Car Seat Safety for the New Parent - written by David Cummings

One of the most important purchases you will make for you new baby is the car seat. No matter which model you choose, these items are frequently the only things which stand between your baby and serious injury in the event of an accident. It is important to keep these basic safety tips in mind when shopping and installing your car seat.

Correct Installation Is Essential

The most important factor in using a car seat safely, other than choosing the right car seat for your child's developmental stage, is to install the car seat correctly. Read the owner's guide before you attempt installation. If your car is equipped with the LATCH tether system, use it, as this is the safest way to install a car seat. Make sure the car seat is at the correct angle, as dictated by the owner's manual. Once you have a seat installed, have a car seat technician inspect it. Your hospital or local health department should be able to direct you to a place where you can have this inspection done, and they are usually free.

Watch the Weight Limits

All car seats have height and weight limits, which are on a sticker somewhere on the seat as well as in the owner's manual. Make sure you know what these are. Most rear-facing infant carrier type car seats are only made to carry a child who is less than 25 pounds. If your baby is larger than average, a convertible car seat may be necessary to keep your child rear facing until she is one, as she will more than likely outgrown the carrier style seat.

Avoid Used Car Seats

Used car seats may seem like a good deal, but the truth is that you do not know about the seat's history. If the car seat has been in an accident, it may look perfectly safe, but it could have been damaged. Car seats are not intended to be used after a crash. Also, used seats usually do not have instructions. They may also have parts missing that you do not know about just by looking at the seat. If you must buy used because of your budget constraints, only buy from a trusted source, and check the manufacturer's website to see what parts should come with the seat.

Under 1 Year - Rear Facing Is Best

All infants who are under the age of one and weigh 20 pounds or less must be rear facing. You can put your child in a forward facing seat once both these conditions have been met. However, it is safest to keep the child rear facing as long as you possibly can. The convertible seat will still be safe for your child's height and age. Your child's legs will be cramped, but this does not mean he is not safe. If you feel you must turn the seat around, make sure the child is both one year old and weighs more than 20 pounds.

If you follow these guidelines you will be able to help keep your baby safe while traveling in your car.