Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
In this article, you will be provided with information about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for buying new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked questions about car seats are provided as well.
Q. What is the best baby car seat?
The best car seat is the one that matches your baby’s size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.
Q. What types of baby car seats are available?
There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front-facing car seats, and convertible car seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats, and integrated car seats. With each type of seat, there are variations.
Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?
A five-point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby.
Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby’s car seat?
All car seats (except most second-hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programs as well.
Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?
Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. Children under a year of age should be placed in rear-facing seats in the center of the rear seat. Older children can sit facing the front and their seats are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.
Q. What is LATCH?
LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and the seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward-facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby’s head in crashes.
Q. What is a Tether?
The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front-facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby’s head, reducing the severity of injuries.
Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?
Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sit all the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.
Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?
Yes, it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out if your seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assist you.
Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?
Yes, it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat doesn’t come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed. If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.
Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?
In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions on what to do if the baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.
Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?
Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have programs and information on baby car seats for special needs children.
Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?
There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips, and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash.
You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase. This article has provided you with a number of tips to keep your baby safe while riding with you in the car.
