Car Seat Safety

I don't have any new, cute photos to post from the weekend, so I thought I'd post some clear guidelines for proper carseat use. If they aren't used correctly, they can not be expected to protect our children.

Infant Carseats and Carriers:

Use rear-facing up to 20-22 pounds or higher on some models. A 5-point harness is preferred, keep chest clip at armpit level and not on the neck or tummy Harness strap slots should be at or below the shoulders A front adjuster to tighten the harness makes it easy to use Newborns and infants should have a 45 degree maximum recline Built-in angle indicators and adjusters may help get the correct recline Manufacturers have differing instructions on where handle should be while traveling. Read the instruction manual to learn if it should be up or down in the vehicle. A rear-facing tether, rebound bar and impact foam found on some models may improve safety Infant seats may fit newborns better than convertible models Some models include a complete stroller and base system, while others may include just the convenient base that installs in the car

Baby Trend LATCH Loc™ Chicco KeyFit™

Convertible Carseats:

Rear-Facing is SAFEST! Select a model with a 30, 33 or 35 pound rear-facing weight limit and keep your child rear-facing as long as possible Your child should be turned front-facing at the 30, 33 or 35 pound rear-facing limit, or if the top of their head is within an inch of the top of the shell Models with a 5-point harness and front harness adjuster are preferred Keep the harness straps at or below the shoulders while rear-facing Keep the harness straps at or above the shoulders while front-facing Some models require the use of TOP slots while front-facing (Check your manual) Keep chest clip at armpit level, not on the neck or tummy Make sure you use the correct seat belt path or LATCH hooks intended for front-facing or rear-facing A 45 degree maximum recline is needed for newborns and young infants while rear-facing. Older babies with good head support can have less recline while rear-facing. Upright with no recline is best for front-facing Some models feature tethers that can also be used rear-facing and impact foam for added safety. Some also have built-in locking clips for convenience.