To drive safely, puse seat belt not ideal for babies.Therefore, it is necessary baby car seat or car seatwhichhas been inspecial design, according to the size and weight of the baby. See a more complete explanation in this article.
Pairing baby seat belt standard that is installed in the car or carrying the baby is not the right choice, even in the back seat. This still puts the baby at risk for fatal injury in an accident.
The Importance of Using a Baby Car Seat
wearing seat belt which are supposed to be for adults can cause injury to the baby, especially to the chest and abdomen, in the event of an accident. Meanwhile, holding the baby can increase the risk of the baby slipping out of the hand, being pinched, bumping into the baby dashboards, smothered in air pockets, or even bounced against the windshield.
Therefore, for the best protection for the baby in the car, it is highly recommended for parents to have a special baby car seat. In fact, children are actually just said to be safe to use seat belt usually when he is 10–12 years old. Even then he may still need booster or agar holder seat belt be in the right position.
In addition, babies' bodies tend to be vulnerable to even small shocks, especially in the event of an accident. A baby car seat can better support a child's head, neck and spine, so this can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a small or large shock.
In one study it was found that infant car seats were able to reduce the risk of serious injury by more than 70% in children younger than 1 year and by more than 50% in children aged 2-4 years. This chair can also reduce the risk of the child falling and dying in an accident.
Choosing and Placing Car Seats Baby
When you are going to buy a car seat for a baby, you must buy one that is suitable for your little one's age, height and weight. However, some types of infant seats can be rearranged to suit the increasing height and weight of the child. Whatever the type, make sure it meets safety standards.
For more details, here are some things to consider when choosing a car seat for your little one:
- Pay attention to the maximum capacity of a chair. Do not place the child in a chair that is not suitable for his weight and height.
- Make sure the lower seat belt runs between the thighs and stomach, not the stomach, while the upper belt goes across the chest, not the neck.
- Make sure the baby seat has a safety test certification label.
- Choose a chair by type rear facing seats or a chair that flips back and forth.
- It's better to buy a new baby car seat, than to use a used one, unless you can make sure all the hooks and belts on the seat are still functioning properly.
After choosing the right baby car seat, you also need to place this seat correctly. Pay attention to the following:
- Follow the instructions in your baby car seat installation manual and your car's user manual.
- Infant car seats should always be placed at the back.
- Face the chair towards the back.
- Once installed, make sure the baby car seat does not sway back and forth.
- Try placing your little one in the car seat that has been installed and make sure the seat safety is properly attached to the body.
When taking your little one for a ride, be careful and monitor their movement regularly through the rear view mirror or rear vision mirror. In addition, try not to drive alone so that someone accompanies your little one in the back seat during the trip.
Even if you have to drive alone, it is advisable to put personal items such as bags between the back seats, so that you will open the back seat when you get out of the car. This is important to do to reduce the risk of the baby being left alone in the car due to not focusing or forgetting.
