 |
 |
| This
kind of seat fits babies under 20
pounds and always faces the rear.
|
|
 |
| Infants
less than 1 year, over 20 lbs. ride
in a seat approved for heavier infants
rear facing. |
|
 |
| After
1 year and at least 20 lbs.
|
|
 |
| Traffic
calming measures, like this island,
can help slow traffic on neighborhood
streets. |
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
| In
this car bed a newborn baby can
ride lying flat. This product converts
to a rear-facing seat.
|
 |
| A rolled
towel under the safety seat makes
it tip back just far enough so the
baby's head lies back comfortably.
A baby should recline half way back.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
Everybody
would be safest facing backward while riding
in a car.
Babies are lucky to have seats that work this
way. Infants are safest when riding facing the
rear, because the back of the safety seat supports
the child’s back, neck, and head in a crash.
So, whichever seat you choose, your baby should
ride rear-facing until about one year of age
and at least 20 pounds.
Two kinds of safety
seats are made for babies:
1. Small,
lightweight “infant-only” safety seats are designed
for use rear–facing only. This kind can be used
only as long as the baby’s head is enclosed
by the top rim of the seat (A). The label
on the seat gives the upper weight limit (17
to 22 pounds). One seat can be converted into
a car bed for babies who must lie flat.
2. Larger
"convertible" seats usually fit children from
birth to about 40 pounds. Some new models have
weight limits as high as 30 to 32 pounds for
rear-facing use. These products are especially
good for babies under age one who are growing
more rapidly than average (B). It may
be turned around to face the front when the
baby is about one year old and at least 20 pounds
(C).
How to choose the
best seat for your baby:
The simplest and least expensive model usually
will work as well as one with fancy features.
Choose a seat that you find easy to use and that
fits in your vehicle.
- Before you buy
a seat, try it in your car to make sure it
fits and can be buckled in tightly. If you
choose a convertible seat, try it facing both
rearward and forward.
- Look for the
seat you can use facing the rear as long as
possible. Read the labels to check weight
limits. If you buy an infant-only seat, you
will need a convertible seat later. Most babies
need to use rear-facing convertible seats
as they get larger, because they outgrow their
infant-only seats before age one. Some products
are made to carry a baby over 20 pounds facing
the rear. Look for a seat with a higher weight
limit when you shop.
Practice buckling the seat into your car before
your baby's first ride.
|
Home>Installation
Guides> Transportation
Safety Tip #3
