Protecting your baby is of utmost importance, so much so that some hospitals won’t let you leave with your newborn without having a properly installed car seat. While installing a car seat correctly is not particularly difficult, you should read your instruction manual and get it right the first time. Having a car seat properly fastened is not a trial-and-error process, but something you need to get right immediately.
There Is Not Just One Type of Car Seat
As you can imagine, car seats come in different shapes, styles and sizes. There are some geared to infants, while others are designed for toddlers. Additionally, all infants, toddlers or newborns are not the same size, so even though there are models geared toward a particular age or size, you will likely still need to make some adjustments to your seat. You want your baby to be fastened in securely, not casually wearing a seat belt like many adult drivers do.
“A car seat is not something your child should grow into.”
So what is the first thing you should do when getting a car seat? Make sure you select the right one. Don’t get one that is too big and think, “Well, my child will grow into this.” A car seat is not the same as a pair of pants. When your child is a newborn, you need a car seat he or she will be secure in, as well as comfortable.
If you are looking for some video tutorials on installing the various types of car seats, head over to Parents Central, as they have several videos highlighting installation techniques for various styles.
Don’t Make Mistakes
Much like anything you’re trying for the first time, it is easy to make mistakes. When it comes to installing a baby seat, you really want to get it right the first time. Therefore, here are a few common mistakes that parents make when familiarizing themselves with this new process.
- Not Checking The History Of A Used Car Seat: Some families might not be in a position to purchase a brand new car seat, or perhaps they have a friend or family member who is getting rid of their old one. If you are in a situation where a used car seat is the answer, you need to make sure about a couple things, according to the Mayo Clinic. First, verify that it is the right size for your child. It is easy to get the wrong size, especially when your choices are limited by selecting a used car seat. Another thing you should do is check the history. If this particular car seat has had problems, whether the make, brand or this individual model, then you should reconsider. Don’t take chances when it comes to car seats.
- Using The Car Seat For Other Purposes: Many parents want to take the car seat out of the car because the baby looks so comfortable and use the seat as a sort of crib. You should avoid this. The Mayo Clinic noted that this upright position isn’t good for children for too long. Take you child out of the car seat at the end of the trip and leave the seat securely fastened as well. While there might be times you need to remove the car seat from the back of your car, you should avoid using it for any other purpose or storing it in a place where it can incur damage of any kind.
Your baby might want to go on a ride as badly as you do, and thanks to car seats, he or she can sit there and glare out the window at the exciting outside world. But make sure that seat is secure and safe.
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