Car Seat Newborn
Car seats for infants provide the perfect fit and comfort for babies. They also offer convenience since most are an "click-in and snap" model.
Make sure the chest clip is aligned with your baby's armpits. If the manufacturer of the seat allows, use a tightly-rolled receiving blanket to cover any gaps between your baby's bottom and their crotch strap to prevent the slouching.
Push Chairs And Prams
Be sure to review all labels prior to buying a car seat for newborns or other baby products. These labels will provide you with a clear understanding of how to use the product safely, and how to take care of it properly. They can also help you identify counterfeit or non-compliant products.
For example, if you notice that the price of a child safety seat is reduced significantly from its initial price, be wary. This lower price could indicate that the car seat was modified or is not in compliance with U.S. safety standards, or is designed to be sold internationally. In those cases the lower price could make the car seat less secure and could cause serious injury to your child if it is involved in a crash.
Car seat labeling requirements are very specific. They must be met in order to pass inspections and to be legally sold in the United States. The label must be white and have black and red lettering to show that the seat is compliant with federal regulations. It should also include a label on the seat's back that contains the model number, serial numbers, date of manufacture, and instructions for use. A valid car seat will come with a manual and registration card to verify that the seat has been purchased from an authorized dealer.
The label of the car seat also contains information on the maximum weight and height of the child. These limits will help you determine if a seat is suitable for your child. If your child is small and weighs under 22 pounds, then you'll need a rear-facing seat.
Certain seats, including convertible seats, have a label on them that will tell you how to recline it correctly. This may include a line to level the seat with the ground or a ball that has to be placed in a particular slot. This is crucial since reclining a seat can put your infant at risk of injury in the event an accident.
Most manufacturers put the warning label centered on the front edge of the cushion. This is because it will be readily visible while the child is riding in the seat. It's also easy to read and will not be obscured by clothing or other objects that could obscure the message.
Harness Straps
Whether your child is in a car seat, stroller or any other type of carrier, you need to ensure that the harness straps are secure and properly placed. This is especially crucial for babies who could easily slip off the loose straps, or be ejected in a crash.
The 5-point harness is designed to contact five different points on your child's body (shoulders hips, the back and between the crotch) to evenly distribute any crash forces. The ideal is for the straps to be snug, but not overly snug or uncomfortable. If you're unsure of the fit, try the "Pinch Test". Utilizing your thumb and fingers and pinch the strap to the shoulder of your infant. If the strap feels too tight that it causes discomfort, it's too tight and should be loosen.
It's also common for parents to think that their baby's harness straps aren't tight enough, but this can actually be more hazardous than a strap that is too loose. A strap that is loose can move along with your child's torso during a crash and compress their spinal column and cause injury or death.
If your child is facing forward, the harness straps should be secured at or above the shoulders. A strap placed below the shoulder can allow their torso to slide too far forward in a crash, causing them to eject from the car seat or be hit by the windshield. This can cause them to strike their head against the shoulder restraint, which can cause grave injuries or even death.
If your child's chest clip is higher than their armpits, it's a good idea put a blanket or washcloths beside the infant for head and neck support. This will stop them from squirming down the back seat and getting their neck caught in the chest clip which could lead to strangulation in the event of a car crash.
Chest Clip
One of the most misunderstood car seat features is the chest clip. Many parents believe that the chest clip is what holds the child in the seat. Even when it is correctly positioned, it can still have some scary myths associated with it (lower chest clips piercing the stomach, for instance).
The chest clip is not sufficient to protect your child in a crash. The crotch clip is the primary reason for this, therefore it is important to buckle the harness at your crotch, not the chest. If the chest clip is placed too low, it can cause the harness straps to slide off of the shoulders in a crash, and could result in an ejection from the seat. It is recommended that the chest clip be placed at an armpit height as the majority of car seat guidelines recommend.
Chest clips are designed to function as a pre-crash positioner to help keep the straps of the harness on the child's shoulders and aligned with their arms. It is not uncommon for a chest strap to break in the event of a crash due to the force that is applied. However, this will not affect the safety of your child so long as they wear crotch buckles.
If your child wears blankets or jackets, make sure that you take it off before you tie the harness. This can make it difficult for the straps to fit properly on the shoulders. When putting your child in the car seat, it is best to keep bulky outer clothes at home.
A chest clip that is not positioned correctly may also prevent your child's ability to reach the buckle on their seat. This could be risky in the event that they try to escape their seat while you're driving, and it can cause them to accidentally unbuckling themselves during a sudden stop or a crash. Installing a buckle Guard to your car seat will deter your child from pressing the release button and then opening their chest clips.
Crotch Buckle
The crotch buckle is located beneath the baby's shoulders (when in rear facing car seat) or above their shoulders (when in a forward facing car seat). It should be as close to their body as is possible and positioned between their legs.
The floppy legs of newborns are usually tucked in the crotch, and they do not sit in the correct position. This could cause their airway to be restricted, causing them to choke in an accident or lose their ability to respond.
Using a crochet pattern for the buckle cover can help keep their legs in the correct place. The pattern should not have any loose threads around the buckle. Ideally, the cover should also be made with a soft, stretchy yarn.
For more information on your car seat and how to secure it you might consider consulting an expert on child safety. Even if you follow all the instructions for your car seat, there's always more to know than meets the eye.
Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and smaller infants. They are attached to the base of the vehicle, and can be removed in a single click. They come with a variety of characteristics that make them safer than the larger convertible car seats with a built-in recline indicator to ensure the baby is sitting upright.
Many parents prefer infant car seats due to their portability and ease of use particularly when travelling. It is important to keep in mind that they are only safe to use up until your baby reaches the maximum height and weight limitations of the seat.
Once your child outgrows their car seat for infants then you'll need to switch to a convertible car seat. These seats are safe and have great features, such as side impact protection as well as a five-point harness. However, they're more difficult to switch from vehicle to vehicle and take up more space than infant car seats.
A large hook and size five crochet thread are needed to make a crotch buckle cover for your convertible seat. The cover should be made to fit over the buckle of the car seat. There should be a couple inches of space left to drape over the edge of the car seat. Begin by making a standing sc on first chain near the end of the belt. Work in sc around the entire strap including the chains from the previous row. Repeat this procedure to the other end of the strap. Secure the strap and weave ends.