Car Seats

  In years past, parents would drive holding their infant in their laps and kids would jump around in the back seat, unrestrained. Many mothers talk about the years gone by when they would actually change their infant’s diaper while sitting at a stop light; some were daring enough to change the diaper while driving! Today, this action would be utterly impossible because our little ones are restrained in car seats, for good reason.

The car seat is used to protect an individual of small stature by holding him in place, should there be a collision. This seat is equipped with a safety harness and is secured to the vehicle’s seat with the existing seat belt or latch system.

In the U.S., car seats for children up to 24 months are mandatory. Never place a rear facing infant safety seat in front of a vehicle’s active airbag. If this air bag deploys, it could cause severe head injuries or even death to the little one.

Car Seats Expire

Many parents are unaware that there are expiration dates on car seats. The majority of the car seat’s expiration dates are visible on the seat. It is not wise to purchase a used car seat if you are unaware of the seats entire history. Never continue to use a car seat after it has been used in a collision.

The Carrycot/Bucket Seat Restraint System

Car restraint systems for infants up to 12 months are sometimes called carrycots or bucket seats. This system… Read the rest

A baby infant seat is quite possibly the single most important purchase you will make for your new baby. In addition to providing safety in an accident, baby infant seats need to allow room for your little one to grow and a comfortable place to ride in the car.

All baby seats have to meet federal safety standards, so you can be assured that your baby will be safe in whichever seat you choose. Some have placed themselves at the top of the list when it comes to safety and comfort for your baby. A good place to begin your search is Consumer Reports, an organization that does extensive research on important factors such as safety, quality and affordability.

Factors to Consider

Safety

The most important factor to consider when purchasing baby infant seats is safety. While all seats meet the minimum federal standards for safety, some will exceed those regulations and provide better protection in areas such as side impact, and may offer better harnessing configurations to protect little bodies. Choose a seat that has harnessing features you can easily use. Straps that resist twisting, chest clips that open and close easily and removable bases are all features that can add to a seat’s ease of use.

Quality

Baby infant seats need to last through your child’s first year at least, so the craftsmanship and materials are important in choosing a seat. Look for a thick, sturdy cover, especially at pressure points such as the bottom where your… Read the rest