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Car Seats Buying Guide
There's no avoiding this purchase when you have a new baby in your life --
car seats
Concerned that you won't find a safe car seat for your child? Don't worry, all new
car seats
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What To Look For
- Easy Installation -- A recent study showed that more than 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Avoid being a statistic and find a model that you can feel safe and confident about using. Check with your local fire department or motor vehicle administration ( New York State's DMV has a great Web site) for installation help and safety guidelines.
- Convertible Seats -- If you buy an infant-only seat, you'll have to buy a rear- or forward-facing seat later. The convertible car seats are versatile and last the longest. However they don't offer you the ability to easily take an infant in and out of the seat. That's right, you may have to wake a sleeping baby.
- LATCH -- All car seats since 2002 are equipped with a tether system known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). This system aims to reduce the risk of improperly installed car seats to maximize safety. No seatbelts are needed for installation.
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Easy Release Latches and Buckles
-- The
buckle
should adjust easily from the front, not the back.
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Washability
-- Find a car seat with a detachable,
machine-washable cover
. It makes for ease in cleaning up those inevitable car messes.
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Comfort
-- There should be proper padding around the seat and additional head and neck support for infants (you can also purchase a
head stabilizer
). Padded straps are also a nice feature.
Features
Though all car seats meet the government safety requirements, there are a few added bonus features you may want to consider to maximize your child's safety.
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5-Point Harness
-- Usually gives the best fit and reduces the risk of ejection. Secures your child at both shoulders, both hips, and between the legs.
- Wide, Twist-Free Straps -- Maximizes the area that restrains the child.
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Head Impact Protection
-- Padded "wings" or extra layers of
EPS foam
around your baby's head can improve crash safety, especially in side impact crashes.
Safety Tips
- Infants must ride semi-reclined, at a 45 degree angle.
- Avoid used car seats. Worn seats, seats more than six years old, and seats that have been in accidents will be less effective in case of a crash.
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Keep your baby rear-facing as long as comfortably possible.
Safety mirrors
are available to keep an eye on your child while in this position.
- Always follow the manufacturers' instructions and read the vehicle owner's manual for installation tips.
- Make sure your baby has adequate "wiggle room." This will ensure your baby's comfort, especially on the colder days that your baby is bundled up.
- Check recall lists to see if your car seat is up to par.
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For more tips check out
www.car-safety.org
Flying Without a Car Seat
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Most people are reluctant to fly with their toddlers due to the need to bring along a heavy and bulky child seat. CARES has developed a child restraint device certified by the FAA that provides an equivalent amount of safety as a car seat when flying that only takes a few moments to set up. The device weighs just one pound making it a truly portable alternative to making your way through an airport with child and car seat in tow.
CARES is for chlidren over 1 who are between 22 and 44 pounds. CARES is the only FAA certified alternative to a car seat for childeren flying on an airplane
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For more information or to purchase Cares, go to
Kidsflysafe.com
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Keep in mind:
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Big Names in Car Seats
Related Products
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International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL:
Kinderautostoeltjes Shopgids