In 1978 the first state law was passed making the use of car seats mandatory but it took some time for the practice to spread throughout the United States. Today laws vary from state to state although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does provide a list of safety rated children's car seats.

Are Car Seats Really Effective?

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents are one of the top causes of death for people below the age of 33. In accident-related statistics for children and infants, 33% died in auto collisions.

The NHTSA has determined that the correct use of a child car seat can reduce a child's chances of dying in a car accident by 71%, the need for hospitalization by 67%, and the treatment of small injuries by 50%. These figures should make any responsible parent seriously consider the safety benefits of using car seats.

The Appropriate Use Of A Child Car Seat

Fastening a child to a car seat isn't easy. It takes some practice to do it right. But that doesn't mean that it has to take a long time to learn the tricks of any given brand or model. There are certain guidelines that can help you.

The harness chest clip needs to be placed at the child's armpit level and adjusted securely but comfortably. The recommended angle for placement of the seat is approximately 45 degrees buy may vary according to manufacturer. Always consult the product manual.

Don't place your child in a car seat in the front of the vehicle. In the event of an accident, the airbag could injure or even suffocate the child. Additionally, a child should not be covered with a bulky coat or wrapped in a blanket while fastened in the car seat. If you are worried about the child being cold, place a blanket or coat over the restraining belt, not beneath it.

Children grow quickly and car seats should grow with them. Always consider the weight and size limitations of the car seat and get a new one when your child outgrows the current seat.

The Top Ten Rated Car Seats For Children

Since child car seats are a very delicate topic, the NHTSA has an online chart where it assigns rankings to the 160 types of seats currently produced by 14 different manufacturers. If you want to buy a child car seat, this is the first place to look for information.

The AngelGuard AngelRide car seat was created for children with a low birth weight. This product is made by Angel Guard Products Incorporated, a company dedicated to the manufacturing of child seats. They have been in the business for more than 30 years and started their child and juvenile seat protection line 18 years ago.

The Baby Trend Flex-Loc includes a five point adjustable harness that can be opened with a one-push button. This $80 care seat is adequately padded so your child can sit comfortably and securely. On the other hand, the $90 Baby Trend Latch Loc is the only product on the market that offers a rigid latch. Both seats are manufactured by Baby Trend, a company that has dedicated the last 25 year to producing child seat solutions.

Continue to: The Best Safety Rated Childrens Car Seats

Finding the Strongest Security for Your Car
Be Prepared: Guide to Essential Vehicle Safety Accessories
Best Car Seat Covers

Bookmark this Page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us

White Papers

Car Buying Guide
Buying a New Car

Suggest an Article

Haven´t found the article you are looking for, please suggest your article. We value all your suggestions and comments.

Home |

| Privacy Policy | Disclaimer |

Don't Take Chances - Keeping Your Children Safe with the Best Car Seats

Are Car Seats Really Effective?

The Appropriate Use Of A Child Car Seat

The Top Ten Rated Car Seats For Children

Related Articles