Children are precious cargo when traveling. Toddler seat safety is important whether you have a short or long trip ahead of you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14." Toddler seat safety is key in protecting the life of your child.
Function
A toddler seat is a device used in motor vehicles to protect your child in case of an accident. According to the American Academy of Pediatics, a child should be in some kind of car seat until the age of at least 8 years old, when an adult seat belt will fit correctly. Your child should ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least 1 year of age and when weighing at least 20 pounds. Once the child exceeds those requirements he should move move into a toddler seat, which can be front-facing and last until he is about 4 years of age.
Significance
A toddler seat offers proper protection for your child in case of a vehicle accident. It is the parent or guardian's responsibility to purchase the proper seat according to age and weight. It is also your responsibility to learn how to properly install the seat into your vehicle. Research done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association shows that of 214 fatalities of children ages 4 to 7, 40 percent of those deaths were children who were unrestrained in the car.
Types
There are five different style toddler seats that can be used when your child has reached the age and height requirement for a forward-facing car seat. The convertible seat can switch from rear-facing to front-facing. Forward-facing seats can usually be used for a child up to 80 pounds. Combination seats with a harness can be used as a booster seat when your child is ready. Some cars come with a built-in car seat, but make sure you check that they meet the best safety standards. The fifth kind of front-facing seat is a travel vest. These are useful when your child has reached the weight limit but is not yet old enough to move up to a booster seat.
Considerations
It is important to clearly read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat to learn the proper way to install the seat in your car. Some car seats use the seat belt already in the vehicle. Cars made after 2002 have a LATCH system that provides a lower and upper attachment method. This system makes car seats easier to use in some cars and encourages correct use of toddler car seats.
Tips
Remember the important thing when finding a car seat is to find the one that works best for your child and your car. Do not allow the price to sway your purchase. A high price doesn't necessarily mean you have the safest seat. It is also important to remember to stay on top of recalls and warnings given out by the National Highway Traffic Association. If your seat is listed as recalled, you should immediately get rid of it and find a new, safer seat for your child.
