Make Sense of Car
Seat Safety For Your Newborn
Parents go out of their way to choose the right car seat for their baby. They
spend significant time and money to protect their most precious cargo. Yet, in
2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that,
according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child
safety seats inspected.
The study suggests that many parents unwittingly put their children at risk by
failing to use the safety restraints properly. The most common mistakes found
were loose harness straps and safety belt attachments. Unfortunately, the NHTSA
also calls these misuses “critical” because of the potential for injury.
So how do you know make sense of keeping your newborn safe?
First, make sure you are using the correct seat – in the correct position -- for
your baby’s age and weight. Most infant seats can be used in the rear-facing
position for children under one year of age who have not yet reached 20 pounds.
Infant-only seats are designed for younger, smaller babies, so they are a good
choice for your newborn. They offer a good fit and are conveniently small and
portable. Infant seats should always be used in the back seat, as should all
child safety restraints, and only in the rear-facing position.
If you prefer a seat that will accommodate your baby as she grows, a convertible
seat is another option. Convertible seats are larger and heavier, so they can
accommodate your baby for a longer period of time. They are used in the
rear-facing position for children under one year of age and for children over
one year who do not yet weight 20 pounds. When baby turns one and exceeds 20
pounds, you can turn the seat forward-facing. Most convertible seats accommodate
children up to 40 pounds.
Whichever seat you choose, it is absolutely essential you know how to use it.
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as your vehicle
owner’s manual. To be effective, your child’s seat must be buckled into the seat
correctly, and the seat must be correctly buckled into your car.
Harness straps seem to be an area of particular difficulty for parents. For your
baby’s safety, the harness must be in the correct slot position and fitted
snugly to your baby’s chest. The straps should be in the slots at or below your
baby’s shoulders for most infant seats and at or above baby’s shoulders for more
convertible seats. The harness clip that holds the straps together should be at
about armpit level, and the straps should not be twisted. You should always
check the owner’s manual to confirm appropriate placement.
Safety belt use is a common problem, as well. Be sure the seat belt follows the
correct path for the position of the seat and recline the seat at about a
45-degree angle, if possible. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the
seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is
secured to your vehicle. If your automobile has a LATCH system, use it according
to the specifications of your baby’s seat and those of the vehicle owner’s
manual.
Other important seat considerations include seat age and condition. If your seat
wasn’t purchased new, check the label. Don’t use a seat that is more than five
years old or does not come with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you
have all the parts and know whether it has been in an accident. If so, be safe
not sorry – don’t take the chance.
Finally, if you are unsure about your safety seat sense – or even if you are,
visit a safety seat technician to have your seat checked. Your baby’s life may
depend on it. To find a technician near you, go online to www.seatcheck.org or
call 1-866-SEATCHECK.
