| n should ride rear-facing in a car seat until they | | | | The 5-point harness is the most secure. They |
| reach at least 1 year of age and weigh at least | | | | attach on both sides of the babies shoulders and |
| 20 pounds. Parents are tempted to turn the car | | | | the hips. And then between the legs. These are |
| seat around, before the child is old enough, | | | | used in infant only car seats and in convertible car |
| because it is difficult to see the child when they | | | | seats. |
| are rear facing. The baby would rather be turned | | | | The T-harness is a padded t-shaped or |
| around also, so they can see Mom and Dad. You | | | | triangle-shaped shield attached at both shoulders |
| must resist doing this, because it is not safe. Your | | | | and then between the legs. It would be |
| babies neck is just simply not strong enough to | | | | considered a 3-point harness. These are used in |
| take the force that is caused by a car accident. | | | | infant only car seats and in convertible carseats. |
| So as hard as it is, these guidlines must be | | | | The overhead shield has a padded tray-like shield |
| followed in order for your child to be safe. | | | | that comes over the child's head and rests in |
| Different Rear Facing Car Seats | | | | front of the baby. This one only applies to the |
| There are 2 kinds of rear-facing car seats. There | | | | convertible car seat. |
| are infant-only seats and convertible seats. Infant | | | | Installation |
| car seats are small and have a handle for carrying | | | | 1. Always make sure the car seat is tightly |
| the seat. Many of these come with a stroller | | | | installed. The harness should fit snugly around your |
| system that the seat can snap into. Infant car | | | | baby. |
| seats can not be installed front-facing. Infant car | | | | 2. Never use a car seat in the front seat of a car |
| seats can only be used for up to 22 to 30 pounds | | | | with a passenger air bag. If it inflates, it will cause |
| depending on the seat. Each manufacture is | | | | serious injury to your baby or even death. |
| different, so be sure to check their specifications. | | | | 3. Check the harness slots. They should be at or |
| They are more commonly used for infants, | | | | below your babies shoulders. |
| because they can be used as a carrier also. The | | | | 4. If the seat belts in your car require locking clips, |
| baby can be set in them in the grocery store, | | | | then make sure you use them. All car safety |
| doctors office or where ever you go. Make sure | | | | seats should come with locking clips. Check your |
| to keep your baby strapped in at all times, to | | | | vehicle manual. Most newer cars do not need |
| prevent them from slipping out. | | | | locking clips. |
| Many infant car seats come with a base for the | | | | 5. If you are using a convertible seat in the |
| car. You attach the base in the car and then you | | | | rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is |
| can just pop the car seat into it. This is nice | | | | routed through the correct belt path. Read the |
| because you don't have to mess with the seat | | | | instructions that came with the car safety seat to |
| belts every time you put your baby in the car. | | | | be sure. |
| You have the option to buy extra bases to use if | | | | If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may |
| you have multiple cars. Some car seats can be | | | | come with the LATCH system, which is used to |
| put in with or without the base. That might be | | | | secure car safety seats. |
| something you'll want to look for. Then if you ride | | | | 6. Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so |
| with someone else you won't have to move the | | | | your infantâs head does not flop forward. |
| base out of your car to use in another car. | | | | Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters |
| Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing until | | | | that can help prevent this. If your seat does not |
| the baby is old enough and then they can be | | | | have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat |
| turned around. This saved you money, because | | | | back by putting a rolled towel or other firm |
| you can use the seat longer. These can be used | | | | padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base |
| for a couple of years depending on the size of | | | | near the point where the back and bottom of the |
| the child. They take up more room and are not | | | | vehicle seat meet. |
| meant to be taken in and out of the car. They | | | | Always use the instruction manual that is provided |
| are rated to be used rear-facing for higher height | | | | with the car seat. It is the safety of your that is |
| and weight, so they are great for babies that are | | | | at hand, so make sure you use the car seat the |
| bigger or taller. | | | | proper way that it was intended. |
| Types of Harnesses | | | | |