Babies Tale

Car seats save lives and prevent serious injury in infants and small children. While states regulate their use, the federal government regulates the construction of car seats. Child seats must meet federal standards that are based on dynamic rather than static testing.

Car seats come in three basic designs: infant seats, shields, and harnesses. Infant seats position the baby in a half-upright position, facing rear-ward. The baby is secured in the carrier by a harness, and the carrier is strapped to the seat with a lap belt. When the child is old enough to sit unsupported, he should be placed in a seat that sits him straight up facing frontward. The carrier should be placed in the back seat. Either a shield or harness seat can be used. The shield type has a protector, which is lowered in front of the child.. it is padded on the inside surface to guard the child in a crash. Because it requires only the safety belt to lock it in place, it is easy to use. Older children can get in and out themselves, which is an advantage for the busy mother. For younger children, though, the shield type can be uncomfortable, because there is little arm room and it is difficult to see above it.

The harness type holds the child in the seat with two shoulder straps, two lap straps, and one crotch strap, all of which converge on a buckle. The seat itself is held in place by a lap belt and may have a tethering strap as well. It is comfortable for the child, but adjusting the straps can sometimes be a nuisance. there are other seats that combine the harness and shield, so that the adjustment difficulties oft the harness and the discomfort of the shield are minimized.

When buying a car seat, there are a number of factions to consider. Besides looking for the best seat at the lowest price, you will need a seat that will be comfortable for your child that can be secured in your ca, and that is easy to use. First, check the construction of the seat. Be sure it meets federal standards [car seats that do are labeled as such]. The most durable seats are those with molded seat shells, and tubular steel under-framing. To save money, consider buying a convertible seat, with dual positions for infants and children, rather than buying two separate seats. Next, check the seat to be sure your child is comfortable in it. She should have enough arm room and the seat should be high enough so that she can see out the car windows easily. This not only helps keep her entertained, but helps to prevent car sickness. Be sure the seat fits in your car and that your lap belts are long enough to secure it. Some seats require a tether. While this type of seat is superior in safety, it does require the installation of a bolt in the car to anchor it. Be sure you can you can, and want to install this. Check the number of straps, and be sure they are easily adjustable. Check the latch of the seat for ease of operation.

Which ever kind of seat you choose, be sure to use it each and every time your child is in the car- and use it properly. The seat must anchored appropriately to the car, including using the tether strap if applicable and the child must be secured correctly in the restraint. Improperly used, a seat becomes a missile, causing more injury than if the child were unrestrained.

There are other advantages to car seats besides safety. Children in car seats are better behaved than unrestrained children. While this is a benefit in itself, well behaved children are also less of a distraction to the driver and thereby contribute to overall auto safety. In addition, children accustomed to riding in car seats are more likely to use seat belts when they get older. Teaching your children good habits now thus may contribute to their future safety.

You should exercise similar care when shopping for and when using other safety restraint items. Such as baby bicycle-seats [the kind that attach behind you your own] and bicycle helmets. Never skimp on quality in order to save a few dollars. Solid construction and secure fasteners are vital.

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