subject: The Basics of Car Seat [print this page] The Basics of Car Seat The Basics of Car Seat
A child safety seat or car seat, is designed specifically to protect your child while they are transporting in the car. Though they have been around since the 1930's, they only began their use for children in the early 1960's. When these specialized seats began to be used for infants, the rate of infant and child deaths in car accidents drastically dropped. Car seats are a way to protect your child, but it is important to remember that they have to be installed properly in order for them to work.
Even before having your child, you should have a car seat purchased and installed. This is not only for the fact that you need to transport your newborn safety from the hospital to your home, but also because it is now part of the child safety laws. A hospital will not allow a new family to leave until their car seat has been inspected and approved by the hospital staff or local fire department. If you are unsure on how to install your child's car seat properly, visit your local fire department or police station to help install it.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats are a great option for parents looking to save some money. These car seats will face the rear until your child reaches 20 pounds and then can be converted into a forward facing booster chair up until your child reaches 65 pounds. When your child outgrows this seat, you will then have to purchase a normal booster seat. Brands such as Peg Perego, Britax and Chico all sell convertible car seats at a relatively affordable cost. No matter what, with a convertible car seat you will not have to worry about first purchasing the car seat and then purchasing the booster seat. So even with the cost being relatively higher than a rear-facing car seat, you will be saving money in the long run.
Rear-Facing Car Seats
No matter what, a parent will need to provide their infant with a rear-facing car seat. If you purchase a rear-facing car seat these cannot be converted into a toddler booster seat, but there are other advantages to a rear-facing seat. Often these seats will come with a base. The base can be anchored or seat belted in the car so that the car seat can snap into and out of the base with ease. That means you can lift out your baby in the car seat and take them where you go. Most car seats can also be purchased with not only the matching base, but the matching stroller as well. That means that just like with the base, you can snap your car seat in and out of the stroller as well. It should be noted that most brands of rear-facing car seats can only hold your child until they reach a max of 22 pounds. Brands such as Peg Perego, Britax and Chico all sell rear-facing car seats that have matching bases and strollers to choose from.
