FAQs for Baby Car Seats
Below are the most frequently asked questions from parents who are planning on purchasing baby car seats for the first time.
Why should I use baby car seats? Can't I just hold the baby in my arms?
It's hard to say what your reaction will be during a split-second incident. It's true that mothers all have an instinct to protect their young, but during an accident, it's almost impossible to keep another passenger safe by restraining him or her. The force of a crash is too great for someone to hold a baby safely.
What's the principle behind rear-facing baby car seats?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that babies should be placed in rear-facing baby car seats and should weigh at least 20 pounds before they can be turned to face forward. The rear-facing position is best for people of all ages, but it's especially crucial for babies who are more likely to have spinal cord injuries in front-facing baby car seats during frontal crashes.
In addition, rear-facing baby car seats tend to spread the forces of the impact over the infant's neck, head, and back. It also keeps the head from snapping in relation to the rest of the body in the event of a frontal crash.
When should booster baby car seats be used?
If babies gets too big for rear-facing baby car seats - that is, if the tops of their ears go beyond the tops of the shells, or if their shoulders are past the levels of the top slots, then it's time to move them to boosters.
Since babies grow at different rates, you can tell it's safe to move up if they are already too big to be harnessed in starter baby car seats. They must be in some kind of booster seat until they are about 8 years old or are 4 feet 9 inches tall.
How should I know when harnesses are put on just right?
The harnesses should be snug and not slack, and at the same time not too tight as to make the infant uncomfortable. As a rule of thumb, it should be difficult for you to insert two or more fingers between the baby's shoulders and the strap.
Can baby car seats be installed near air bags?
You must first check the manual that goes with the product to know if it indeed can be installed with an airbag near it. There are certain baby car seats which should never be installed in a place near a functioning air bag.
Moreover, rear-facing models must never be installed in a front seat with an active front passenger air bag. If it is necessary to install one in the front seat, this seat must be pushed all the way back.
Are there baby car seats for infants with special needs?
You can most likely find these special seats at your local hospital. You should also find a certified technician at your local fitting station who can help you get in touch with sources for these custom-made seats.
