BY Nick Bulanda
Published January 1, 2019
What Is The Safest Place for Infant Car Seat?
Do you need help finding out the right spot for your infant car seat? You just bought a brand new car seat or you plan on buying one soon. Maybe you already have the car seat or you need to buy a new car seat for 2019. No matter what, you need to find out the safest place for infant car seat. Unfortunately, this is no walk in the park. Luckily enough, The Car Addict has all the information you need. Read more helpful tips on the do’s and don’ts of where to place your infant car seat!
Safest Place For Infant Car Seat: The Don’ts
Alright, let us start with all of the mistakes and things to avoid. First, do not put the car seat in the front passenger seat. This is the most dangerous spot in the car. Airbags are made for adults and not children. The force is lethal for toddlers and newborns. Make sure you put the car seat anywhere but next to you.
Second, place the seat in the rear row of seats. Now, many parents put the seat on either side. That way, they can look and see their infant. But, this is not the safest spot. WebMD states the safest spot is in the middle. Children under the age of 3 in the center seat had half the risk of an injury during a crash! Therefore, the safest place for infant car seat is in the middle of the rear row.
Do not hang toys on the handle of the baby seat. This is very tempting for parents. Especially with a loud, crying baby. Unfortunately, toys fly loose in a crash and become dangerous objects. Also, do not put your child into the car seat with a thick coat. Instead, use a light jacket and a blanket!
Finally, do not rush the growth process. Older children can sit in the face-forward position or the belt-positioning booster seat. Often, parents may rush through this process. However, this is very dangerous. Be patient and take your time before you make a big change. MayoClinic.org recommends waiting until the child is between 40 and 80 pounds!
Safest Place For Infant Car Seat: The Do’s
As mentioned earlier, the safest place for infant car seat is right in the middle of the rear row. That way, children are further away from the sides. Side impact collisions are common and usually do the most damage. Thus, side impact protection is key. Do not worry about the position while driving. Your car seat is built to be as safe as possible.
Now, the rear-facing position is the best position for all children. Protect the baby’s head and spine from any injury. No, you cannot see your baby’s face. However, they are protected at all times. Make sure you prioritize safety over your convenience.
Next, take your time during the installation process. Most modern car seats are super easy to install. Thus, parents are less likely to make a mistake or rush through. As a matter of fact, many of the best infant car seats feature a one-click installation process. Proper installation ensures the car seat works properly. Do not take any risks when it comes to the safest place for infant car seat.
Infant car seats recline for a reason. But, the recline level is very specific. That way, a baby does not fall forward and block airflow into the lungs. Furthermore, this decreases the probability of an injury. You have to properly recline the car seat. Read through the manufacturer’s installation guide. Find the right reclining level to optimize the safety of your baby!
Last Thoughts On The Safest Place For Infant Car Seat
Now, you know where to properly place your infant’s car seat. Do not waste time putting the car seat anywhere else. The safest spot is right in the center of the rear row. Parents with more than one child are in luck. You can place the car seat next to one kid or in between two. Thus, you have helpers that can provide active updates on the baby. No matter what, put the car seat in the safest place.
Proper installation and the rear-facing position are two important do’s. Abide by these rules and you are all set to go. Now, do you need help finding the safest car seats in 2019? Head on over to our buying guide for the best products on the market and more helpful information!
