Safer Child Products

Should Delaware’s Child Restraint Laws be updated?  You’ve read our November 15^th blog about the laws in our surrounding states.  We are thinking of working with our local legislators when they are back in session in January.  We want to increase awareness that children up to 4’9” are safer when not using a seat belt alone. Tell us what you think.

Safer Child Products

There has been much debate over what to do with the handle on the infant carrier when you put the carrier in the car.  Like many things, the recommendations have changed over time.

Many infant carriers have more handle positions than just all the way up or all the way down/back.  Why are there other positions?  One position may be used to stabilize the carrier when sitting on the floor, however many companies today are reinforcing the handle and recommending that it stays up in the car. 

If you read the owner's manual that came with your carrier, it will tell you what the different positions are, and what they are approved for. 

Babycenter.com has some seat-specific information.
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a12911105/infant_carrier_handle_-_up_or_down 

Safer Child Products

Do you know what the child restraint laws are in your state?  Every state has slightly different laws and the laws do not necessarily reflect "best practice".

In the state of Delaware, children are required to be in a child car seat or booster seat up to age 8 or 65 lbs, whichever comes first, whereas in our neighboring state of Maryland the law says All children under age 8 or 4'9"  must be in a "child restraint" unless they are 65lbs or more. 

New Jersey Law requires "Children under 8 years of age who weigh less than 80 pounds to ride properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle."

What these laws don't tell you is that the vehicle seat belt may not properly fit until a child is 4'9".  Even so, most belt positioning booster seats are rated to 80 or 100 pounds.  A belt positioning booster seat must only be used with the Lap/Shoulder belt combination, never with a lap belt alone.

The back seat is the safest place to sit, until at least age 13, because a child's body is not strong enough to withstand the impact of an airbag in a crash.  If you have no other option but the front seat be sure to turn off the passenger airbag. 

 http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/big-kids/on-the-way/booster-seat-and-seat-belts.html

Safer Child Products

“Can I use a hand me down car seat?” If you have all the parts and know the collision history, from a reliable source, and the seat is not yet expired then it is ok to use a hand me down or older seat.  Do not buy a seat from an unknown or unreliable source.

“If I have never been in a collision with my child car seat, do I still need to get rid of it after 6 years?”  The answer is yes. In fact, you should do an overall evaluation every once in a while, just to make sure there are no obvious cracks or discoloration in the car seat “shell” or frayed straps. Be sure to fill out and send back the registration card that came with your child's car seat or booster seat.  This way you will be notified in the event of a recall.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing your child car seat after a Moderate or Severe Crash. Follow this link for manufacturer specific recommendations.

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a21266839/do_i_need_to_replace_my_seat_after_a_crash

Safer Child Products

November 1, 2010 Draft

Did you know that Child Car Seats have Expiration dates?  The life span for a child Car Seat is about 6 years from the date of Manufacture, not the date you take it out of the box! I’ve heard more, I’ve heard less.

“Why do they expire?” you ask. I used to wonder the same thing.

After a number of years, technology changes and improves, so we as consumers are encouraged to get newer seats with newer technology, because presumably the newer technology is safer. This is not the only reason though.  The strain and stress on the plastic “shell” can start to wear on the seat over time.  The extreme temperatures that we find in the car can weaken and ultimately crack the plastic, and the Styrofoam “padding” can start to disintegrate.   

“So where can I find the expiration date?”  The expiration date for your Child Car seat should be found in one of several places.  Your best bet is always to check the owner’s manual that came with your child car seat.  The other places you can check is: (1) The sticker on the side of your Child Car Seat or (2) Embedded in the hard plastic on the back of the child car seat. It should say “DO NOT USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AFTER….” It will list a month and a year.  If you cannot find it in either of these places, call the manufacturer to find out.