Great Beginnings - Frequently Asked Questions


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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a crib?

There is a huge variety of cribs on the market. Not all are safe.

Great Beginnings has over 120 cribs on display. All of our cribs meet required safety and quality standards. The average crib can be ordered in five finishes (natural wood, white, pecan, cognac and cherry), however, some come in as many as a dozen or more finishes.

Ask the store if their cribs meet the U.S. Safety Standards.

U.S. Safety Standards are voluntary standards adopted by the industry and enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). No law governs the actual manufacture of cribs, but the standards enforced by the CPSC ensure that crib safety standards are met. These standards adopted by the industry address crib features such as the spacing between the slats on the sides and ends of cribs, they define the height between the mattress and the top of the safety rails and crib ends, and recommend that there be no decorative items sticking up more than 1/8 inch to rule out the possibility of the child's clothing getting stuck on the decorative item. For example, at one time cribs were sold with large pineapple shaped finials at the top of each end posts which would catch the childs clothing as they tried to climb out!

Look for hard wood cribs.

As a general rule, woods grown in colder climates are superior since they are harder and more durable. The woods grown in warm climates tend to be softer and more likely to dent and crack. In addition, the metal screws which hold the cribs together are far less likely to pull out of a hardwood crib. The type of woods that are recommended for cribs include Maple, Oak, Ash, Birch and Beech.

Set a budget and concentrate on cribs in this price range

Cribs vary in price from under $200 to $900 or more. The price of the crib will depend on the type of wood used to make the crib, the amount of detailing and/or color of the crib, and whether the crib was manufactured in America, Europe or Canada. On average, most cribs will range from $220 to $700 at specialty baby stores (see suggestions below for more crib pricing information).

Choose a style that you like

Frankly, this is one of the most difficult decisions for many couples to make.

There are hundreds of designs available ranging from very traditional to contemporary (modern) in design. It is important to visit stores that have large selections so that you can determine the style you like best. When deciding on a dresser or a crib, also remember that the dresser is likely to stay in the room for many years but the crib will be used for only a few years. Therefore, it is often better to choose your dresser first, and then find a crib to match the dresser style. You don't want to have to keep buying furniture as the child grows!!

Some things to think about while shopping include:

Do you like a contemporary, Shaker, or a traditional design?

If you prefer the Shaker look, does furniture with accent colors appeal to you or do you prefer the furniture in one color?

If you like the traditional look, what are your feelings about an old fashioned look with brass handles?

Do you want a separate changing table or do you want a dresser which can accommodate a flip kit or a changing pad? The double dresser combo which includes a flip kit changer has become our most popular option. It is preferred by our customers as a stand alone changing table only takes up valuable floor space, is easy for pets to raid your baby's diapering essentials, and becomes a relic in the basement when your kids are out of diapers. The more favored flip kit allows mother to change the baby vertically allowing easier view of the desired target area.

Are you trying to match existing furniture?

Why do crib prices vary so?

Production and transportation costs are the biggest factors. More intricate crib designs usually involve significant labor and machining costs. These frequently have turned spindles and fancy headboards. On the other hand, cribs with straight slats and relatively plain ends costs less. Popular cribs are produced in high volumes which reduces production costs. For example, both Sorelle, Bonavita, Pali have popular cribs which should retail at under $350.

Some cribs have extra parts such as storage drawers.

Storage drawers are quite useful, particularly in a small nursery. Most American cribs, do charge extra for the inclusion of a drawer. All European cribs have drawers included during their manufacturing.

The overhead cost of the retail store is another factor.

Depending upon the store location, rents can vary from $10 to $60 per square foot. Stores in high cost malls must operate with a high mark-up and will not be able to offer discount prices. If cost is an issue, look for low overhead stores with a knowledgeable staff. Many good discount specialty stores operate in warehouse districts.

How much time does it take to order a crib ?

Most large specialty stores stock a fair amount of cribs. Given the large number of design and color selections offered by the leading crib manufacturers, however these stores find it impossible to have all choices in stock. Most large specialty stores carry a large number of stock cribs but a more limited selection of dressers. It is always possible to come into the store and leave with a crib and/or a bassinet. If, however, the customer shops early, preferably 12 or 14 weeks ahead of the due date, virtually all of the cribs sold in the store will arrive on time. Procrastination narrows the choice dramatically.

Crib Mattresses

Crib Mattress:

	The mattress should fit snugly next to the crib so that there is no gap. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and the crib, the mattress should be immediately replaced.
	Do not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers. Plastic film can cling to children's faces and should never be in or near the crib.
	Put your baby to sleep on his or her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath. Talk to your pediatrician about which sleeping position is best for you child.

The mattress is one of the most important purchases you will make for the nursery since a good mattress is thought to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For this reason, consumers with a finite budget for a crib and mattress should consider a less expensive crib and purchase one of the better crib mattresses. However, the difference in cost between a low cost/ low quality mattress and one of the top mattresses is only thirty or forty dollars. The mattress rated #1 by a leading consumer magazine for the past 10 years, and top pick by the Baby Bargain Book - the Colgate Classica 1 foam crib mattress (a high density foam mattress) should cost about $110 while a low density foam mattress with a thin vinyl cover should retail from $49 to $60. For the safety of your newborn child, the price difference is negligible.

The following are four primary considerations when buying your mattress:

1. Firmness

The mattress can be soft, medium or firm.

Safety experts recommend a firm mattress for newborns.

The reasoning is that a firm mattress coupled with a fitted sheet makes it easy to keep the crib sheet taut. This is important because a taut crib sheet significantly reduces the possibility of the baby breathing into the gathered material formed by loose bedding. Also a very firm crib mattress reduces the chance the baby can suffocate by turning face down in the mattress.

Keep in mind that a baby cannot raise his head for three or four months and should lie on a firm surface on a fitted sheet so that there is no danger that the baby will rebreathe its own air because it is lying against loose bedding.

Don't put the comforter in the bed with a newborn and do not use a pillow. Stuffed animals should also be kept out of the crib.

2. Cover

The mattress cover (called "Ticking" in the mattress industry) helps predetermines the life expectancy of the mattress.

While the consumer can save $30 or $40 by buying a mattress covered by a single layer of vinyl, all of the top rated mattresses have covers comprised of two or three layers, one of which is nylon. Generally these have a heavy gauge nylon bonded to a waterproof material. They also have a heavy gauge binding which stitches the top and bottom ticking panels to the panels on the side of the mattress.

By contrast, the a single layer of vinyl does not have the tensile strength of nylon and will crack and tear more easily. Unfortunately this attribute seems to worsen with time.

The failure mode of mattresses is the tearing of the cover, generally along a side seam. (This comes about because every child eventually turns the crib into a trampoline)

A child who jumps on the mattress puts a lot of pressure on the seam and an inferior cover will split.

Look for a mattress with a nylon reinforced cover.

3. Construction

Mattresses can either by innerspring (Coil) or Foam.

The top rated mattress is the Classica I foam mattress by Colgate.

This foam mattress weighs only seven pounds, has a tough triple layer nylon reinforced cover, and is very firm. There is a ten year manufacturer's warranty.

The clear advantage of the light foam mattress is the ease with which the crib sheet can be changed. Keep in mind that the mattress ends must be lifted to pull off a dirty sheet and lifted again to put on a clean one. Clearly, lifting a seven pound foam mattress is easier than lifting a thirty-two pound innerspring mattress.

Colgate also makes the Classica III mattress which has a very firm side and a medium firm side. This is Great Beginnings #1 selling baby crib mattress. The firm side is used initially when it's critical for a newborn to sleep on an extra firm mattress, and then as the child grows the mattress can be turned over for a more comfortable sleep.

For those who are predisposed to a coil mattress, we recommend one of the Colgate or the Pali coil crib mattresses.

All are firm, have nylon reinforced covers, heavy gauge coil springs and a ten year or more warranty.

If you are considering an innerspring mattress, check to see that it has a good edge rod. The rod is a heavy gauge wire which exists at the top and bottom of the mattress at the point where the side panels are stitched to the top or bottom panels. The rod extends the life of the mattress by keeping the jumping child's feet from compressing a single spring far enough to stress the fabric and create a tear in the fabric seam.

Consistency

During the two or more years a child sleeps in the crib, they will change from a newborn, unable to turn from side to side to a toddler capable of standing, walking, and jumping.

After they are able to move around in the crib on their own, babies will change positions frequently during sleep, even turning from end to end, sometimes sleeping at the very edge of the mattress and sometimes in the middle. Thus all areas of the sleeping surface should be consistent in its firmness. Feel the mattress to see that there are no soft spots and that is firm at the edges.

Soft Bedding May Be Hazardous To Babies

To prevent infant deaths due to soft bedding, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development are revising their recommendations on safe bedding practices when putting infants down to sleep. Here are the revised recommendations to follow for infants under 12 months:

A Safe Sleeping Environment
For Your Baby

Placing babies to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs has been associated with a dramatic decrease in deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Safe Bedding Practices For Infants

	Place baby on his/her back on a firm tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
	Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib.
	Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
	If using a blanket, put baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby's chest.
	Make sure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.
	Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surface to sleep.

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Car seats- The five most commonly made mistakes

Statistics reveal that over 80% of the car seats in use today are installed incorrectly. Here is an overview of the top errors parents make when it comes to installing and using a child’s car seat.

Not installing the car seat tight enough. It is very important to make sure the child’s car seat doesn't move more than approximately one inch from side to side or front to back. Check the car seat manufacturer's instruction manual to make sure you are correct in where to thread the car’s seat belt through the child’s restraint seat. It is also important to consult your vehicle's owners manual to determine whether you must use a locking clip to secure the car’s seat belt. Be sure to install the locking clip next to the belt plate.
Moving your baby forward facing too soon and/or using a carseat that isn’t age/size appropriate. Babies should be in the rear-facing position, in either an infant carrier (a seat with a carrying handle) or a convertible seat (a seat you can turn forward when your baby is big enough) from birth until they are one year old and weigh at least 20 pounds, whichever comes last. If your infant has not reached 12 months old, but is so tall that his head reaches the top of the infant carrier, you need to switch him into a convertible seat but continue to keep him facing rear – consult the infant carrier’s size recommendations in its owners manual and it is usually also listed on the side of the carrier. Most convertible car seats accommodate children in the rear facing position up to 20 pounds – some Britax models up to 30 lbs - and forward facing position until they weigh about 40 pounds – some seats can go up to 65 lbs. As a side note, states are passing legislation requiring 8 years/ 80 lbs in a child restraint system.
Purchasing the wrong car seat for your car. There are some car seats that install better in certain cars than others. Probably the only way to know which car seats work best in your car is through trial and error. It is best to go to a baby store and ask to install several different models in your car until you find one that fits secure and you are able to properly use the car seat. At Great Beginnings we always preach that the two most important purchases you make for your baby are the car seat and the mattress. Your local firehouse, hospital and local government agencies can be a great place to start to find certified car seat installation techs. On the web you can visit www.safekids.org , to find out when and where the next car-seat safety check will be held in your area. In the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas, Great Beginnings can assist you in making an appointment.
Positioning the harness height incorrectly for your baby. Refer to the car seat's instruction manual to determine the proper harness height. Some harnesses should sit level with your infant's shoulders, others should be set just below. You will need to continue to adjust the harness height as your baby grows. As a general rule, shoulder harnesses should use the slot at or below he child’s shoulders for rear facing, and at or above for forward facing seats.
Not tightening the harness snug enough. Adjust the car seat harness so you can not slide more than two fingers between the harness and your baby’s body. And make sure that the chest clip is at your baby's armpit level to help keep the harness in place in the event of an accident.

For more car seat safety tips, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov and check under the "child passenger safety" section. You can also use the www.safekids.org site for tips and related information. Most car seat manufacturers also offer step-by-step installation tips on their web sites.

Car Seat FAQS

Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. You can help
prevent this from happening to your child by always using car safety seats and seat belts correctly.
The information below explains how.

Which car safety seat is the best?

No one car child seat is the "best" or "safest." The best seat is the one that fits your child's size, is
correctly installed, and is used properly every time you drive. When shopping for a car
safety seat, keep the following in mind:

Don't base your baby's car seat decision on price alone. Higher prices can mean added features that may or may not make the seat safer or easier to use. All car safety seats available for purchase in the United States must meet very strict safety standards established and maintained by the federal government.
When you find a car seat you like, try it out. Put your child in it and adjust the harnesses and buckles. Make sure it fits properly and securely in your car. Keep in mind that pictures or displays of car safety seats in stores may not show them being used the right way.

Important car seat safety rules

Always use a car safety seat. You should start with your baby's first ride home from the hospital.
Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
Set a good example - always wear your seat belt. Help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.
Remember that each car safety seat is different. Read and keep the instructions that came with your seat handy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.
Read the owner's manual that came with your car on how to correctly install car safety seats.
If you need help installing your car safety seat, contact a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. To locate and set up an appointment, call toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243) or visit www.seatcheck.org.

Rear-facing seats & Infant car seats

All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. That means that if your baby reaches 20 pounds before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing until she turns 1.

There are 2 types of rear-facing seats: infant-only seats and convertible seats. Convertible seats can be used rear-facing for infants, and then converted to a forward-facing position once the child is old enough and big enough to do so safely.

Infant-only car seats

Infant car seats are small and have carrying handles (sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
Have a built-in harness that covers the child's upper torso.
Can only be used for infants from birth up to 20 to 30 pounds, depending on model.
Many come with a detachable base, which can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base, which means you don't have to install it each time you use it.
A few of the more popular brands are the Graco Snugride and the Britax Companion.

Convertible seats (used rear-facing)

Convertible car seats are used rear-facing for infants from birth to at least 1 year of age and at least 20 to 22 pounds. Convertible car seats can also be used forward-facing by older children.
Have higher rear-facing weight limits than infant-only seats. These are ideal for bigger babies.
Convertible car seats have the following 3 types of harnesses:

- 5-point harness - 5 points of attachment: 2 at the shoulders, 2 at the hips, 1 at the crotch
- Overhead shield - A padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child
- T-shield - A padded t-shaped or triangle-shaped shield attached to the shoulder straps

The 5-point harness restraining system is by far the most recommended restaint system for a child's car seat.

Features to look for in rear-facing seats

Harness slots. Look for car seats that come with more than one harness slot to give your baby room to grow. The harnesses should be in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders in the rear facing position and at or above for forward facing.

Adjustable buckles and shields. Many rear facing car seats have 2 or more buckle positions for growing babies. Many overhead shields can be adjusted as well.

Other car seat features to look for. Angle indicators (built-in angle adjusters that help you get the proper recline) and head support systems are other features that can help you install the seat the right way.

Forward-facing seat

Forward-facing car seats

Once your child is at least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds, he can ride forward-facing. However, it is best for him to ride rear-facing until he reaches the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car safety seat. There are many types of car seats that can be used forward-facing including convertible seats, built in seats, combination forward-facing/booster seats, and travel vests.

Convertible seats (used forward-facing)

As mentioned previously, convertible seats can also be used forward-facing by children who are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. However, if you have used
your convertible seat rear-facing, you need to make the following 3 adjustments before using it forward-facing:

Move the shoulder straps to the slots that are at or above your child's shoulders. On many convertible seats, the top harness slots must be used when the seat is in the forward-facing position. Check the instructions to be sure.
Move the seat from the reclined to the upright position if required by the manufacturer of the seat.
Make sure the seat belt runs through the forward-facing belt path.

When converting your seat from rear-facing to forward-facing, carefully follow the car safety seat manufacturer's instructions.

Built-in child car seats

Built-in car seats are available in some cars and vans. Weight and height limits vary. Read your vehicle owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for details about how these seats are used.

Combination forward-facing/booster seats
Some car safety seats combine the features of a forward-facing seat and a booster seat. These seats come with harness straps for children who weigh up to 40 to 65 pounds (depending on the model). Once your child reaches the weight or height limit, you can use the seat as a booster by removing the harness and using your vehicle's lap and shoulder seat belts. Keep in mind that when using the harness straps, the seat can be secured with a lap and shoulder belt or a lap-only belt. However, once you remove the harness, you must use a lap and shoulder seat belt. Children must never ride in a booster seat using a lap belt only because serious injury can result.

Travel vests
If your car only has lap belts, a travel vest may be an option. These can also be used for a child who has outgrown his seat with a harness but is not yet ready for a booster seat.

Booster seats

Booster seats do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way

Belt-positioning booster seat

an adult rides. Your child should stay in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible before being allowed to ride in a booster seat. You can tell when your child is ready for a booster seat when one of the following is true:

She reaches the top weight or height allowed for her seat with a harness. (These measurements are listed on labels on the seat and are also included in the instruction booklet that is provided with the car safety seat.)
Her shoulders are above the harness slots.
Her ears have reached the top of the seat.

Booster seats are designed to raise your child so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. This means the lap belt lies low across your child's thighs and the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child's chest and shoulder. Correct belt fit helps protect the stomach, spine, and head from injury in case of a crash. Both high-back and backless booster seats are available. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts.

Seat belts

Your child is ready to use lap and shoulder seat belts when the belts fit properly.
This means

The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat.
The lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach.
The child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.

Remember, seat belts are made for adults. If the seat belt does not fit your child correctly, he should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belts fit him correctly. This is usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age.

Other points to keep in mind when using seat belts

Never tuck the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the back.
If there's only a lap belt, make sure it's snug and low on the child's thighs, not across the stomach. Try to get a lap and shoulder belt installed in your car by a dealer.
Never allow children or anyone else to "share" seat belts. All passengers must have their own car safety seats or seat belts.

A warning about seat belt adjusters

There are products on the market that claim to make seat belts fit better. They attach to the seat belt but are not a part of the original belt. These products may actually interfere with proper lap and shoulder belt fit by causing the lap belt to ride too high on the stomach and making the shoulder belt too loose, and may even damage the seat belt itself. No federal standard ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these after-market products has been developed. In addition, most vehicle and car safety seat manufacturers do not recommend their use. Until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develops safety standards for these products, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends they not be used. As long as children are riding in the correct car safety seat for their size and age, they do not need to use any additional devices.

Installing a car safety seat

There are 2 main things to remember when installing a car safety seat.

Your child must be buckled snugly into the seat.
The seat must be buckled tightly into your vehicle.

Ask yourself the following questions to make sure both are done correctly. If you are not sure, check the instructions that came with your car safety seat, or contact a certified CPS Technician for help.

Is the child buckled into the car safety seat correctly?

Are you using the correct car seat harness slots?
Are the harnesses snug?
Have you placed the plastic harness clip (if your seat comes with one) at armpit level to hold the shoulder straps in place?
Do the harness straps lie flat?
Is your baby dressed in clothes that allow the straps to go between the legs? It's OK to adjust the straps to allow for thicker clothes, but make sure the harness still holds the child snugly. Also, remember to tighten the straps again after the thicker clothes are no longer needed.
Is anything under your baby? Tuck blankets around your baby after adjusting the harness straps snugly. Never place them under your baby.
Is your child slouching down or to the side? If so, pad the sides of the seat and between the crotch with rolled up diapers or blankets.

Is the car safety seat buckled into the vehicle correctly?

Is the car safety seat facing the right direction for your child's age and weight?
Is the seat belt routed through the correct belt path?
Is the seat belt buckled tight? If you can move the seat more than an inch side to side or toward the front of the car, it's not tight enough.
Is your rear-facing seat reclined enough? Your infant's head should not flop forward. If it does, tilt the car safety seat back a little. Your car safety seat may have a built-in recline adjuster for this purpose. If not, wedge firm padding, such as a rolled towel, under the base.
Do you need a locking clip? They come with all new car safety seats. If the seat belts in your car move freely even when buckled, you need a locking clip. If you're not sure, check the manual that came with your car. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles and in vehicles with LATCH. (See "Installation made safer and easier" below for more information.)
Some lap belts (especially those found in older vehicles) need a special heavy-duty locking clip. These are only available from the vehicle manufacturer. Check the manual that came with your car for more information.

Installation made safer and easier

Child passenger safety experts have developed several ways to make car safety seat installation safer and easier, including the following:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is an attachment system that makes installing a car safety seat easier by eliminating the need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat. It includes 2 sets of small bars, called anchors, located in the back seat where the cushions meet. Car safety seats that come with LATCH have a set of attachments that fasten to these vehicle anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, come with LATCH. However, unless both your vehicle and the car safety seat have this anchor system, you will still need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat.
A tether is a strap that attaches a car safety seat to an anchor located on the rear window ledge, the back of the vehicle seat, or on the floor or ceiling of the vehicle. Tethers give extra protection by keeping the car safety seat and the child's head from moving too far forward in a crash or sudden stop. Tethers should not be confused with LATCH attachments; the tether is a longer strap at the top of the seat and LATCH attachments are located at or near the base of the seat. All new cars, minivans, and light trucks have been required to have tether anchors since September 2000. Most new forward-facing car safety seats and a few rear-facing car safety seats come with tethers. For older car safety seats, tether kits are available. It is highly recommended that tethers be used because they greatly improve the protection of your child in the event of a crash. Check with the car safety seat manufacturer to find out how you can get a tether for your seat if yours does not have one.
Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians can help you. If you have more questions about installing your car safety seat, a certified CPS Technician may be able to help. A list of certified CPS Technicians is available by state or ZIP code on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/contacts/. A list of inspection stations- where you can go for help with installation-is available in both English and Spanish at www.seatcheck.org or toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243). You can also get this information by calling the toll-free NHTSA Auto Safety Hot Line at 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

Car safety seats and shopping carts

Many infant-only car safety seats lock into shopping carts, and many stores have shopping carts with built-in infant seats. This may seem safe but your baby could tip over or fall out of the cart. Thousands of children are hurt every year from falling from shopping carts or from the carts tipping over. Instead of placing your baby's car safety seat on the cart, consider using a stroller or frontpack while shopping with your baby.

Common questions about car safety seats

Q: What if my baby is born prematurely?
A: Use a car safety seat without a shield harness. Shields often are too high and too far from the body to fit correctly. A small baby's face could hit a shield in a crash. Premature infants should be observed in their car safety seats while still in the hospital
to make sure the reclined position does not cause low heart rate, low oxygen, or breathing problems. If your baby needs to lie flat during travel, use a crash-tested car bed. If possible, an adult should ride in the back seat next to your baby to watch him closely.

Q: What if my baby weighs more than 20 pounds but is not 1 year old yet?
A: Many babies reach 20 pounds well before their first birthday. However, just because your baby weighs more than 20 pounds does not make him ready to ride forward facing. Look for a convertible seat that can be used rear-facing by children who weigh more than 20 pounds.

Q: What if my child has special health care needs?
A: Children with special health problems may need other restraint systems. Talk about this with your pediatrician. Easter Seals, Inc has car safety seat programs for children with special health care needs. More information is available from Easter Seals, Inc at 800/221-6827. You also can learn more about transporting children with special needs by calling the Automotive Safety Program at 317/274-2977 or by visiting its Web site at www.preventinjury.org. For more information and a list of car safety seats available for children with special needs, see the AAP brochure, Safe Transportation of Children With Special Needs: A Guide for Families.

Q: What if my car has air bags?
A: All new cars come equipped with air bags. When used with seat belts, air bags work very well to protect older children and adults. However, air bags are very dangerous to children riding in rear-facing car safety seats and to child passengers who are not properly positioned. If your car has a passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain and neck injury and death.

Toddlers who ride in forward-facing car safety seats also are at risk from air bag injuries. All children up to age 13 years are safest in the back seat. If you must put an older child in the front seat, slide the vehicle seat back as far as it will go. Make sure your child is properly restrained for his age and size and stays in the proper position at all times. This will help prevent the air bag from striking your child.

Air bag on/off switches are available in the few cases in which an infant must ride in the front seat. Most families don't need to use the air bag on/off switch. Air bags that are turned off cannot protect other passengers riding in the front seat. Air bag on/off switches only should be used if all of the following are true:

Your child has special heath care needs.
Your pediatrician recommends constant supervision of your child during travel.
No other adult can ride in the back seat with your child.

On/off switches also must be used if you have a vehicle with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers.

Q: What if my car has side air bags?
A: Side air bags improve safety for adults in side impact crashes. However, children who are seated near a side air bag may be at risk for serious injury. Read your vehicle owner's manual for recommendations that apply to your vehicle.

Q: What if my car only has lap belts in the back seat?
A: Lap belts work fine with infant-only, convertible, and forward-facing car safety seats. They cannot be used with booster seats, and they are not the safest way to buckle older children. If your car only has lap belts, use a forward-facing car safety seat with a
harness and higher weight limits. Other options are

Check with a car dealer or the manufacturer of your car to see if shoulder belts can be installed.
Use a travel vest (some can be used with lap belts).
Consider buying another car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.

Q. What if I drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat?
A: Avoid having to drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat, especially if your car has passenger air bags. However, if necessary, a child in a forward facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice to ride in the front seat. This is because a child who is in a booster seat or using a regular seat belt can easily move out of position and be at greater risk for injuries from the air bag.

Q: Can I use a car safety seat on an airplane?
A: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the AAP recommend that when flying, children should be securely fastened in car safety seats until 4 years of age, and then should be secured with the airplane seat belts. This will help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence. Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats are certified to be used on airplanes. Booster seats and travel vests are not certified to be used on airplanes. Check the label on your car safety seat and call the car safety seat manufacturer before you travel to be sure your seat meets current FAA regulations.

Q: Can I use a car safety seat that was in a crash?
A: If the car safety seat was in a moderate or severe crash, it needs to be replaced. If the crash was minor, the seat does not automatically need to be replaced. A crash is considered minor if all of the following are true:

The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
The vehicle door closest to the car safety seat was not damaged.
No one in the vehicle was injured.
The air bags did not go off.
You can't see any damage to the car safety seat.

If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See the resource section for manufacturer names and phone numbers.

Q: What about using a used car safety seat?
A: Avoid using used car safety seats, especially if obtained from a yard sale or secondhand (consignment) shop because there is no way to know the seat's history. Also never use a car safety seat that

Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Do not use seats that are more than 10 years old. Many manufacturers recommend that car safety seats only be used for 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long the company recommends using its seat.
Has any visible cracks in the frame of the seat.
Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat. You can get a copy of the instruction manual by contacting the manufacturer.
Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
Is a shield booster. Although shield boosters are still around, the AAP recommends against their use. Major injuries have occurred to children in shield boosters. The only time shield boosters should be used is if the shield is removed and the seat is used with a lap and shoulder belt. (See "Booster seats" on page 8.)
Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the following:
- Auto Safety Hot Line: Toll-free: 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm

If the seat has been recalled, be sure to follow the instructions to fix it or to get the parts you need. You also may get a registration card for future recall notices from the hotline.

Don't leave your child unattended in a car safety seat

Children should never be left alone in a car whether they are in their car safety seats or not. Any of the following can happen when a child is left alone in a vehicle:

Temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.
He can be strangled by power windows, sunroofs, or accessories.
He can be taken during a car theft or kidnapped from the vehicle.
He can knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion.

Don't leave your baby unattended in a car safety seat outside of the vehicle either. When your baby falls asleep in her car safety seat, it can be tempting to bring her inside and leave her alone in the seat, but this can be unsafe. Your baby can fall out of the seat, or the seat can fall over. And remember, placing the car safety seat on a shopping cart is unsafe too. The best place for your baby to sleep is on her back in a safe crib.

Always read and follow manufacturer's instructions

If you do not have the manufacturer's instructions for your car safety seat, write or call the company's customer service department. A representative will ask you for the model number, name of seat, and date of manufacture. The manufacturer's address and phone number are on the label on the seat.

All products listed on the following pages meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 as of the date of publication. There may be car safety seats available that are not listed in this brochure. The following information is current as of the date of publication. Before buying a car safety seat, check the manufacturer's instructions for important safety information about proper fitting and use.

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not a testing or standard-setting organization, this guide sets forth the AAP recommendations based on the peer-reviewed literature available at the time of its publication, and sets forth some of the factors that parents should consider before selecting and using a car safety seat. The appearance of the name American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the products listed or the claims made. Phone numbers and Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time. Prices are approximate and may vary. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Manufacturers names are boldfaced.

Infant-only seats
Name	Harness Type	Rear-Facing Weight Limits	Height Limits	Price
Baby Trend Latch-Loc Adjustable Back	5-point	5-22 pounds	28 1/2"	$80
Britax Baby Safe	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$299.00
Britax Companion	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$169.99
Chicco Key Fit Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$140
COMBI Centre/ST/DX/EX	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$89-$99
COMBI Connection	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$199.99
COMBI Tyro Infant Car Seat	5-point	22 pounds	29"	$129-$149
Compass Baby I400 LP Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-22 pounds	30"	$100-140
Cosco Arriva	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$40
Eddie Bauer Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$90-$100
Eddie Bauer Comfort Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$100
Evenflo Discovery	3-point	5-22 pounds	28"	$50-$60
Evenflo Embrace	5-point	5-22 pounds	28"	$60-$90
Graco Infant Safe Seat	5-point	5-30 pounds	32"	$129-$169
Graco SnugRide	3-point 5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$69-$120
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio	5-point	22 pounds	30"	$179-$199
Safety 1st Designer 22	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$60-$80
Safety 1st First Ride DX	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$50
Safety 1st Starter	5-point	5-22 pounds	29"	$60

Convertible car seats

Name Harness Type Rear-Facing
Weight Limits/
Height Limits Forward-Facing
Weight Limits/
Height Limits Price

Britax Boulevard 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27" - 49" $289.99

Britax Decathlon 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27" - 49" $269.99

Britax Roundabout with Latch 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-40 pounds
27"-40" $199.99

Britax Marathon 5-point 5-33 pounds 20-65 pounds
27"-49" $249.99

COMBI Avatar 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $179-$199

Cosco Alpha Omega
(rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
5-35 pounds
and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness;
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $140

Cosco Alpha Omega Elite
(rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster)
5-point 5-35 pounds and 36" 20-40 pounds and 40" with harness;
30-100 pounds and 52" as booster $150-$160

Cosco Scenera/DX 5-point
Overhead shield 5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" $50-$70

Cosco Touriva/Regal Ride 5-point
5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" $40-$70

Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point 5-35 pounds and 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness;
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $170

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
Overhead shield 5-35 pounds and 36" 20-40 pounds and 40" with harness
30-100 pounds and 52"as booster $170-$180

Evenflo Titan 5 5-point
5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $60-$70

Evenflo Tribute 5/DLX 5-point
Overhead shield 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $50-$60

Evenflo Triumph 5/DLX 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $120-$140

Graco ComfortSport 5-point
30 pounds 20-40 pounds and 40" $69-$120

Lenox TattleTale Smart Child Seat 5-point
5-33 pounds
, , 19"-32"
20-40 pounds and 29"-40" $209-$259

Safety 1st Enspira (rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster) 5-point
5-35 pounds 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness
40-80 pounds and 52" as booster $100

Safety 1st Intera 5-point 5-35 pounds 36" 22-40 pounds and 43" with harness
40-100 pounds and 57" as booster $140

Sunshine Kids Radian Car Seat 5-point 5-33 pounds 65 pounds and 49" $199

Tripleplay Products Sit n' Stroll 5-point 5-30 pounds 20-40 pounds $200

Combination car seats

(Can be used with 5-point harness or as belt-positioning booster.)

Name Weight Limits/
Height Limits
With Harness Weight Limits/
Height Limits as
Belt Positioner Price

Cosco High Back Booster 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $50

Cosco Summit 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $90-$100

Cosco Ventura DX 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $60

Eddie Bauer Comfort High Back Booster, Deluxe 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $80-$120

Eddie Bauer High Back Booster 22-40 pounds
43" 40-80 pounds
52" $80

Evenflo Express, Chase, Traditions, Vision 20-40 pounds 30-100 pounds
54" $50-$70

Evenflo Generations, Bolero 20-40 pounds 30-100 pounds
57" $70-$100

Graco Platinum/Treasured/Ultra CarGo 20-40 pounds
27"-43" 30-100 pounds
35"-54" $69-$99

Lenox TattleTale Smart Child seat 20-40 pounds
29"-40" 40-80 pounds
35"-57" $259

Recaro Young Sport 18-40 pounds
27"-40" 30-80 pounds
37"-59" $249

Safety 1st Apex 65 20-65 pounds
52" 40-100 pounds
57" $130

Safety 1st Vantage Point, Surveyor 22-40 pounds
43" 40-100 pounds
52" $70-$80

Forward-facing car seats/restraints

Name Harness Type Weight Limits Height Limits Price

Britax Regent 5-point 22-80 pounds 19"-53" $239.99

Graco Toddler Safe Seat 5-point 20-40 pounds 27"-43" $129-$169

SafeGuard Child Seat 5-point 22-65 pounds 57" $429

Booster seats

Name Type Weight Limits Height Limits
(when available) Price

Baby Trend Recaro High back 30-80 pounds 37"-59" $349

Britax Bodyguard High back 40-100 pounds 43"-60" $129.99

Britax Parkway Booster High back 30-100 pounds 38"-60" $99.99

Britax Starriser Comfy High back 30-80 pounds 33"-53" $89.99

COMBI Dakota Backless 33-100 pounds 33"-57" $39-$59

COMBI Kobuk High back 33-100 pounds 33"-57" $79-$89

Compass Baby B500LP Folding Booster Car Seat High back 30-100 pounds 38"-57" $75-$90

Cosco High Rise, Ambassador Backless 30-100 pounds 57" $15-$20

Cosco Protek High back
Backless 30-100 pounds 57" $30-$40

Cosco Select Ride High back 40-80 pounds 52" $30

Cosco Traveler High back 30-80 pounds 52" $20

Cosco Voyager High back 40-80 pounds 52" $20-$25

Evenflo Big Kid Deluxe/LX, Everest High back
Backless 30-100 pounds
40-100 pounds