequently more bulky, these car seats are heavier to make room to hold your growing baby. Place children in a rear-facing position in the convertible seat if they weigh less than 20 pounds or under one year of age. Convertible seats can then be put in a forward-facing position once the child reaches the age or weight requirement, until they reach a maximum weight of 40 pounds. It doesn't matter which seat you choose for the child; what does matter is that you use it correctly. Two tools to help in this are the vehicle owner guide and the seat manufacturer guide. There are two sets of buckles to worry about: those that put the baby into place, and those that do the same for the car seat. The harness straps should be firm-fitting around the baby's chest and it is important that you slip it into the right slot. If strapping the harness into a slot position in a convertible, the appropriate slots are above or at the shoulder; if using an infant car seat, the appropriate place is below. 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.

Baby Seat Buying Guide and more here on Infant Car Seat Covers.
The path of the safety belt depends upon the position you have it in, so make sure your path is correct, and tilt your seat back at about a 45 degree angle. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. After installing the towel, tighten the safety belt. For any car that has LATCH systems, the owner must take note of that and make sure their seat is installed the way their car seat guide and vehicle ownership guide detail. Other important facts to keep in mind are the general seat age and condition. If buying a used seat, keep in mind that it should not be over five years old and must come with the seat buyer's guide. If you suspect your seat has been in an accident or is missing parts, it is better to be safe than sorry and do not buy it.