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Safety is a priority with parents, and this is reflected in the amount of time and money they are willing to spend on a car seat for their child. Yet according to a multi-year study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 79.5 percent of all car safety seats for children were used incorrectly. This study claims that many parents put their child at harm by incorrectly using the safety restraints. The child's parents don't want to make the harness strap or the safety belt attachments too tight, so they typically swing the other way and make them far too loose to do any good. Not only are they the most prevalent, but they are also the most 'critical', according to the NHTSA.
Many parents put their child in rear-facing car seats, but this should only be done if the child is less than one year old and smaller than twenty pounds. Seats that are specially designed for infants are smaller and they fit more tightly around the baby. The study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reminds parents that all infant car seats are designed to face the rear, and should always be placed in the back seat.
Another option for a seat is the convertible seats that will grow with your child. Convertible car seats are naturally larger than infant-only seats, because the child has to have enough support as it grows. Again, weight and age are important when determining the proper position for the child's seat; if the child is younger than one year and under the twenty pound requirement, the seat should be rear facing. Eventually, the infant will pass the height and weight requirement for infants; they should be placed facing the front of the car at the point and remain in their convertible seat until they reach 40 pounds. Every parent should know how to use whichever seat they pick. You will find it easier to do so if you read all the important parts of your vehicle owner guide and the instruction that came with your safety seat. The car seat must be buckled snugly into a locked position, and the baby should be locked snugly in the seat itself. The slot position and a firm fit are important for the harness straps in particular. When putting the harness into place, make sure the harness straps are in slots that are at shoulder length, or below for the infant-only seat, or above for the convertible car seats. Many times parents allow the harness straps to become twisted, and they should not; check your owner's guide to see where the harness clip should be placed, though a good height is generally around the armpit.
For correct seat belt placement, follow the path that is detailed in your owner's guide, and tilt the seat back by about 45 degrees when possible. For added security, a rolled up towel under the base helps. For your child's added safety, double check the tightness of the seat belt. The vehicle ownership manual and the car seat manufacturer guide will help you install your car seat in a LATCH system car. The seat should be in good condition, so if you purchase a used one, double check the label for age. Do not purchase a seat older than five years, and do not purchase one that does not include instructions. Along with the owner's manual, your seat should have all its parts, and should have never been involved in any type of car accident.
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