Car Seats...
Get there safely in the right car seat Your baby will soon be going places! The most important thing to know about car seats is that your child should be in a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2. There are three types of rear-facing car seats. Each will work for a child less than 2 years of age who still meets the weight and height limits. • Rear-Facing Only Seat. People often buy this type of seat because it is portable. Most, but not all, can be used in strollers that are sold with the car seat or those recommended by the manufacturer. Caregivers can also purchase extra bases for the car seat so that it can be used in several cars. • Convertible Car Seat. This seat is larger and stays in the car. It can be used rear facing until your child is at least 2. After that, it can change to a forward-facing seat.
Kids grow a lot during the first two years, so you may have to move your child from a smaller rear-facing-only car seat to a bigger convertible car seat or a 3-in-1 car seat installed in the rear-facing position. • Check the label. Your child will be ready for a larger, rear-facing car seat when she passes the weight or height limit on the car seat label or when her head is within one inch of the top of the car seat. • Long legs? Older children with longer legs can stay in a rear-facing car seat as long as they comfortably cross their legs. All children, even those with special healthcare needs, follow the same rules for staying safe in the car.
• 3-in-1 Car Seat This seat also stays in the car. You can use it rear facing, forward facing, and then later, as a booster seat. Of course you want to turn your baby around – you want her to see the same big world that you see when traveling together as a family. Just know that children grow up really fast and keeping your baby safe is the most important thing. Here are a few tips to help you through the time and transition: • Don’t be in a hurry! The safest car seat for children under the age of 2 is a rear-facing seat. The new SC State Law requires a rear-facing seat until the child is 2 years of age. Riding in a rear-facing car seat will help protect your child’s head, neck and spine in a crash.
Oh BABY! | 45