Did you know an overwhelming 3 out of 4 child safety seats are improperly installed? This information is according to the National Traffic Safety Administration.
This is also despite the fact that almost all baby car seats come with a user manual and most parents are literate enough to read through and follow directions on how to install their child car seat correctly.
There are a few tips for consideration when attempting to install one.
Positioning and placement - The position considered most safe for a baby to ride in is the center of the rear seat.
If you are riding in a van or a wagon with several back seats then the center of the middle seat is the most appropriate position.
Seats for babies under the age of 2 years are recommended to be installed in the rear facing position.
This should continue until the baby outgrows the maximum rear facing leg room allowance.
After 2 years, the baby can ride facing forward.
The center of the rear seat is still the safest place to install the safety car seat in the car.
Mounting, installing and tethering - Most motor vehicles and safety seats manufactured after year 2002 come complete with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for children) This system is designed to make the installation of a child safety equipment easier and safer.
One can attach the baby car seat directly to anchors provided in the car specifically meant for the purpose.
This system is a major change from the days of using seat belts to tether the baby car seat in place.
When using the LATCH system a few points would be useful to keep in mind.
Make sure the provided seat belt is threaded correctly through the child car seat.
Ensure that your baby seat is mounted in the recommended recline angle.
You may need to probably apply some strength or even push the baby car seat with your knee to get it close to the back of the seat.
This ensures there is no air trapped beneath the baby seat and the back of the car seat.
A correctly mounted child seat will not bulge more than an inch either forward, backward or side to side.
Pre 2002 car models without the LATCH system can be customized to include this invaluable feature.
It is also advisable to consult your manufacturer or auto dealer for more information.
For those using the traditional tethering system using the car seat shoulder and lap belts, it is highly advisable to test the firmness of the buckled up seat.
What this means is that the seat should not move over an inch from a firm push.
If it does, it is best to secure the belts with a locking clip.
A locking clip has a shape just like a big paper clip and fits around the belt.
It fills the space between the belt and buckle thus firmly securing the safety seat in place.
The locking clips are available at most auto part stores.
Some child push cars are designed to be used as safety seats in cars by detaching it from a chassis.
While mounting these please read the provided user manual for optimum results.
Using harness - After the child seat is in position and satisfactorily tight, position the child in place and fasten the harness.
The harness straps should lie flat and should not be loose.
There should be no more than one finger fitting between the harness and the child's body.
Having taken the precautions, you can drive peacefully when you know you have a safe and secure child in the back seat of your car.