5 Tips For Driving Safely With An Infant
Driving with your baby means being even more careful about safety. In order to keep your children out of danger and protect them from the threats of the road, it’s essential to know the right tips. Here are some of the most important tips for driving safely with an infant.
Get A Good Seat
There are many different types of seats to choose from. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the choices available to you. There are many different models out there from convertible seats to boosters.
The most important factor to keep in mind is that it’s made by a reputable brand and is up to date on the latest safety features. After all, the idea is to ensure that your child is kept as safe as possible in case you get into a car accident.
You’ll also find that not all seats are designed to fit your specific car. Therefore, you may want to request a test installation before making your final decision.
Rear-Face The Car Seat
Safety regulations require that all children are rear-facing until they are at least two years old.
It will ensure that in the event of a collision, there is less of a risk of injury should you propel forward.
Install a Mirror
Since your baby is facing the opposite direction, you may feel out of touch with what’s going on back there. When babies are especially young, it can be unsettling to wonder if they’re ok.
Installing a mirror in front of their seat is a very effective way to ensure that you can keep your eye on them. Having the peace of mind knowing they’re ok is vital in order to keep your focus on the road.
Position The Seat Belts Correctly
Your baby’s chest strap should be at or slightly below their shoulders. The clip should be attached at their armpits with a reasonable amount of slack.
If it’s too loose, you may risk them getting injured in an accident. However, if it’s too tight, it can also be a hazard. Therefore, an excellent way to tell if it’s well-positioned is if you can pinch the belt.
If you’re still confused about whether you’re positioning the straps correctly, you should look online where you can find free diagrams with explanations.
Check Your Car Seat Expiration
If you didn’t know that car seats come with an expiration, you’re not alone. Many parents don’t realize that car seats need to be replaced every six years. Since they can start to crack and wear out over time, it can create a safety hazard.
Therefore, you should verify your seat expiration every now and then to make sure it’s up to date. For this very reason, you should never buy a used car seat for this very reason.
