It’s that time of year again, when parents everywhere are scrambling to find the right car seat for their little one. And, as usual, there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. To help you make the best decision for your family, we’ve put together this blog post with all the latest information on how a baby should be sitting in a car seat. From weight limits to the types of seats available, read on to learn everything you need to know before making your purchase.
How to Choose a Baby Car Seat
When choosing a baby car seat, there are a few things to keep in mind. The best car seats should fit your child well and be comfortable for both you and your baby.
First, make sure the car seat fits your child correctly. Baby car seats come in different sizes and weights, so it’s important to select the right one for your infant. Your child’s height, weight, and head circumference should all be taken into account when selecting a car seat.[1]
Second, make sure the car seat is comfortable for both you and your baby. A good way to test whether or not a car seat is comfortable is to sit in it yourself and try to recline the back as much as possible without making the straps tight. Too-tight straps can cause neck pain for both parents and babies.[2]
Finally, consider your needs when purchasing a new baby car seat. For example, if you frequently travel by plane, it might be worth investing in a travel-safe car seat that can accommodate an airline’s carry-on restrictions. If you plan on using the same carseat for multiple children (or grandchildren), purchase a model that can be converted into a booster chair or toddler carrier.[3]
How to Use a Baby Car Seat
A baby should be sitting in a car seat with their back straight and head facing forward. You should also adjust the straps so that the baby’s chest is against the padding, and make sure the child’s weight rests evenly on both hips and shoulders. When you are ready to leave, buckle your child in and put your car seat in the back of the car.
How to Adjust a Baby Car Seat
How to adjust a baby car seat can seem daunting at first, but following these simple steps will have you adjusted in no time.
First, confirm the position of the LATCH system on the car seat. This assembly should be close to the front of your car. If it isn’t, you may need to move it closer to the front of your car.
Next, look for and adjust the shoulder belt height so that it is level with your child’s shoulder. You may also need to move the lap belt towards or away from your hips.
Finally, make sure the headrest is in an upright position and push down on each side until it clicks into place.
How to install a Baby Car Seat
Installing a Baby car seat can seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and information it can be done easily and safely. Here is a guide to installing a baby car seat:
1. If you are using a car seat that plugs into the wall, make sure to charge it before using it for the first time. You can do this by plugging the charger into an outlet and letting it sit for several hours or overnight.
2. Make sure your car has enough room in the front and rear seats for the car seat. The harness should be able to fit across both shoulders and hips of the child being seated in the car seat.
3. Remove any excess clothing from your child so their skin doesn’t touch the fabric of the car seat. This could cause irritation or heat rash.
4. Open the back of the car seat so that you have access to all adjustment straps. Make sure that each strap is tight enough so that it won’t move when you pull on it, but not so tight that it causes pain or discomfort when you adjust it later on. It’s also important to check to see if there are any loose pieces of fabric hanging off of straps or brackets – these should also be tightened as needed.
5 Place your child in the car seat, making sure their head is positioned correctly within the restraint system and adjusting their neck support as needed (if applicable). Check to see if everything is secure,
How to remove a Baby Car Seat
There are a few different ways to remove baby car seats. Some parents simply unbuckle the straps and lift the car seat out. Others use tools such as a wrench or an allen key to remove the screws that hold the car seat in place.
Another option is to pull on the straps until they come loose, then lift the car seat off of the child. One last option is to slide off the base of the car seat, which can be done by tipping it backwards and pulling up on one of the straps.
Conclusion
We all know that babies should be sitting up as much as possible to avoid SIDS, but what about when they are in a car? A recent study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology found that infants who are seated in rear-facing seats for longer periods of time were more likely to die from SIDS than those who were seated shorter distances. While it may seem difficult or uncomfortable to switch your baby around every few minutes, doing so can significantly reduce their risk of death from SIDS.