Car Seat Newborn: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Sooner
Car Seat Newborn
Infant car seats are designed to fit snugly and securely for babies. They are typically "click in and snap" models which makes them easy to use.
The chest clip should be centered between your baby's armpits. If the seat manufacturer permits the use of a tightly-rolled receiving blanket to fill in any gaps between your baby's crotch strap and their bottom to prevent slouching.
Safety Seat Labels
When you are shopping for a car seat for newborns or other baby items be sure to be sure to read the labels carefully. These labels can provide you with useful information about how to use and care for the product. They can also help you identify non-compliant or counterfeit products.
Be wary if, for instance you see a reduced price on a child safety car seat. The lower price could indicate that the car seat has been tampered with, isn't in compliance with U.S. standards, or was designed for an overseas market. In these instances the lower price could make the car seat less secure and result in serious injuries to your child in the event of a crash.
Labeling requirements for car seats are extremely specific. They must be met in order to pass inspections and to be legally sold in the United States. The label must be white with black and red lettering to show that the seat complies with federal regulations. It should also include a label on the seat's back that includes the model number serial numbers, the date of production, and instructions to use it. A valid car seat will include a manual and a registration card to verify that the seat has been purchased from a licensed dealer.
The label on the car seat also contains information on the maximum weight and height of the child. These limits will tell you which car seat is appropriate for your child. If your child is small and weighs under 22 pounds, you'll require a rear-facing seat.
Certain seats, especially convertible seats, have an indication on them that will tell you how to recline it properly. This may include an instruction to level the seat to the ground or a ball which needs to be in a certain slot. This is very important, as improperly reclining a seat can put your infant at risk of injury in the event of an accident.
The warning label is usually placed on the outside of the cushion. This location is preferred because it will be readily visible while the child is riding in the seat. It is easy to see and will not be hidden by clothing or other items.
Harness Straps
You should always check that the harness straps on your child's car seat or stroller carrier are tight and properly positioned. This is particularly crucial for babies who could easily slip off a loose harness, or be ejected in a crash.
The 5-point harness is designed in a way it is able to connect five different points of your child's body, such as the shoulders, hips, and the crotch between. This helps disperse any force of a crash equally. The straps should be snug but not be uncomfortable. If you aren't sure about the fit, you can use the "Pinch Test". Utilizing your thumb and fingers and pinch the strap to the shoulder of your infant. If the strap is tight enough that it causes discomfort, then it needs to be loosen.
Many parents think their baby's harness isn't enough tight. However, this could be more dangerous than straps that are too loose. A strap that is loose can move with the torso of your child in a crash, compressing down on their spine and possibly causing injury or death.
If your child is facing forward, the straps of the harness should be secured above or below the shoulders. A strap placed below the shoulder can cause their torso to slide too far forward in the event of a crash, potentially causing them to fall out of the car seat or to be thrown into the windshield. This can cause them to hit the shoulder restraint with their head, causing serious injuries or even death.
If the chest clip of your child is above their armpits, then it's an ideal idea to place tightly-rolled blankets or washcloths on the side of the infant as a head and neck support. This will stop them from squirming in the back seat and getting their neck caught in the chest clip which could result in strangulation if the car crashes.
Chest Clip
One of the most misunderstood of car seat features is the chest clip. Many parents believe that the chest clip keeps the child in the seat. Even when it is correctly placed, it may still have some scary myths related to it (lower chest clips piercing the stomach, for example).
The chest clip isn't strong enough to hold your child during an accident. This is the responsibility of the crotch buckle, which is why it's important to ensure that the harness is buckled at the crotch and not the chest. If infant car seat rear facing is too low, it may cause the straps of the harness to slide off the shoulders in a crash, and potentially result in ejection from the seat. It is recommended that the clip be placed at armpit height, as the majority of car seat guidelines recommend.
Chest clips function as a pre-crash positioner and help keep the harness straps aligned and on the shoulders of the child. During a crash it's not uncommon for the chest clip to break or slide down because of the force that is applied to it during the accident however, this shouldn't affect your child's safety in any way so long as the harness is secured at the crotch buckle.
If your child is wearing blankets or jackets, be sure that you take it off before you tie the harness. This will make it difficult for the straps to fit properly on shoulders. When putting your child to the car seat, keep bulky outer clothes at home.
A chest clip that's not placed correctly could also hinder your child from being able to reach their seat belt buckle to unfasten the buckle. This can be dangerous when they attempt to escape their seat while you're driving. It could result in them not buckling themselves properly in the event of a sudden stop or a crash. Installing a buckle Guard to your car seat will stop your child from pressing the release button and then opening their chest clips.
Crotch Buckle
The crotch buckle is located below 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.
Baby's floppy legs are often tucked into the crotch and do not sit in the right position. This could cause their airway to be restricted, causing them to choke in an accident or lose their ability to respond.
A crochet pattern for the buckle cover can help keep their legs in the correct place. The pattern should be easy and should not have loose threads in the buckle area. The cover should be made of a stretchy, soft material.
For more details about your model and how it should be secured you might consider consulting an expert in child safety. Even if you've followed the directions that come with your car seat, there is still a lot to be learned.
Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and infants who are small. They attach to the vehicle's base and can be removed with a single click. They come with a variety of security features, including an inbuilt recline indicator to ensure that the baby is sitting up straight.
Many parents opt for an infant car seat because they are easy to use and portable, especially when traveling. It is important to keep in mind that these seats are safe to use until your child has reached the maximum weight and height limits of the seat.
When your baby is no longer in the infant car seat, they must be moved to convertible car seats. These seats are extremely safe features, such as well-engineered side impact protection as well as 5-point harness. They are more difficult to move from one vehicle another and require more space than car seats for infants.
A large hook and five crochet thread are required to make a crotch-buckle cover for your convertible seat. The cover should fit over the buckle of the car seat, leaving some inches of fabric to drape over the edge. Begin by standing sc in the first chain from the bottom of the strap. Work in sc around the strap including the chains of the previous row. Repeat this procedure to the other end of the strap. Secure the strap and weave in ends.