Car Seats

Car crashes have been a leading cause of death for children over the last 10 years and it is extremely important for parents and caregivers to understand not only how to use the right car safety seats, but also which one to buy for their child in order to better protect them. How can you make sure your child’s car seat is correctly installed? How can you be sure your child is safe? Where is the safest place to install a car seat? What is the safest car seat you should buy? These are very good questions that demand all parents full attention.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to easily answer the main question, the safest way for children to ride in the car is rear-facing for as long as possible, in the center of the back seat. In their recent safety guidelines update, AAP suggest parents should keep the child rear-facing until they don’t fit in that position anymore. “Fortunately, car seat manufacturers have created seats that allow children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 40 pounds or more.” said Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement and chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. “If you have a choice, keeping your child rear-facing as long as possible is the best way to keep them safe.”

Hoffman explains that when the child is rear facing, their back, neck, spine and head are being supported by the hard shell of the car safety seat in case of a crash, which protects the most vulnerable parts of the body. If you turn them forward facing, they will be restrained by the harness strap and lose neck and head support.

It is crucial that parents remember to always use a car seat or a booster seat for safety in every ride, so they can lower any risk of death or serious injury by more than 70%.

Here at MacroBaby we have the best and safest car seat brands in the market for you to choose from and if ever in doubt check out our Car Seat Guide to guide you on your purchase!