A New Beginning

Choosing a Car Seat

GET YOUR CAR SEAT INSPECTED Whether you have just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it. To find a local inspection station call 866-732-8243 or visit seatcheck.org . GENERAL REAR-FACING CAR SEAT INSTALLATION TIPS • Do not add anything that doesn’t come with the car seat such as: − Hanging toys − Additional head support/custom covers • Read and follow: − Your car seat manufacturer’s instructions − Your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for installing a rear-facing car seat • Secure the car seat: − Tightly so it does not move side-to-side or front to-back more than 1 inch when pulled where the latch strap or seat belt goes through the car seat. Do not grab near the top of a rear-facing car seat to check for tightness. Movement at the top is OK. USED CAR SEATS If you are considering using a secondhand car seat, follow the checklist below. If you can check off each one of these statements, the seat may be OK to use. O The seat has never been involved in a moderate to severe crash. O The seat has labels stating date of manufacture and model number. You need this information to find out if there is a recall or if the seat is too old. O The seat has no recalls. If you do find a recall on the car seat, you should contact the manufacturer as some problems can be fixed. O The seat has all its parts. If the seat is missing a part, contact the manufacturer as some parts can be ordered. O The seat has its instruction book. You can also order the instruction manual from the manufacturer. O The expiration date has not passed. O If no expiration date is listed, then it should not be more than 6 years from the manufacturer’s date.

Baby’s Discharge

Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, then choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time. Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and read the vehicle owners manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available. Read your car seat instructions carefully.

TYPES OF CAR SEATS

Rear-facing only seat

Designed for infants and toddlers, this seat is a smaller, portable rear-facing seat.

As a child grows, this seat can convert from rear-facing to forward-facing. Because it fits children of various sizes, it allows them to stay in a rear-facing position longer. Do not use a forward-facing car seat if your child still fits in a rear-facing one. This seat can change from a rear facing seat to a forward-facing seat to a booster seat as a child grows. This type is called by other names, including 3-in-1, so read the manufacturer’s description carefully to see when your child should switch positions.

Convertible seat

All-in-one seat

Remember to Register Your Car Seat Register your car seat with the manufacturer by mail or online. They will alert you if there is a recall.

143

Chapter 11: Baby’s Discharge