Finding the Right Car Seat
All states mandate buckling your little one into a car seat for traveling in a vehicle, regardless of how short the journey. Your hospital won't even let baby go home without one. Next question: which seat is best? All new car seats must meet federal safety performance standards, and all are submitted to rigorous tests even before they reach the stores. But the fact is, not all car seats are the same: some do have features that make them safer than others, or features designed to make them easier for you to use properly every time.
There is a way to narrow your search. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the best seat is:
When selecting a car seat, look for the following important safety features. Consider them "must-haves." If the car seat you're considering meets these criteria, find out what else it offers in terms of safety advances, comfort for your child, and ease-of-use features for you.
It will securely fit in your vehicle
Because some car seats may not be compatible with your type of vehicle, be sure to choose a model that can be installed securely and snugly.
It's easy to install correctly
For a car seat to perform effectively, it's critical that all belts be positioned correctly. Also, be sure to use a locking clip if your vehicle belts require one.
It will restrain your child with a five-point harness
Safety experts recommend a five-point harness as the most effective type of restraint for infants, toddlers and preschoolers because it provides better containment in a collision.
It's equipped with a tether strap
Added tether straps are now required on forward-facing car seats. A tether strap reduces the forward motion of your child's head in a crash, significantly decreasing the potential for injury.
To determine which car seat is right for your child's age and size, refer to the article titled "Car Seat Safety Guidelines" on this web site; it spells out what model to use and when.
There is a way to narrow your search. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the best seat is:
- the one that best fits your child;
- the one you can properly and securely install in the backseat of your vehicle;
- and, the one you will use on every trip.
When selecting a car seat, look for the following important safety features. Consider them "must-haves." If the car seat you're considering meets these criteria, find out what else it offers in terms of safety advances, comfort for your child, and ease-of-use features for you.
It will securely fit in your vehicle
Because some car seats may not be compatible with your type of vehicle, be sure to choose a model that can be installed securely and snugly.
It's easy to install correctly
For a car seat to perform effectively, it's critical that all belts be positioned correctly. Also, be sure to use a locking clip if your vehicle belts require one.
It will restrain your child with a five-point harness
Safety experts recommend a five-point harness as the most effective type of restraint for infants, toddlers and preschoolers because it provides better containment in a collision.
It's equipped with a tether strap
Added tether straps are now required on forward-facing car seats. A tether strap reduces the forward motion of your child's head in a crash, significantly decreasing the potential for injury.
To determine which car seat is right for your child's age and size, refer to the article titled "Car Seat Safety Guidelines" on this web site; it spells out what model to use and when.
