If you’re a few weeks away from bringing home baby, you’ll need a safe car seat for your precious cargo.
Car seat safety might be the last thing on your mind if you’re anxiously awaiting baby, but it’s actually one of the most important baby gear items you’ll need. With all the different car seats on the market it can be overwhelming for parents to choose the right one for your family.
Your baby’s first car seat is more important than you think and with some resources and safety facts, you can bring your little one out and about as safe as can be.
Car Seat Safety Basics
Babies are at greater risk of injury in crashes and even small car accidents as their spines are still developing to support their noggins. Having a car seat rear-facing keeps your little one from being thrust forward and injuring their delicate spinal column in a collision. Experts recommend keeping your car seat rear facing until your little one is about 2 years old or just about 35 pounds. The car seat should always be in the back seat of the vehicle with your baby properly harnessed in.
The harness should be snug but not too tight, with straps lying flat and untwisted or bent. It’s important to keep these straps close to their body and bulky sweaters, snowsuits or blankets underneath the harness can keep the straps from holding your little one in the seat properly. If you need to use a blanket, laying a blanket across their lap while they’re buckled safely is usually the way to go. For new babies, a blanket can be a suffocation hazard so it’s safer to use a car seat cover instead.
If your baby’s head is getting close to the top of the car seat, they might be ready for a bigger seat!
Car Seat Safety Check
If you’re unsure about getting your baby’s car seat properly hooked up, getting a safety check is always a good idea. Your local fire department may offer classes on car seat safety and will usually provide a free safety inspection for your seat once you’ve set up your baby’s car seat. As your little one grows you should continue getting car seat safety checks with each seat progression to keep your precious cargo safely buckled.
Car Seat Accessories
Some accessories can make a big difference in your baby’s car seat safety. Shoulder cushioning can keep little shoulders properly harnessed into their seat. These cushions also keeps your baby’s head and neck supported in the car seat while their spine continues to develop. Car seat liners can also support your baby’s body shape and keep them from slouching and preventing the harness from working appropriately. Not to mention, there’s some fun gadgets that can also keep your baby entertained and under close supervision during rides in the car.
Trips in the car don’t have to be stressful.
With the right car seat and a checklist of safety tips, you’ll be ready to go when your baby arrives and it’s time to bring them home for the very first time.