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Newborns And Car Seat SafetyYou probably went to great lengths to buy a sturdy car seat for your newborn so he would be safe and protected in your car. Most parents do put a lot of thought into buying the right car seat since we all understand how important they are for the safety of newborns and babies. However, in 2005 the NHTSA did a study and found that nearly 80% of the car seats they inspected were not being used properly. This suggests that caring parents are unknowingly putting their newborns at risk by not properly using car seats. For example, the most common error was when parents failed to tightly secure safety belt attachments and harness straps. This common and seemingly minor error is actually quite serious and makes for the potential of injury should your newborn be involved in a car accident. Below are a few tips for newborns and car seat safety. First of all, be sure that you choose the correct type of seat and that you use it in the correct position. For newborns that means to use the seat in a rear facing position until they weigh around 20 and are one year old. A newborn care seat should be placed in the back seat of the car only. You can purchase an infant only seat which is specifically designed for newborns and small babies. These are smaller and fit your newborn better and are easily portable. You could opt for a convertible seat instead. This type of car seat grows with your baby. It is heavier and bigger so your baby will be able to use it for longer. This type of car seat can be used for children up to 40 pounds but like infant only seats, must be used in the rear facing position only for infants under one year and 20 pounds. There are many types of car seats on the market so be sure to read the manufacturers instruction booklet so you understand how it works. Also read the instruction booklet that comes with your automobile so you install the car seat properly for your type of car. In order for your newborn to be safe, the car seat must be buckled into the car correctly and your infant must be secured properly into the car seat. Take caution with the harness straps as these are often misused. The harness needs to be in the proper slot and fitted snugly across your newborn's chest. For your newborn, the straps should fit in the slots right at or just below your newborn's shoulders. The harness clip should hold the straps together at armpit level. The straps should lay flat and not be twisted. Make sure the safety belt is secured properly as well. Position the car seat at a 45 degree angle. You can slip a rolled towel along the base to make the car seat more secure. In any even, make sure the safety belt is snug and tight. It is a good idea to buy your newborn's car seat new. That way you will have all of the parts and instructions. If you do buy a used one, make sure you are able to get a hold of the instruction manual as well. Make sure it is not defective and is not over 5 years old. If you are unsure at all about how to set up your newborn's car seat, then find someone to help you. You can try your local police station for starters as they usually have a safety seat technician available or know how you can find one. When it comes to the safety of your prescious newborn, you do not want to take any chances. So make sure you buy the proper type of car seat and ensure that you install it properly and use it according to manufacturer's instructions.
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