Keep Your Child in an Infant Car Seat Rear Facing
Insuring that your child is in an infant car seat rear-facing is the best option. Children should only be switched to a forward-facing car seat once they outgrow the weight and height limitations of their current car seat.
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Safety Benefits
Rear-facing infant car seats are the best choice for newborns and small babies. This is because they are able to support and cradle their neck and head. "Since their spines aren't fully ossified yet, it's important to keep the impact of a crash away from their necks and heads" explains Purva Grover, MD, director of Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Emergency Departments. In a frontal crash the baby's head could strike the seat in front of them, creating a whiplash effect that can be severe or fatal. However, with a rear-facing car seat, the impact is absorption by the seat, and dissipated through the rear of the vehicle. Adele says, "It feels like a hug." The child's legs can also be secured in the car seat to prevent them from being thrown against the back of the front seat or any other vehicle surface. "This stops them from colliding with their own body, which could cause internal injuries," she explains.
Many parents resist ERF because they think their child will be bored or uncomfortable. This is not the case for my son, Lukas. In fact Lukas prefers riding rear-facing since the recline feature lets him stretch his legs while reading an article or watch TV.
If you have a child who is reluctant to be rear-facing because of their length of legs or other reasons convince them that this is the most secure option. Explain that the child can remain in the convertible or all-in one car seat so long as the height or weight limits are not exceeded.
Be sure to secure your child in a rear-facing seat using the lower anchor system of the vehicle or a seat belt. Don't let them wear bulky clothing such as winter coats as they could be swollen in a crash and cause the harness straps to loosen and put your child at risk for injuries. Always perform the Pinch Test to ensure a snug fit.
Convenience
Many parents prefer keeping their infant car seats rear facing for as long as they can because they are easy to use and more portable than convertible car seats. However, having your child in a rear-facing vehicle might mean they have to be put in an infant crib or bassinet during nap times or time of bed. This could mean waking the baby who is sleeping which is not the best option. However, the safety benefits of rear facing outweigh any discomfort.
The headrest is lower for preemies and newborns than for full-term babies. This reduces the impact force and also ensures that the harness's chest clip is located below their shoulders, not at their necks. This is crucial for premature infants, whose bones are still weak and have not ossified after birth or pregnancy.
Additionally the rear-facing position gives an excellent view of your baby than the forward-facing position. This allows you to observe their behavior and make sure they are comfortable and content. The majority of baby car seats have built-in baby mirrors that can be adjusted to allow you to view your child from virtually every angle.
When your baby is outgrowing their infant car seat, or attains the weight or height limit recommended by the seat manufacturer You can then switch to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that will allow them to remain rear facing until they are at least two years old. Some have rear-facing limits that are higher than rear-only seats that allow them to be used for longer.
Convertible car seats or all-in-ones are renowned for their versatility. They can be used rear-facing, forward facing, and as a belt-positioning booster. They also usually have a large base in the back of your car, making them easier to remove and install. They're more expensive than single-use infant car seats however they last longer than an infant seat and can save you money in the long run.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits established by the car seat manufacturer or are at least 2 years older. It is common for children to outgrow their rear facing infant car seat by the time they reach age two. But, it's always better to wait.
Weight Limits
All infant car seats come with weight and height limits that you need to keep in mind. The majority of infant car seats have a maximum weight limit of 30 to 35 pounds and a height limit of about 30 inches, based on the model. Once your child reaches the limit, you are able to proceed to the next level of safety. You can opt for a convertible seat that allows your child to ride rear-facing or forward-facing or an all-in-one car seat.
Aside from a height and weight limit, there are also other indicators that show your child is ready for the next phase of a car seat, such as their comfort level while sitting rear facing. You can find these signs in your child's behaviour and compare it with other children of the same age in their car seats. You can also ask for assistance from certified child passenger safety technicians at a car seat inspection station which are often operated by local government agencies or community groups.
Keep your infant rear-facing for as long as is possible is the most secure option for them and it's easy to see why parents are hesitant to move their children back until they're mature. It's possible to avoid this temptation by making sure that your child's car seat is installed correctly and doesn't switch them to a front-facing seat before they're ready, even the weight or height is near the limits of their existing seat.
If you're unsure whether your child is prepared for the next car seat stage or you're worried that you may not be installing their current car seat in a correct manner, reach out to a certified child safety technician. These experts are available through community groups such as hospitals, local government offices, and child safety programs. You can search online for one near you, or contact your local public health or safety department. Mobile car seat check events can be held at your office or home to ensure that you have the correct equipment and that you are using them correctly.
Installation
Installing a car seat correctly is crucial to its effectiveness. The NHTSA states, with regret, that more than half of car seats are set up incorrectly. This includes rear-facing seats. The best way to make sure that your infant car seats are correctly installed is to read the manual, then have them professionally examined by a certified car safety technician.
car seat for newborn is the first step in installing a rear-facing infant car seat. You can verify the angle of the base on the side or in the manual to ensure it is safe for your child's weight.
Also, make sure that your baby's head is at the right angle in the seat. Forward-facing positions can put pressure on the spine and neck of babies with their heavy heads and soft necks. In a rear-facing collision the back of a car seat absorbs the majority of the collision force. This helps protect the baby's neck and the spinal cord.
When your baby is at the weight or height limit of their car seat for infants It is the time to transition to a convertible or all-in-one car seat, which can be used in the rear position until your child has reached their front-facing limit. Be sure to get an infant car seat that has a higher rear-facing limit if you switch to this type of seat since older models have lower limits.
Parents who frequently transport their children in cars will find it convenient to select an infant car seat that is able to be removed and attached to strollers. The only downside to this is that it could be tricky and time consuming to get the stroller and car seat in and out of your vehicle every time, particularly with a newborn. However, if you are willing to spend the extra time each time to do it done, this could be a good option for a lot of families. Make a plan and pick the day when you have plenty of time.