Getting ready for your new arrival has taken nine months of preparation and toil. But now you're a parent and your whole world has changed. Your goal is to keep your baby safe, sound and healthy. This starts the second you leave the hospital – you need to get your newborn home, which means you need a car seat.
CHOOSING A SEAT
Infants are especially at risk for head and spinal cord injuries because their bones and ligaments are still developing. Their heads are also proportionately larger than their necks, so the structural support system is still a little wobbly. There are two types of infant car seats, each with specific requirements for proper installation. When choosing your seat, remember that your baby's head and neck are most at risk, but it doesn't take much to cause injury to any part of the rest of the infant's body.
are ideal for newborns, but can be used as your baby grows. In fact, babies should be kept in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, but at least until 13kg. Should you need to change your seat because your baby has grown, keep thetighter or ensuring the straps are appropriately taut. Do this by putting a knee in the seat or finding some other way to put your weight into it. Then pull on the straps.
