Avoid 10 Common Mistakes When Buying Baby Car Seat

Car seat safety isn't child's play. Understand 10 common mistakes parents make when installing and using car seats.

Car seat safety is crucial for protecting your child during travel, but knowing how to safely buckle up your child as he or she grows can be difficult. Check out 10 common mistakes parents often make when it comes to car seat safety — and how to avoid them.

1. Getting a used car seat without researching its history

If you're considering a used car seat for your child, make sure the car seat:

• Comes with instructions and a label showing the manufacture date and model number
• Hasn't been recalled
• Isn't expired or more than 6 years old
• Has no visible damage or missing parts
• Has never been in a moderate or severe crash
• If you don't know the car seat's history, don't use it.

2. Placing the car seat in the wrong spot

The safest place for your child's car seat is the back seat, away from active air bags. If the car seat is placed in the front seat and the air bag inflates, it could hit the back of a rear-facing car seat — right where your child's head is — and cause a serious or fatal injury. A child who rides in a forward-facing car seat could also be harmed by an air bag.

If it's necessary for a child to travel in a vehicle with only one row of seats, deactivate the front air bags or install a power switch to prevent air bag deployment during a crash.

If you're placing only one car seat in the back seat, install it in the centre of the seat — if a good fit is possible — rather than next to a door to minimise the risk of injury during a crash.

3. Using the car seat as a replacement crib

A car seat is designed to protect your child during travel. It's not for use as a replacement crib in your home. A 2009 study showed that sitting upright in a car seat might compress a newborn's chest and lead to lower levels of oxygen. Even mild airway obstruction can impair a child's development.

Sitting in a car seat for lengthy periods can also contribute to the development of a flat spot on the back of your baby's head and worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic digestive disease. In addition, a child can easily be injured by falling out of an improperly used car seat or while sitting in a car seat that falls from an elevated surface, such as a table.

Although it's essential to buckle your child into a car seat during travel, don't let your child sleep or relax in the car seat for long periods of time out of the car.

4. Incorrectly installing the car seat or buckling up your child

Before you install a car seat, read the manufacturer's instructions and the section on car seats in the vehicle's owners manual. Make sure the seat is tightly secured - allowing no more than 1 inch of movement from side to side or front to back when grasped at the bottom near the attachment points - and facing the correct direction.

If you're using an infant-only seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the harness slots described in the car seat's instruction manual, usually those at or below the child's shoulders.
• Place the harness or chest clip even with your child's armpits — not the abdomen or neck.
• Make sure the straps and harness lie flat against your child's chest and over his or her hips with no slack.
• Position the car seat's carrying handle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Reclining your child at the incorrect angle

In the rear-facing position, recline the car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions so that your child's head doesn't flop forward. Many seats include angle indicators or adjusters. You can also place a tightly rolled towel under the seat's front edge to achieve the right angle.

To prevent slouching, place tightly rolled baby blankets alongside your newborn. If necessary, place a rolled washcloth between the crotch strap and your baby to prevent slouching. Don't use any additional products unless they came with the car seat or from the manufacturer.

6. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon

Resist the urge to place your child's car seat in the forward-facing position just so that you can see his or her smile in your rear view mirror. Riding rear facing is recommended until a child reaches age 2 or the highest weight - typically at least 35 pounds (about 16 kilograms) - or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
You can start with a convertible seat, which can be used rear facing or forward facing and typically has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than does an infant-only seat, or switch from an infant-only seat to the convertible variety as your baby grows.

When your child reaches age 2 or the rear-facing weight or height limit of the convertible seat, you can face the seat forward. When you make the switch:

• Install the car seat in the back seat according to the manufacturer's instructions, using either the seat belt or Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system.
• Use the tether strap — a strap that hooks to the top of the seat and attaches to an anchor in the vehicle — for extra stability.
• Adjust the harness straps so that they're threaded at or above your child's shoulders. Make sure the harness fits snugly.

7. Dressing your child in bulky outerwear

Harness straps might not provide enough protection over a baby's bulky outerwear. If it's cold, dress your baby in a lightweight jacket and hat. Buckle the harness snugly and then tuck a blanket around your baby for warmth. Save the bulky outerwear for outdoors.

8. Moving to a booster seat too soon

Older children need booster seats to help an adult safety belt fit correctly. You can switch from a car seat to a booster seat when your child has topped the highest weight — typically 40 to 80 pounds (18 to 36 kilograms) — or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Remember, however, that your child is safest remaining in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible.

9. Incorrectly using a booster seat

Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt — never a lap-only belt. Make sure the lap belt lies low and snug across your child's upper thighs and that the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child's chest and shoulder.

Some booster seats come without backs. Backless booster seats also must be used with a lap and shoulder belt — never a lap-only belt. If your vehicle has low seat backs or doesn't have a headrest to protect your child's head and neck in a crash, consider using a high-back booster that fits your child's height and weight.

10. Using the vehicle safety belt too soon

Most kids can safely use an adult seat belt sometime between ages 8 and 12. Here's how you'll know that your child is ready:

• Your child reaches a height of 4 feet 9 inches (nearly 1.5 meters).
• Your child sits against the back of the seat with his or her knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat — and can remain that way for the entire trip.
• The lap belt rests flat and snugly across your child's upper thighs, and the shoulder belt rests on the middle of your child's shoulder and chest — not on the neck or face.
• Make sure your child doesn't tuck the shoulder belt under his or her arm or behind his or her back. Remember, the back seat is the safest place for children younger than age 13.

Sunbaby RAKHI Special Offer: Get Flat 20% OFF on All Baby Products

"Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi" is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Shravan (August) according to the Hindu calendar. It's the day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their affectionate bond.

Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' means binding or bound. The prosperous Indian mythology provides many religious reasons to celebrate the day.

To make this Raksha Bandhan festival all the more memorable and joyful event for the brothers and sisters, we bring a huge Sunbaby RAKHI Special Offer on all "Sunbaby products", which will help you a lot in saving huge amount.

We are all set to serve up to Flat 20% Off on Sunbaby Products like Baby Strollers, Baby Walkers, Baby Rideons cars and bikes, Baby carriers, Baby Car Seats, Baby Playmats, Baby Bouncers, Baby Tricycles, Baby Bath Tubs, Baby Potty Training Seats, Baby Chairs, Baby Bassinet, Mother Bags and more.

So, Shop now and purchase your favourite gifts for your loving brothers/sisters from our online store at best price, and make payment via COD/CC, and receive your order right at your doorstep. This great Rakhi offer is applicable Till 10th, August, 2017.

Things You Need to Know:

• Get Flat 20% OFF on All Sunbaby Products.
• Minimum Purchase Value: 3000/-Rs.
• You Get Maximum Discount of 3000/-Rs
• Voucher Code: "SUNBABYRAKHI"
• Valid Till: 10th August, 2017
• Not valid on "Stock Clearance Sale" products.

To See Already Discounted Product click on the link: https://www.sunbabyindia.com/categories/sale/cid-CU00276510.aspx

What are Fun Things to do with your Newborn Baby?

Congratulations! Your wait is over and your newborn is finally here. Nothing can surpass the joy of newly attained parenthood. Once the initial surprise and elation turns into an everyday routine, taking care of a newborn can become monotonous.

In the initial months, your newborn gets attached to you the most. The way you connect with your baby in these months plays a crucial role in your baby's language formation, social intelligence, logical thinking, emotional connect and overall development.

There are various activities for newborn babies that you can get involved in and enjoy the joys of motherhood.


Top Activities with Newborn Baby:

If you thought that your new born baby will only sleep and wake up for meals, then it's time to rethink! Here are the top 10 activities to do with newborn babies:

Baby's Day Out:

Plan an outing with your baby. It need not be a far flung place but a nearby park or any natural surroundings.

• Let your baby enjoy the lush greenery and feel the fresh air.
• Even though your baby may be too small to play, he may really enjoy seeing the colorful environment and other children playing.
• It will also be a good change for you and your baby from everyday routine.

Music Therapy:

All babies have an affinity towards music. Melodies have a soothing effect on babies and can boost their memory as well as mental skills.

• Play different genres of music when your darling is awake and see which music relaxes him and which annoys him.
• Some music might charge him up while some will make him sleep.
• It is essential to be present along with your baby while the music is playing.
• Your touch and voice may accentuate the benefits. Sing along and encourage your baby to do so too.
• Besides making your baby happy, music will also help calm you.

Record Your Baby's Move:

Each moment with your baby is unique and shall never come back, so make sure you capture them.

• Record your baby's special moments through pictures or videos.
• Use different accessories and props to make it entertaining for your infant.
• Make him or her wear special clothes, try a different hair style. Your baby will thoroughly enjoy the attention.
• Share these with your spouse and near and dear ones. It will be amazing to watch these together when your baby grows up.

Emote:

It is a wonderful game to play with your munchkin.

• When your baby is awake and playful, hold him close and try to talk with animated gestures and expressions.
• Vary the pitch of your voice. You will be amazed to see how your baby reacts to your actions. This will help your baby learn and recognize emotions and increase the attention span of your baby.
• This activity can help your infant in early language identification and is a great way to strengthen your bond.

Play Hide And Seek:

Play hide and seek with your newborn but not in the regular way.

• Play hide and seek with your newborn but not in the regular way.
• Call his name or whistle or make any different kind of noise.
• Your infant will recognize your voice and try to find out where it is coming from.
• This activity can increase the alertness in your baby.
• When your baby finds you, pick him up and shower him with your love. This will create a happy emotional bonding.
• As a word of caution, don't be too far from your baby. Always be at a distance from where you can pick him up if he is about to fall or get hurt.

Co-ordination Activity:

Introduce your baby to toys and colorful things.

• Hang different colorful toys just above your baby's bed or cradle.
• When touched they should emanate soothing sound or change shape or light up.
• Help your baby to reach out to these toys with their hands or toes and show them how interesting it is.
• Your baby will soon learn the coordination of hands, eyes and toes and learn to play on his own.

Simulate Senses:

Let your baby feel everything.

• Don't hasten any activity you do with your baby.
• If you are bathing your infant, let him or her splash water and play with it.
• If you are feeding, then let him or her feel the bottle.
• This gives your baby an understanding of various senses.
• Such learning is essential for his overall mental, physical and emotional development

Introduce New Things:

Just like you, your baby also hates routine and needs new things to be entertained. Remember these activities of newborn baby will be the base.

• Take your baby around the house and show things that are non-hazardous and safe.
• Let your darling stare and feel the objects.
• It is a wonderful feeling for your baby and also a way to increase his or her memory power.

Story Time:

Of course your little one cannot understand your story but read, nonetheless.

• Read or tell a story by enacting the same with gestures.
• Touch your baby's toes, fingers, tickle his belly and see his expressions.
• You can use this activity when you are clothing your baby. It is a good way to divert attention too!

Try Some Dance:

Sure your baby can't dance but you can definitely sway him to the tunes of music.

• Take your baby in your arms and try some simple steps.
• Such moves are not less than any roller coaster ride for your little one.
• Be careful with your baby's neck and always keep a hand there.
• This activity can definitely rejuvenate you and your little one.

When you engage into activities with your new born baby or babies, it will help him or her learn things faster while enjoying it more.
We hope you liked our ideas for newborn baby activities month by month. Don't forget to make every moment with your baby special.

What things to remember when buying a first car seat for your baby

Travelling with a baby can be a stressful experience, especially if you are a new parent. You suddenly become conscious of every danger on the road and drive defensively to ensure your baby's safety. It is in your best interest to make sure you have the safest car seat available for your infant.

An important item that you will need to bring your baby home safely is a baby car seat. Are you clueless about how to choose a best baby car seat for safety and comfort during his first drive?
There are many factors to take into account when shopping for a car seat to ensure maximum safety and comfort for your child.

Find out in this post some handy tips to help you make the right choice while choosing a baby car seat.


What Are The Weight Limits For Car Seats?

Most car seats have similar weight limits. You can use one in a rear facing position till the time your baby weighs 30 pounds. You can use a car seat in a forward facing position till the time he weighs 40 pounds. Some latest models of car seats even allow as much weight as 80 pounds in a forward facing position.

LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children):

Almost all new models of car seats are available with the LATCH system.
The LATCH system helps you attach the car seat directly to your car seat instead of using the seat belt. It makes it easier to use and safer for your baby than the older versions.
The car seats have bottom straps as well as a top tether. However, while you are using the seat in a rear facing position, the manufacturer may ask you to avoid using the top tether. Make sure you follow all safety and installation instructions.

Five-Point Safety Harness:

A five-point safety harness will have the following:

• A strap for each shoulder.
• A strap for each thigh.
• A strap that goes between your baby's legs.

These straps are adjustable and hence safe and comfortable for your baby.

Side Impact Protection:

A side impact protection feature helps keep your baby safe in the event of a collision.
Some baby car seats come with a special type of foam that helps absorb the intensity of an impact. The seats have a safe design to protect your baby especially around the head and chest.

Easy To Clean:

You need to be careful about hygiene if you have a baby around.

• Check for a car seat that has a separate cover.
• Choose one, which has an easy to clean cover that you can either toss in the washing machine or wipe with a damp cloth.

Easy To Adjust:

• A car seat lasts long; it means you will need to adjust it as per the demands of your growing baby.
• Check for a seat that has straps and a harness you can easily adjust.
• You can operate some models single handedly for quick use too.

Make sure you test the new baby seat in your car for compatibility before buying a car seat.

Want to buy baby car seat online for your new born but don't know where to buy it. So visit Sunbaby India - Buy Best Baby Car Seat Online in India