Car Seats

Car seats are probably the most important baby necessity, but there are many things you need to know about them.  You’ll want to make sure your baby is in the safest car seat when you bring him/her home for the first time and every time you travel after that. In 2013, the Chicco Kayfit 30 was picked for the most reliable car seat for your infant of twenty- two pounds or less. It showed that there were a number of infants involved in crashes and were safe and protected in this car seat. New born babies don’t have enough strength to hold their heads up, so it’s important that you have the car seat adjusted correctly so they are safe at all times. The first step is to adjust the straps so they are snug and it is best if the car seat is reclined a little to prevent their heads from flopping back and forth. Another important part of putting a baby in a car seat that new parents may not know is that you shouldn’t have the baby in winter gear or anything else buckled up with them. The only thing that can be put under the straps is the baby. This will help secure the baby more, with the straps being placed right on the baby instead of on the layers. The best way to comfort the baby is to snug a blanket around him/her.

                Rear facing does not usually make the new born very happy. But it is state law that they are in rear facing until they are about a year, for most children. This is safest way to keep an infant safe in the car while they are developing stronger bones and muscles. If the air bags would ever go off in the car, they may not survive because of how fragile they are at this point. Many babies will scream when they are put into the car seat, especially if there is not a parent sitting right next to them. Here is a couple of tips that will help prevent this. Have soothing music on in the car or even the sound of your voice may help them calm down, because they know that are you near. 

Most children outgrow the rear-facing process at a year, but it’s suggested that parents wait until they are about thirty-three to forty-five pounds to turn around and switch to a convertible. The older they are the stronger their bones and muscles are in their body to prevent injury if there is an accident. It’s helpful to go by the weight and height on the car seat to see when they can be switched.

Did you know there are expiration dates on car seats? Well there are, and it’s very important to be aware of the expiration date because when it expires, it’s not safe for your child to be in it. Weight is another big priority for a car seat. Car seats have weight limits, so it’s best to look at the weight limit before purchasing the car seat. This way you can use it longer and get the most out of your money. 

When your child out grows out of the rear-facing car seat, they need to be switched over to the convertible car seat. GRACO was selected as the best convertible car seat that was passed by the NHSTA test. This car seat can be used as rear facing and forward facing. This is the next step of car seats used when your infant grows out of the rear facing seats. These are best used until your child reaches sixty- five pounds and from 40 to 52 inches.

Booster seats are the next phase of car seats to purchase after your child outgrows the convertible car seat. GRACO has been certified as the best brand to buy. This is also the last step before your child is ready for a regular seat belt. There isn’t any certain age to keep your child in a booster seat. It’s recommended that they are taller than 4 feet.

It’s very important to always make sure your child is safe in the car, by following the weights and expiration date on the car seat. Also, follow the rules and make sure they are in the right car seat for the right age, weight and height. The safety of your child is always the most important part of traveling.