Choosing an Infant Car Seat
with
Kieran Moore
About.com video expert Kathy Moore presents information about chooding the right infant car seat for your baby.
Transcript: Choosing an Infant Car Seat
Hi I am Kathy Moore for About.com Parenting. One of the most important purchases a new parent must make is an infant car seat. Not only is it required by law, but hospitals will not allow you to bring home your new baby without having an infant car seat installed in your car. This program offers advice and information on choosing an infant car seat.First, it is important to remember that infants should ride in a rear facing car seat all the time until at least one year of age. This is the safest position for babies, protecting them from head and spinal cord injuries.
Depending upon the model, most infant car seats fit babies who are up to 20 pounds and under 26 inches long. Infant seats are small and portable, some have a detachable base, and secure the baby with either a 3 point or 5 point harness. The best infant car seat is one that fits both your baby and your vehicle. Price is not as important as fit.
We learned this lesson the hard way. We really like our infant car seat, but it forces us to move the front seats of our car forward, creating a not-so-comfortable ride for our longer legs. Once you have selected a model or two you like and meets your babys height and weight needs, try it out in your vehicle. This sounds weird, but most stores will let you do this. Or, talk to friends and try their car seats out in your vehicle.
Convertible seats, which are really built for toddlers, have higher weight and height limits and can be used rear facing. This provides a great next option for you if your infants height or weight exceeds the limit of your infant seat before one year.
An infant seat with a detachable base is a great convenience for families that are getting in and out of their cars frequently. These models come with a base that attaches to the car and then the car seat easily snaps into and out of the base. Most models may also be used without the base. This is a great feature if two different people pick up the child from child care, for example.
A 3-point harness has two straps that come over the shoulders and connect with a locking unit at the babys crotch. A 5-point harness is similar, but also has two straps that secure the hips, still connecting at the crotch. Harness slots offer room for growing babies. To property fit your infant, make sure his shoulders are at or below where the harness strap connects to the seat.
Whichever model and style of seat you choose, be sure to read and follow the manufacturers directions for installation and use of the car seat. Thanks for watching. To find out more visit us on the web at Parenting.About.com.