Safety Car
Posted on Sunday, November 30th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Child Safety Car Seats – Eight Facts To Consider
The old adage “don’t leave home without it” certainly applies to child safety car seats as much as it does anything else. When you become a new parent, buying a car seat that provides comfort and safety for your child is one of the most important items you will ever buy for your newborn. Your child will be riding in a child car seat for several years, so you need to buy a seat that will last until they reach the age and weight when it will no longer be needed. This article presents Eight (8) important facts about child safety car seats you may want to consider.
1. In the United States, all 50 states and Washington DC have laws that require infants and children to travel in approved child safety seats fitting certain criteria based on age, weight, and height.
2. Most states also require car booster seats for children who have outgrown their car seats but have not reached the age, weight or height to safely use a regular seat belt. The criteria for which seat belts can be used instead of car seats also differ among various states.
3. Most hospitals will not release a newborn to go home unless you have proof of an authorized car seat in your car. Finding a car seat for your baby shouldn’t be much of a problem however, as you can find them at most large discount retailers, drug stores, and just about anywhere else baby supplies are sold.
4. No child seat is safe unless it is installed properly in your car. Make sure you read the directions carefully and follow them. Never put a safety seat in the front passenger side of the car. This is because the airbags could injure the child on impact should the air bag inflate in an accident. If there is a rear airbag near the seat, you may have to disable it to protect your newborn.
5. An infant seat needs to be shaped in a manner that it protects the child securely and completely. There are inserts you can buy to ‘hug’ the newborn until they grow into their seat.
6. One type of seat – the convertible seat – can be adjusted as your child grows. This fortunately allows you to use the seat for a longer amount of time before needing to buy a booster seat.
7. If your budget is tight, you can find used car seats that are like brand new at thrift stores or online for a very reasonable price. A new seat is obviously the best way to go, but if in a pinch for funds, a gently used one will serve the purpose.
8. Are you having a baby shower? If so, you may get one as a gift. Be sure to register in the baby gift registry at the department store or baby supply store and let your shower guests know where you are registered. A safety car seat is an item that people can chip in on and buy it as a group gift.
Finally, congratulations on your new baby and the decision to use a child safety seat for ultimate protection. Look online for deals or go to your local big box department store or baby supply store. Plan ahead so you have the seat ready to go on the blessed day you bring your baby home.
About the Author
For information about
Car Seats for Children
author Jesse Whitehead recommends
Best Infant Car Seats
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