Car Seat Newborn
Infant car seats are designed to be a snug and secure fit for infants. They also provide convenience because they are typically a "click-in and snap" model.
Make sure the chest clip is centered at your baby's armpits. If the seat manufacturer permits, use a tightly-rolled receiving blanket to cover any gaps between your baby's bottom and their crotch strap to stop them from slouching.
Safety Seat Labels
Make sure you review all labels prior to purchasing a car seat for newborns or other baby products. The labels will provide useful information on how to use and take care of the product. They can also be used to identify products that aren't compliant or counterfeit.
For instance, if notice that the price of a child safety seat has been reduced significantly from its initial price, be wary. This lower price could indicate that the car seat was modified or is not in compliance with U.S. safety standards, or is made to be sold internationally. In these situations the lower price could make the car seat less secure, and could cause serious injury to a child in an accident.
Genuine car seats have specific labeling requirements that 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 have a label on the seat's side that lists the model number serial numbers, the date of production, and instructions for use. A valid car seat includes a user's manual and registration card that verify that the seat was purchased from an authorized dealer.
The label on car seats also include information on the maximum weight and height of a child. These limits will help you determine which car seat is appropriate for your child. For instance, if your child is extremely short and weighs less than 22 pounds, you'll need to get a rear-facing car seat.
Certain seats, especially convertible seats, come with the label that will tell you how to recline it properly. This could be a line to level the seat with the ground or a ball which needs to be placed in a specific slot. This is crucial because a seat that is not properly reclining could result in injuries to your child in the event of an accident.
The warning label is usually located on the edges of the cushion. This is because it will be readily accessible when the child is in the seat. It is easily readable, and isn't obscured by clothing or other objects.
Harness Straps
You should always check that the harness straps on your child's car seat or stroller transporter are securely and correctly positioned. This is especially crucial for babies who could easily slip from the loose straps or even be ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
The 5-point harness is designed to contact five different points on your child's body (shoulders, hips and between the crotch and shoulders) to evenly distribute any impact forces. The straps should fit comfortably but not be uncomfortable. If you're unsure of the fit, you can try the "Pinch Test". Use your fingers and thumbs to press the strap against the shoulders of your child. If the strap is tight enough that it causes discomfort it is time to loosen it.
It's also common for parents to believe that their child's harness straps are too tight, but this can actually be more dangerous than a strap that's too loose. A strap that is loose can move with your child's body in an accident and cause spinal compression which can cause injury or death.
If your child is a forward-facing infant the harness straps should be positioned snugly AT or ABOVE the shoulders. A strap placed below the shoulder can cause the child's body to move too far forward during a crash. This could result in them being forced out of the car seat, or even into the windshield. This can also cause them to crash their head on the shoulder restraint causing serious injuries or death.
If the chest clip of your child is above their armpits, it's recommended to place a couple of blankets or washcloths beside the baby to provide neck and head support. This will stop them from squirming their way down the back of the seat, possibly getting their neck caught on the chest clip and strangling themselves in an accident.
Chest Clip
One of the most misunderstood of car seat features is the chest clip. best car seat for newborn uk www.pushchairsandprams.uk are taught that it secures the child in the car seat and even if it is properly positioned, it can have some scary myths about it (low chest clips puncturing stomachs, for example).
First of all the chest clip can't physically hold your child in a crash. The crotch clip is responsible for this, so it is important to secure the harness at your crotch, not the chest. If the chest clip is too low, it can cause the harness straps to slide off of shoulders during a crash and possibly result in the ejection of the seat. This is the reason it's recommended to place the chest clip at the armpit level, which is also the position that the majority of manuals for car seats recommend placing it.
Chest clips are designed as an aid to keep the straps of the harness on a child's shoulder and in alignment with their arms. During a crash, it's not uncommon for a chest clip to break or move down because of the force applied to it during the collision however, this shouldn't affect your child's safety in any way, as long the harness is securely fastened at the crotch buckle.
If your child wears a jacket or blanket be sure to take it off it before you buckle the harness as this can hinder the harness straps from sitting properly on their shoulders. When putting your child to the car seat, leave bulky outer clothing at home.
A chest clip that is not positioned correctly may also hinder your child's ability reach the buckle of their seat. This can be dangerous in the event that they try to get out of the seat while driving, and could result in them accidentally unbuckling themselves in the event of a sudden stop or a crash. A simple solution to this is to put a Buckle Guard on your car seat. It will stop your child from pressing the release button, and then opening their chest clip.
Crotch Buckle
The crotch buckle is situated beneath 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 it is possible and placed between their legs.
Newborns have floppy legs which are often stuck in the crotch of the harness and don't sit in the correct position. This can restrict their airway and cause them to choke or even become unresponsive in a crash.
The buckle cover can be made using a simple crochet pattern to keep the legs in place. The pattern should not have any loose threads around the buckle. The cover should be constructed from a soft, stretchy material.
It's recommended to speak with a child safety technician (who is an expert in the car seat industry) for more information about the specific model you have and the best method to secure it. Even if you've followed all the instructions for your car seat there is always more to know that isn't obvious.
Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and smaller infants. They attach to the base of the vehicle, and can be removed with a single click. They have several safety features, such as a built in recline indicator to ensure that the baby is seated straight.
Many parents choose to use an infant car seats because they are easy to use and portable, especially when traveling. But, it's important to keep in mind that they're only safe for use until your child reaches the maximum height and weight limitations of the seat.
When your child is no longer in their car seat for infants then you'll need to move to a convertible car seat. These seats have excellent safety features like side impact protection and a five-point harness. They are more difficult to transfer from one vehicle to another and take up more room than carseats for infants.
To create a crotch buckle cover for your convertible car seat the hook is large and a size 5 crochet thread is required. The cover must be constructed to fit over the buckle of the car seat, leaving a couple inches left to drape over the edge of the car seat. Begin by standing sc on the first chain from the bottom of the strap. Work in sc across the entire strap including the chains from the previous row. Repeat the process at the opposite end. Fasten off and weave in ends.
