Baby Protection: Car Seats
Since the late seventies, car seats have made their way into the lives of parents around the globe; regardless if you have a personal vehicle or not, if you have a baby- one time or another, you're going to need a baby car seat. In fact, if you're planning on having your baby outside of your home; then you'll probably be needing a car seat prior to ever stepping foot in the delivery room. Hospitals today will not allow a baby into any vehicle without a car seat; that even means taxis. Baby protection starts early, so parent's need to be prepared. Here's a short list of the different types of baby car seats available on the market and some helpful tips to consider when purchasing one.
All infants less than one year old or weighing less than 20 pounds need to be seating in the backseat, facing toward the rear of the vehicle. This is the safest position for young infants, today many car seats allow for higher weight and height limits so your infant can remain in the rear facing position for longer periods of time. Rear facing car seats support a newborn's head and neck much better than the forward facing car seats. Infant seats are the common name for rear facing car seats. These baby car seats are portable, as well. This is great for sleeping babies; the baby can simply be placed in the baby car seat inside the home and carried out and put into the vehicle which saves time for moms and dads, alike. These baby seats are not meant to ever be placed in the forward facing position; therefore, read your manufacturers instructions, but know- in general, these are not effective after one year or a 20 pound weight limit is reached; you will need a larger baby car seat. All car seats must meet certain criteria, for example, it must pass tests and regulations set forth by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration or NHTSA. A label on your baby car seat should explain and clearly state that the car seat meets these guidelines for baby protection. Infant car seats, in general, fit newborns and very small infants better than other car seats. However, many parents wish to purchase combination seats for their longevity and cost effectiveness. But in all reality- infant car seats are not that expensive. There are numerous Britax car seats that can be purchased for under $300, which are a parent favorite. Another parent favorite are the Graco Car seats because some models attach directly to a baby stroller making it convenient when taking short trips around town. Regardless, professionals always warn parents about the high risk associated with using a previously owned baby car seat; it's just not a good idea therfore you should always purchase a new baby car seat to maintain infant safety. All car seats have a life-span; it's usually 6 years; unless you know that car seat is newer and hasn't been involved in any accident- just save your money and purchases a new one. Newer car seats have the most innovative advances in crash worthiness, technology in the baby car seat business changes from year to year; so never sacrifice safety to save a few bucks.
Combination seats are very popular among parents. These seats can be sat in the rear facing position, as well as, the forward facing position- all depending upon your baby's size and age. The most helpful advice regarding these types of seats- read the owner's manual and check the label. These seats are generally much easier to travel with according to parents, however, be sure that your child is adequately supported in the seat. Some experts suggest placing rolled blankets in the seat to help support your babies positioning; however, if you do decide to do this- always buckle the child into the seat first. Never put blankets on or around a child prior to fastening the restraint system, this should be done afterwards for obvious reasons. As well, unlike infant car seats that are portable, combination seats are generally left in the vehicle. They are much heavier than infant car seats; therefore, the baby will need to be removed from the combination seat at stops.