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Top 10 mistakes when buying a car
seat
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by: Linda Jenkinson
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There is no doubt that a good quality car seat is one of the most important
purchases the parent of an infant or toddler can make. A properly installed
car seat can be a real life saver in a crash. In addition, a car seat can
keep the baby comfortable and happy on those long road trips.
Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes parents make when buying
these important safety items. Listed below are some of the most frequently
seen mistakes made when buying and installing a car seat.
1.Buying a car seat that is difficult to install – Proper installation is
the most important part of buying a good car seat. Inspections of car seats
reveal that the majority of car seats are installed improperly. Car seats
that come with incomplete or poorly worded instructions, or those that are
overly complicated to install, can be dangerous.
2.Buying a car seat that does not properly fit your vehicle. Most car seats
are designed to fit most models of newer cars, but owners of older or more
exotic cars may have problems fitting car seats properly. If you are unsure
if the seat you chose will fit your car, be sure to check with the auto
dealer.
3.Not looking for the seal of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
Parents should only buy car seats that meet or exceed this federal
standard.
4.Buying a car seat that is too small for your baby – All car seats carry a
maximum height and weight rating. Be sure to buy a car seat that provide
room to grow.
5.Choosing a car seat that is not compatible with your car’s seat belt. Not
all car seats are compatible with all styles of seat belts. If you are
unsure what type of car seat you need, be sure to consult with the
manufacturer.
6.Not ensuring that the car seat fits the baby properly. Particularly with
larger car seats, a small baby could accidentally slip out of the seat. It
is important that infants one year of age and younger ride only in a rear
facing car seat. Only after the baby is older than one year and weighs
between 20 or 40 pounds should he or she be switched to a front facing
seat.
7.Not checking for safety recalls. There are a number of safety recalls on
car seats every year, and it is important to check for recalls on the model
car seat you are considering.
8.Not choosing the fabric carefully – It is important to choose a fabric
that is machine washable. In addition, a cloth upholstered seat is often
more comfortable for the baby.
9.Not buying a car seat as part of a travel system – It is possible to buy
a car seat that is part of a three part travel system. That means that the
car seat, infant carrier and stroller are all integrated into one handy
unit. This combination is often a more convenient and cost effective
solution than buying the items separately.
10.Buying a car seat that is poorly made - Poor construction may be the
biggest problem with some car seats. Be sure to check the quality of the
car seat, watching especially for any sharp edges or loose
parts.
About the Author:
Linda, mother of two is an
inspired author of the
Baby Strollers Guide and
the
Baby Products Guide
Circulated by My Article
Emporium
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