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Toddler Car Seats
Toddler Car Seats
 As
a parent one of your main concerns or “the” main concern
you have for your little one is safety. The first safety devise
we usually buy is a car seat. A car seat is not only a necessity
for safe transport of your infant and toddler in most states it
is also the law. The way we use a car seat changes between infanthood
and the time your little one is a toddler. As an infant the baby
is supposed to be strapped in a rear-facing car seat for their greatest
safety. As a toddler car seats should be forward facing. Unless
you convertible car seat from the beginning you will need to purchase
a new seat as rear facing car seats are a danger to toddlers.
Children over age 1, who weigh at least 20 lbs. face forward in
a convertible seat. Forward-facing child vest or seat are for children
over age one and at least 20 pounds. These products hold children
of varying sizes. Be sure to read the label and instructions. Some
convert from a toddler type seat with a harness to a belt-positioning
booster. Some are built into the vehicle seat. A full harness should
be used to about 40 lbs. Remember, most toddlers are not big enough
or old enough for a booster seat. They need a full harness to give
protection for the upper body and to hold them in their seats. A
full harness should be used to about 40 lbs.
For convertible car seats remember that you should
keep it facing the rear as long as possible, until your baby is
about one year old and weighs at least 20 pounds. Some convertible
seats have rear facing weight limits to 30 lbs. Use the upright
position when it is facing forward for children over 1 year and
at least 20 lbs. Move up the harness straps. They must be at or
above your child's shoulders. Most seats require use of the top-most
slots for the forward-facing position. The top slots are reinforced
to prevent the harness from failing in a crash. A few allow use
of the center slots; check weight limits in the instructions. Use
the correct belt path for forward- facing installation.
Keep in mind that your toddlers safety is foremost
when driving. Toddlers tend to be fussy in car seats, however if
you’ve been using car seats from day one it should eliminate
most of the irritation of being strapped in as they should be used
to it. If your toddler cries or throws fits do not allow him to
travel without being in a car seat. Either don’t go, or get
used to screaming. If they are just fussy a favorite toy or sippy
cup might work in calming her down for the ride. If it’s a
full- blown tantrum try playing soft music and keep anything she
can throw out of reach!
When you’re traveling with your toddler
you may not be able to turn and talk to him but it’s a good
time to sing songs, learn the alphabet or tell stories about grandma
and granddad, times when you were little or finding out what’s
on his mind. Travel times can be quality, fun times when the proper
precautions are taken and followed through on!
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