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Infant car seats, which are rear facing seats, should be used until your child is at least 1 year old and weighs 20 pounds. Children from 20 to 40 pounds and 1 to 4 years of age can ride in a forward-facing car seat or forward-facing convertible seats. Children too tall for a forward-facing convertible seat (ears line up with the back of the convertible seat) can use a high-backed booster seat.

With so many styles of car seats available, finding one you’re happy with can be hard. When choosing a car seat, try following these tips.

Get a car seat with a five-point safety harness. There should be a strap for each shoulder, each thigh, and one between your baby’s legs. The car seat should allow you to adjust the straps from the front, not the rear of the seat. Adjusting the straps should be easy.  Make sure that there is enough padding so that your baby or toddler is comfortable.

When installing the car seat, ensure that the seat does not move. If the car seat moves in any direction more than one inch, it’s too loose. Some cars are equipped with latches for car seats. Be sure to use them if your car has a latch. Follow the installation instructions carefully. Improperly installed seats can cause your child to become hurt in an accident. Place your child in the car seat and check the straps. If you can slip more than a finger under the straps, they’re too loose. Also, your child should be able to freely move her arms.

Always register your seat with manufacturer so that you can be notified of any repairs or recalls. If your seat is used, call the manufacturer to find out if there’s been a repair or recall.

If you feel uncomfortable with installing a car seat, there are several organizations that will ensure your seat is being used properly for free. Try your local police department, local hospitals or local fire departments.

Purchasing a car seat can be very confusing. Some child car seats are designed to be used for babies, some for toddlers, and some for both. Installation can vary from seat to seat. With the state-to-state differences in car seat laws, and it’s easy to see how parents can easily become confused.

Fortunately for us, car seat manufacturers are required to make the age and weight limits of their seats clear. All new car seats are held to strict government standards. Also, free car seat inspections are becoming widely available, so you can have an expert look at your seat and see if it meets requirements and is installed correctly. Or, you can take your car seat and they will install it for you.

Car Seat Safety Tips

A car seat can protect your toddler, but only if it is used correctly. Here are a few tips to help.

* Always place your car seat in the back seat, that is the safest when place. Back there your baby has less chance of being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash. Some states have laws that require children under certain ages to be in the back seat if possible.

* Do not place your toddler where there is an airbag. Many newer model vehicles have an airbag on/off switch you can use if your toddler must ride in the passenger seat. Make sure it is off if you place your toddler there.

* Any child under 1 year of age should be in a rear facing seat, regardless of weight. After her first birthday, your child can ride in a forward facing toddler seat if she meets the weight requirement.

* For children over 40 pounds, belt positioning booster seats provide maximum safety. An increasing number of states are passing laws requiring the use of booster seats until children weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. Even if your state doesn’t require them, they are a good idea.

* Read the instructions that come with your child’s safety seat carefully. Usually, installation is easy, however, not all car seats are the same and some can be a little tricky.

* If the car seat is in a vehicle that is involved in a crash, replace it. It could be damaged even if it looks fine. It’s best not to take chances.

* You must use the car seat even if your toddler objects to it. My daughter hates it and usually whines when I put her in it. However, her safety is not negotiable. I’ll let her help me push the latches in, that usually calms her down.

Child car seats are essential to your child’s safety while in the car and they are also required by law for toddlers. Shop around to find a model that is comfortable, durable, and easy to install. Take your time in choosing because you will be using it for a few years.

Here is a link to help you find a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator in your area. http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

A large percentage of accidents happen at home. With so many hazards posing a threat to adults, just imagine the risks that your toddler faces. When your baby starts walking on her own, her curiosity will begin to show itself. She will get into anything and everything that she can because she wants to learn about her surroundings. Taking the time to childproof your home will put dangers out of reach and allow your child to explore more freely, and it will you give less worry. Here are some things you can do to childproof your home and make your home a safer place for your toddler.

Lock up chemicals or move them to higher ground.
Ideally, the best place for dangerous chemicals is high enough that your toddler can’t reach them. However, that’s not always an option. Safety latches and locks for cabinets are inexpensive and can be found in almost any store that carries baby items. You can also find them at a hardware store.

Keep rooms with hazards off-limits.
If you have to, add locks to the doors if that’s the only way you can keep your toddler out. For my basement, I have a doorknob cover. I can quickly open the door to go downstairs but she can’t, the cover just spins around in her hands. I don’t normally keep the bathroom door closed, but I keep a cover on the knob, just in case I’ve pulled out the cleaning products and need to leave the room for a few minutes. I can just shut the door and she can’t get in.

The temperature on your water heater should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lowering the temperature will prevent your child from being scalded if she should turn on the hot water. Also, if you start running the water for a bath, it will sometimes warm up as it’s running. This will prevent it from becoming too hot.

Install locking latches on your dishwasher and oven.
If your toddler has access to the kitchen, these appliances will pose many dangers. It’s best to make sure she can’t open them. Also, use knob covers and a stove guard. This can prevent her from getting burned on the stove top.

Install a toilet lock.
I took me awhile to purchase one of these. I thought it would make it difficult for me to open the lid. But after trying for months to stop my daughter from playing in the toilet, I finally broke down and installed one. It’s takes only a second for me to pop the lock, but she can’t open it at all. Now, I don’t have to worry about my daughter playing in the toilet.Know your plants.
I have absolutely NO green thumb so I don’t have to worry about this. But I do know that some plants are poisonous. Your toddler should be kept away from them completely. If you have hanging plants, be sure to watch out for leaves and petals that fall to the floor.

Use outlet covers on unused outlets.
My daughter is simply drawn to these things so I bought a ton of covers and covered all the outlets, even the ones she can’t actually reach. Also, keep electrical cords as inaccessible as possible. Be sure to inspect your cords regularly to make sure they are not damaged.

Install window guards so windows can’t be opened too wide.
These should prevent your windows from being opened high enough (or wide enough) for your toddler to get through them. Keep any furniture that your child could climb on away from windows if possible. Also, remember to keep window blind cords out of her reach.

Secure bookcases, microwave carts, and similar furniture to the wall.
My daughter loves to try and climb the bookcase. I usually catch her, but since these can easily be turned over, I either removed them from areas she’s in the most or secured them to the wall. Now, when she’s climbing and I don’t see her, she won’t pull the bookcase down on herself.

These are just a few things you can do to childproof your home and protect your toddler. Try viewing your home from her point of view. This will help you determine what other steps you need to take. It’s hard to keep an eye on your toddler all the time. That’s why childproofing is an important step you should take to make your home a safer place.

Need ideas on activities for toddlers? Please visit: http://www.ourtoddlers.com/101-tips.html