When it comes to baby car seat installation, the first thing to consider is the position at which you will install the seat in place.
According to a survey carried out by National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 42% of parents install the baby car seat behind the front passenger seat. This is because they feel that the passenger side is less likely to be hit in case of a side impact crash. 29% of parents install the seat in the middle of the back seat because they feel that the baby will be safer in the middle of the car in case of a side impact crash from any side of the vehicle. The remaining 29% of parents install their child’s car seat behind the driver’s seat.
Proper positioning and installation of the baby car seat is important because it will greatly affect the safety of your child in case an accident occurs. As far as the placement of a child car seat is concerned, there are no specific recommendations about where to put the baby car seat in the vehicle. Smaller babies should be placed in the middle of the car seat, but as the child grows, he or she should be shifted towards any of the window sides. General guidelines should be followed for the installation of each type of car seat which you use, for example an infant car seat should be installed in rear facing position only. Similarly, a convertible car seat can be installed in rear facing position when you have to use it for small babies and should be shifted to forward facing position as your child grows older.
Booster car seats should always be installed in forward facing position and growing kids should be kept in the back seat of the car till they reach 10 years of age. It is advised that car seats should not be installed in the middle of the back seat as it can be difficult for parents to get the child in and out conveniently. Moreover, it can be difficult to get the child out of the car in case an accident occurs and you have more than one car seat in the back of the vehicle at the same time. When you choose a window seat, it is good to go with the driver’s side rear window for convenience.
According to a recent survey, babies and infants seated in the center of the rear seat have a 43% lower risk of injury than babies positioned on either side of the back seat. Even though it may be difficult for to remove the baby or harness him or her in place when the seat is installed in the middle of the rear car seat.
The most important thing to consider when installing baby car seats is that they should always be installed in the back seat. Infant and baby car seats should not be installed in the front passenger seat, especially if the car has passenger side air bags. Any child seated near a side air bag, whether in a baby car seat or not, can be at a huge risk of serious injury in case the air bag inflates in a crash. Children and babies are simply unable to tolerate the great force and pressure with which the air bag inflates, resulting in injury to the neck of the child which can be fatal. Air bags in the rear back seat function differently and will not harm children strapped in the back seat of the vehicle.
It is always a good idea to visit your nearest Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station to ensure that your baby’s car seat has been installed correctly and at the right spot in your vehicle. Older kids should be made to sit behind the passenger side of the car seat so you can easily access them from the driver’s seat and also keep an eye on the child while driving. Buckling and unbuckling the seat belt from the driver’s side will also be possible from the drivers seat if the child has accidently opened them. Choose and Buy Car Seats from Kiddicare |
Positioning and installing your child’s car seat is very important to ensure your child’s safety. Make sure you follow guidelines and seat installation instructions carefully and prevent your child from unnecessary injury.
July 2009 | 
Spotlight on the Côte d'Azur - La Joie de Vivre!
