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The Great Equalizer: Child-Safety Seats
Jun 20 2008 by Courtney Messenbaugh
6/20/08
Do Research, Ask Friends Before Buying a Seat
Leaving the hospital with our first baby, my husband and I bounded out to our car and promptly freaked out over putting our bundle of joy into his child-safety seat. Even with a combined 37 years of formal education, not to mention baby classes that covered car seat safety, we panicked and forgot how to use that darn contraption. How embarrassing. After a few deep breaths I figured it out, and we drove home at a whopping 20 mph (new parents, what do you expect?).
Bottom line: No matter how many classes you take or how smart you are, nothing can prepare you for the unnerving moments a new baby can bring.
We are prepping for a new baby again. Because my memory is shot from a combination of toddler-rearing, too many domestic and professional responsibilities, and pregnancy, I thought I should revisit some child-safety seat tips.
First things first, buy a rear-facing infant car seat. Duh. There are many to choose from, which is overwhelming, but research the Ease of Use ratings at www.nhtsa.gov and ask around — find out what seats your friends liked (or didn’t).
Next, install the seat (novel but necessary idea: read the instructions) and have it checked by a certified child passenger safety technician (our Chief Mama here at MotherProof.com is one). Most people are cruising around with their kids in improperly installed car seats, so don’t skip the expert evaluation. Visit www.usa.safekids.org or talk to your local police or fire station to find out when and where you can get the car seat checked.
Finally, remember that parenting is, at times, challenging. Take a breath and remain calm. Strap that baby in (ask for help if you need to) and drive home safely, because parenting truly is the best thing you’ll ever do.
Hi Courtney-We just posted a great video from Safe Kids talking about child safety seats, rear trunk release latches, rear-back up dangers and inside vs. outside car temperatures on a hot day at GMnext.com. http://blog.gmnext.com/?p=192 Thanks!