The Centers for Disease Control report that vehicular accidents rank as the number two killer of American children. Reports have also shown that over 162,000 children were injured in car accidents in 2021 alone.
Car seats are designed and manufactured with express protection in car crashes, as well as to keep children safe. According to the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, car seats saved 325 children under 5 years old in accidents in 2017. That shows just how effective they can get at securing the child in the case of a road accident.
Owing to this fact, parents must be informed regarding the essential features that a car seat comes with and be able to select the right type of seat for their children.
In the following lines, we shall talk about the kinds of car seats, significant features that one looks for in the process of purchasing a car seat, and some useful buying tips.
No one car seat applies to kids of all ages and sizes. Specific seats are ideal for infants, while others are best for older kids. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between protection and lack thereof during a collision.
There are three types of car seats available.
The rear-facing car seat is the best option for newborns and small babies. These seats cradle and move with your child in a crash. The design reduces the impact of a collision. It also protects the baby’s fragile neck and spine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. Though these seats are designed for newborns to 12-month-old babies, toddlers should also keep using them for as long as possible, unless they have achieved the maximum height or weight specified by its manufacturer. The maximum size limits differ with different models. The usual maximum heights that a rear-facing car seat can support are between 30 to 35 inches, and its maximum weight ranges from 28 to 35 pounds.
Once a child attains the top height and weight of a rear-facing seat, it is time they upgraded into a forward-facing seat. This seat is suitable for children aged between 1 to 7 years. As the name goes, this seat faces the front side of the vehicle. A forward-facing car seat essentially comprises a harness and latching system that are designed to restrain the child from going forward during an impact. The standard maximum weight for forward-facing is between 40 to 120 pounds, with a maximum height of 4 feet and 9 inches.
A booster seat is suitable for kids aged 4-12 or if the child has reached the manufacturer’s top height and weight of a forward-facing seat. A booster lifts the child to get the correct position of a seat belt.
Others include the convertible, which is both rear and forward-facing, and the all-in-one variant. The latter is convertible-that is, from rear-facing to front-facing to a booster seat.
All car seats on the market go through the same standard for safety and certifications, but it’s important to understand the key features of a good-quality seat. That way, you know how your car seat is designed to protect and keep your child safe when the vehicle is moving.
This is the standard for car seat harness systems. It ensures the best protection for your child. It features straps over the shoulders, between the legs, and around the hips. A chest clip is another important feature that prevents kids from going forward in a collision.
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. The anchor is a metal bar in the seat, while the tether is a hook behind or above the seat. It is an alternative system for car seat installation that prevents common issues associated with using vehicle seat belts.
Choose a car seat with ample cushioning and padding and proper neck and head support. Enhanced padding on the sides of the car seat also provides added protection.
It must meet all the safety standards and certifications; for example, FMVSS 213 or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard and other certifications by NHTSA.
Ease of use is a feature that’s crucial, especially for new parents. Straightforward instructions, simple installation, and clear labeling help parents install car seats correctly and safely.
Related reading: Are Perodua Car Seats Good for Toddlers? Care for Your Kids in Cars!
Before heading out and buying a car seat, here are a few things you need to know:
Even if you buy the most expensive model you can find, it will only matter if you correctly install it in your car. A study by a children’s hospital in Portland revealed newborn parents are increasing the risk of their babies for injuries in a collision with improper car seat installation and wrong positioning.
While second-hand buying saves your budget, it isn’t a good idea whenever you have to buy a car seat. The thing with car seats is that they expire in cycles of 6-10 years from the date of their first use. The materials could deteriorate; wear and tear may occur. Safety standards are also changing in the industry.
Note that some car seat manufacturers have issued recalls of their products over the years. If you plan to purchase one, check with NHTSA, which has a list of recalled car seats.
Not all car seats are compatible with all kinds of vehicles. To ensure proper fit, measure the area where you intend to put the seat. Then, compare this measurement to the dimensions of the car seat base.
In fact, car seats and booster seats have saved the lives of infants and children in case of a car crash. This is the reason why picking up the correct car seat for your child will provide them with added protection during travel. You need to prioritize the key features that will make this possible, such as a 5-harness system, safety standards certification, comfort, and ease of use. These features play an important role in preventing or reducing potential injuries in a collision.
Proper installation is also crucial. Additionally, avoid buying used car seats and make sure they’re compatible with your vehicle. Remember that car seats have an expiration date, and product recalls also occur.
The safety of your child always comes first. For this reason, having an appropriate quality car seat will surely ease your mind while on the road.
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