Precious Cargo: Kids and Car Seats

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By mia bolaris-forget

Having a baby may put a hitch in your "get up and go"...making it a much slower process than you're use to. And, one to the most important items for helping you and your little one get a safe move on is a car seat. In fact, most hospitals won't even allow you to take your newborn home without one.
But remember, not all car seats are alike. In fact there are different types depending on your child's age, weight, and height.
Little ones, up to a year old, should travel in a rear-facing car seat, determined to be the safest way to transport an infant. Older children can be place in a forward-facing seat with a five-point baby harness to help keep your little one safely secured and in place.
Both types of seats should be fastened to the seat via a three-point rear seat belt, or in newer vehicles, the ISOFIX points (that fit at the rear of the back seat allowing the care set to be attached to the chassis of the car).
Ask a professional for his or her advice to make sure you make the best choice for you and your baby....and never buy a secondhand seat, even if it "appears" to be in good condition...you never know...and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

For more important info on car seats visit these Car Seat Inspection Sites.

* Hassell Auto Body
390 Route 109
West Babylon
Weekdays 8am-4pm
No appointment necessary
Contact: Dough Hassell, Jr. 631-587-5500

*East Hampton Town Police Dept.
131 Wainscott Northwest Road, Wainscott
Weekdays, 9am-5pm
Appointment required
Contact: Sergeant Thomas Lambert 631-567-7575 ext 206 or [email protected]