This is a sponsored guest post.
If you have your newborn baby at a hospital then it is highly likely that they will not allow you to leave until you have shown that you have a car seat. Of course, if you’re not driving a suitable stroller will do.
Why Car Seats Are So Important
In short, a car seat can save your baby’s life if you have an accident. A properly secured and supported car seat will protect your baby’s neck, head, and body from the force of the accident. A baby’s head is 25% of its body weight; it needs to be protected as the force of it moving can have serious effects on the rest of their body.
The car seat does more than just support your baby. It also keeps them secure, allowing you to focus on driving and not checking on your new baby every minute.
This holds true as your child grows; a child seat is essential until they reach a designated height or age. This is why you may want to take a look at the convertible seats on offer at https://www.cheekytummy.com/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats-for-small-cars; they can save you money in the long term.
The Challenge Of Car Seats
A car seat offers a lot of protection. In fact your baby will be better protected than you are if you have a crash. But, there are several challenges that need to be overcome:
- Correct Fitting
Research suggests that nearly 70% of all car seats are fitted incorrectly or the restraints are not correctly fastened. This means that the protection your child is supposed to enjoy will not be there.
The real problem or challenge is that it seems very straightforward to install a car seat; people do not generally let the professionals show them how to do it properly.
You’ll only know that it wasn’t right after the accident.
- Short Trips
There are still plenty of people who don’t bother with the seat or the restraints because they are just going down the road.
Unfortunately an accident can happen anywhere and the majority of them do happen within half a mile of your home.
It’s not worth the risk you should always strap your child in properly.
- Second Hand Seats
Car seats can be expensive; buying second hand is a good way of reducing the cost. However, unless you know the exact history of the seat then you may be purchasing one that has already been in an accident and is weakened. It won’t offer the protection you think you’re giving your baby.
- Regulations
The regulations are actually surprisingly complicated. Children have to be in a car seat until a set age or height. But reaching a certain height does not necessarily mean they are ready to leave the car seat behind.
Keeping up with all the regulations can seem impossible as you already have a busy life; it can also seem unnecessary.
- Changing Seats Too Early
Perhaps one of the biggest issues is moving your child into the next seat before they are really ready. The guidelines must be adhered to as this will ensure your child is protected properly in a crash.
Child pressure can encourage you to let them change their seat when they shouldn’t; don’t give in to it!
With a little knowledge you can avoid these challenges and use your car seat correctly.
