According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all U.S. states require children to travel in safety car seats. It is against the law for infants to sit in the arms or on the laps of adults. Graco Infant Restraints/Carriers are easy to use and install in vehicles for child safety. To ensure proper use of Graco car seats, most communities offer inspections on car seat installation.
Significance
Investing in an appropriate car seat for use with infants minimizes the risk of serious injury or death resulting from accidents. Graco brand baby gear, including the Graco Infant Carrier/Restraint models, is popular with parents due to trusted safety standards, easy access to products at common retail outlets and affordable prices. Graco car seats also offer a variety of models, colors and patterns to complement decorative themes and active lifestyles.
Function
Securing an infant in a Graco car seat conforms to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, according to the Graco Infant Restraint/Carrier Owners Manual. Placing the infant car seat in the proper place of a vehicle will keep a baby safer from harm. The car seat will face the rear, the harness straps adjusted to fit the baby's size and belts securely fastened. The infant car seat is also used with other Graco products such as travel stroller systems, travel swings or for use in an airplane.
Features
Reading the owner's manual and instructions for use with a Graco Infant Restraint/Carrier will maximize safety and ensure proper use of the product. The product comes with the restraint itself, a security base and, at times, a canopy. There are height and weight limits for use in the Graco Infant Restraint/Carrier. Children must weigh between 5 and 22 pounds while measuring 29 inches or less in length. For maximum safety, the carrier should be securely locked in position when using the base. The seat handlebar also locks in place.
Warnings
Supervising infants at all times is recommended for use with the Graco Infant Restraint/Carrier. There are safety hazards to be aware of when using this product. According to the Graco Infant Restrain/Carrier Owner's Manual, babies are not exempt from risks due to falling, suffocation and strangulation. Refrain from placing the carrier on soft surfaces or high structures, near hanging cords or strings and ensure toys for play while child is in the carrier are safe and securely attached to the handles of the seat. Graco infant car seats should not be used in conjunction with accessories of alternative brand names.
Benefits
Using the Graco Infant Restraint/Carrier helps keep babies safe from harm during travel. There are a number of products to choose from that accompany the Graco car seats; such as the Graco SnugRider stroller or SnugGlider swing. The car seats are lightweight and easy to use. The ease of the restraint's removal from the car seat base allows for convenient use of the carrier interchangeably between several cars, helping grandparents and babysitters caring for the infant. The restraint is used up to a year and the car seat safety standards are good for seven years. The seat can be used with multiple children within the same family.
