Car Seat Safety Features To Look For

When my son was born, I remember getting him ready to head home from the hospital. We carefully buckled him in and adjusted the straps on his car seat. We headed out the hospital doors and secured the seat to the base in the car.

A hospital employee came out and check our seat installation, then she sent us on our way. Me and my husband sat in the front seat stunned. This is it? Now we just drive off with our precious bundle strapped in back?

The roads were icy on the brisk January day in Utah and I remember my white knuckles holding the sides of my own seat as we inched our way down the freeway, probably the slowest we have ever driven.

This post post is sponsored by Babies”R’Us. All opinions are my own.

Looking back now, we chuckle to think of how scared and paranoid we were that day, but the fact of the matter is our kid’s safety is still the top priority in our home and especially in our car. It has been 5 years since that winter drive and so much has changed in the world of car seats, do you know how to know if your seat is right for your child? Here are the most important things to look for:

Height and Weight: Your car seat should be the best fit for your child’s hight and weight. There should be at least 1 inch between the top of your child’s head and the top of their seat. their weight should not exceed the weight limit of the seat you have chosen. Check your owners guide for specifics to your seat.

Expiration Date: Did you know that car seats have expiration dates? They do, it is important to know when your seat has expired. To know if your seat has expired you will need to know the manufacturer, model of seat, model number, and date of manufacture. Most of this information can be found on a mailing sized sticker somewhere on you seat, often hard to find. Most seats expire 6 years after their manufacture date, to be sure check your owners manual or call the manufacturer for more information.

Proper Installation:This one is the biggest. Most injuries in carseats are due to installation errors. As a parent it is your job to be educated about your child’s car seat safety. There are so many resources available out there for ensuring proper installation of your seat. Visit SafeCar.gov to find a car seat inspection station near you!

We are so lucky to live in a generation that is constantly working to improve the safety of the car seats on the market today. I am so happy to help spread the word of the SafeMax™ All-in-One Car Seat from Evenflo, the first rollover tested car seat available in the U.S. It fits infants and children from 5 to 120 lbs or up to 57 inches in height, in three positions – rear facing, forward facing and booster seating.

It has some pretty amazing features including:

• An integrated steel frame that provides strength in absorbing crash forces and harness webbing to help limit head excursion and prevent ejection.
• e3 Side Impact™ Protection: This reduces side impact crash forces up to 50% through an expanded zone of protection and three layers of superior protection.
• ParentLink® PREMIER Service: This is my favorite feature. You can live video chat with an expert to make sure your seat is properly installed and fits your child correctly! So Cool!
• OUTLAST® Performance Fabric: Exclusive to Babies“R”Us, this fabric balances a child’s body temperature for a safer, more peaceful ride!
• SafeZone™ Headrest: A combination of premium materials designed to absorb and dissipate crash forces, providing advanced protection where your child needs it most.

If you are feeling unsure about the safety of your child’s seat, now is the time to fix that! The popular “Great Trade-In” event is back at Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide! Starting today, February 1st, and continuing on through the rest of the month you can trade in your old, second hand, potentially unsafe baby gear for 25% off your trade-in or 30% off with your Babies”R”Us credit card. This includes any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, high chairs, infant swings, bouncers, travel systems, walkers, entertainers, play yards and toddler/twin beds.

Do you have gear to trade in? What is your favorite feature of the new SafeMax™ All-in-One Car Seat from Evenflo?