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: Beware of older car seats
DEAR DR.PAUL: We are expecting our second baby soon. Can
we use our 10-year-old son's old car seat for our new baby?
PEDIATRICIAN DR.PAUL ANSWERS: This is an excellent
question and it gives me the opportunity to discuss car seat
use in general.
Before I answer your question let me say that we all agree that
every child should be in an age-appropriate, safe, and properly-installed
car seat until he is able to use a regular car seat belt properly.
The other important point is that children less than 12 years
of age should never be placed in the front seat of a vehicle
that has a passenger air bag. The safest place for all children
to ride in a car is in the back seat.
Now, to your question. The answer is probably no, because in
general, older car seats do not meet today's safety requirements.
The only way to find out is to call the manufacturer or your
auto safety or transportation bureau to find out if the seat
conforms to today's safety standards. They will also inform
you if there have been any recalls on the particular model.
Also, a lot of people do not realize if the car seat has been
in a car crash it has likely been weakened and therefore should
not be used - even if it looks okay.
When you are installing a car seat for the first time make sure
that you do it properly (following the manufacturer's instructions)
and make sure it fits well into your car.
Remember, not all car seats fit all models of cars. Also, read
your car's owner manual section on car seats, it may help make
sure that the installation is done properly. It is important
to keep the car seat instructions, as you will need them to
adjust the seat as your baby gets older. It is also important
to fill in and send in your registration card to the manufacturer,
as it will be important in case you car seat is recalled.
Infants should ride facing the back of the car until they have
reached at least one year of age and weigh at least 20 lbs.
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs. and are older than one
may face forward.
Parents often ask which brand or make of car seats is best.
There really is no one seat that is the best or safest. The
best car seat is the one that fits your baby's size and weight
and can be correctly installed in your car. So it's important
to "try before you buy", making sure the seat fits your child
and fits your car. On a final note, it is important to know
that in the case of an accident, an improperly-installed or
otherwise unsafe car seat can result in severe injury to a child.
The best way to keep your child safe in the event of a car accident
is to select a car seat that meets all current safety standards
and make sure it is properly installed in your car.
For more specific information, visit the American Academy of
Pediatrics Family
Shopping Guide to Car Seats.
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
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