The Britax Roundabout, a popular convertible car seat.

All About Car Seats

There are three main types of car seats on the market today. First, the infant car seat is designed for the youngest of children, up to 20 or 22 pounds. Most of these seats have two parts, the base which stays strapped in to the vehicle's safety belt system and the carrier which snaps out and allows the baby to be carried without unfastening the infant from the harness (very important if Baby has finally fallen asleep!) The infant car seats are designed to be rear-facing, where the infant faces the rear of the vehicle. It is important for infants to be seated rear facing for the first year of life, until the muscles of the neck are strong enough to withstand the force an accident could impose on them.

A second type of car seat is called the convertible seat, and is designed for newborns through toddlers, or up until 40 pounds. This seat is designed to be used rear-facing for the first year of life, or up until the weight restrictions (usually 30 pounds). After this, the seat can face forward until the child reaches the upper weight limit, usually 40 pounds, although some car seats can be used longer. The most popular type of harness system for infants and toddlers is the five-point system, where the child is clipped by a series of three clips designed to evenly disperse the force of impact. The five-point system is highly recommended, although other systems (such as the three-point or overhead bar) may still be available.

After the child graduates from the convertible seat, it's time for a booster seat. These seats no longer use a separate harness system, the child and seat are both strapped directly into the vehicle's seat belt. The booster is designed to raise the child up in the seat so the vehicle's harness can function correctly. Booster seats should be used until the child is 80 pounds, at which time the child will be ready for the use of the regular seat belt. While some boosters are rated for children as light as 30 pounds, it is important to keep children in the 5-point restraint systems for as long as possible.

Child Car Seats : RoSPA : Carrying Children Safely

...The Law | Safety Standards | Types of Child Seats | Choosing and Using Child Seats.....other relevant organisations.....| Carrying Children Safely.....on purchasing, fitting and using ...

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Baby & Children Gear. srollers, car seats, carriers, health, cribs, cr

... strollers jogging strollers double strollers stroller accessories stroller toys infant car seats infant & toddler car seats booster car seats car seat accessories car seat toys * Baby ...

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Kids Gear

Offers prams, pushchairs, nursery furniture, toys, car seats, and bedding for children, babies and toddlers.

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NNCC Car Seats Are A Must For Children

...CAR SEATS ARE A MUST FOR CHILDREN.. Marilyn Lopes.....Network for Child Care - NNCC. (1993). Car seats are a must for children. In M. Lopes.....When you drive with children in the car, ...

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Special Topic Reference

Visit the link for details.

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National SAFE KIDS Campaign: Promoting child safety to prevent...

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign promotes fire safety, car safety and home safety to both adults and children. Their mission is to prevent the number...

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SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Safe Ride Helpline

Child Passenger Safety advocacy group. Content includes: selecting and properly using car seats and boosters; technical information; Federal...

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Child Carseat Safety in Alexandria Virginia

Helps families select and use child car seats for children of all ages. Our services include car seat safety inspections and education on child passenger safety.

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American Academy of Pediatrics - Car Safety Seats

Family shopping guide answers questions on selection and installation of all types of child restraints.

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NHTSA - Child Passenger Safety

Review tips and download brochures about air bags, car seats, and safety standards. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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