| Let me start by saying that I was a certified technician | | | | install all types of aftermarket items in the seat. They |
| for child restraint systems for six years. During that | | | | are really unnecessary and can dramatically reduce |
| time I personally inspected approximately six thousand | | | | the safe functioning of the seat. In this case, less is |
| car seats. I've inspected everything from infant carriers | | | | more. |
| to booster units for bigger kids. I guess you could say | | | | The next stage would be your convertible seat. That |
| that qualifies me as an expert. | | | | means it faces both rear and forward. This transition |
| Every one of those seats came with a parent. | | | | to the larger seat is another area that many fall prey |
| Parents are people and as we all know, some people | | | | to. Never just face the baby forward even though |
| will do it right and read the instructions. They even | | | | they may be 20 pounds but only 8 months old. This is |
| seek out professionals to inspect and teach them. | | | | a huge mistake. When forward facing, the child should |
| Then there are parents that look at a seat and think | | | | be at least 1 year of age AND 20 pounds. The reason |
| how hard can this be; it's just a car seat, and in it goes. | | | | for that is that the body must have the strength to |
| They will even invent ways to secure it. Believe me, | | | | take the G forces created in a crash. This can only |
| they can get very imaginative. | | | | happen with time for the body to mature and be |
| You should purchase your seat at least one month | | | | stronger. The two models that I like for this stage are - |
| ahead of the birth. See a professional certified | | | | the Roundabout and the Marathon by Britax. These |
| technician and learn to use your equipment so every | | | | two offer the parent great features and benefits plus |
| ride is a safe ride. | | | | ease of use that is unsurpassed. |
| Every seat meets a federal standard, so have no fear | | | | Next they will be moving to booster seats. This is still a |
| when you buy your seat. The thing you need to look | | | | necessity to improve the results in safety if there |
| for is a seat that is user friendly. | | | | were a crash. When you're done with your convertible |
| If you can easily install it in a vehicle and apply the | | | | seat, move to a booster seat. I recommend the |
| straps to your little one, you will no doubt be more | | | | Compass B-500. It's an excellent seat made from |
| confident when you use the equipment. Some seats | | | | polystyrene and is comfortable and user friendly. |
| are so poorly designed that nobody can manage the | | | | I have heard parents say they felt it was just a waste |
| straps. They don't fit in the car well and are very | | | | of money to keep buying seats until the age of at |
| difficult to get tight in a car. | | | | least 8 years old and 80 pounds, but if you want to |
| Remember every seat is safe. No matter what you | | | | give your child a reasonable chance of surviving an |
| chose, you have a tested safety apparatus. But all | | | | accident and reducing the chance of being severely |
| seats are not created equal. | | | | injured, a booster is a must. |
| To start your child safety choices, I recommend the | | | | Use child safety restraints, use them correctly and |
| Snug Ride infant car seat by Graco. I recommend this | | | | learn how to use them from a professional certified |
| seat because it is easy to install and easy to use. The | | | | technician. |
| straps work nicely and have very little drag. Do not | | | | Make every ride for your children the ride of their lives. |