Why Car Seats are so Important

Children who are not properly secured in a correctly installed car seat are over 5 times more likely to be fatally injured in a car accident then those who are. Car seats are miraculous devices. There is no better way to keep your child safe when traveling in a car. However, there is a lot to know about car seats. There are many different kinds, it is important to have the right size and fit for your child, and proper installation is absolutely vital.

What, Where, and When

These are three important questions to ask yourself when you are shopping for a car seat: What type of seat are you buying, where are you putting it, and how old is your child? Infants and newborns should usually be put in rear-facing car seats. These car seats face the back of the car, rather than the front. Further, infants and newborns should always be in the back seat. That may be further away from you, but it is much safer. Kids in the back seat are 38 percent less likely to be injured in a car crash. When children get older then can graduate to a forward facing car seat.

Proper Installation

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration has stated that 80 percent of child safety restraints are used incorrectly. Riding in an improperly secured car seat can greatly increase the risk of injury or death. It is impossible to provide universal installation instructions as there are many different types of car seats as well as many different types of cars. You should familiarize yourself with the types of car seats so that you know what type you have. There are convertible, all-in-one, infant, combination, backless, high back seats, and many more. Follow the specific instructions which apply both to the car seat type and your make and model of car. If you have questions regarding the installation of the seat, you should call your seat’s manufacturer. When in doubt, always seek out help.