Kiddipedia
Installing a car seat into your car isn’t rocket science, but it sure might feel like it is if you’ve never done it before. Nowadays, modern cars have come with ISOFIX in them to make anchoring a car seat to them much easier for parents. However, this process isn’t always common knowledge for all parents and we often find ourselves using a bit of a trial and error method when trying to install a car seat for the first time.
Considering the precious cargo we’re carrying, making a mistake with your car seat installation isn’t really a choice, though, is it? So, if you’re in a similar situation, here’s a guide to help you get it right the first time.
Types of car seats
Nowadays, there are three main types of car seat configurations that parents use for their kids of different ages. The rear-facing car seat is used for newborns to 6 months old and is designed to provide newborns with optimal protection in the event of a car accident.
When infants start developing their inquisitive side, parents have the option to move them to a forward-facing position, which will allow them to engage better with their surroundings. Finally, when they begin to outgrow either car seat, they can be transitioned to a booster seat, which essentially gives them more height on the car seats to allow them to use the adult seat belt correctly.
How to use a car seat correctly
Generally, when you purchase a car seat, it’ll come with instructions that show you how it should be connected to your car using the seat belt system or ISOFIX. Likewise, your car’s instruction manual would also show you where the anchor points are for the car seat. In addition to installing the car seats, parents also need to learn how to use them correctly when putting their children in them. Here are some tips to help you:
Rear-facing car seats
For a rear-facing car seat, ensure that the seat is placed facing the rear of the car either behind the passenger or drivers seat. Placing it here provides it with more protection if you’re in an accident. When you place your baby into the seat, place their hips and back against the seat with their shoulders positioned in line with the shoulder straps.
Most car seats have a 5-point harness restraint system with straps that come over the shoulders and legs and one that is between the legs. Generally the four straps (shoulder and leg straps) attach together first before latching onto the strap between your child’s legs which braces the harness to the car seat. Ensure that the straps are tight with no slack. They should be too restricting and should restrain your child in the seat well.
There are a few things you should avoid doing when placing your child in a rear-facing seat, like clothing them in thick layers of clothing and then putting the harness on, adding additional padding behind your child in the car seat, or placing a blanket on your child while they’re in the seat.
Forward-facing car seats
For forward-facing car seats, you’ll want to position the seat behind the driver or passenger seat again. Usually, parents position the seat behind the passenger seat because it’s only the driver in the car. This helps them keep a closer eye on their child. As far as placing your child in the seat goes, follow the exact methods described above.
Booster seats
Booster seats are slightly different. Because they essentially boost your child’s height level in the car so that they’re able to use the adult seat belts, they won’t have a five-point harness or back support like typical car seats would. That said, some booster seats come with side and back supports and a harness to be extra safe.
Again, a booster seat should be positioned behind one of the front seats for safety. When placing your child in the seat, ensure that the lap belt is positioned low enough so that it fits well over the top of your child’s thighs. The shoulder belt should also come across their body from their shoulder and across their waist like an adult would. If it rubs against your child’s neck, then you need to adjust the belt or the boost seat to ensure it doesn’t. Putting the seat belt behind your child or under their arm defeats its purpose, so avoid doing this.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right car seat also has a lot to do with how easy it is to use. Some car seats have a rotating feature that allows you to rotate the seat so it faces you when you put your child into it. Either way, going through detailed reviews of baby car seats will help you find the best car seat for your child. Remember to check its instructions when installing it and follow the steps above to use the seat correctly so your child is safe while you drive.
