Parenthood is a sublime duty that carries a bunch of challenges. It is both joy and sadness in the sense that not everything is within your control. The responsibility is huge, and it needs the right knowledge to demonstrate parental roles and control.
Is this your firsthand experience raising a child?
Well, even purchasing stuff for him like a car seat can be challenging. It requires careful planning and a sufficient budget.
A car seat for a baby is a convenient device that protects against car crashes. But many angles to check through before getting one. So, read on to shop with confidence and peace of mind.
The Common Mistakes
It’s okay to fall short at times, but it’s not the case with babies’ safety. One false move can lead to a regretful disaster. Babies are helpless species. Their lives revolve around the care you give. So, before you get excited to buy a car seat for your baby, hear these dangerous mistakes.
- Failure to double-check the suitability of the device to the child’s age, weight, and height.
- The device is not securely installed. There are inches of shake from side to side.
- A premature shifting of car seat positions.
- Mismanagement of the proper way of using safety-seat straps.
- Laziness to read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.
- Choosing to use one to save money which gambles the baby’s life.
Any of these mistakes can be fatal once a crash takes place. Avoid this risk from taking place. Be mindful of your child with extreme caution.
Primary Things To Do
Babies are precious gifts. They deserve proper attention and care, especially in their fragile stage of life.
Below are a few of the important steps to keep in mind when buying a car seat for a baby.
- Put safety the topmost priority because several death reports of babies have to do with car seats.
- Make sure it provides comfort and adjustable straps to suit their needs. The fabric must be soothing but durable.
- Go to reputable review sites and choose the most voted quality.
- Check for certification from the authorised agency or certified safety technicians who can help and attest to the device’s safety.
- Be mindful of the suitability of the device. It correlates with a baby’s age, weight, and height.
- It must be easy to sanitise for the baby’s health.
- Ideally, it must be compatible with your car to install it securely and properly. You look for a car seat with built-in safety indicators. Check the manual of your car and car seats.
- Be aware of the right position that matches the age.
- Take time to look for additional features that boost babies’ convenience and safety.
- Never overlook the expiration date because it has to do with the baby’s safety.
3 Common Types of Car Seat Positions
Rear-Facing
It is the safest and ideal car seat for a newborn until he reaches two years old or more. Once you purchase this one, install it securely in the backseat in a rear-facing position. Keep it until your child reaches the maximum weight or height prescribed.
Forward-Facing
The forward-facing car seat comes with a harness strap. It is best for toddlers and preschoolers. The neck and head support are leniently loosened.
If you buy one, install it in the backseat of your car until they outgrew the requirements. It has four types of restraints as follows:
- Convertible- from rear-facing to forward-facing
- Combination seats with harness – ideally for kids weighing a minimum of 40 pounds and a maximum of 120 pounds, but this depends on the model.
- Integrated seats – built-in seats are not recommended to kids unless their age and height are suitable for rear-facing convertible seats.
- Travel vests – are given to kids weighing 22 to 168 pounds whose parent’s car has lap-only seat belts.
Booster Seat
This is the next device to use once your kids are not meant more for forward-facing car seats. Install it securely in the backseat of your car together with a lap and shoulder belt. Precautionary measures are still mandatory. Car crashes are not selective of age. Always put your kids safe.
All these types of car seats reduce the incidence of injuries in children. They are more preferred devices as compared to keeping kids buckled by seat belts alone. But still, extra care cannot be overlooked. You need to keep them under your keen eye. Do not leave them in their car seats all by themselves.
Relevant Tips
- It is helpful to bring your child when you decide to buy a car seat. You can get insights into which among the displays works best in his size.
- You may ask for assistance from your friends or their opinions.
- For an expert opinion, consult a paediatrician or other medical professionals.
- Take heed of the manufacturer’s recommendation. Your baby shouldn’t be in the car seat for more than two hours. Once in a while, take them OUT from the device.
Final Thoughts
Background knowledge about car seats for babies is to your advantage and the baby’s welfare. Take the provided tips and guides. But don’t stop looking for what is a new feature or recently recommended. Everything changes fast, and a child’s safety and convenience shouldn’t be outdated. Don’t be carried away by the sleek looks of the device. Have a detailed check on things experts have told you.
Conclusion
Your kid’s safety is a non-negotiable responsibility. A car seat lightens up the burdens of carrying babies when travelling. If installed correctly, it’s a life-saving device as compared to having them fastened by a seatbelt alone. Just a rule of thumb always seeks an expert’s advice when buying a car seat.
