Your children are your most precious and valuable cargo. Unfortunately, they are also the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accident injuries are among the leading causes of death to children in the United States.
An appropriate child seat can prevent many of these injuries and deaths, but you have to know what to look for and what is suitable for your child. There are several factors to consider when choosing a seat including your child’s height, weight and age. You will also need to determine if a rear- or front-facing seat, or a booster seat, is best for your child.
Here are four types of car seats that may save your child’s life:
Rear-Facing
According to SaferCar.gov, a rear-facing car seat is the best design for young children. It should have a harness to secure your child. In the event of a crash, the seat will move with the child to reduce the stress of the impact on his or her spinal cord and neck. There are three types of rear-facing car seats: infant-only seats for newborns and small babies, convertible seats that can change to forward-facing seats as children grow, and all-in-one seats that include a booster option.
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Forward-Facing
A forward-facing car seat has a tether and a harness that will limit your child’s forward movement in the event of an accident. As with the rear-facing seat, there are three options for parents: convertible, combination and all-in-one.
Forward-facing seats are only suitable for slightly bigger children. A convertible or combination seat can change its functions as your child grows.
Booster Seat
Your child will eventually outgrow the rear-facing and forward-facing car seats. At this stage, you may need to purchase a booster seat.
A booster seat sits on the regular back seat of the vehicle. It positions the safety belt correctly on the child’s body.
There are two main types of booster seats. A booster seat with a high back will provide neck and head support for your child. This is particularly important if your vehicle does not have a headrest or high seat back. You can also purchase a backless seat that is suitable for cars that already have headrests.
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Regular Seat and Safety Belt
Your child only should use a regular seatbelt when it fits him or her correctly. The belt should fit snugly across your child’s chest and shoulder, and lie across his or her upper thighs.
No experience can match the trauma of a collision involving children. If you or your child was injured due to a negligent driver, contact a Gulfport car accident attorney from Morris Bart. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation.
If the worst happens and you or your child suffers an injury due to a negligent driver, contact Morris Bart. A Gulfport accident lawyer can determine if you may have grounds for a claim. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
