One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe.
But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming. The type of seat your child needs depends on several things including your child’s size and the type of vehicle you have.
All children should be seated in a suitable restraint when travelling in a car for their own safety. Adult seatbelts do not offer sufficient protection for babies and children and an appropriate child restraint must be used until your child reaches approximate 26kg in weight (generally at about 7 years of age). This includes your first journey home from the hospital with your baby, so don't leave it too late to get one fitted!
There is not such thing as "best" or "safest" when it comes to baby car safety seats. The best seat is the one that fits your child’s age and size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and can be used properly every time you drive. Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use. Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car seat which:
* Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat.
* Has any visible cracks on it.
* Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
* Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.
* Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
* Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm.
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