Preparing to Use
a Car Seat
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- Discard any
car seats over 6 years old or any used seats that the crash history
is unknown for.
- Read the instruction
manual that comes with your seat to become familiar with how to use.
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- After buying your
car seat, remember to send in the manufacturer’s registrationcard
so that you can be notified if the
seat is recalled or has other safety problems
- Make
sure the internal harness straps in the car seat are in the lowest position
for a newborn. The shoulder straps should be at or below your baby’s
shoulders in a rear-facing seat. Refer to the car seat instruction manual
on how to move if needed.
- Use only the accessories
that come with the car seat and not any products you purchased separately.
These after-market products haven’t been crash tested with the
seat.
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Installing a Car Seat
- Install
the car seat or base in the back seat of your motor vehicle. Never
place a rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag.
- Read your
motor vehicle manual to determine which rear seat position can be used
for a rear-facing car seat.
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- Use LATCH anchors
if both vehicle and seat have them or the motor vehicle seat belt,
in the correct marked path on the car seat or base to hold the seat
in place. Install tightly by putting your knee in the base or car seat
(if no base) and pushing down on it while you tighten the seat or latch
belt. The car seat should move less than one inch from side to side
at the belt path.
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- For newborns a
rear facing seat needs to be at a 45° angle to keep the baby’s
head in position. You may need to adjust the base foot and or use
a rolled up towel or pool noodle under the base. Check the car seat
for an angle indicator to achieve the correct position.
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Demonstration
of foot extension |
- Set
up an appointment at an area car seat installer if you have any questions
or to doublecheck your car seat installation.
- If you are expecting,
try to arrange an appointment prior to the birth of the baby so
your car seat will be ready to go upon discharge.
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Positioning an Infant
in the Car Seat
- Position baby
in the seat and adjust the internal harness until straps are snug
and straight. You can slide one finger between the baby’s shoulders
and the straps.
- The harness retainer
clip should be at the baby’s armpit level.
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- If the baby’s
head is leaning to one side or there are gaps on the sides of the seat,
you can place a rolled up receiving blanket on either side of the
baby after they are buckled into the internal harness.Don’t
place anything between the baby and the harness straps, or underneath
or behind the baby.
- Place blankets
over the baby after the internal harness strap is buckled if needed
for warmth. Avoid heavy clothing or coats.
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Purchasing
a Car Seat
- Buy a car seat
a few months before your due date preferably or as soon as possible
after the baby’s birth.
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- Look for a car seat
that has a 5 point internal harness. (2 shoulder straps, 2 hip straps,
and one center crotch strap)
- An infant only seat
is the easiest seat to use for a newborn, if you can afford to purchase
one. Infant seats are used from birth through 20 to 30 pounds rear-facing
(baby looks out the rear window) in your motor vehicle. Preferred for
premature babies.
- Convertible car
seats are for children from birth through 40 pounds. These seats can
be used rear-facing or forward facing depending on the child’s
age and size. All children under one year of age and weighing less
than 20 pounds must ride rear-facing. These seats are larger and can
be difficult to fit a newborn properly.
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