Make sense of car seat safety for your newborn

Parents go out of their way to choose the right car seat for their baby. They spend significant time and money to protect their most precious cargo. Yet, in 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child safety seats inspected.

The study suggests that many parents unwittingly put their children at risk by failing to use the safety restraints properly. The most common mistakes found were loose harness straps and safety belt attachments. Unfortunately, the NHTSA also calls these misuses critical because of the potential for injury.

So how do you know make sense of keeping your newborn safe?

First, make sure you are using the correct seat in the correct position -- for your babys age and weight. Most infant seats can be used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age who have not yet reached 20 pounds.

Infant-only seats are designed for younger, smaller babies, so they are a good choice for your newborn. They offer a good fit and are conveniently small and portable. Infant seats should always be used in the back seat, as should all child safety restraints, and only in the rear-facing position.

If you prefer a seat that will accommodate your baby as she grows, a convertible seat is another option. Convertible seats are larger and heavier, so they can accommodate your baby for a longer period of time. They are used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age and for children over one year who do not yet weight 20 pounds. When baby turns one and exceeds 20 pounds, you can turn the seat forward-facing. Most convertible seats accommodate children up to 40 pounds.

Whichever seat you choose, it is absolutely essential you know how to use it. Make sure to read the manufacturers instructions, as well as your vehicle owners manual. To be effective, your childs seat must be buckled into the seat correctly, and the seat must be correctly buckled into your car.

Harness straps seem to be an area of particular difficulty for parents. For your babys safety, the harness must be in the correct slot position and fitted snugly to your babys chest. The straps should be in the slots at or below your babys shoulders for most infant seats and at or above babys shoulders for more convertible seats. The harness clip that holds the straps together should be at about armpit level, and the straps should not be twisted. You should always check the owners manual to confirm appropriate placement.

Safety belt use is a common problem, as well. Be sure the seat belt follows the correct path for the position of the seat and recline the seat at about a 45-degree angle, if possible. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is secured to your vehicle. If your automobile has a LATCH system, use it according to the specifications of your babys seat and those of the vehicle owners manual.

Other important seat considerations include seat age and condition. If your seat wasnt purchased new, check the label. Dont use a seat that is more than five years old or does not come with the manufacturers instructions. Make sure you have all the parts and know whether it has been in an accident. If so, be safe not sorry dont take the chance.

Finally, if you are unsure about your safety seat sense or even if you are, visit a safety seat technician to have your seat checked. Your babys life may depend on it. To find a technician near you, go online to www.seatcheck.org or call 1-866-SEATCHECK.

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