Baby car seats are a necessity and there are many types to choose from. However, the primary thing to keep in mind when looking for one is that the safety of your child is the most important factor to consider.
A car seat should be chosen on the height and weight of your child. Some seats are only designed to be rear-facing and generally will hold a child up to 22 lbs. Many will stay with your child from birth up until they reach 70 lbs. Or are ready for a booster seat. These seats can be rear-facing and forward-facing.
Above all car seats should meet your local laws and the recommendations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
All children from birth to one year and at least 20 lbs should ride in a rear facing seat. However the latest thought is that rear-facing is safest up until the age of two.
From age 1 to 20 lbs. to around age 4 and 40 lbs., children should ride in a forward facing toddler seat.
From age 4 and 40 lbs. to age 8 unless 4'9" or over, children should ride in a booster seat.
At age 8 or taller than 4'9", children should use the lap and shoulder belt in the vehicle. All children under age 13 should ride in the back seat.
Buying A Used One
It is best to not buy a used car seat but if you have rely on a used one, make sure it was made after Jan 1, 1981. That is when the stricter laws went into effect. It is best to not use one more than 5 or 6 years old. The manufacturer of the seat can tell you when they recommend you buy a new seat.
Ensure that the seat was not involved in a crash. Car seats will only survive one crash and should never be used again. Even if the seat appears to be okay, there can be unseen structural damage that affects the safety of the seat.
Make sure that the label is attached to the seat containing the manufacturer name, model number, and manufacturing date. Check with the manufacturer to be sure there are no recalls on this model.
Be sure your seat has instructions. In order to be safe it must be properly installed in your vehicle.
Register your used seat with the manufacturer so that you can be notified of any recalls.
To check for recalls on your car seat there are two sources other than the manufacturer.
1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) which has a list of recalled child seats.
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which has lists of recalls for all products.
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