Safety doesn’t come by luck, it has to be prepared. As a parent, your child’s safety must be your priority. A use of proper car seat while travelling with your baby can keep him/her away from any accident probabilities. A car seat is the best protection you can get for your baby while travelling. It helps in reducing the chance of fatal injuries due to accidents.
However, it is equally important to check whether you use the car seats properly. The majority of parents use the car seats incorrectly, thus making proper placement and installation a very important issue.
Tips to keep in mind while using the car seats:
Car seats should always be used on every trip.
Read the instruction manual fully before you use it, i.e. the types of car seats that fit best in your car and how to secure your car seat.
Car seats should always be installed in the back seat. It should be tightly secured and should not move more than 1 inch in any direction after it is installed.
Properly wrap the harness around the baby.
Never use the damage car seat as it may risk your child.
Types of Car Seat and their guidelines
CAR SEAT STAGE GUIDELINES
Rear-facing Use a rear-facing car seat from birth until your baby weighs between 15- 18kgs.
Forward-facing Use a forward-facing car seat for your child who is up to 30kgs.
Booster seat Use a booster seat once your child is more than 30kgs.
Seatbelt Use a seatbelt only when your child is more than 145cms, 36kgs or nine years old.
*Do not forget to refer the car seat instruction manual for information about the weight and height limits.
What to look for when buying and using a car seat?
A five-point safety harness: Check whether the car seat has a five-point safety harness- one for each shoulder, one for each thigh, and one between your baby's legs.
Easy adjustments: It is always better to opt for a car seat which has an easily adjustable straps and harness. Some care seats even have one-hand belt adjustments with quick-release buckles.
Latch: Latch directly attaches the car seat to the vehicle instead of using the seat belt to secure it. The Latch system makes the installation process safer and easier.
Easy cleaning: While buying the car seat ensure the covers of the seat can be taken off easily. A detachable, machine-washable cover makes cleaning easier.
Comfortable and Side impact protection: A car seat with a well-padded seat and plenty of head support gives your baby a better ride. Some car seats also have special energy-absorbing foam and other features to protect your baby's head and chest in a side-impact accident.
Being a parent is never easy. But these tips for car seat safety can help you make your and your little one’s life simple and secure.
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