Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Car Seat Basics: Part 4


A couple more things
Part4

Below are a couple commonly asked questions about car seat safety. Please don’t hesitate to add your own in the comment section below.

What should I do in the event of a crash?
Your car seat may need to be replaced in the event of a crash. Car seat manufacturers or insurance companies may follow the check list below for continuing to use the restraint after a minor collision - check with your insurance company and car seat manufacturer http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/childrestraints/reuse/restraintreuse.htm

Don’t forget to check with your insurance company and car seat manufacturer. Some insurances replace car seats and some manufacturers will give you credit toward the purchase of a new seat or will exchange your damaged seat for a new seat.

On the same topic, you should also check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to see if the vehicle’s seatbelts and LATCH/tether anchors need to be replaced.

Should I register my car seat?

Yes! This way you will be notified if there has been a recall.

Is there any exception to the rule that straps should be below the shoulders when a child is rear facing?
Yes. In infant seats, not convertible seats, it is ok for the straps to be above the baby's shoulders if the baby's shoulders are below the lowest strap setting.


The rest of the series:
Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

2 comments:

  1. I am expecting my second child, right now my 19 month old is rear facing in the middle of the backseat, once my second child is born, who do i put where, what is safest a toddler by the window or a newborn?

    imahill2@yahoo.com

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  2. Thanks for the question Holly! And congrats on your pregnancy! It’s generally said to put the less protected child in the most protected seat. If your toddler had been forward facing, it would be clear cut to keep him/her(?) in the middle because rear facing adds protection. Because they are both rear facing, statistically they are almost equally safe in any of the seating positions. As long as the seats are installed correctly, install them in the locations that work best for you. For many parents, this means having the older child on the passenger side so he is not getting out of the vehicle into traffic. Other parents may find it easier for the newborn to be next to the window so that it’s easier to get everyone buckled in.

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