New discussions with friends have encouraged me to add to my previous post about car seats. There were several things I've learned in researching car seats and I continue to learn new things as my baby continues to grow. I'm adding to what I have learned so the following is a continuation of my previous post on car seats.
Some things I've learned:
- Many pads and positioners are available for use in car seats to help protect the baby or make them more comfortable. These become very popular baby items and gifts for new moms. Unfortunately this is a very bad idea. The reason is that when car seats are safety tested, they are tested with the padding that comes with the seat and is made to go with the seat. Additional pads can interfere with the design of the car seat and negate safety features that will protect the child. Because of this, any warranties that are available on car seats are voided if additional padding is used other than that which comes with the car seat.
- Heavy coats should not be used with car seats. Because heavy coats are thick, they inhibit the straps from tightening against the baby's body as closely as they should. In the event of an accident, the coat can become compressed making the straps ineffective at holding the baby in the correct safe position. There are several solutions to keep your baby warm, however. Fleece jackets are typically lighter and thinner but provide a great deal of warmth. Heavier coats may be used only if the coat is laid in the car seat, then the child placed in the seat. The harness can be tightened on the child, against the child and the coat secured on the outside of the straps and clips. Another safe option is a blanket that goes over the baby that is safely secured in the seat in lighter layers. Blankets that can be added in and around the baby in the seat run the same risk of secondary paddings as mentioned above and can void the warranty of the seat as well as put your child at additional risk.
- I mentioned previously the recommendations for rear-facing. The AAP has new recommendations and that is to keep children rear-facing until 2 years of age. 1 year is still the perceived age by many, but 2 is the new 1, so to speak. Pediatricians should now be recommending this to parents. The overall recommendation remains to keep them rear-facing as long as possible but for at least 2 years.
- A 5-point harness is the safest strap system, even for forward-facing kids. Always remember, the upper buckle should be secured over the sternum at arm pit level. The straps should be secured so that you can fit a finger under the buckle but you should not be able to pinch the straps. Straps on a rear-facing child should be at or below the shoulder level. Straps on a forward-facing child should be at or above the shoulder level.
- Height and weight are very important factors when it comes to fitting into a seat correctly. A child with a long torso can be too big for a particular seat even though they fit within the height allowances. The seat should extend at least 1" above the top of the child's head. Take weight allowances very seriously as this can compromise your child's safety if you child is even slightly over the top weight for the seat you have. If your seat is not rated to rear-face above 35 lbs and your 1 year old is over 35 lbs, you must turn your child around, and it is recommended that you find a seat that has higher rear-facing limits so your child can rear-face to the age of 2 or longer.
I hope this helps!
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